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.

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 learned

Why Steve created SuppCo: How it’s changing how we think about supplements

The real cost of supplements: The outrageous cost (and confusion) of modern supplementation

Nervous system 101: Why it matters more than you think

Steve’s habits, rituals, and routines: And, of course, his wellness stack

Whether 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 flop

18:50 Why Steve created SuppCo

33:03 The real cost of supplements

46:11 Nervous System 101

55:00 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 Habit

The two dig into:

• Why your first meal can make or break your day
  
• How staying true to yourself helped Michael build restaurant empires
  
• What it’s like going head-to-head with mega-brands
  
• The power of building charity into your brand mission

If 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 mission

Become 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

Mesh Gelman, former Senior VP at Starbucks and founder of The Cumulus Coffee Company, joins Michael Chernow for a deep dive into entrepreneurship, coffee culture, and building a brand that brings the joy, connection, and warmth of your favorite neighborhood coffee shop into your home.

This episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast is all about bold moves, building businesses with soul, and is redefining the way we experience coffee. But don’t expect startup clichés—Mesh believes you don’t coast on wins, you earn your business every single day. 

Today, the two explore:

Cumulus Coffee Company: The vision behind Cumulus Coffee

Mesh’s first taste of entrepreneurship: What sparked this journey

Do you celebrate the wins?: Why not celebrating wins can keep you sharp

The grit and endurance behind real success: The role of endurance in entrepreneurship

 Mesh’s morning routine: Who thinks coffee is a staple?

Whether you’re a coffee lover, aspiring founder, or just need a dose of motivation, Mesh’s story will leave you caffeinated in all the right ways. If you loved today’s show, be sure to like and subscribe… and, if you really loved it, share it with a friend that would want to become part of the Kreatures fam!

TIMESTAMPS:

10:16 Cumulus Coffee Company

21:56 Mesh’s first taste of entrepreneurship

29:53 Do you celebrate the wins?

39:13 The grit and endurance behind real success

42:35 Mesh's morning routine

Let’s be real: going for the “budget hire” might save you a few bucks upfront—but it can seriously cost you in the long run. In this quick hitting Monday Moment, we’re diving into why hiring the right person (even if they come with a higher price tag) is actually the smartest move for your business.

Today, we’ll dive into:

Why great talent pays for itselfHow cheap hires can drain time, energy, and revenueWhy your business deserves better than bare minimum

This one’s for founders, team leads, and anyone building something they care about. Your people are your power—don’t skimp on the good ones.

We’re back with Part 2 of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast with Angela Skudin, the powerhouse behind the 343 Fund and a mission-driven entrepreneur based in New York. If you missed Part 1, Angela shared how she beat chronic Lyme disease — and today, we dive even deeper.

Angela opens up about navigating deep grief after losing her husband, how the tools she gained along her Lyme journey, including plant medicine, helped shift everything, and how she turned her pain into purpose. She’s built not only a foundation that helps others heal, but also a thriving business rooted in her own story.

A quick note: This episode is all about one person’s healing journey. Plant medicine isn’t for everyone. If you're sober or sober-curious, we totally get the hesitation — Michael shares that same view and chooses not to use psychoactive plant medicines himself. This conversation is about exploration–not prescribing–a path to healing.

Today the two explore:

What is Kambo: And Michael’s reservations about this ceremony

Grief that Follows Loss: Angela’s navigation of deep grief

Healing Through 343 Fund: A firefighter’s testimonial and healing journey

Pain & Purpose: How Angela built a mission-driven foundation & multiple businesses

Angela’s story is about resilience, perspective shifts, and the power of being open to the unconventional. If you or someone you love is navigating grief, chronic illness, or the search for deeper healing — this episode will leave you with hope and curiosity.

TIMESTAMPS:

7:21 What is Kambo

21:09 Grief that Follows Loss

28:12 Healing Through 343 Fund

36:00 Pain & Purpose

Relationships change—and that’s normal. In this episode, we’re talking about the real stuff: communication, navigating the highs and lows, and choosing curiosity over criticism. Long-term love isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it when you turn toward, not away.