The Michael Chernow Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Prayers, Pushups & Poses: A 5-Minute Morning Routine | Monday Moments Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

In this Monday Moments episode, Michael Chernow shares his simple but powerful five-minute morning routine “prayers, pushups, and poses” a daily practice he’s relied on for years to reduce anxiety, feel grounded, and start the day with intention.

Michael breaks down the routine: beginning with a few minutes of prayer (or box breathing for those who prefer a more secular approach), followed by pushups to wake up the body and get blood flowing, and finishing with a short sequence of yoga poses to connect breath with movement. It’s quick, effective, and completely accessible, no excuses.

The message is simple: consistency beats complexity. By taking ownership of your morning, you set the tone for your entire day and ultimately your life. This routine is especially helpful for anyone who wakes up feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or mentally scattered, and can be a powerful tool for those focused on recovery, discipline, and personal growth.

If you’re looking for a practical, no-BS way to start your day with clarity, energy, and purpose, this episode gives you a routine you can implement immediately.

Modern Masculinity: Providing, Protecting & Emotional Strength with Jake Hurwitz |Kreatures of Habit Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow sits down with Jake—host of The Optimist and founder of Thursday Labs—for an honest conversation about modern masculinity, men’s mental health, and the evolving role of men in today’s world.Jake shares two defining moments in his life from a painful experience in his early twenties to a later breakup that revealed how little language many men have for sadness, vulnerability, and emotional pain. Those experiences ultimately inspired him to start a podcast dedicated to asking the questions men often avoid.This episode is a thoughtful exploration of strength, vulnerability, responsibility, and growth, and what it truly means to show up as a man in today’s world.If you’re interested in personal development, relationships, emotional intelligence, and redefining masculinity, this conversation offers powerful insights and practical perspective.TIME STAMPS00:00 Men and Vulnerability 06:29 Lessons From the Twenties 11:03 Provide and Protect Today 17:13 The Simple Relationship Script 22:26 Rethinking the Word Masculinity 28:13 How We Got Here Historically 34:01 Where Are the Men 39:22 Power Leaders and Labels 49:27 Consequences and Transparency 55:40 Women Define Masculinity 01:04:43 Curiosity as Masculinity

Love More: Why Affection Matters Every Day | Monday Moments Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

In this Monday Moments episode, Michael Chernow shares a powerful reminder about the importance of love, affection, and presence in our everyday lives.

Reflecting on his own upbringing, Michael opens up about growing up in an environment where love wasn’t always openly expressed—and how he had to intentionally learn how to give and receive it.

After an early morning workout, Michael returns home to a simple but meaningful moment with his son—building Legos and sharing a long hug that instantly shifts his entire day. It’s a reminder that the smallest expressions of love can have the biggest impact.

Michael talks about making affection a daily habit—hugging his kids, kissing his wife, and showing love openly in front of his family. He believes that as humans, we are here to love and be loved, and that too often we take those closest to us for granted.

This episode is a call to be more present, more expressive, and more intentional with the people in your life. Whether it’s your partner, your kids, or your friends—hug them longer, say “I love you” more often, and don’t wait to show how you feel.

If you’re focused on relationships, family, and living a more connected life, this Monday Moments episode is a simple but powerful reminder of what truly matters.

Visionary vs Integrator: Building CPG Brands with Adam Greenfeld | Kreatures of Habit Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, host Michael Chernow sits down with entrepreneur and creative strategist Adam Greenfeld for a deep conversation about entrepreneurship, building CPG brands, and the balance between vision and execution.

Adam shares his journey from launching his first supplement brand Go, learning hard lessons from failure, and later helping grow Formula through innovative paid media, creative strategy, and strong product positioning before the company eventually rebranded to Thesis. The conversation explores the role of visionaries vs. integrators, a key framework in the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and why founders must surround themselves with the right people and systems as companies scale.

Michael and Adam also talk about the importance of reading people’s energy, avoiding pushy

partnerships, and building a circle of inspiring peers who elevate your thinking. Adam reflects on stepping away from a company when it outgrew him, moving from New York to Los Angeles, and launching Frij, a creative studio focused on health and wellness ingestible brands.

If you're interested in brand building, entrepreneurship, creative marketing, and founder mindset, this conversation offers valuable perspective and real-world lessons from two experienced operators.

TIME STAMPS

03:35 Energy and Vetting People

13:37 Build a Winning Circle

18:05 Entrepreneurship Timeline

20:34 Paid Media Creative Edge

24:27 Top of Funnel Targeting

29:48 Rebrand and Stepping Away

34:36 Co-Founder Dynamics and Self-Doubt

41:15 Creative Entrepreneurs and RDT

44:04 Visionary vs Integrator

47:25 Innovation as a Role

50:41 Transcend the Process

52:51 Protein Bar Taste Test

55:00 Moving to LA Reset

01:02:55 Top Three Founder Priorities

01:06:58 Curiosity and Learning Speed

01:10:58 Fitness and Journaling Rituals

01:17:32 Gratitude and Wrap Up

Why Every Man Needs a Retreat Like This | Monday Moments Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

In this Monday Moments episode of the Creatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow shares the vision and experience behind the Return to Self Men’s Retreat, a powerful three-day immersion designed to help men reconnect with themselves, nature, and brotherhood. Hosted on his Hudson Valley property in upstate New York, the retreat brings together a small, intentionally selected group of men for a technology-free deep dive into personal growth, healing, and transformation.

Michael reflects on the first retreat held last year with 30 participants and explains why the experience was so impactful. The weekend is built around practices designed to break through mental and emotional barriers, including rebirthing breathwork, somatic work, contrast therapy with saunas and cold plunges, and meaningful time spent outdoors around the fire. Participants also take part in traditional ceremonies and guided experiences using non-psychoactive plant medicines such as kambo, sananga, and hape, all within a safe and intentional environment focused on self-discovery and connection.

Taking place June 18–21 (with the option to depart June 20 for Father’s Day), the retreat is designed for men seeking clarity, emotional growth, and deeper relationships with themselves and others. With limited spots available and participants hand-selected to create a cohesive group dynamic, the experience is intentionally intimate and transformational.

If you’re looking for a reset, deeper connection, and a space to challenge yourself alongside other men committed to growth, this episode offers a glimpse into what the Return to Self retreat is all about.

👉 Apply at warriorcouncil.com to learn more and secure one of the remaining spots.

The Truth About Fear, Shame & Addiction with Dr. Adi Jaffe | Kreatures of Habit Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow sits down with psychologist, author, and addiction expert Dr. Adi Jaffe for a raw conversation about trauma, fear, shame, addiction, and the discipline required to heal and reclaim your life.

The discussion begins with Michael sharing his experience of childhood sexual abuse and the shame that followed, opening the door to a deeper exploration of how hidden pain, fear, and secrets often fuel addiction and compulsive behavior. Dr. Jaffe explains why bringing darkness into the light can create relief, how belief systems shape our experience of life, and why identity labels like “I am anxious” can reinforce suffering.

Together they explore the psychology of fear versus joy, the power of discipline as a free tool for building confidence and boundaries, and how shifting from scarcity to abundance can fundamentally change how we approach life and recovery. Dr. Jaffe also shares his own story—from addiction and jail to a life-changing motorcycle accident that forced him to confront deeper truths about purpose and healing.

The conversation also dives into themes from his book Unhooked, which examines the deeper emotional hooks behind addiction trauma, fear, shame, and feelings of worthlessness and how understanding these patterns can lead to real transformation.

This episode is a vulnerable and thought-provoking exploration of healing, accountability, and the courage it takes to own your story.

If you’re navigating trauma, addiction recovery, or personal growth, this conversation offers powerful insights, perspective, and hope.

#AddictionRecovery #TraumaHealing #MentalHealth

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Why Speak Up

01:37 Sharing Darkness

04:08 Fear Shame Secrets

06:02 Fear Versus Joy

08:33 Balance Hustle Culture

11:05 Obsession Or Passion

14:00 Discipline Builds Confidence

18:40 Jail And Owning Reality

20:08 Beliefs Shape Life

27:57 Scarcity To Abundance

32:10 Value Over Scarcity

33:49 Optimism As A Practice

34:57 Sobriety And Discipline

36:55 Rose Colored Research

38:22 Motorcycle Crash Turning Point

40:54 Facing Pain And Fear

42:13 Sharing Abuse And Shame

45:28 Grooming And Realization

48:28 Trust Barriers With Men

53:32 Fear Journaling Exercise

58:30 Marriage Discipline And Repair

01:02:15 Best And Worst Decisions

01:04:38 Unhooked Book And Farewell

Love and Values: The Foundation of a Strong Marriage | Monday Moments Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

In this Monday Moments episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, entrepreneur Michael Chernow shares why choosing your life partner may be the most important decision you’ll ever make. Drawing from nearly 19 years of marriage to his wife Donna and his personal journey through sobriety and growth, Michael reflects on how the quality of our closest relationships directly impacts long-term happiness and fulfillment.

He explains that healthy marriages will always include disagreements, but the foundation must be shared values, morals, and a deep sense of alignment. Too often, couples commit without truly understanding each other’s core beliefs, which can lead to toxic dynamics and painful divorces later on. Michael emphasizes that when a relationship feels fundamentally misaligned, having the courage to change your mind and move on can ultimately be the healthiest choice for both people involved.

This episode is an honest reflection on love, commitment, and building a life with someone who shares your values. For anyone navigating relationships, marriage, or long-term partnership, it offers perspective on why great relationships—and great families—are built on alignment, honesty, and mutual respect.

The Daily Routine That Helped Me Stay Sober for 21 Years | Kreatures of Habit Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit podcast, Michael Chernow shares his deeply personal story of addiction, recovery, and transformation. Growing up in Manhattan, Michael turned to drugs and alcohol at a young age while trying to cope with childhood trauma and instability at home. What began as experimentation quickly escalated into selling drugs, struggling with addiction, and entering rehab by the age of sixteen.

Michael reflects on losing friends as opioids and fentanyl spread, and recounts the near-fatal heroin overdose that almost ended his life in 2004. After hitting rock bottom and being fired by a restaurant owner he saw as a father figure, he finally made the life-changing decision to ask for help.

With the guidance of his mentor Marcus, Michael adopted a disciplined plan centered on faith, AA, Muay Thai training, healthy habits, and personal accountability principles he still follows today. He also shares lessons about recovery, relationships, and how structure and humility helped him rebuild his life and dedicate himself to helping others.

TIME STAMPS

01:44 Home Life and Upbringing

07:37 Self Harm and Survival

10:58 Parenting and Attention

18:04 Early Rehab at Sixteen

22:18 Heroin Overdose Story

25:24 Rock Bottom and Mirror Moment

30:25 Fired and Final Wake Up34:21 Marcus Plan for Sobriety

40:33 Addiction Misconceptions

46:45 Meeting His Future Wife

58:35 Learning Self Love01:03:48 Advice for Getting Sober

01:09:27 Protein Bar Taste Test

01:12:06 Final Thanks and Wrap

The Mindset Shift That Healed My Relationship With My Father | Monday Moments Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

In this Monday Moments episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow shares a deeply personal story about growing up with a difficult relationship with his father and the life-changing wisdom passed down from his grandmother, Grandma Chickie, a practicing Buddhist. Her mantra “Bless you, change me” became a guiding principle that transformed how he handles conflict, emotional triggers, and challenging relationships.

Michael explains that the phrase is a reminder that we cannot control or change other people—only how we receive, interpret, and respond to them. Instead of reacting with defensiveness or anger, the mantra encourages blessing the other person with positivity while doing the inner work to shift your own mindset. Whether you’re dealing with parents, bosses, coworkers, or anyone you can’t easily avoid, this episode offers a practical and spiritual framework for navigating conflict with maturity and emotional intelligence.

From childhood struggles to tattooing the mantra on his arm as a permanent reminder, Michael reflects on loss, perspective, and the discipline of responding instead of reacting.

If you’re working on personal growth, emotional resilience, or healing difficult relationships, this episode offers a simple but powerful tool you can start using today.

What the Restaurant Industry Taught Me About Life with Andrew Aguero | Kreatures of Habit Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Creatures of Habit podcast, host Michael Chernow sits down with Andrew Aguero to delve into the intricacies of the restaurant industry, sharing personal anecdotes and discussing the nuanced challenge of leading a team in such a dynamic environment.

They talk about the essentiality of leading by example, the concept of service both in and out of the restaurant, and the inevitable transition from the restaurant world to a more balanced lifestyle focusing on wellness. From hilarious and stressful restaurant stories to key lessons in leadership and the importance of supporting one's community, Michael and Andrew provide a heartfelt exchange about life, leadership, and personal growth.

Don't miss this heartfelt, informative, and truly inspirational episode filled with practical advice and genuine human connection.

TIME STAMPS

03:44 The Restaurant Industry: A Community of Opportunity

09:29 Opening Restaurants: Challenges and Rewards

13:31 Restaurant Nightmares and Lessons Learned

27:17 The Magic of Restaurant Atmosphere

32:50 Creating Memorable Guest Experiences

33:59 Leading with Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

35:44 Understanding and Connecting with Your Team

37:06 The Complexity of the Restaurant Industry

42:52 Transitioning to a Wellness-Focused Lifestyle

47:36 The Power of Habits and Fitness