Journey to the Sunnyside

In a heart-to-heart, Mike and Charlie discuss Charlie’s fight against addiction, his evolving stance on alcohol, and the role of community and awareness in recovery. They explore the promise of psychedelic therapies for profound healing and the importance of sharing recovery stories with intention.

  • Key topics include the exploration of non-traditional treatments like psilocybin for alcohol dependency and mental health, emphasizing its potential over conventional SSRIs.
  • They critique the influence of pharmaceutical giants on treatment options, advocating for a variety of healing paths.
  • The conversation underscores individual recovery journeys, the significance of gratitude and self-compassion, and the therapeutic power of nature and outdoor activities.
  • Charlie’s upcoming adventure is highlighted as a metaphor for life’s journey and choosing happiness amidst adversity.

Takeaways:

  • Reflect on behaviors' benefits rather than labeling oneself.
  • Recovery thrives on community support and conscious drinking choices.
  • Psychedelic therapies, with proper guidance, can offer significant healing.
  • Sharing experiences should inspire and be grounded in personal truth.
  • Research backs psilocybin's effectiveness for mental health and addiction.
  • The big pharma’s sway can limit access to alternative treatments.
  • Personal growth in recovery involves gratitude, kindness to oneself, and connecting with nature.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Catching Up
03:00
Charlie's Journey with Addiction and Recovery
13:59
Charlie's Evolving View on Alcohol and Addiction
33:25
The Importance of Community and Mindful Drinking
42:02
Exploring Psychedelic Therapies
46:04
Sharing Experiences Responsibly
47:15
Promising Studies on Medicines for Alcohol Use Disorder and Mental Health
48:14
Comparing the Effectiveness of Psilocybin and SSRIs for Depression
49:34
The Benefits of Psilocybin Compared to SSRIs
51:00
The Influence of Big Pharma and Lobbyists on Mental Health Treatments
52:22
The Potential Impact of Alternative Treatments on Veterans' Lives
53:44
The Availability of Different Solutions for Changing Alcohol Relationships
55:36
The Importance of Individual Paths and Gratitude in Recovery
56:47
The Significance of One Day at a Time and Avoiding Shame in Recovery
58:39
The Importance of Giving Yourself Grace and Starting Again
01:01:14
The Power of Nature and Outdoor Activities in Healing
01:09:30
The Need for Personalized Solutions and a Variety of Resources
01:16:38
Charlie's Epic Adventure: From the Lowest to the Highest Point on Earth
01:22:32
Choosing Happiness and Joy in the Face of Hardship

Creators & Guests

Host
Mike Hardenbrook
#1 best-selling author of "No Willpower Required," neuroscience enthusiast, and habit change expert.

What is Journey to the Sunnyside?

"Journey to the Sunnyside" is your guide to exploring mindful living with alcohol, whether you're cutting back, moderating, or thinking about quitting. While Sunnyside helps you reduce your drinking, this podcast goes further, covering everything from mindful drinking and moderation to sober curiosity and full sobriety. Through real stories, expert advice, and practical strategies, we’re here to help you find what works best for your journey.

Mike Hardenbrook is a #1 best-selling author and neuroscience enthusiast, dedicated to helping people transform their relationship with alcohol.

This podcast is brought to you by Sunnyside, the leading platform for mindful drinking. Want to take the next step in your journey? Head over to sunnyside.co for a free 15-day trial.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in our podcast episodes do not necessarily represent those of Sunnyside. We're determined to bring diverse views of health and wellness to our audience. If you are concerned with your drinking, please seek the advice of a medical professional. Sunnyside, this podcast, and its guests are not necessarily medical professionals and the content shouldn't be viewed as medical advice. In addition, we never endorse drinking in any amount.