Podcast Summary

Podcast: Kreatures Of Habit Podcast
Host: Michael Chernow
Episode: Feeling Lonely? This Simple Habit Will Change Your Life Forever.
Date: October 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this brief, personal episode, host Michael Chernow addresses what he calls a “loneliness crisis,” especially among men, and explores how a simple action—saying hello—can form the basis of meaningful connections and profoundly improve happiness. Drawing from his own observations and a famous Harvard study, Michael encourages listeners to break social barriers by initiating greetings in daily life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Loneliness Crisis and the Power of Connection

• Michael opens by highlighting a widespread sense of loneliness, especially among men of his age.
  • “There is a loneliness crisis happening, specifically with men my age in the world.” (00:00)
• He observes that people often refrain from greeting others, even in familiar settings like the gym, workspace hallways, or their neighborhood.

The Simplicity and Importance of Saying Hello

• Michael reflects on childhood lessons that prioritized greetings:
  • “As little kids, we were taught hello, goodbye, and thank you. Those are the things.” (00:43)
• Despite this early learning, adults often avoid even basic social gestures like saying hello, with Michael admitting he’s guilty of it himself.

Missed Opportunities for Meaningful Relationships

• Michael recounts a personal anecdote:
  • He’d regularly seen the same person in his town but never spoken to them. He finally said hello, struck up a conversation, and discovered they had much in common, potentially sparking a valuable friendship.
  • “I just stopped myself on the street and I said, hey... it’s ridiculous that I haven’t said hello to you… Boom, created a relationship.” (02:09)
• He suggests that these small acts can open doors to relationships that may otherwise never have developed.

Research-Backed Value of Personal Relationships

• Michael cites the long-running Harvard study on happiness:
  • “The quality of personal relationships, or lack thereof, will dictate your overall happiness in life.” (01:38)
  • He stresses that fulfillment comes more from relationships than from wealth or possessions.

Habits to Foster Connection

• Michael shares easy, actionable steps:
  • Say hello, smile, wave, or high five people you pass on the street or in the gym.
  • He practices this on his runs, getting positive responses especially in his own town (but less so in New York City).
  • “When I go for a run... every single time I pass a car, I throw up my hand to wave. And nine out of 10 times I get a wave back.” (03:40)

Self-Reflection and Overcoming Social Hesitancy

• He encourages listeners to examine their own reluctance:
  • “Why haven’t you just said hello to that person? Why hasn’t that person said hello to me?... Well, probably the same reason that you haven’t said hello to them.” (05:03)
• Michael calls on his audience to be the one who “breaks the ice” and initiates connection.

Building Relationships as a Life and Business Asset

• Being “likable” and fostering relationships is a major advantage in business and life.
  • “Being likable is a massive asset. It’s just a massive asset... The people that succeed in business long term put relationships as a priority.” (06:04)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the core message:
  • “Say hello. Smile, throw your hand up, high five somebody as you’re walking down the street. Just connect. Just connect. It is going to make your day better, your hour better, your life better. This is what we were born to do.” (02:56)
• On relationship-building:
  • “You could say, why haven’t I said hello to that person? This is an awesome opportunity for me to develop a relationship. Or you could say, man, that person sucks. Why have they never said hello to me?” (05:20)
• On likability:
  • “I’ve said it before... being likable is a massive asset.” (06:15)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Loneliness crisis and importance of hello — 00:00–01:30
• Harvard study: happiness and relationships — 01:38–02:00
• Personal anecdote about saying hello — 02:09–03:20
• Developing the hello habit (gym, running, city vs. suburb) — 03:40–04:30
• Self-reflection & the glass half-full perspective — 05:03–05:40
• Being likable and business success — 06:04–06:30

Final Takeaway

Michael Chernow’s “Monday Moment” episode centers on a fundamental, practical habit: greeting those around you. He powerfully argues that saying hello is more than courtesy—it’s a transformative practice that can combat loneliness, spark new relationships, and boost lifelong happiness. While simple, this habit holds the power to reshape personal and professional lives.
Actionable advice: This week, take the first step—say hello, make eye contact, smile, and see what connections you can create.