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.