The Michael Chernow Podcast

She Lost 30% Of Her Body Weight Trying To Be "Healthy" | Kelsey Heenan 01.07.2026 1godz 6min

Michael Chernow sits down with Kelsey Heenan for a raw conversation about food, fitness, control, and recovery. Kelsey opens up about how trying to become a better athlete slowly turned into dangerous food rules, restriction, over-exercising, and losing 30% of her body weight. Michael also shares how food became another form of addiction for him after getting sober from drugs and alcohol. Together, they talk about why eating disorders and food anxiety are not just “women’s issues,” how fitness can become punishment, and why true health has to include freedom. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt trapped by food, body image, discipline, or the pressure to always optimize.

Good vs Evil Is Happening Inside You 29.06.2026 7min

In this Monday Moments episode, Michael Chernow reflects on the constant battle between good and evil, light and darkness, and the choices we make every single day.This message is about awareness, discipline, and understanding that life will always test who you are becoming. Michael breaks down why the real battle is not always outside of us, but often within us — in our thoughts, actions, habits, reactions, and the way we choose to show up in the world.Whether you are trying to grow, heal, stay grounded, or become a better version of yourself, this episode is a reminder that the small choices matter.Good and evil are not just ideas. They show up in how we live.

20 Years Of Marriage Taught Me This About Love | Stef Sifandos 24.06.2026 1godz 11min

In this episode of The Michael Chernow Podcast, Michael sits down with Stef Sifandos for a powerful conversation on love, relationships, marriage, intimacy, ego, and why real connection feels harder than ever.They talk about how social media creates the illusion of connection, why so many people push love away, and how old survival patterns can quietly destroy relationships. Michael opens up about his 20+ year relationship with his wife, the work it takes to keep love strong, and why communication, self-awareness, and healthy conflict matter so much.This conversation goes deep into marriage, attraction, conflict, generational trauma, fatherhood, addiction, and what it actually means to feel loved. If you’ve ever struggled with intimacy, communication, or staying connected in a relationship, this episode is for you.Subscribe for more conversations around health, relationships, recovery, growth, and what it takes to live a more fulfilled life.#TheMichaelChernowPodcast #Relationships #Marriage #Love #SelfAwareness #Healing #PersonalGrowth #Intimacy

Loving Someone Who Can’t Love Themselves 22.06.2026 8min

In this Monday Moments episode, Michael Chernow opens up about one of the hardest tests he has faced in his own life: true compassion.Michael breaks down the difference between empathy and compassion, and why compassion can be so difficult when you love someone who struggles to love themselves. He reflects on the people in our lives who test our patience, our heart, and our ability to stay open instead of turning away.This episode is a reminder that some relationships are not just challenges, they are opportunities for growth. Michael shares how compassion can become a master test in life, forcing us to evolve as people and maybe even as souls.If you have someone in your life who is hard to love, hard to understand, or hard to keep showing up for, this message may hit home.

She Was Broken Beyond Repair—Until This Happened | Lindsey Van Wagner 17.06.2026 51min

For years, Lindsey Van Wagner battled addiction, self-hatred, depression, and a darkness she never thought she could escape. In this powerful conversation with Michael Chernow, she opens up about the moment everything changed, the reality of getting sober, finding self-love, and why recovery is about so much more than quitting alcohol.This episode is for anyone struggling with addiction, mental health, self-worth, or feeling lost in life. If you've ever felt broken, beyond repair, or like nobody understands what you're going through, this conversation is for you.New episodes of The Michael Chernow Podcast every Wednesday at 12 PM.#MichaelChernowPodcast #Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #SelfLove

The Fatherhood Lesson Every Man Needs To Hear 15.06.2026 11min

Fatherhood is more than a title. It's a responsibility, a privilege, and one of life's greatest gifts.In this special Father's Day episode, Michael Chernow shares a heartfelt message about what truly matters as a parent. From the importance of being present with your children to the lessons he's learned as a father, this conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn't measured by money, status, or possessions, but by the impact we have on the people we love most.Michael opens up about the emotional moments he shares with his sons, the challenges modern fathers face, and why our children don't need more things—they need more of us.Whether you're a father, have a father, or hope to become one someday, this episode will remind you what truly matters.Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.

Former Navy SEAL: "War Is The Most Addictive Drug On Earth" | Kaj Larsen 10.06.2026 1godz 18min

Former Navy SEAL, entrepreneur, war correspondent, and documentarian Kaj Larsen joins The Michael Chernow Podcast for a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, suffering, purpose, and what it takes to perform at the highest level.Kaj shares incredible stories from SEAL training, nearly quitting Hell Week, the addictive nature of war, lessons from combat, and the leadership principles that have guided him through military service, entrepreneurship, journalism, and life. Michael and Kaj also explore modern masculinity, accountability, mental toughness, AI warfare, and why the ability to embrace discomfort may be the most valuable skill in today's world.If you've ever felt stuck, challenged, or called to become a stronger version of yourself, this episode is packed with wisdom that can help you take the next step.New episodes of The Michael Chernow Podcast drop every Wednesday at 12 PM.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Kaj Larsen00:50 The SEAL Team Drug Scandal That Changed Everything05:00 Doing The Hard Right Thing As A Leader10:00 Accountability, Leadership & Extreme Ownership16:45 Why Kaj Joined The Navy18:30 How Navy SEALs Actually Select Candidates21:20 Hell Week & What Breaks Most Men23:30 Modern Day Knight Project & Facing Your Darkness28:45 The Real Purpose Of SEAL Training31:15 The Night Kaj Almost Quit Hell Week37:20 Finding The Hidden Gear & Building Mental Toughness42:40 Why Suffering Is Necessary For Growth44:50 Why War Becomes Addictive50:50 AI, Drones & The Future Of Warfare59:20 Mission, Purpose & Becoming Mentally Strong1:05:00 Building A Powerful Mind In An Age Of Distraction1:12:00 Final Lessons On Discipline, Identity & Success#MichaelChernow #KajLarsen #TheMichaelChernowPodcast #NavySEAL #hellweek

Believing In Yourself is the Key to Limitless Success | Michael Chernow | Monday Moments 08.06.2026 9min

In this Monday Moments episode, Michael Chernow explains why problems, especially the unexpected ones, are a sign of growth, and how your mindset determines whether you get stuck or overcome them. He urges listeners to pause when the first “doomsday” reaction hits, take a breath, and reframe challenges as opportunities to grow, “flex your muscles,” and prove what you’re made of. Michael emphasizes that belief is the catalyst for success, sharing a story from fundraising for Kreatures of Habit where a potential investor challenged him for limiting the company’s vision to $200 million instead of believing it could become a billion-dollar brand. He closes by encouraging the community to control their response, sustain a positive mindset, and embrace problems rather than letting reactionary thoughts take over.

From Near Death at 19 to Summiting Everest with Ryan Rivard | Kreatures of Habit 03.06.2026 53min

Ryan Rivard shares what it felt like to summit Mount Everest while helping save another climber, describing the awe, adrenaline, and danger of the descent, the physical toll of the “death zone,” and the brutal cold and logistics at extreme altitude. He explains why he pursued Everest after getting sober at 19, emphasizing the mental challenge, keeping promises to family, and proving you can rise from homelessness and addiction to “the top of the world.” Ryan reflects on 23 years of sobriety, faith and gratitude, and how setbacks like a torn knee delayed his climb and may have protected him. He discusses building a marketing agency, creating a nonprofit (Let’s Fuel Growth), coaching through the DODEK, finding joy in helping others, and sustaining a 21-year marriage through intentional communication and shared time.TIME STAMPS00:00 Summit Emotions07:22 Why Everest10:24 Life After Recovery16:40 Faith And Timing20:40 Marriage That Lasts31:50 Finding Joy In Service35:25 Rock Bottom Stories49:54 Final Hope And Outro

Why Judging Others is Causing the Male Loneliness Epidemic | Michael Chernow | Monday Moments 01.06.2026 10min

In this Monday Moments episode, Michael Chernow talks about judgment as a major barrier to connection and a contributor to the growing loneliness epidemic, especially among men. He explains how humans are conditioned to judge, how ego drives judgment as a form of self-protection, and why judging ourselves often leads to judging others just as harshly—something he says social media intensifies through constant comparison. Michael shares his personal experience at 45, including struggling to make new friends after moving upstate from New York City and realizing his harsh judgments were shutting the door on meaningful relationships. By becoming more self-aware and giving people more of a chance, he’s built strong new friendships, and he encourages listeners to notice their instant judgments, pause, and try to see situations from others’ perspectives.

Why Modern Men Feel Lost with Vinny Brusco | Kreatures of Habit 27.05.2026 1godz 6min

Vinny Brusco, founder of Agora Social Club, says the modern-day man is “lost” due to conforming to social norms and losing self-knowledge, and argues men need communities where they can be vulnerable, have meaningful conversations, and pursue health and wellness. He defines a healthier masculinity as controlled, stoic, and self-aware, contrasting it with negative cultural stereotypes and “bad actors” who exploit the term. The conversation covers fatherhood as a mirror for personal growth, routines like bedtime talks and prayer, and the pursuit of inner peace amid hustle culture. Vinny shares a major recommitment to Christian faith on December 5, 2025, describing “micro miracles,” surrender, and struggles with authority and belief. They also discuss sobriety, evolving prayer practices, and Vinny’s crowdfunding efforts for Agora. TIME STAMPS:01:30 The Modern Man is Lost 04:47 Agora Club Mission 09:10 Vulnerability as Strength 16:30 Fatherhood and Love 25:50 Faith Commitment Journey 32:40 Protein Bar Break 36:16 Seeing Jesus In Utah 40:00 Faith In Modern Men 53:30 Commitment to Faith 59:40 Creating Space For Men

Why I’m Exploring Plant Medicine After 21 Years of Sobriety 25.05.2026 13min

Michael Chernow shares how a chaotic, unsafe childhood with a severely ill father left him with deep trauma and an overwhelming fear of becoming terminally ill, especially cancer, which can trigger fast, devastating spirals of anxiety and dissociation that impact his family. Despite 21+ years in recovery and extensive work through prayer, meditation, fitness, 12-step programs, breathwork, and self-development, the fear persists as a constant “low hum.” After a year of researching and interviewing plant-medicine facilitators, he has decided to undertake a two-day guided journey on June 9–10 using either psilocybin alone or psilocybin with MDMA, which his facilitator says can help open the heart and address PTSD/trauma. He emphasizes sobriety remains his top priority and is not endorsing this for others, especially those early in sobriety, and plans to share his experience afterward.

Why Most Couples Fail in Business (And They Didn’t) | Ian & Margaret Wishingrad | Kreatures of Habit 20.05.2026 1godz 6min

Ian and Margaret Wishingrad break down what it actually takes to build a successful business with your spouse without destroying your relationship. As co-founders of Three Wishes, they reveal how their opposing strengths—visionary growth and disciplined execution—became their biggest advantage, not their biggest problem. From early chemistry and humor to real conflict, therapy, and setting boundaries, they share the unfiltered truth about mixing marriage and business at a high level.This episode dives into the origin of Three Wishes, from a trademark rejection to building a category-defining cereal brand focused on higher protein, lower sugar, and better ingredients. They unpack how retail really works, why shelf space is everything, and the early signals that proved the business could win. Beyond business, the conversation goes deep on parenting, building confidence in kids, emotional validation, and why prioritizing family over everything is the only strategy that actually scales long term.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 When Marriage and Business Collide 05:18 Delusion vs Belief in Founders 09:43 Moments That Prove You’re Close 13:06 Dreamer vs Guardrails Dynamic 18:37 Naming Three Wishes Under Pressure 23:22 Retail Is a Real Estate Game 29:38 How They Make It Work Daily 32:18 Strengths, Weaknesses, Growth 34:52 Why You Should Marry Your Best Friend 46:30 Advice for Fathers 49:17 Raising Confident Kids 53:42 Parenting With Intention 58:48 Why Family Comes First 01:01:32 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Them

Mastering Confrontation: The Key to Healthy Relationships | Michael Chernow | Monday Moments 18.05.2026 11min

In this Monday Moments episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow shares why productive confrontation is necessary in relationships and how communication is the foundation of healthy romantic, business, and friendship dynamics. He explains that bottling things up leads to resentment and eventual blow-ups, and encourages addressing issues calmly, clearly, and without aggression. He shares advice from an old friend that whoever raises their voice is wrong, and recounts a recent argument with his wife where choosing to sit in the discomfort helped de-escalate and reconnect. His core message: confront to release and improve communication, not to win.

Why Athletic Brewing Is Winning the NA Beer Market | Bill Shufelt | Kreatures of Habit 13.05.2026 57min

Bill Shufelt, co-founder of Athletic Brewing, shares the full story behind leaving a demanding career in finance to build the #1 non-alcoholic beer company in the United States. After realiziång that traditional success wasn’t delivering fulfillment, he made the decision to quit alcohol—a move that led to major improvements in his productivity, sleep, relationships, and overall clarity. That shift became the foundation for Athletic Brewing, built around the belief that health, performance, and social connection don’t have to come at the expense of each other.In this conversation, Bill breaks down the early days of building Athletic Brewing from nights and weekends into a category-defining brand, including how he identified the health and wellness megatrend before it became mainstream. He talks about the importance of having a strong partner, taking calculated risks, and maintaining optimism while navigating uncertainty as an entrepreneur. The episode also explores the cultural shift toward moderation, how Athletic Brewing helped destigmatize non-alcoholic beer, and why more high performers are rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Bill shares practical insight into balancing leadership of a 300-person company with family life, developing systems for growth and delegation, and what it really takes to walk away from stability to build something meaningful.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 The Pivot: Finance to Non-Alcoholic Beer 01:47 Spotting Trends Before They Explode 02:42 The Decision to Quit Alcohol 03:49 Why Success in Finance Felt Empty 06:26 The Leap: Walking Away from Stability 11:32 The Role of a Strong Partner 14:25 Building the Right Team Early 15:38 Who Actually Thrives in Finance 21:15 Optimism vs Risk in Business 25:05 The First Sign It Would Work 27:39 Selling Out Online—Proof of Demand 28:28 The Gratitude Behind the Movement 32:13 Breaking the Stigma Around Not Drinking 36:32 Moderation as a Lifestyle Shift 41:22 Balancing Business and Family 46:49 Learning to Delegate as a Founder 49:00 Advice for Career Switchers 51:10 Where to Find Athletic Brewing 51:49 Closing Thoughts 52:52 Final Takeaways

Embracing Resilience & Conquering Entrepreneurial Challenges | Michael Chernow | Monday Moments 11.05.2026 12min

In this Monday Moment episode of the Kreatures of Habit podcast, Michael Chernow shares a real-world look at entrepreneurship as a constant cycle of ebbs and flows, where even successful businesses face moments that feel close to the end. He explains that business is ultimately about solving problems for people, but that the work is often harder than it is easy, requiring relentless hustle, fast problem-solving, and sometimes major pivots—something he’s experienced across all of his business endeavors. Michael breaks down why money and communication matter, how building a network of believers can keep a business moving, and why mindset is the deciding factor in performance. His core message: the only thing you have to do perfectly is get back up—and never quit.

Interview Your Parents Before It’s Too Late | Kyle Thiermann | Kreatures of Habit 06.05.2026 1godz 29min

Kyle Thiermann—writer, journalist, big-wave surfer, and podcast host—breaks down why writing is one of the most powerful tools for thinking clearly, processing life, and escaping what he calls “informational grazing.” He explains how writing forces depth in a distracted world, how to build a repeatable creative system, and why analog tools like longhand drafting and structured research still outperform digital shortcuts. The conversation explores how storytelling, curiosity, and asking better questions can transform not only your work, but your relationships—especially when it comes to documenting family history and interviewing your parents before it’s too late.They also go deep on fear and performance. Kyle shares how big-wave surfing trains real-time emotional control, including a near-death hold-down in Ireland, and how that same mindset applies to jiu-jitsu, business, and everyday stress. The episode covers breathwork practices ranging from Wim Hof to rebirthing, the role of somatic experiences, and a grounded, honest take on psychedelics—focusing on intention, caution, and integration rather than hype. You’ll also hear Kyle’s full morning routine, his perspective on creativity in the age of AI, and practical ways to live with more intention, ask better questions, and create a life that’s actually worth writing about.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Why Writing Beats Passive Consumption 03:36 The Truth About Pro Surfing Careers 06:32 Writing Without Self-Censorship 09:36 Why Reporting Improves Writing 13:52 Training Fear Through Big Waves 17:33 Near-Death Wipeout in Ireland 21:23 Breathwork Fundamentals 26:49 Breathwork vs Psychedelics 37:29 Using Psychedelics With Intention 44:43 Morning Routine for Focus 47:22 Creating in the Age of AI 50:06 Better Questions, Better Life 55:11 Navigating Family Trauma 59:39 The Best Questions to Ask 01:07:57 Questions for Depression 01:12:57 Rosebud Thorn Seed Practice 01:16:49 Choosing Fun Over Approval 01:20:29 Capturing Legacy Stories 01:23:23 Where to Find the Book 01:24:02 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

How to Take Control of Your Money and Reach Financial Freedom | Michael Chernow | Monday Moments 04.05.2026 10min

In this Monday Moments episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow shares the practical financial habits he’s built over the last decade, starting with how he raised his credit score from the low 300s—after unpaid parking tickets and a defaulted Sallie Mae student loan—to 847 (near the 850 max). He explains how using a prepaid credit card and consistently reloading and paying it monthly helped him rebuild credit and gain peace of mind and flexibility for financing. Michael also breaks down his automatic money system: weekly $200 crypto investing, monthly transfers to a high-yield tax savings account to avoid tax-time surprises, and monthly contributions to a portfolio account for his children. He emphasizes automation as the key to saving consistently and avoiding “get rich quick” financial scams.

Rewiring the Brain After Trauma w/ Steve White | Kreatures of Habit 29.04.2026 55min

In this powerful episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow sits down with Steve White to unpack a raw story of brain injury, addiction, and a relentless fight back to life. After years of football-related concussions, seizures, cognitive decline, and misdiagnoses, Steve hit a breaking point and made a decision to go “all in” on his recovery.Steve shares why discipline—not motivation—is the foundation of transformation, and how adopting a purpose-driven mindset he calls “hold the keep” became the anchor for his healing. He explains how cynicism shuts down growth and neuroplasticity, while urgency, belief, and focused thinking can accelerate recovery beyond what most people think is possible.The conversation dives into the exact tools and routines that fueled his comeback: daily movement, cold exposure, gratitude walks, brain training, supplementation, and stacking therapies with a team-based approach to health. Steve also discusses building a system for long-term healing and why it’s never too late to take ownership and fight for your life.This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter how far you’ve fallen, transformation is possible—but only if you’re willing to go all in.TIMESTAMPS:02:39 Urgency Builds Neuroplasticity03:49 Steve’s Injury Story04:27 Rock Bottom and Ownership08:26 Mentors and Team Health10:28 Replace Addiction With Discipline18:07 Never Too Late to Fight22:07 Discipline Applied Anywhere24:13 Imagination and Your Path28:17 Manifesting as Discipline31:08 Morning Routine Blueprint34:15 Cold Therapy and Recovery36:31 Brain Hits and Cognitive Gains38:06 Train the Brain Daily40:23 Mind Muscle Connection43:52 Clinic and Home Teams Mission50:51 Purpose Kindness and Never Quitting54:43 Where to Follow and Final Wrap

Why Sleep Is My #1 Performance Tool | Michael Chernow | Monday Moments 27.04.2026 14min

In this Monday Moments episode, Michael Chernow breaks down his exact sleep protocol for consistently getting 7+ hours of high-quality sleep without relying on melatonin. He explains why sleep is his number one tool for recovery, performance, and long-term health, and how dialing in his nighttime routine has improved everything from energy to focus to overall well-being.Michael walks through his full evening system, starting with shutting down work around 6 PM, putting his phone away, and using breathwork to transition from work mode to family time. He shares the specific breathing techniques he uses, his consistent dinner and bedtime schedule, and how he structures his evenings with his family to support better sleep. He also details his full sleep setup, including temperature control, blackout environment, sound management, and tools that help him stay asleep through the night. He explains why he avoids melatonin, how he created a melatonin-free sleep drink instead, and the importance of consistent sleep and wake times. This episode is a practical, no-BS blueprint for anyone looking to improve sleep, recovery, and daily performance.