Michael Chernow's Journey with Addiction, Recovery, and Redemption | Kreatures of Habit x Rich Roll
Michael Chernow returns to the Kreatures of Habit Podcast to share the full, unfiltered story of his transformation, from addiction and childhood trauma to sobriety, fatherhood, and building multiple successful businesses.
Originally shared on The Rich Roll Podcast, this conversation goes deeper than ever. Michael opens up about the darkest moments of his life, the turning points that changed everything, and the daily habits, structure, and discipline that helped him rebuild from the ground up.
He breaks down:
His battle with addiction and the road to sobriety
How daily structure creates long-term freedom
The role of fitness, martial arts, and breath-work in healing trauma
Building culture-first businesses like The Meatball Shop, Seamore’s, and Kreatures of Habit
Why small wins compound into massive life change
Advice for anyone struggling or starting over
This episode is for anyone who feels behind, broken, or stuck — and needs proof that it’s never too late to change your life.
Whether you’re navigating recovery, entrepreneurship, or personal growth, Michael’s story is a powerful reminder that discipline creates clarity, and habits shape destiny.
TIME STAMPS
00:00 – Introduction & Why This Episode Matters
04:20 – Addiction, Recovery, and Choosing Sobriety
25:19 – Childhood Trauma & Early Life
38:14 – Entering the Restaurant Industry
52:23 – It’s Never Too Late to Change
53:10 – Fitness, Martial Arts & Mental Discipline
01:03:12 – Facing Fear Through Discipline
01:10:04 – A Father’s Unwavering Belief
01:27:42 – Building a Restaurant Empire
01:39:53 – Culture First: The Real Secret to Success
01:49:15 – The Origin of Kreatures of Habit
02:06:17 – The Power of Small Wins
02:13:33 – Breathwork, Trauma & Emotional Healing
02:39:31 – Advice for Anyone Struggling
02:42:40 – Final Thoughts & Gratitude
