Designing A Year Without Alcohol

Designing A Year Without Alcohol

Author: Mike Hardenbrook & Cloud9 January 20, 2026 Duration: 9:00

What if alcohol isn’t the main character this year?

For years, alcohol has played a starring role in how we celebrate, unwind, and cope. But as priorities shift, many people are quietly realizing they want more energy, clarity, and presence than another drink can offer.

In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores:

• How alcohol became the default in so many moments
• Why it can start feeling louder as your life changes
• What happens when energy, sleep, and focus matter more than a buzz
• How shifting the spotlight — without quitting or labels — can change everything
• Why support and recovery matter when alcohol steps out of the lead role

🎧 Tap play to explore a new chapter — where alcohol doesn’t run the story, and feeling better takes center stage.


Mike Hardenbrook, a best-selling author, hosts The Alcohol Reset by Cloud9, a podcast that feels more like a series of thoughtful, evidence-based conversations than a prescriptive program. It sits at the intersection of health, nutrition, and mental well-being, offering a grounded approach to rethinking one of the most common social habits. The focus here isn't on preaching abstinence or promoting extreme challenges, but on providing a clearer understanding of how alcohol interacts with your brain and body. Each episode is deliberately concise, breaking down concepts from neuroscience and habit formation into actionable insights you can apply immediately. You'll find discussions on managing cravings, improving sleep quality, and subtle shifts in daily routines that collectively foster a greater sense of control. This isn't about adding another layer of stress or rules to your life; it's about equipping you with knowledge and practical strategies to make choices that genuinely align with your overall wellness goals. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting reliable, no-nonsense advice from a well-informed friend who understands that real, lasting change is built on understanding, not willpower alone. It's a resource for anyone curious about creating a more intentional and healthier relationship with alcohol, one small, sustainable step at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Alcohol Reset by Cloud9
Podcast Episodes
Will You Regret This Season’s First Drink? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:16
That first drink of the season always feels innocent — a small toast to the holidays, a well-earned break. But is it really just “one drink”?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the psychology and biology behind th…
The “Pre-Holiday Pour”: Why We Start Early [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:48
The holidays haven’t even started — but your wine glass already has.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the pre-holiday pour: why so many people start drinking more before the actual celebrations begin, and what th…
The Rise of the “Low-Key” Buzz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:49
Low-alcohol drinks are everywhere — from canned spritzers to “mindful” cocktails — but when did less become the new cool?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how low-alcohol went from niche to mainstream, and wh…
Gen Z’s Quiet Rebellion Against Booze [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:57
Gen Z and millennials are rewriting the rules — and alcohol is no longer the main character.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores why younger generations are drinking less than ever, and what that says about culture…
When Your Body Notices Before You Do [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:41
What really happens when your drinking habits shift — whether you’re cutting back, drinking more, or trying to find a middle ground?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what actually changes inside your body and…
The Hidden Ways Alcohol Weakens Your Immune System [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:54
Ever notice you get sick more often after a night out?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how alcohol quietly weakens your immune system — even if you’re not drinking heavily. From disrupting gut health to drai…
The Myth of “Safe” Drinking — What Science Says Now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:32
Is a little really harmless?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the newest research challenging the idea of “safe” or “moderate” drinking — and what mild alcohol use actually does to your brain and body over ti…
The Tiny Habits That Quietly Add Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:22
Ever feel like your drinking habits are “fine” — because they’re small?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the psychology and science of micro-habits around alcohol — the ones that seem harmless but quietly shape y…
That “One More” You Keep Justifying [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:51
Ever wonder what that “one more drink” really costs?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science and psychology behind the most common phrase in drinking culture — “just one more.”You’ll learn: 🍷 How even on…
The Moment “Normal” Became Too Much [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:56
When did your “normal” drinking start to feel… not so normal anymore?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook dives deep into that subtle but powerful shift — the moment when alcohol stops feeling like a treat and starts feelin…