Kreatures Of Habit Podcast: "Action Cultivates Excellence with David Reggina" Summary

Release Date: April 16, 2025
Host: Michael Chernow
Guest: David Reggina

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Kreatures Of Habit Podcast, host Michael Chernow engages in a profound conversation with David Reggina, the founder of Action Cultivates Excellence (ACE). The discussion delves deep into David's personal battles, his journey toward wellness, and his mission to empower men through vulnerability and community engagement.

Overcoming Personal Struggles

Body Dysmorphia and Crohn's Disease

David opens up about his lifelong struggle with body dysmorphia and his diagnosis of Crohn's disease at the age of 16. Despite outward appearances of strength—standing at 6'2" and maintaining 10-12% body fat—David battles internal insecurities rooted in his health challenges.

"I'm grateful every day. I do think that individuals, we all have a reason to be unhappy. But you don't have a right to be unhappy because 170,000 people did not wake up today, but you and I did."
— David Reggina [00:00]

David recounts the severe impact of Crohn's disease during his high school years, including significant weight loss and frequent hospitalizations. The emotional toll was exacerbated by a tumultuous home environment, with his mother's struggle with addiction adding to his stress.

"With the Crohn's, it could affect the small intestine, the large intestine, and the esophagus. They don't really know how it came about."
— David Reggina [04:20]

Faith and Mindset

Gratitude and Positive Thinking

A recurring theme in David's narrative is gratitude and the power of a positive mindset. He emphasizes that while everyone has reasons to feel unhappy, choosing gratitude can shift one's perspective dramatically.

"Whatever is going on in your life, it's a reason to be unhappy. But it does not give us the right because reality is, we know how life could be so short."
— David Reggina [00:00]

Michael Chernow resonates with this sentiment, sharing his own realization of gratitude during a walk in Midtown, New York City.

"Be grateful for what you have, bro. Like, life is hard. It just is hard."
— Michael Chernow [07:02]

Separation of Mind and Heart

David discusses his method of separating his mind from his heart to manage fear and negativity. By focusing on faith and purpose, he avoids getting bogged down by the "protective mode" of his mind.

"Your mind is based off of protective mode and fear stories... in your heart, that's derived from passion and purpose and intuitive thinking."
— David Reggina [12:30]

Morning Routine and Daily Habits

Structured Preparation

David's morning routine is meticulously structured the night before, embodying his belief that "proper preparation prevents poor performance."

• Hydration: Starts with 42 ounces of water with an electrolyte packet.
• Positive Affirmations: Listens to Joel Osteen for 30 minutes to set a positive tone.
• Spiritual Reading: Reads two to three pages of "Every Man's Bible," focusing on adversity faced by men.
• Physical Wellness: Engages in a rigorous workout session followed by a 20-minute sauna and a cold shower.

"The no Snooze podcast. The first opportunity that you have in the morning is to say, I'm not going to snooze on my life."
— David Reggina [18:21]

Cold Showers and Physical Resilience

Emphasizing simplicity and resilience, David explains his approach to cold showers as a means to "set himself straight" and boost mental fortitude.

"The cold didn't get warmer. I just got stronger."
— David Reggina [23:05]

Journey to Wellness and Podcasting

From Adversity to Action

David credits his diagnosis and the challenges that followed as catalysts for his interest in health and wellness. This journey led him to explore various diets and wellness practices, eventually becoming an expert in managing his condition.

"What got me into wellness was like, being diagnosed with that... I started studying my body and what works for me."
— David Reggina [09:14]

Therapy and Inspirational Podcasts

A turning point in David's life came through therapy and the influence of motivational podcasts led by figures like Ed Mylett and Tony Robbins. These resources inspired him to transform his life by adopting actionable steps toward personal development.

"Podcasting really changed my life in general because I was always listening to rap music... I started listening to podcasts while I worked out."
— David Reggina [26:43]

Founding Action Cultivates Excellence (ACE)

Bridging Masculinity and Vulnerability

Together with his partner Sean Degnan, David founded Action Cultivates Excellence to create a safe space for men to express vulnerability and share their struggles. ACE focuses on fostering community, encouraging men to overcome personal challenges through openness and support.

"We believe that the modern leader, the man of today, is strongest when you bridge the gap between masculinity and vulnerability."
— David Reggina [35:44]

Community-Driven Success

ACE has rapidly grown, hosting over 20 events and multiple retreats within a year and a half. The organization emphasizes that vulnerability is strength, allowing men to connect deeply, share their stories, and support each other's growth.

"If you're struggling, no matter how old you are, this is something you can change."
— David Reggina [39:42]

Insights on Overcoming Negativity

Choosing Positivity Over Resentment

Both Michael and David discuss the importance of choosing how to perceive and talk about life's challenges. Reggina advises against dwelling on negativity or seeking validation for one's struggles, advocating instead for focusing on solutions and maintaining a positive outlook.

"If you complain, you'll remain. If you praise, you will raise."
— David Reggina [40:30]

Biblical Inspirations

Drawing parallels with the biblical story of David and Goliath, David Reggina highlights how focusing on one's strengths and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

"The thing that could be the biggest challenge in front of you, that's what made him King Goliath."
— David Reggina [45:40]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Michael Chernow expressing deep gratitude for David's openness and the impactful work of ACE. He encourages listeners to engage with ACE Sanctuary for transformative experiences that go beyond physical fitness, emphasizing the profound personal growth that comes from embracing vulnerability and community support.

"This podcast is not a recovery podcast. But I'm only here because of recovery."
— David Reggina [32:12]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• David Reggina [00:00]: "I'm grateful every day... but you don't have a right to be unhappy because 170,000 people did not wake up today."

• Michael Chernow [07:02]: "Be grateful for what you have... life is hard. It just is hard."

• David Reggina [12:30]: "Your mind is based off of protective mode and fear stories... in your heart, that's derived from passion and purpose and intuitive thinking."

• David Reggina [18:21]: "The first opportunity that you have in the morning is to say, I'm not going to snooze on my life."

• David Reggina [23:05]: "The cold didn't get warmer. I just got stronger."

• David Reggina [35:44]: "We believe that the modern leader, the man of today, is strongest when you bridge the gap between masculinity and vulnerability."

• David Reggina [40:30]: "If you complain, you'll remain. If you praise, you will raise."

• David Reggina [45:40]: "The thing that could be the biggest challenge in front of you, that's what made him King Goliath."

Final Thoughts

David Reggina's story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and intentional habit formation. Through Action Cultivates Excellence, he is making significant strides in redefining masculinity by encouraging vulnerability and community support among men. This episode serves as an inspiring guide for listeners seeking to cultivate excellence in their own lives through consistent habits and a positive mindset.

For more insights and to follow David's journey, listeners can connect with him on Instagram @daveredge and explore Action Cultivates Excellence at ACESanctuary.

Thank you for tuning into the Kreatures Of Habit Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review to support the show and help it reach more individuals seeking transformation through habitual excellence.