Kreatures Of Habit Podcast

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 journey18:45 Why passion is a state of mind (not just an outcome)30:02 Mike’s daily “coffee talk” routine with his wife39:27 Seasonal wind-down routines for balance44:12 The power of reflecting on your day52:37 How to unearth and nurture your passionIf 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!

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.

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.TIMESTAMPS1:38 The fear of not growing: Matt and Michael explore deepest fears13:32 Why running changes people’s lives: The gift of running18:59 What Matty learned from 40 run clubs in 25 days: Pavement, people, & purpose24:47 How fear forces people away: The importance of getting to the startline37:05 Sleep Routines: Why sleep has been tough for Matty recentlyIf 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—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 gameThis 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.

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 life10:47 Commitment in sobriety: the secret weapon for addicts & alcoholics20:48 Pivoting during the pandemic → moving into D2C35:20 Why being a dad is the most important job42:00 Meeting Gary Vee & adopting a “NO MATTER WHAT” mentality51:42 The power of work ethic in business & life1:01:14 Why most restaurants fail (and what to do differently)

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.

In case you missed it… we’re running it back with Michael Chernow on the Hopeaholics Podcast — and this one goes deep. Michael gets real about the wild ride from his childhood days in New York, the addictive habits that almost took him out, and the exact tools and practices that helped him turn it all around.This conversation touches on it all: near-death experiences, EMDR therapy, sobriety, and even the story of how Michael met the love of his life (spoiler: it’s straight out of a Disney movie). It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s proof that no matter how far down you go, you can build your way back up with better habits. BETTER HABITS. BETTER LIFE.In today’s episode, Michael shares:How childhood chaos shaped Michael’s addictive patternsThe moment he realized addiction had him by the throatMichael’s experience with EMDR Therapy & Trauma-informed healing practicesThe “mirror moment” that forced him to changeWhat it really takes to build lasting sobriety and better habitsHow love showed up in the most unexpected wayWant more? We can’t blame you. Be sure to stick around for part two airing next week. Until then, BIG love to our whole Kreatures fam! TIMESTAMPS:5:59 Hunting in New York19:41 The moment Michael knew he had an addiction problem31:13 Diving into EMDR therapy36:28 His own reflection as the ultimate wake-up call49:48 Hope if you’re struggling: there’s always a way out

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.

Entrepreneurship isn’t just wins—it’s setbacks, pivots, and standing back up when things get tough. In today's episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Cuts Clothing founder Steven Borrelli shares the unfiltered truth about building a business that lasts.Steven joins Michael Chernow to break down the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—how to keep going when the setbacks hit, why building culture matters, and the mindset it takes to stay in the game.Further, Steven opens up about his viral letter to the President, the lessons from turning struggles into growth, and how he’s building a brand that stays true to its values. Whether you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or just chasing your next big move, this conversation will hit home.TIMESTAMPS:1:30 Will Cuts become a billion-dollar brand?10:26 When dreams turn into nightmares: how to keep moving forward23:46 Why founders need patience, endurance, and belief in themselves30:14 Steven’s morning routine39:17 Building a brand that aligns with your values and creates community50:19 How an Oura Ring impacted Steven’s sleep, and a sleep ritual that may surprise youIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the show and leave a review—it helps us keep bringing you conversations with the founders, creators, and leaders shaping what’s next.

Michael Chernow is back with his ultimate morning routine playbook—breaking down his fast, no-BS version and his full-blown, peak-performance ritual. After a short break, he’s back to his longer ritual that leaves him feeling unstoppable. From non-negotiable habits to travel-proof morning moves, Michael shows you how to start the day fired up—whether you’ve got 10 minutes or a full hour.

You know that thing where you keep waiting to “feel ready” before you go after what you want? Yeah—Brett Eaton’s here to call you out for that. Author of Uncomfortable Either Way and sought after keynote speaker, Brett sits down with Michael Chernow to talk about the stuff we all need to hear: what confidence actually is, why pretending to be someone else will eat you alive, and how your phone might be living a better life than you. They even get into how figuring out what makes you miserable might be the fastest way to figure out what makes you happy. The two explore:What even is confidence: Brett's definitionWhy authenticity matters more than anythingFinding Happiness: How unhappiness points you toward happinessUncomfortable Either Way: The real goal of Brett's bookBrett’s morning routine for a clear headIf you’ve been stuck, stalling, or just feeling meh—this episode is your sign to shake things up. Press play, share it with someone you love (or would love this episode), and we'll see you next week, Kreatures!TIMESTAMPS:0:47 What even is confidence10:50 Why authenticity matters more than anything28:35 Finding Happiness36:55 Uncomfortable Either Way40:59 Brett’s morning routine for a clear head

Michael Chernow breaks down the breakthroughs from his Return to Self men’s retreat—where vulnerability, brotherhood, and deep connection took center stage. The guys showed up ready to do the work, stepping into traditional Native American rites of passage and, for those that felt called, powerful warrior plant medicines. They left with walls down, bonds built, and a whole new level of self-awareness.

Joe Holder—founder of The Ocho System, Nike Master Trainer, and wellness visionary—sits down with Michael Chernow to talk about feeling good for life. From the power of low-intensity workouts to the irreplaceable advice he received from Virgil Abloh, this episode is packed with real talk on movement, mindset, and modern wellness.Today, the two explore:The dangers of fitness extremes and burnoutWhy breathwork and somatics matter now more than everMen’s wellness and how to start prioritizing itEasy habits that actually stickHow low-intensity training can completely change how you feelWorkout tips straight from Joe’s own methodWhether you’re a biohacker, weekend warrior, or just trying to move better and feel stronger, Joe drops gems you won’t want to miss. See you next week, Kreatures!TIMESTAMPS:1:18 When does fitness influence become unhealthy?15:39 Benefits of breathwork and somatics30:46 Prioritizing men’s wellness40:13 Habits anyone can implement54:40 The best advice Joe got from Virgil Abloh1:08:58 Why low-intensity workouts = high-impact results1:21:00 Inside look at Joe’s personal workout programming

Kreatures of Habit is officially opening the doors to our community — and you can now invest in the brand you’ve helped build from day one. Our crowdfund just launched on StartEngine, and this is your chance to own a piece of the movement.We’re not looking for traditional VC firms — we’re building with our people. The ones who live the lifestyle, start their mornings with MEAL ONE, and believe in our mission.Our goal? Be the fastest-growing raise on StartEngine.Our ask? Join us. Be part of something massive.Ready to go from customer to co-owner? Tap the link below and let’s make history — together.https://www.startengine.com/offering/kreatures-of-habit

From addiction to entrepreneurship, Johnathan Person’s story is a powerful reminder that rock bottom can be the beginning of something great. As the founder of Aug11, Johnny joins Michael to talk about getting sober, rebuilding his life, and building a purpose-driven apparel brand from the ground up.He shares the habits that keep him on track (like his signature 5 by 5 routine), what time in jail taught him, and how he’s learned to lead with discipline, intention, and heart.Today, the two explore:Johnny’s journey through sobriety, recovery, and resilienceWhy skipping workouts doesn’t mean losing momentumJohnny’s morning and evening rituals: yes, including the 5x5The vision behind building Aug11Learning when to delegate and trust your teamIf you're into real talk, routines that actually work, and how to stay grounded while chasing big goals—this one's for you. And, if you really loved today’s show, we’d love it if you’d share it with a friend. Until next week, Kreatures–peace!TIMESTAMPS::0:55 Johnny’s journey through sobriety, recovery, and resilience14:54 Why skipping workouts doesn’t mean losing momentum24:22 Johnny’s morning and evening rituals32:20 The vision behind building Aug1138:12 Learning when to delegate and trust your team47:46 How Kreatures of Habit stands out from Michael’s other ventures

On this Monday Moment, Michael Chernow gets real about keeping your morning routine short, sweet, and stacked with non-negotiables. While a long, luxurious routine might sound ideal, that’s not where he’s at—and maybe not where you are either. He shares the small, repeatable wins that anchor his mornings and set the tone for success, no matter how busy life gets. If you’re ready to feel unstoppable without overcomplicating your AM—this one’s for you. Don’t trip out the gate—start smart, Kreatures.

Steve Martocci has co-founded GroupMe, Splice, Blade, and now SuppCo—so yeah, he knows a thing or two about building businesses. In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Steve sits down with Michael Chernow to chat about what it’s really like to be a multi-time entrepreneur, his biggest failures, and why his latest venture, SuppCo, is aiming to revolutionize the supplement game.SuppCo is a new tech platform built to help people actually know if their supplements—think omega-3s, NAD+, protein powders, and more—are working, clean, and worth the price tag. It’s all about moving away from blindly popping 20+ pills a day and toward personalized, data-backed wellness.Michael and Steve also dive deep into the rituals that keep Steve grounded, including nervous system regulation, community, and the daily habits that fuel his high-performance life.Today, the two explore:What is Blade: How it's revolutionized NYC travel Steve’s biggest entrepreneurial flop and what he learnedWhy Steve created SuppCo: How it’s changing how we think about supplementsThe real cost of supplements: The outrageous cost (and confusion) of modern supplementationNervous system 101: Why it matters more than you thinkSteve’s habits, rituals, and routines: And, of course, his wellness stackWhether you're a wellness nerd, entrepreneur, or just tired of expensive supplements with zero results, this convo is for you.TIMESTAMPS:1:26 What is Blade?6:28 Steve's biggest entrepreneurial flop18:50 Why Steve created SuppCo33:03 The real cost of supplements46:11 Nervous System 10155:00 Steve’s habits, rituals, and routines

Let’s be real—most of us won’t be remembered more than three generations from now. Kinda wild, right? In this Monday Moments episode of the Kreatures of Habit podcast, Michael Chernow explores what it will actually take to build a lasting legacy.We’re talking about the stories that get passed down (and the ones that don’t), why storytelling matters so much, and why it’s worth shaping a life that’s worth remembering. Michael shares the idea that your legacy isn’t just built through big moves—it’s about how you show up every day, the impact you make, and the waves you create along the way.So if you’ve ever wondered what kind of story your great-grandkids might tell about you—or if they’ll even have one—this episode will get you thinking. Tune in and get inspired to build something that lasts.

In case you missed it… Michael Chernow was recently on The Money Mondays with Dan Fleyshman — and trust us, this one’s worth a replay.Michael shares how he beat the odds not once but twice in the restaurant world, what it takes to build a standout CPG brand today, and how he turned personal struggles into fuel for entrepreneurial success. From going up against legacy players in the space, to the importance of authenticity, morning routines, and building brands with purpose—this really takes a look into the brains and drive behind Kreatures of HabitThe two dig into:Why your first meal can make or break your dayHow staying true to yourself helped Michael build restaurant empiresWhat it’s like going head-to-head with mega-brandsThe power of building charity into your brand missionIf this was your first introduction to Kreatures of Habit, welcome. If you’ve been a lifelong supporter, we can’t thank you enough. And, if you like what you heard today, and want to get involved, check out the link below. Until next week, y’all, peace!TIMESTAMPS: 2:25 Why your first meal can make or break your day 6:10 How staying true to yourself helped Michael build restaurant empires 20:20 What it’s like going head-to-head with mega-brands 35:30 – The power of building charity into your brand missionBecome a KOH Owner: www.kreaturesofhabit.com/crowd

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”This week marks a major milestone for Kreatures of Habit—we're launching our crowdfunding campaign and inviting YOU, our community, to become owners in the mission.KOH has always been built on the belief that habits create freedom and transformation—but it’s the people behind those habits that create lasting change. This brand was built by the community, for the community, and now, it’s time to take that to the next level.In today’s Monday Moments episode, Michael gets real about what it means to join our mission, why now is the time to open the doors to investors, and how you can play a part in shaping the future of KOH.Whether you're a long-time supporter or brand new to Kreatures of Habit, this is your chance to join the movement.Learn more about becoming an owner here: https://kreaturesofhabit.com/pages/crowd