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 the first sip of the season — why it feels so rewarding in the moment and why it can quietly set the tone for your entire holiday routine. You’ll learn:
The science of how your brain remembers “holiday buzz” and craves it again
Why dopamine, cortisol, and sleep cycles clash after that first glass
How to create new rituals of relief that don’t involve pouring a drink
Smart ways to support your liver, brain, and mood — including ingredients like Milk Thistle and L-Tyrosine (found in Cloud9’s Daily Restore) that help you recover faster and stay balanced even when the drinks start flowing
🎧 Tap play to discover how to enjoy your holidays consciously — with celebration, not regret, leading the way.
