How High-Achievers Can Build a Legacy at Home, Not Just in Business with Michael Chernow

Mar 5, 2025

Michael Chernow, an entrepreneur and founder of Creatures of Habit, shares his inspiring journey of overcoming addiction and prioritizing family life. He reveals the pivotal moment that reshaped his perspective on success and emphasizes the importance of being present at home. Michael discusses his powerful transition ritual from work to fatherhood, the nightly '13 Things' he shares with his kids, and habits that have strengthened his marriage. His story is a heartfelt reminder that personal growth can lead to meaningful family connections.

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ADVICE

Upfront Communication

Communicate upfront, even if it risks hurting feelings, to preserve the relationship.
Addressing bubbling issues prevents explosions and potential worst-case scenarios.

ANECDOTE

Social Media Mishap

Michael's wife felt his social media post was "too much."
This led to a deeper discussion, highlighting the importance of understanding each other's love languages.

ADVICE

Breathwork Buffer

Create a buffer between work and family time with breathwork.
Box breathing and double inhale-exhale techniques help recenter before shifting to "dad mode."

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You're winning in business—but at what cost?

As entrepreneurs and fathers, we pour everything into building success. But at the end of the day, are we really showing up for the people who matter most?

If you've ever felt stretched too thin—like you're giving your best to work but coming home exhausted—this episode is for you.

Michael Chernow is a man of many titles—entrepreneur, restaurateur, podcaster, coach—but the one he holds dearest is father.

In this episode, Michael takes us deep into the lessons, struggles, and habits that have shaped his life, from overcoming addiction to becoming a present, intentional father and husband.

We go long and deep in this one—no surface-level chat. This is about what really matters.

Here's what you'll get from this powerful conversation:

✅ The turning point that made Michael realize success meant nothing if he wasn't showing up at home. ✅ His simple but powerful habit to transition from "work mode" to "dad mode"—one shift that changed everything. ✅ The one habit that saved his life and set him on a path of discipline, fatherhood, and success. ✅ The nightly ritual he and his kids share—the "13 Things" he has them recite before bed, building values and brotherhood. ✅ The habits he and his wife practice to keep their marriage thriving after 20+ years together. ✅ Why prioritizing himself first—before his kids, wife, and business—makes him a better husband, father, and leader.

Michael's story is proof that anyone can change at any time. The life he has now is one he built—through discipline, intention, and the right habits. It changed him so much that he started a company—Kreatures of Habit—to help others do the same.

This episode will challenge the way you think about presence, priorities, and what it really means to be a father and husband.

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While most dads would say that family matters most, the challenge is they feel guilty knowing their careers get the best of them, and their family seems to get the rest of them.

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