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 patterns

The moment he realized addiction had him by the throat

Michael’s experience with EMDR Therapy & Trauma-informed healing practices

The “mirror moment” that forced him to change

What it really takes to build lasting sobriety and better habits

How love showed up in the most unexpected way

Want 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 York

19:41 The moment Michael knew he had an addiction problem

31:13 Diving into EMDR therapy

36:28 His own reflection as the ultimate wake-up call

49:48 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 forward

23:46 Why founders need patience, endurance, and belief in themselves

30:14 Steven’s morning routine

39:17 Building a brand that aligns with your values and creates community

50:19 How an Oura Ring impacted Steven’s sleep, and a sleep ritual that may surprise you

If 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 definition

Why authenticity matters more than anything

Finding Happiness: How unhappiness points you toward happiness

Uncomfortable Either Way: The real goal of Brett's book

Brett’s morning routine for a clear head

If 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 confidence

10:50 Why authenticity matters more than anything

28:35 Finding Happiness

36:55 Uncomfortable Either Way

40:59 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 burnout
  

• Why breathwork and somatics matter now more than ever
  

• Men’s wellness and how to start prioritizing it
  

• Easy habits that actually stick
  

• How low-intensity training can completely change how you feel
  

• Workout tips straight from Joe’s own method

Whether 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 somatics

30:46 Prioritizing men’s wellness

40:13 Habits anyone can implement

54:40 The best advice Joe got from Virgil Abloh

1:08:58 Why low-intensity workouts = high-impact results

1:21:00 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 resilience

Why skipping workouts doesn’t mean losing momentum

Johnny’s morning and evening rituals: yes, including the 5x5

The vision behind building Aug11

Learning when to delegate and trust your team

If 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 resilience

14:54 Why skipping workouts doesn’t mean losing momentum

24:22 Johnny’s morning and evening rituals

32:20 The vision behind building Aug11

38:12 Learning when to delegate and trust your team

47:46 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.