Podcast Summary: Kreatures Of Habit Podcast

Episode: This 21-Day Habit Shift Can Change Your Entire 2026
Host: Michael Chernow
Date: December 29, 2025

Overview

In this episode, host Michael Chernow discusses the cultural phenomenon and personal significance of New Year’s resolutions, and introduces Creatures of Habit’s brand-new 21-Day Habit Challenge for 2026. He explores why resolutions often fail, shares his own experiences with habits—both positive and negative—and unveils a partnership with habit coach Brian Ford and the Release Recovery Foundation. Michael invites listeners to join a supportive community to make sustainable habit changes and highlights the charitable impact this can have.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The New Year’s Resolution Dilemma

• [00:00] Michael acknowledges the energy around New Year's resolutions, recognizing their reputation as fleeting and often unsuccessful.
  • "Over the years ... New Year's resolutions have been given a bad rap ... because a lot of people make these massive resolutions and then ... fall off. I'm also [a] culprit of that." — Michael Chernow [00:01]
• He identifies common reasons for failure:
  • Trying to change in the same environment, with the same people.
  • Biting off too much at once and crumbling under the pressure.

2. The Power and Practice of Habit

• Michael stresses the accessibility and transformative nature of habits:
  • "If you want to make a change in the new year, I am giving you the permission and the encouragement that it is 100% totally possible." — Michael Chernow [00:02]
• Habits, both positive and negative, have defined his life.
  • "My habits almost killed me until I made a decision to change my bad habits for good ones. And, and they've given me a foundation to build the life I'm living today upon." — Michael Chernow [00:05]

3. The 21-Day Habit Challenge

• Challenge Details:
  • Starts first Monday of the new year: January 5th, 2026.
  • Free to join via the Creatures of Habit private Facebook group.
  • Focus areas: Nutrition, Fitness, Sleep & Recovery, Mindfulness.
  • Members use a habit tracker to monitor progress.
  • Emphasis on community accountability and self-competition:
    • "The best person to compete against is yourself." — Michael Chernow [00:04]
  • Duration debate:
    • "Some people say 21 days, some people say 90 days, some people say two years ... Who knows ... but what I'm here to tell you is that habits changed my life." — Michael Chernow [00:04]

4. Community & Support

• Creatures of Habit isn’t just about the products: it’s about community.
  • "We have built an amazing community of people that are just there to be a little bit better." — Michael Chernow [00:03]
  • The goal is progress, not perfection; striving for one’s best self daily.

5. Partnership with Brian Ford and the New Year for Good Initiative

• Charity Component:
  • Partnership with habit coach Brian Ford.
  • Launch of New Year For Good, raising funds for Release Recovery Foundation (supporting those in recovery from addiction).
  • Donation ask: $50—100% goes to the foundation.
  • Incentive: Brian Ford acts as your personal habit accountability coach through the challenge.
    • "That is an unbelievably incredible deal ... for a $50 donation where 100% ... goes towards the Release Recovery Foundation." — Michael Chernow [00:08]
  • Instructions to participate and links provided in show notes.

6. Michael’s 2026 Goals

• Shares personal transparency on his own ambitions for 2026:
  • Compete in two High Rocks events.
  • Run the New York City Marathon (after missing it the previous year for surgery).
  • Double Creatures of Habit revenue.
  • "Our plan is to really try to double revenue in 2026. That is a massive goal for us. It's time. Creatures is here." — Michael Chernow [00:13]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "There’s no better time to start a new habit than right now. But January 1st tends to be the day ... to help [people] be better versions of themselves." — Michael Chernow [00:10]
• "The mission of Creatures of Habit was to really be of service and help people be better human beings." — Michael Chernow [00:14]
• "My habits really, really were the almost the end, but then ultimately ... became the beginning of a life lived beyond my wildest dreams." — Michael Chernow [00:15]

Important Segments & Timestamps

| Topic/Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------|------------| | Critique of New Year’s resolutions | 00:00-02:00| | Habits: personal story and universal lesson | 00:04-06:00| | Launch of 21-Day Habit Challenge | 00:06-07:00| | Community and self-improvement philosophy | 00:07-09:00| | Partnership with Brian Ford/New Year for Good | 00:09-11:30| | Release Recovery Foundation details | 00:11-12:30| | Michael's personal goals for 2026 | 00:12:30-14:00| | Mission and closing thoughts | 00:14:00-end|

Takeaways for Listeners

• The 21-Day Habit Challenge is designed to give structure and support for anyone looking to start the new year with intention.
• Progress is measured against your past self, not others.
• Community and accountability are crucial for sustainability.
• Giving back—via the New Year for Good initiative—makes the habit journey about more than just personal goals; it uplifts others in need.
• Michael continues to model transparency and commitment, both to his audience and his own self-improvement.

How to Get Involved

• Join the 21-Day Challenge: Entry via Creatures of Habit private Facebook group (link in show notes).
• Donate & Get Accountability Coaching: $50 to Release Recovery Foundation gets you access to personal coaching from Brian Ford (links in show notes).

Michael leaves listeners with encouragement and gratitude, wishing the community a happy holiday and a transformative New Year.