Kreatures Of Habit Podcast: Sobriety, Startups, and Showing Up with Aug11 Founder Johnathan Person
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of the Kreatures Of Habit podcast, host Michael Chernow engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Johnathan Person, the founder of Aug11, an apparel brand. The discussion navigates through themes of sobriety, the entrepreneurial journey, and the pivotal role of habits and routines in achieving personal and professional success. Both Michael and Johnathan share their personal stories of sobriety, the challenges they've overcome, and how these experiences have shaped their approaches to business and life.
Sobriety: A Journey of Transformation
The episode opens with both Michael and Johnathan emphasizing the significance of sobriety in their lives. They candidly discuss their 21-year and 14-year sobriety milestones, respectively, highlighting the profound impact that maintaining sobriety has had on their personal growth and professional endeavors.
Johnathan Person reflects on the introspective nature of entrepreneurship:
"One of the coolest things about running this brand, and I'm sure you can relate to this about being an entrepreneur, it's less and less about, like, how my company's doing. It's become more and more about the growth of me as a man." ([00:00])
Both speakers underscore the misconception that sobriety limits one's ability to enjoy life. They share anecdotes demonstrating how sobriety has not only been achievable but has enhanced their social interactions and overall happiness.
Michael Chernow adds:
"Sobriety is fucking awesome." ([02:43])
This bold affirmation serves as a beacon of hope for listeners struggling with addiction, illustrating that a fulfilling life is attainable through commitment and disciplined habits.
Challenges of Sobriety and Addiction
The conversation delves deeper into the struggles associated with addiction, particularly for individuals who outwardly appear to be thriving. Michael poignantly describes individuals who seem "Mr. Happy, Go Lucky, charismatic" but are battling internal turmoil due to addiction.
Johnathan Person shares his personal challenges with nicotine addiction, despite long-term sobriety:
"From that one cigarette, it's been back and forth on nicotine since then. I should have just stayed stopped." ([15:09])
Both speakers discuss the neurological aspects of addiction, referencing Dr. Russell Swarovski, a neurologist specializing in addiction. They highlight how addiction alters the brain's dopamine system, making recovery a complex interplay of biological and psychological factors.
Habits and Routines: The Backbone of Success
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the morning and evening routines that Michael and Johnathan have cultivated to maintain sobriety and drive their entrepreneurial ventures.
Johnathan Person outlines his disciplined morning routine:
"First thing I do, make a cup of coffee, black Americano. Fill up a Stanley full of water with some Baja Gold sea salt... I do it every single day." ([26:30])
He emphasizes the importance of intentionality in daily practices, such as reading specific books, setting goals, affirmations, and prayers. This structured approach not only supports his sobriety but also enhances his focus and productivity.
Johnathan also introduces his unique nighttime routine, the "Five by Five":
"I will journal for five minutes... pray for five minutes, stretch for five minutes, and then go to bed. And then I read a minimum of five pages." ([34:09])
This routine helps him declutter his mind, manage anxiety, and prepare mentally for the next day, showcasing the powerful role of consistent habits in personal well-being.
Entrepreneurship and Aug11: Growth Through Self-Reflection
Transitioning to the entrepreneurial aspect, Johnathan Person shares the founding story of Aug11, an apparel brand deeply rooted in his personal experiences and aspirations.
He recounts a pivotal moment in jail that compelled him to choose sobriety, leading to the birth of his entrepreneurial spirit:
"If something doesn't work, it is because of me. So I have to face the hardest parts about myself and be brutally honest with myself..." ([37:36])
Johnathan discusses the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining personal integrity and growth. He highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with the right team and the difficult decision to delegate the CEO role to someone better suited, demonstrating humility and strategic thinking.
"If you can recognize that, I feel like that's a very strong skill set to have, is to recognize when you're a bottleneck and be able to let go of that." ([42:40])
The conversation underscores the symbiotic relationship between personal development and business success, illustrating how self-improvement directly influences the trajectory of one's entrepreneurial ventures.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Listeners
Towards the end of the episode, both speakers impart valuable lessons on maintaining balance between personal well-being and business ambitions. They advocate for the importance of systems over sheer willpower, the necessity of perfection in product development, and the courage to adapt and delegate when scaling a business.
Johnathan Person advises aspiring entrepreneurs:
"If you start an apparel brand or you start anything, you think you have to start with one product and then expand out into a lot of products quickly. Focus on one thing that you do really well and fucking dial that in as much as you can." ([55:25])
This pragmatic approach emphasizes quality over quantity, encouraging listeners to master their core offerings before diversifying.
Closing Thoughts
The episode concludes with both Michael and Johnathan expressing gratitude for their sobriety and entrepreneurial journeys. They emphasize the importance of community support, consistent habits, and the relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth.
Michael Chernow passionately advocates for substance abuse prevention:
"We've raised a lot of money over the last few years for substance abuse prevention. Taking people that are struggling, that don't have the means to get into treatment. We pay for their treatment and it's been an incredible journey." ([56:58])
The final message is one of hope and empowerment, encouraging listeners to believe in their capacity to overcome challenges and build fulfilling lives through disciplined habits and unwavering commitment.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Johnathan Person: "One of the coolest things about running this brand... it's become more and more about the growth of me as a man." ([00:00])
- Michael Chernow: "Sobriety is fucking awesome." ([02:43])
- Johnathan Person: "If something doesn't work, it is because of me. So I have to face the hardest parts about myself..." ([37:36])
- Johnathan Person: "If you start an apparel brand... focus on one thing that you do really well and fucking dial that in as much as you can." ([55:25])
Conclusion
This episode of the Kreatures Of Habit podcast offers a profound exploration of how sobriety and disciplined habits can serve as pillars for both personal fulfillment and entrepreneurial success. Through authentic storytelling and practical advice, Michael Chernow and Johnathan Person provide listeners with actionable insights and inspiration to cultivate their own habits, overcome challenges, and pursue their aspirations with resilience and integrity.