Kreatures Of Habit Podcast

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow sits down with Jake—host of The Optimist and founder of Thursday Labs—for an honest conversation about modern masculinity, men’s mental health, and the evolving role of men in today’s world.Jake shares two defining moments in his life from a painful experience in his early twenties to a later breakup that revealed how little language many men have for sadness, vulnerability, and emotional pain. Those experiences ultimately inspired him to start a podcast dedicated to asking the questions men often avoid.This episode is a thoughtful exploration of strength, vulnerability, responsibility, and growth, and what it truly means to show up as a man in today’s world.If you’re interested in personal development, relationships, emotional intelligence, and redefining masculinity, this conversation offers powerful insights and practical perspective.TIME STAMPS00:00 Men and Vulnerability 06:29 Lessons From the Twenties 11:03 Provide and Protect Today 17:13 The Simple Relationship Script 22:26 Rethinking the Word Masculinity 28:13 How We Got Here Historically 34:01 Where Are the Men 39:22 Power Leaders and Labels 49:27 Consequences and Transparency 55:40 Women Define Masculinity 01:04:43 Curiosity as Masculinity

A reflection on making affection a daily habit through small, meaningful moments. A morning Lego hug that changed a day and the power of simple routines at home. Modeling open displays of love for children and intentionally learning to give and receive affection. A reminder to be present, hug longer, and express love more often.

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, host Michael Chernow sits down with entrepreneur and creative strategist Adam Greenfeld for a deep conversation about entrepreneurship, building CPG brands, and the balance between vision and execution.Adam shares his journey from launching his first supplement brand Go, learning hard lessons from failure, and later helping grow Formula through innovative paid media, creative strategy, and strong product positioning before the company eventually rebranded to Thesis. The conversation explores the role of visionaries vs. integrators, a key framework in the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and why founders must surround themselves with the right people and systems as companies scale.Michael and Adam also talk about the importance of reading people’s energy, avoiding pushy partnerships, and building a circle of inspiring peers who elevate your thinking. Adam reflects on stepping away from a company when it outgrew him, moving from New York to Los Angeles, and launching Frij, a creative studio focused on health and wellness ingestible brands.If you're interested in brand building, entrepreneurship, creative marketing, and founder mindset, this conversation offers valuable perspective and real-world lessons from two experienced operators.TIME STAMPS03:35 Energy and Vetting People 13:37 Build a Winning Circle 18:05 Entrepreneurship Timeline 20:34 Paid Media Creative Edge24:27 Top of Funnel Targeting 29:48 Rebrand and Stepping Away 34:36 Co-Founder Dynamics and Self-Doubt 41:15 Creative Entrepreneurs and RDT 44:04 Visionary vs Integrator 47:25 Innovation as a Role 50:41 Transcend the Process 52:51 Protein Bar Taste Test 55:00 Moving to LA Reset 01:02:55 Top Three Founder Priorities 01:06:58 Curiosity and Learning Speed 01:10:58 Fitness and Journaling Rituals 01:17:32 Gratitude and Wrap Up 

In this Monday Moments episode of the Creatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow shares the vision and experience behind the Return to Self Men’s Retreat, a powerful three-day immersion designed to help men reconnect with themselves, nature, and brotherhood. Hosted on his Hudson Valley property in upstate New York, the retreat brings together a small, intentionally selected group of men for a technology-free deep dive into personal growth, healing, and transformation.Michael reflects on the first retreat held last year with 30 participants and explains why the experience was so impactful. The weekend is built around practices designed to break through mental and emotional barriers, including rebirthing breathwork, somatic work, contrast therapy with saunas and cold plunges, and meaningful time spent outdoors around the fire. Participants also take part in traditional ceremonies and guided experiences using non-psychoactive plant medicines such as kambo, sananga, and hape, all within a safe and intentional environment focused on self-discovery and connection.Taking place June 18–21 (with the option to depart June 20 for Father’s Day), the retreat is designed for men seeking clarity, emotional growth, and deeper relationships with themselves and others. With limited spots available and participants hand-selected to create a cohesive group dynamic, the experience is intentionally intimate and transformational.If you’re looking for a reset, deeper connection, and a space to challenge yourself alongside other men committed to growth, this episode offers a glimpse into what the Return to Self retreat is all about.👉 Apply at warriorcouncil.com to learn more and secure one of the remaining spots.

In this powerful episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow sits down with psychologist, author, and addiction expert Dr. Adi Jaffe for a raw conversation about trauma, fear, shame, addiction, and the discipline required to heal and reclaim your life.The discussion begins with Michael sharing his experience of childhood sexual abuse and the shame that followed, opening the door to a deeper exploration of how hidden pain, fear, and secrets often fuel addiction and compulsive behavior. Dr. Jaffe explains why bringing darkness into the light can create relief, how belief systems shape our experience of life, and why identity labels like “I am anxious” can reinforce suffering.Together they explore the psychology of fear versus joy, the power of discipline as a free tool for building confidence and boundaries, and how shifting from scarcity to abundance can fundamentally change how we approach life and recovery. Dr. Jaffe also shares his own story—from addiction and jail to a life-changing motorcycle accident that forced him to confront deeper truths about purpose and healing.The conversation also dives into themes from his book Unhooked, which examines the deeper emotional hooks behind addiction trauma, fear, shame, and feelings of worthlessness and how understanding these patterns can lead to real transformation.This episode is a vulnerable and thought-provoking exploration of healing, accountability, and the courage it takes to own your story.If you’re navigating trauma, addiction recovery, or personal growth, this conversation offers powerful insights, perspective, and hope.#AddictionRecovery #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthTIMESTAMPS00:00 Why Speak Up01:37 Sharing Darkness04:08 Fear Shame Secrets06:02 Fear Versus Joy08:33 Balance Hustle Culture11:05 Obsession Or Passion14:00 Discipline Builds Confidence18:40 Jail And Owning Reality20:08 Beliefs Shape Life27:57 Scarcity To Abundance32:10 Value Over Scarcity33:49 Optimism As A Practice34:57 Sobriety And Discipline36:55 Rose Colored Research38:22 Motorcycle Crash Turning Point40:54 Facing Pain And Fear42:13 Sharing Abuse And Shame45:28 Grooming And Realization48:28 Trust Barriers With Men53:32 Fear Journaling Exercise58:30 Marriage Discipline And Repair01:02:15 Best And Worst Decisions01:04:38 Unhooked Book And Farewell

In this Monday Moments episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, entrepreneur Michael Chernow shares why choosing your life partner may be the most important decision you’ll ever make. Drawing from nearly 19 years of marriage to his wife Donna and his personal journey through sobriety and growth, Michael reflects on how the quality of our closest relationships directly impacts long-term happiness and fulfillment.He explains that healthy marriages will always include disagreements, but the foundation must be shared values, morals, and a deep sense of alignment. Too often, couples commit without truly understanding each other’s core beliefs, which can lead to toxic dynamics and painful divorces later on. Michael emphasizes that when a relationship feels fundamentally misaligned, having the courage to change your mind and move on can ultimately be the healthiest choice for both people involved.This episode is an honest reflection on love, commitment, and building a life with someone who shares your values. For anyone navigating relationships, marriage, or long-term partnership, it offers perspective on why great relationships—and great families—are built on alignment, honesty, and mutual respect.

In this episode of the Kreatures of Habit podcast, Michael Chernow shares his deeply personal story of addiction, recovery, and transformation. Growing up in Manhattan, Michael turned to drugs and alcohol at a young age while trying to cope with childhood trauma and instability at home. What began as experimentation quickly escalated into selling drugs, struggling with addiction, and entering rehab by the age of sixteen.Michael reflects on losing friends as opioids and fentanyl spread, and recounts the near-fatal heroin overdose that almost ended his life in 2004. After hitting rock bottom and being fired by a restaurant owner he saw as a father figure, he finally made the life-changing decision to ask for help.With the guidance of his mentor Marcus, Michael adopted a disciplined plan centered on faith, AA, Muay Thai training, healthy habits, and personal accountability principles he still follows today. He also shares lessons about recovery, relationships, and how structure and humility helped him rebuild his life and dedicate himself to helping others.TIME STAMPS01:44 Home Life and Upbringing07:37 Self Harm and Survival10:58 Parenting and Attention18:04 Early Rehab at Sixteen22:18 Heroin Overdose Story25:24 Rock Bottom and Mirror Moment30:25 Fired and Final Wake Up34:21 Marcus Plan for Sobriety40:33 Addiction Misconceptions46:45 Meeting His Future Wife58:35 Learning Self Love01:03:48 Advice for Getting Sober01:09:27 Protein Bar Taste Test01:12:06 Final Thanks and Wrap

A personal story about healing a strained father relationship through a spiritual mantra. Memories of a Buddhist grandmother and family chanting set the scene. The phrase "bless you, change me" is explored as a tool for responding instead of reacting. Practical use for unavoidable relationships like parents or coworkers is highlighted.

Andrew Aguero, a restaurant leader who built and ran high-profile spots and now leans into wellness and fitness. He shares vivid restaurant tales, how openings and crises shape leadership, the rituals that prevent mistakes, and why service, team culture, and habits matter. Short, lively stories about resilience, atmosphere, and transitioning to a healthier life.

A founder unveils a plant-based protein bar with 20 g protein and 3 g creatine. They describe a long R&D journey with 50+ iterations to nail taste and texture. Nutrition highlights include ultra-low added sugar, no seed oils or sugar alcohols, and real-food ingredients. The bar is framed as clean, gut-friendly performance fuel available in distinct flavors.