Kreatures Of Habit Podcast

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.

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

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.

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 Neuroplasticity
03:49 Steve’s Injury Story
04:27 Rock Bottom and Ownership
08:26 Mentors and Team Health
10:28 Replace Addiction With Discipline
18:07 Never Too Late to Fight
22:07 Discipline Applied Anywhere
24:13 Imagination and Your Path
28:17 Manifesting as Discipline
31:08 Morning Routine Blueprint
34:15 Cold Therapy and Recovery
36:31 Brain Hits and Cognitive Gains
38:06 Train the Brain Daily
40:23 Mind Muscle Connection
43:52 Clinic and Home Teams Mission
50:51 Purpose Kindness and Never Quitting
54:43 Where to Follow and Final Wrap

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.