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
The Hidden Link Between PMS, Hormones, and Alcohol [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:04
Ever wonder why your PMS symptoms feel worse after a few drinks — or why that glass of wine hits different before your period?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the surprising ways alcohol messes with your hor…
Why You Crave Booze When You’re Stressed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:43
Ever feel like stress sends you straight to the fridge for a drink? You’re not alone — and it’s not about willpower. It’s brain wiring.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the real science behind why stress makes us…
The Blood Sugar Rollercoaster You Didn’t See Coming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:52
Ever feel shaky, anxious, or wiped out after just one or two drinks? That’s not random — it’s your blood sugar taking a wild ride.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the hidden link between alcohol and blood su…
Can You Drink and Still Be “Healthy”? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:09
Can you really drink and still be “healthy”? Or is that just what wellness culture wants you to believe?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the science and nuance behind alcohol’s place in a healthy lifestyle, incl…
The Truth About “Flush” Reactions to Alcohol [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:29
Ever wonder why your face turns red after just one drink? That post-sip glow isn’t just awkward — it’s a sign your body processes alcohol differently.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the truth about alcohol…
Why Alcohol Affects Men and Women So Differently [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:06
Why does alcohol hit some people harder than others — even when they drink the same amount? The answer isn’t just “tolerance” — it’s biology.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science of how alcohol affect…
Can Your Liver Bounce Back? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:58
Your liver does a lot — from filtering toxins to keeping your body balanced — but how much damage does drinking really do? And more importantly, can it recover?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science of…
The Internet Is Your New Sober Buddy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:42
Trying to drink less, but don’t vibe with traditional programs? You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not without support.From Reddit threads to TikTok comments, online communities are redefining what it means to chan…
How Companies Are Adapting to Changing Preferences [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:42
Not drinking used to feel like an awkward conversation. Now? It’s a billion-dollar industry.From zero-proof bars to functional drinks packed with wellness benefits, the sober-curious movement is changing everything — and…
Social Media's Role in Promoting Sober Lifestyles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:33
From colorful mocktails to sober glow-up stories, social media is rewriting the rules around alcohol — and making mindful drinking (or skipping it altogether) more normal than ever.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook break…