Kreatures Of Habit Podcast

Michael Chernow
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Michael Chernow, host and founder of Kreatures of Habit, hosts discussions with his guests about their routines and habits, and how committing to them has helped their paths to success. In each episode, Michael asks about the guest’s morning and evening routines, 3 habits that have changed their life, and one habit that they've broken, and how they stay committed to it.

  1. 4D AGO

    From Victim to Warrior Mindset w/ Ben Bergeron (Mental Toughness Secrets)

    In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow sits down with elite coach Ben Bergeron to break down the mindset behind high performance in sport, business, and life. Known for coaching some of the world’s top athletes, Ben shares why mental fitness—not just physical toughness—is the true separator, and how the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality. They dive into Ben’s “mindset ladder,” moving from victim to warrior, and explain how small, intentional shifts in thinking can unlock massive growth over time. The conversation explores the hidden “distractions” that sabotage performance—self-doubt, pressure, past experiences—and how to create space between stimulus and response to regain control. Ben also unpacks why chasing success and accolades can lead to imbalance, and how discipline, routines, and self-awareness create real freedom. This episode is a deep, practical look at mental resilience, emotional control, and what it actually takes to perform at a high level without losing yourself in the process. If you’re striving for growth in any area of life, this conversation will challenge your thinking and give you the tools to level up—one mindset shift at a time. 00:00 Meet Ben Bergeron 04:23 Mindset Beyond Fitness 07:16 Quiet Distractions Explained 09:22 Language Shapes Performance 13:09 Seal Simulation Lesson 18:28 Mindset Ladder Framework 25:25 Realist Mindset Tools 27:16 Warrior Mindset Defined 31:04 Trigger Awareness Technique 37:05 Addicted to Chaos 41:36 Jordan Kobe and Competition 44:49 Chasing Excellence vs Fulfillment 51:13 Hustle Culture and Balance 57:22 Work That Feels Like Play 01:00:54 Love as the North Star 01:04:22 High Performers Discipline and Pain 01:10:15 Morning Night Routines and Health 01:19:27 Flow State and Dropping Judgment 01:22:01 Wrap Up and Where to Follow

    1h 26m

  2. 6D AGO

    The 8-8-8 Rule That Changed My Life (Work-Life Balance) | Monday Moments

    In this Monday Moments episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow shares a deeply personal reflection on hustle culture, success, and his biggest regret—missing the first two years of his son’s life while chasing money and validation through nonstop work. He breaks down how that experience reshaped his priorities and led him to create his “triple eights” framework: eight hours of sleep, eight hours of focused work, and eight hours dedicated to life outside of work—family, relationships, and personal time. Michael explains how discipline, boundaries, and intentional scheduling make this balance not just possible, but sustainable. The episode dives into practical tools like time blocking, working in focused sprints, and creating structure in both your mornings and evenings to protect what matters most. His message is clear: success without balance isn’t success and building a life you actually enjoy requires just as much intention as building a business. If you’ve been stuck in hustle mode, feeling burned out, or questioning what it’s all for, this episode offers a simple, powerful framework to take your time and your life back.

    11 min

  3. APR 13

    Why Culture Is Everything in Business & Life

    In this Monday-style episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow breaks down a simple but powerful truth: business without culture is dead. Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or a family, culture is always being created—intentionally or by default—and the outcome depends on how deliberate you are. Drawing from his experience building brands like The Meatball Shop and Creatures of Habit, Michael shares why culture goes far beyond perks or slogans. It’s how people communicate, handle adversity, celebrate wins, and show up for one another daily. He reflects on a pivotal moment with retail legend Mickey Drexler that shaped his role as a “culture cowboy,” responsible for setting and protecting the heartbeat of a company. The conversation dives into practical ways to build culture in today’s world—from running effective remote teams with real human connection to simple rituals like starting meetings with personal check-ins. Michael also brings it home, explaining how culture starts within your family through consistent dinners, honest communication, and daily connection with your partner. This episode is a reminder that strong culture doesn’t happen by accident—and whether you’re a leader or not, you have the power to influence and elevate the environments you’re part of every day.

    11 min

  4. APR 8

    The Longevity Antioxidant Nobody Talks About w/ David Watumull

    In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow sits down with astaxanthin expert David Watumull to explore one of the most powerful—and overlooked—nutrients in health and longevity. Known as the pigment that gives salmon its pink color, astaxanthin is a marine antioxidant humans can’t produce, yet it plays a critical role in protecting the body at the cellular level. David breaks down how astaxanthin works differently from traditional antioxidants like vitamin C and E, explaining its unique ability to span cell membranes and reach key areas like mitochondria and even the nucleus. The conversation dives into its potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, improve endurance and recovery, support cardiovascular health, and influence longevity pathways like autophagy. They also discuss emerging research, including NIH-backed studies showing lifespan extension in animal models, and what that could mean for human healthspan. This episode is a deep, science-backed look at performance, recovery, and aging optimization—while reinforcing that no supplement replaces the fundamentals of sleep, movement, and daily habits. If you’re serious about longevity, energy, and operating at a high level, this conversation will open your eyes to what might be missing from your routine. 00:00 Astaxanthin Explained 04:22 Salmon Endurance Story 06:21 Cell Membrane Superpower 07:55 Performance and Daily Use 09:46 Oxidative Stress 101 16:32 Inflammation and CNS 19:31 Autophagy Without Fasting 24:19 Why Its Still Unknown 30:25 Purity and Absorption Edge 35:21 Mouse Study Breakthrough 39:27 Lifespan Versus Healthspan 41:53 Will Humans Live Longer 47:34 High Performer Recovery 50:28 Rest Recovery Advice 52:17 Morning And Evening Routines 56:03 Where To Buy Astaxanthin 56:42 Research With Modern AI 59:09 Wrap And Takeaways

    1h 10m

  5. APR 6

    3 Night Habits to Win Your Morning | Monday Moments

    In this Monday Moments episode, Michael Chernow shares a simple but effective challenge: set yourself up for success the night before by committing to three small habits that can dramatically reduce stress and improve your mornings. Michael walks through his own nightly routine, which includes preparing a 30-ounce jar of room-temperature water with supplements and electrolytes, laying out his workout clothes to eliminate friction for early training, and reviewing the next day’s schedule to avoid surprises and mentally prepare. These small actions create clarity, reduce decision fatigue, and allow him to start the day with intention instead of chaos. He also highlights the importance of preparation in other areas, like having breakfast ready to go—removing yet another barrier to consistency and discipline. The core message is simple: success isn’t built in the morning—it starts the night before. This episode is a practical reminder that small, consistent habits compound over time, and that creating structure in your evenings can lead to more productive, focused, and stress-free days. If you’re looking to improve your routine, build better habits, and take control of your mornings, this episode offers an easy framework you can start using immediately.

    8 min

  6. APR 1

    Recovery Beyond 12 Steps with Marcus Antebi | Kreatures of Habit

    In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, host Michael Chernow sits down with his longtime mentor Marcus Antebi—founder of Juice Press and CEO of Good Sugar—for a powerful conversation on addiction, anxiety, recovery, and self-mastery.Marcus has played a pivotal role in Michael’s sobriety journey since August 2, 2004, and in this episode, they go deep into what it really takes to recover. They discuss why not everyone is able to overcome addiction, the role of mental illness, and why it’s critical to focus on those who are ready and capable of change.Marcus shares his philosophy on recovery beyond traditional frameworks, emphasizing tools like writing, meditation, breathwork, exercise, and service as practical ways to regulate the nervous system and build a foundation for long-term healing. A major focus of the conversation is breath as a tool—how it can interrupt anxiety, calm the body, and help break destructive thought loops in real time.Michael also opens up about his own struggles with anxiety, including deep-rooted fears tied to childhood trauma, and how those experiences shaped his relationship with stress and control. Together, they unpack how trauma and PTSD influence behavior, and offer actionable ways to recognize triggers, shift patterns, and regain control of your mind.This episode is a raw and insightful look at recovery, discipline, mental health, and the power of daily practices—and a reminder that transformation is possible with the right tools and consistent effort.If you’re navigating addiction, anxiety, or personal growth, this conversation offers practical strategies, perspective, and hope from two people who have lived it. 02:10 The Call That Saved Me 06:18 Marcus Origin Story 12:37 Humility And Service 14:21 Writing As Recovery Tool 23:50 Meditation Explained Simply 33:28 Watching the Mind 34:13 Anxiety and Breath 38:56 Practical Habits Toolkit 46:50 Discipline and Addiction Loops 50:00 Fear of Illness Story 54:04 PTSD Meditation Reframe 58:06 Breath First System 01:02:57 Final Takeaways and Wrap

    1h 5m

  7. MAR 30

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

    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.

    9 min

  8. MAR 25

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

    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

    1h 6m
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About

Michael Chernow, host and founder of Kreatures of Habit, hosts discussions with his guests about their routines and habits, and how committing to them has helped their paths to success. In each episode, Michael asks about the guest’s morning and evening routines, 3 habits that have changed their life, and one habit that they've broken, and how they stay committed to it.

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