The Michael Chernow Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Marriage & Mindset: Leveling Up Together | Monday Moments Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s Monday Moments, Michael Chernow chats about one of the most important choices you’ll ever make—marriage. Michael shares why he struggles to understand when people speak poorly about marriage, and instead highlights the beauty of choosing the right life partner.

Marriage isn’t just romance—it’s about choosing a true teammate, an ally who helps you navigate growth, tough conversations, and the inevitable discomfort that comes with leveling up in life. When you and your spouse show up as a team, even challenges become opportunities to strengthen your bond.

See you Wednesday, Kreatures! Better Habits. Better Life.

Kreature Kane Conversation with Kane Footwear Founder John Gagliardi Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

What happens when a pro athlete decides to reinvent recovery? You get Kane Footwear—a brand that’s not just about shoes, but about movement, community, sustainability, and building better habits.

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow sits down with John Gagliardi, the founder of Kane Footwear. They dive into John’s wild entrepreneurial ride, the obsession with footwear, and how Kane built a cult-like community in the direct-to-consumer footwear game.

You’ll also hear how Kane Footwear is made with sustainably-sourced, sugarcane-based materials, giving the recovery shoe its lightweight feel while keeping it eco-friendly and planet-conscious. It’s footwear designed for athletes and everyday movers who care about performance and impact.

If you’re an entrepreneur, a fitness junkie, or just someone fired up about creating something that matters, this conversation is stacked with gems.

The two explore:

Why Kane Footwear has athletes and everyday movers hookedWhat Kane shoes are made of and why eco-friendly design mattersThe lessons John learned from building and exiting a companyHow community fuels brand loyalty and long-term successThe athlete mindset behind Kane’s design and missionJohn’s personal routine to stay sharp as an entrepreneur

If today’s conversation with John Gagliardi lit a spark for you, don’t keep it to yourself—share this episode with a friend who’s building better habits and chasing big goals. And, if you have a minute, we’d greatly appreciate a 5-star rating and review! See you next week, Kreatures!

TIMESTAMPS:

1:24 Kane Footwear & shoe obsessions

12:18 Building and exiting a company

25:00 The importance of being IN community when building DTC business

47:59 John’s daily routine as an entrepreneur

Before You Clock Out: Try This Habit | Monday Moments Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Monday Moments, y’all. Today, host Michael Chernow dives into his newest daily habit: end-of-day reflection. Instead of his usual morning journaling, Michael takes a few minutes at his desk before leaving the office to recap what went well, what challenges were faced, and how he can improve tomorrow. This practice not only sharpens self-awareness but also fuels growth by reminding him to follow up and reconnect with the people he meets—helping to strengthen relationships and harvest new opportunities. If you’re looking for a simple, powerful habit to boost productivity, presence, and connection, this episode is for you. To whichever friend you plan to gift a journal to after listening, be sure to also share with them today’s show. Until next week, Kreatures, peace!

Passion vs. Obsession with Mike Marolt Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

What’s the real difference between passion and obsession? Hall of Fame ski mountaineer Mike Marolt sits down with Michael Chernow to dig in.

Mike has spent over 30 years climbing and skiing 60+ of the world’s highest, most remote peaks. Coming from a family of Olympians, he’s seen how chasing greatness can fuel purpose—or spiral into obsession. For Mike, it’s always been about the journey, not the destination. And considering he’s repeatedly put himself through some of the toughest, coldest, gnarliest expeditions on Earth… that says a lot.

This episode is about finding your why, building sustainable passion, and creating routines that keep you grounded—whether you’re skiing death-defying peaks, building a business, or simply trying to live a more meaningful life.

TIMESTAMPS:

4:31 The biggest challenges Mike has faced on his ski mountaineering journey1

8:45 Why passion is a state of mind (not just an outcome)

30:02 Mike’s daily “coffee talk” routine with his wife

39:27 Seasonal wind-down routines for balance

44:12 The power of reflecting on your day

52:37 How to unearth and nurture your passion

If you’re chasing goals, trying to avoid burnout, or just looking for inspiration from someone who’s literally lived life on the edge—this one’s for you. And if you loved the show, be sure to rate, review, and share with someone else that’d love it too! See you next week, Kreatures!

Likeability Isn’t Vain—It’s Vital | Monday Moments Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Being likeable isn’t about vanity—it’s about impact. In this Monday Moments episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael dives into the real value of being someone others want to be around. Likeability opens doors, strengthens relationships, and makes life—for you and those around you—way more fun.

When you focus on leaving people better than you found them, you naturally create opportunities, build trust, and boost your own happiness along the way. This is your reminder that being likeable isn’t just nice—it’s powerful.

Tune in, get inspired, and start leading with energy people can’t help but love.

If this episode hits, don’t forget to share it, rate it, and subscribe—let’s spread the habit of making life more enjoyable, together.

Pavement, People, and Purpose: Inside NYC’s Run Club Culture with Matt Christopherson Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you lace up with 40 different NYC run clubs in just 25 days? For Matt Christopherson, it was a crash course in the culture, energy, and community that define New York City’s running scene.

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael and Matty break down the power of running culture—from the unique identities of each run club, to the unshakable sense of purpose and belonging found on the pavement. Matty shares how running communities are transforming lives, building resilience, and creating connections that go far beyond race day.

They dive into the fear that holds people back, how habits shape growth, and the lessons Matty uncovered while logging miles across the city. Whether you’re training for your first 5K, chasing a marathon PR, or simply running for mental clarity, this conversation will inspire you to lean into discipline, community, and purpose.

TIMESTAMPS

1:38 The fear of not growing: Matt and Michael explore deepest fears

13:32 Why running changes people’s lives: The gift of running

18:59 What Matty learned from 40 run clubs in 25 days: Pavement, people, & purpose

24:47 How fear forces people away: The importance of getting to the startline

37:05 Sleep Routines: Why sleep has been tough for Matty recently

If this episode sparked something in you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a friend who loves running or could use some inspiration. And if you’re enjoying the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, be sure to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen. It helps us grow this community and keep bringing you conversations that fuel your purpose.

No Turning Back | Monday Moments Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

No turning back—Michael’s NYC Marathon commitment is official. Time to chase something big.

Big news, Kreatures… Michael just made it official: he’s running the 2025 New York City Marathon! 🙌 And the best part? Every stride will support the Release to Recovery Foundation—so this race is about way more than miles.

In this Monday Moment, Michael shares about how he’s leveling up his training game:He hired a running coach (accountability = unlocked)He’s shifting his workouts to focus on marathon goals + long-term healthAnd he’s all about injury prevention—listening to his body and playing the long game

This isn’t just a running update—it’s an invitation. What epic thing can you put on your calendar that’ll push you, inspire you, and get you fired up? Because once you commit, there’s no turning back.

Healing Through Habits | Michael Chernow on Hopeaholics Pt. 2 Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

After last week’s cliffhanger, let’s jump back in. If you missed it, Michael was on the Hopeaholic’s podcast and we’re running it back with Part 2 today!

In this episode, Michael shares about his early days in sobriety, meeting the love of his life, and how becoming a father reshaped everything. He also dives into his journey of building restaurants in Manhattan, exiting for CPG, and what it really takes to run a successful D2C brand. Plus—his “no matter what” mindset, the value of commitment in sobriety, and the work ethic that continues to fuel every area of his life.

Whether you’re chasing recovery, building a business, or just trying to level up your habits—this episode is packed with inspiration and real-life lessons.

TIMESTAMPS:

1:15 Meeting the love of his life

10:47 Commitment in sobriety: the secret weapon for addicts & alcoholics

20:48 Pivoting during the pandemic → moving into D2C

35:20 Why being a dad is the most important job

42:00 Meeting Gary Vee & adopting a “NO MATTER WHAT” mentality

51:42 The power of work ethic in business & life

1:01:14 Why most restaurants fail (and what to do differently)

Mindful Breath | Monday Moments Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Michael Chernow just celebrated 21 years sober. Along the journey, he’s learned countless lessons, but one thing remains clear—fear still shows up, and leaning on community is what helps him get through it. On this milestone anniversary, Michael shares a real and raw conversation he had with the man who helped him get—and stay—sober. The two explore what it truly means to “bring it back to the breath” with mindfulness and intention.This episode is a raw reminder that no matter how far you’ve come, it’s the simple practices and the people you surround yourself with that keep you grounded.

I Stopped Squatting For Longevity | Monday Moments Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

We knew this one was gonna ruffle feathers… and that’s exactly why we’re talking about it.

Michael Chernow is getting brutally honest about his decision to stop doing two of the most iconic lifts in fitness: the traditional back squat and the deadlift. Yeah, we said it. He’s done.

This wasn’t an easy call—Michael knows the benefits of these powerhouse moves—but years of injuries forced him to face a hard truth: sometimes the “gold standard” lifts do more harm than good. And when your training becomes more about ego, performance for others, or clinging to fitness dogma than about actual wellness… that’s when you lose.

This episode is a wake-up call to check your routine:

Are your workouts building longevity or breaking you down?
Is your training aligned with health—or with ego?
Could a pivot in your approach mean better sustainability and results for life?

If you’ve ever felt torn between doing what’s “optimal” and doing what’s actually right for you, this one’s gonna hit.

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