In this compelling episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow sits down with leadership expert and author Dr. Michelle Johnston to explore how connection, emotional intelligence, and self-prioritization can radically transform both our personal lives and the way we lead.

Michael opens the conversation with a simple but powerful concept — the “go-to-bed alarm” — and why protecting your energy and well-being is foundational to happiness, clarity, and success. Michelle joins to discuss her new book, The Seismic Shift in You, which challenges leaders to move away from hustle-driven productivity and toward heart-led, human-centered leadership.

Together, they unpack the crisis of connection in today’s digital world, the toll it takes on executives and teams, and the courage required to lead with vulnerability. From rethinking meetings to redefining productivity and creating space for rest, this conversation offers actionable shifts toward a more meaningful, connected, and sustainable way of living and leading.

You’ll hear insights on:

-Why connection is the new currency of leadership

-The power of emotional intelligence and heart-led decision-making

-How technology is eroding real human connection

-Reframing productivity around energy, presence, and people

-Creating better meeting structures and healthier work cultures

-The role of courage and vulnerability in effective leadership

Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or simply seeking a more fulfilled life, this episode will challenge you to slow down, prioritize yourself, and lead — and live — from a place of connection.

See you next week, Kreatures!

#kreaturesofhabit #leadership #connection #emotionalintelligence #personalgrowth #mindfulliving #workculture #heartledleadership #michellejohnston

TIMESTAMPS:
00:46 Balancing Leadership and Personal Well-being
06:40 The Seismic Shift in Leadership
18:55 Prioritizing Personal Well-being
32:09 Morning Routines
36:39 American Work Culture
39:18 The Power of Connection
01:05:16 Final Thoughts

Kick off 2026 with intention, discipline, and habits that actually last.In this holiday edition of Monday Moments, we break down why most New Year’s resolutions fail and how to build sustainable habits that stick. We’re also excited to announce the Kreatures of Habit 21-Day Challenge, starting January 5th, 2026.

Join our private Facebook group and focus on:

* Nutrition

* Fitness

* Sleep

* Recovery

*Mindfulness

https://www.facebook.com/groups/752130602033829

We’re teaming up with habit coach Brian Ford for the New Year for Good initiative, supporting the Release Recovery Foundation. With a $50 donation, you’ll receive personalized coaching from Brian while contributing to a powerful cause.

This is more than motivation, it’s a system for real change.

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow sits down with Kelsey Kitsch to explore intimacy, connection, and the transformative potential of psychedelics for mental health. From rebuilding romance in long-term relationships to navigating societal pressures that often pull couples apart, this conversation dives deep into both emotional and sexual connection.

Michael and Kelsey discuss how small gestures, playful flirting, and intentional communication can reignite passion and strengthen bonds. They also explore the evolving world of psychedelics as a therapeutic tool, particularly for addressing trauma, fears, and mental health challenges — and how these practices can integrate with a sober, intentional lifestyle.

Balancing insightful advice with personal anecdotes and humor, the conversation offers actionable strategies for improving relationships, personal growth, and connection with yourself and others.

You’ll hear insights on:

-Rebuilding intimacy in long-term relationships

-Small, intentional gestures that reignite romance

-The impact of societal norms and life pressures on connection

-Psychedelics as a tool for mental health and healing

-Balancing science, spirituality, and personal growth

-Confidence, communication, and energy in partnerships

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your partner, deepen your emotional intimacy, or explore alternative tools for mental wellness, this episode is full of practical tips and thought-provoking ideas.

See you next week, Kreatures!

#kreaturesofhabit #relationships #intimacy #connection #psychedelics #mentalhealth #personalgrowth #mindfulliving #flirting #communication #soberliving

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 The Oneness Experience and Relationship Dynamics

00:43 Flirting and Reconnecting with Your Partner

01:25 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Team Building

02:55 The Sniper Analogy in Business

05:22 Defining Entrepreneurship and Personal Success

05:57 The Journey of Winning Awards

12:32 Overcoming Challenges and Making Tough Decisions

16:27 Exploring Plant Medicine for Healing

41:51 The Transformative Power of Psychedelics

44:19 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality

45:16 Exploring the Concept of Soul and Energy

50:39 The Oneness Experience: Reconnecting with Your Partner

53:33 Intimacy and Communication in Long-Term Relationships

01:00:33 Practical Tips for Reigniting Passion

01:12:22 The Importance of Confidence and Connection

01:16:37 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow shares a poignant story about his difficult relationship with his father. He reflects on both the hardships and the cherished memories, demonstrating why it’s important to focus on the positive moments in life.

Through a significant father-son lunch, Michael gained emotional insight and connection, showing how small interactions can leave a lasting impact. This episode encourages listeners to remember the good times, nurture meaningful relationships, and honor the memory of loved ones who have passed. Tune in for a reflective and inspiring conversation about healing, gratitude, and emotional growth.

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow sits down with The Sober Fit Girl, Kathryn Sauser, a successful fitness coach whose journey from party culture to sobriety and strength is both raw and inspiring. Kat opens up about her struggles with alcohol, the wake-up moments that forced her to confront her lifestyle, and the life-changing experience that set her on a new path, including a pivotal breakthrough at a Tony Robbins event.

Together, Kat and Michael explore the power of role models, intuition, and fitness as tools for recovery and self-discovery. Kat shares how movement, discipline, and community became anchors in her sobriety, ultimately leading her to create Sober Fit Girl, a coaching program designed to help women reclaim their lives through sobriety and fitness.This conversation is filled with honesty, vulnerability, and hope offering encouragement to anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol or searching for a healthier, more aligned way of living.

You’ll hear insights on:

-The early warning signs of alcohol dependency

-What finally pushed Kat to choose sobriety

-How fitness became a catalyst for lasting change

-The importance of role models and supportive community

-Trusting intuition during life-altering decisions

-The freedom, clarity, and confidence that come with a sober life.

Whether you’re sober-curious, in recovery, or simply looking for inspiration to step into a stronger version of yourself, this episode is a reminder that transformation is always possible and sobriety can open doors you never imagined.

If this episode resonated, share it with someone who could use hope and encouragement, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help us keep these conversations going.

See you next week, Kreatures!

#kreaturesofhabit #sobriety #recovery #fitnessjourney #womeninsobriety #soberlife #mentalwellness #addictionrecovery #selfgrowth #intuition

TIME STAMPS:01:16 Personal Journey: Meeting Michael and Sobriety Milestones04:24 The Turning Point: Realizing the Need to Quit08:46 Life-Changing Decisions: The Path to Sobriety14:55 Building a Sober Community: Inspirations and Actions28:51 Sober Fit Girl: The Birth of a Movement41:16 The Impact of Sober Role Models44:43 The Decline in Alcohol Consumption48:05 Personal Transformation Through Fitness01:08:53 Launching Sober Fit Dude01:10:46 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

The holidays can be tough when you’re staying sober, and in this episode of The Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow shares practical tips to help you thrive. Learn how to keep non-alcoholic drinks close, take mental breaks, and lean on sober friends for support. Michael emphasizes being present, enjoying the season, and embracing the benefits of sobriety while handling stressful moments with confidence.

Whether you’re in recovery or just sober-curious, this episode is packed with advice and encouragement to make your holidays joyful and alcohol-free.

True healing goes far beyond fixing pain — it’s about understanding the body, the mind, and the stories we carry.

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, host Michael Chernow sits down with Dr. Amir Vokshoor, a world–renowned neurosurgeon based in Santa Monica, CA, to explore a holistic, integrated approach to spinal health. Together, they break down the connection between anatomy, physiology, psychology, and the deeply personal experiences that shape our perception of pain.

Dr. Amir shares what he’s learned from helping countless patients heal from cutting-edge surgical innovations like artificial disc replacement to the powerful role of mindset, emotional well-being, and recovery routines. Michael opens up about his own spinal injuries, revealing how cognitive discipline, daily practices, and intentional physical training transformed his relationship with pain.

This is an eye-opening conversation about the future of spine care, the healing potential of mental health, and why true recovery requires caring for the whole human being.

You’ll hear insights on:

• The holistic view of spinal pain — and why the mind plays a bigger role than most realize

• How artificial disc replacement works and who it can help

• The importance of mental and emotional resilience in pain recovery

• Nutritional supplements and emerging therapies that support spinal health

• Ketamine-assisted therapy and its potential role in healing

• Michael’s personal journey through spinal injuries and rebuilding strength

• Daily habits that create long-term stability, clarity, and balance
  

Whether you’re navigating chronic pain, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about how the brain and spine work together, this episode offers practical wisdom and empowering perspectives to help you take ownership of your health.

If today’s conversation with Dr. Amir Vokshoor resonated with you, share it with someone who needs clarity on their healing journey — and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to support more meaningful conversations like this.

Like & Subscribe for more real conversations

Follow Dr. Amir Vokshoor: https://www.instagram.com/drvokshoor/?hl=en

Connect with Michael: https://www.instagram.com/michaelchernow/?hl=en

#spinehealth #mentalhealth #neuroscience #dramirvokshoor #michaelchernow #wellness #recovery #backpain #kreaturesofhabit #mindbodyconnection #holistichealth #healingjourney

00:00 Holistic Approach to Spinal Care

03:52 Artificial Disc Replacement Explained

05:27 Personal Back Injury Story

08:07 Holistic Pain Management Strategies

18:25 Morning Routines and Mental Health

28:43 Exploring Alternative Therapies

40:23 The Role of Psychedelics in Therapy

51:50 Eastern Practices and Gentle Exercises

54:34 Sleep and Intermittent Fasting

56:47 Lumbar Disc Replacement Insights

01:02:24 Piriformis Syndrome and Sciatica

01:09:27 Healthy Habits and Overcoming Addiction

01:18:38 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow introduces the all-new Daily Bar, a clean, functional protein bar designed for everyday performance and wellness. Featuring 20 grams of plant-based protein sourced from brown rice and 3 grams of creatine monohydrate, the Daily Bar supports strength, recovery, and energy.

Michael reveals the two debut flavors the Chocolate Peanut Butter Banger and the Cookie Dough Dazzler and explains the commitment to high-quality ingredients: no sugar alcohols, no seed oils, and no artificial additives.

Get Yours Today!

https://kreaturesofhabit.com/products/daily-bar

In this powerful roundtable episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, host Michael Chernow brings together an inspiring group of thinkers, creators, and community builders, the founders of Pathos, along with guests Josh Bodkin, Brian Pruett, Colin Pasque, and Ryan Tuttle, for a deep conversation about connection, meaning, and the future of male friendship.

The group explores what it truly means to live with intention in a world overflowing with distraction. They dive into the mission behind Pathos, the importance of emotional honesty, and why cultivating real friendships has become one of the greatest challenges and greatest opportunities for men today.

This roundtable opens up about purpose, vulnerability, daily habits, and the kind of community that actually nourishes you. Their perspectives blend story and strategy, offering listeners a grounded roadmap for living more authentically.

You’ll hear insights on:

• Why success is really about meaning, connection, and emotional courage
• The heart behind Pathos and how it’s building a new culture of deeper relationships
• How men can create real, consistent friendships that last
• Escaping comparison and tech-induced numbness
• The power of vulnerability, rest, and spiritual alignment
• How intentional habits can transform purpose and self-worth

This episode is a reminder to slow down, choose depth over distraction, and build a life rooted in the relationships that matter most.

If this conversation resonated, share it with someone who could use the encouragement and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to support more meaningful discussions.

See you next week, Kreatures!

Follow the guests:
Pathos → https://www.instagram.com/pathos.community/
Colin Pasque → https://www.instagram.com/flolyfe/
Josh Bodkin → https://www.instagram.com/joshbodkin/
Brian Pruett → https://www.instagram.com/brian_pruett/
Ryan Tuttle → https://www.instagram.com/inquirywithin/

#kreaturesofhabit #pathos #mensmentalhealth #community #friendship #mindset #wellness #intentionality #selfcare #connection #purpose #brotherhood

01:30 The Importance of Community and Men's Mental Health

06:54 The Birth and Growth of Pathos

10:45 Balancing Work, Family, and Personal Well-being

17:43 The True Meaning of Success and Happiness

34:47 Embracing Playfulness in Work

40:04 The Importance of Self-Care and Routine

51:44 Overcoming Distractions and Embracing Potential

01:04:10 Final Thoughts on Community and Authenticity

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast's Monday Moments, we break down the real drawbacks of intermittent fasting and how rigid eating windows can add unnecessary stress and anxiety to your life. Instead of overthinking food, we encourage a simpler, more sustainable approach: eating balanced meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—along with healthy snacks when you need them.The episode highlights the importance of making smart, nourishing choices and building a healthy relationship with food. Tune in to discover how to create a stress-free, sustainable eating routine during the holiday season and beyond.Follow Michael Chernow:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelchernowKreatures of Habit → https://kreaturesofhabit.com/ #IntermittentFasting#HealthyEating#NutritionTips#KreaturesOfHabit#MondayMoments#WellnessJourney#HealthyHabits