Ian Andersen, co-founder of the mindful-drinking app Sunnyside, gets real about growing up amid alcohol misuse, losing his mom, and watching his dad find sobriety. We unpack why “rock bottom” is a trap, how shame warps our internal “barometer,” and the sneaky ways social identity gets glued to drinking. This is the human side of behavior change—compassion over punishment, awareness over all-or-nothing. If you’ve ever thought, “It’s not that bad yet,” this one’s your loving wake-up call.

Key takeaways:

• How childhood alcohol trauma distorts your internal limits later in life

• Rock bottom ≠ required. Early help = less harm, more hope

• Social identity & alcohol: when “you’re more fun when you drink” becomes a script

• Friendship check: who supports your goals when you don’t drink?

• Erica’s story: the wine glass moment that changed everything

• Why moderation can be a healing path for many (and why shame blocks it)

➡️ Share this episode with a friend who’s rethinking their relationship with alcohol. ➡️ Come say hi on IG @losethehangover and tell me your biggest “aha.” ➡️ If you want a great drinking app, please check out Sunnyside’s 15-day free trial and peek the new Sunnyside Med option: https://get.sunnyside.co/new3/

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*This conversation is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. We’re sharing experiences and general information about behavior change and available tools. Always talk to your licensed healthcare provider about your specific situation, medications, and health decisions.