Podcast Summary: Kreatures Of Habit – “Likeability Isn’t Vain—It’s Vital | Monday Moments”

Host: Michael Chernow
Release Date: September 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In this solo “Monday Moment” episode, host Michael Chernow dives into the importance of likeability, arguing that it’s not a superficial trait but a vital one for personal and professional success. Drawing from his own journey and recent reflections, Michael discusses how being likable impacts our relationships, opportunities, and the overall quality of life. He invites listeners to examine their own likability and offers encouragement—and practical suggestions—to anyone aiming to become more likable.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Likeability

• Michael underscores that likeability isn’t just “nice to have” – it’s a crucial component of success.
  • “Being likable is, in my opinion, so important. It is so important in life. ...being likable also makes life for those around you better.” (00:00)
• Likable people tend to foster positivity, optimism, and good energy, which makes life "just more fun" and positively affects everyone around them.

2. Likeability vs. Skills & Performance

• Working and spending time with likable people often takes precedence over working with the most talented or high-performing individuals.
  • "I personally choose to work with people I like more than people that are the highest performing." (01:48)
• Michael argues this isn’t just his perspective; he believes many others operate this way as well.

3. Self-Awareness & Change

• The host emphasizes that likeability isn’t an innate, immutable trait—it can be cultivated.
  • “With a focus on self-awareness, people that are not likable can change. I've seen it happen, for sure, 100%.” (02:25)
• Becoming more likable often involves:
  • Pausing before speaking.
  • Filtering thoughts and words to avoid offending others.
  • Upping one's "self-awareness barometer."
  • Thinking about how communications are received, not just what is intended.

4. The Ripple Effect of Being Likable

• Michael points out the practical benefits beyond social enjoyment:
  • More friends.
  • Better family and work relationships.
  • More positive, less stressful experiences.
  • Enhanced business and collaboration opportunities.
• “Your experiences in life are going to be more positive and optimistic. You probably won't worry as much as, or stress out as much as people that are unlikable do.” (03:04)

5. Challenging the Unlikable Listener

• For listeners who recognize themselves as "not so likable," Michael encourages honest self-reflection and openness to change.
  • “If the person listening that knows that they're unlikable has stayed on for this long, you can change that. All you gotta do is pause a little bit more, turn the volume up on your self awareness barometer just a little bit more...” (05:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Likeability as Currency:
  “Chances are you are leaving money on the table [if you’re unlikable].” (02:10)

• On Choosing Collaborators:
  “Whether their skill set is extraordinary or not, I tend to think of the people that I like most first.” (01:44)

• On Change:
  “With a focus on self-awareness, people that are not likable can change. I've seen it happen for sure, 100%.” (02:25)

• On Expressing Yourself:
  “Maybe there's a better way for me to explain or express how I am thinking... so that people will like me more.” (04:08)

• On Mafia Metaphor:
  “Don't get whacked, y'all—be the unwackable.” (04:30)

  • Michael uses this tongue-in-cheek moment to illustrate that harming likable people is fundamentally difficult—even in extreme, fictional circumstances.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 | Importance of likeability and its impact on fun, positivity, and relationships
• 01:44 | Choosing likable people over highly skilled but unlikable collaborators
• 02:10 | Unlikable people potentially missing out on opportunities (“leaving money on the table”)
• 02:25 | Self-awareness as the key to becoming more likable
• 03:04 | Direct benefits of being likable on life, stress, and relationships
• 04:08 | Adjusting communication to be received in a more likable way
• 04:30 | Mafia metaphor for likability (“Don’t get whacked, be the unwackable”)
• 05:05 | Final challenge to listeners and practical steps to become more likable

Tone & Style

Michael speaks with warmth, directness, and an encouraging spirit, blending personal anecdotes, humor, and motivational advice. He leverages relatable metaphors and maintains an optimistic, supportive tone throughout.

Takeaway

Likeability isn’t vain; it’s vital: It enriches your life, relationships, and career. By cultivating greater self-awareness and actively considering how we come across to others, we can all become a little more likable—and “be the unwackable.”