Pursuit of Wellness: "Sobriety, Fitness, Gratitude: The Tools That Built Michael Chernow’s Life"

Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: Mari Llewellyn
Guest: Michael Chernow

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Pursuit of Wellness, host Mari Llewellyn sits down with Michael Chernow, a New York City-based restauranteur, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate. Michael shares his transformative journey from battling addiction to achieving sobriety, and how fitness, gratitude, and a steadfast commitment to wellness have shaped his life and businesses.

Michael's Journey: From Addiction to Sobriety

Michael opens up about his tumultuous path through addiction, detailing his struggles with substances from a young age.

• Early Addiction and Struggles:

  • [00:00] Michael recounts, "I died, overdosed on heroin and came back to life," illustrating the severity of his addiction and his near-death experience.
  • [05:05] He emphasizes, "Change is possible for anyone and everyone," using his own life as evidence.

• Critical Turning Point:

  • [17:10] Michael describes a pivotal moment when he was fired from his job due to his addiction: "That was it. I don't know how it was like...four hours later, I was using again."
  • [20:26] The intervention by Karen and Marcus was instrumental. Michael reflects, "Marcus changed my whole entire life," highlighting the importance of support systems in recovery.

• Commitment to Sobriety:

  • [26:23] Michael discusses the structure of 12-step programs: "There's a lot of things that you have to do...it doesn't have to be...eat well, move your body...and have a connection to a higher power."

Tools for Wellness: Fitness, Nutrition, Gratitude, and Prayer

Michael delves into the essential tools that have supported his wellness journey.

• Fitness as a Lifeline:

  • [37:46] Michael explains, "Fitness saves. And had saved my life," detailing how physical activity became a cornerstone of his recovery.
  • [40:43] He introduces the "three Cs" of wellness—Commitment, Confidence, and Courage—stressing that "commitment is the gateway to happiness."

• Nutrition and Gut Health:

  • [73:02] Michael shares his holistic approach to nutrition, incorporating gut health to combat chronic Lyme disease: "I've got chronic Lyme disease. So the Lyme has really suppressed my immune system."
  • [75:30] He emphasizes the importance of gut health: "The immune system really, really does reside predominantly in the gut."

• Gratitude and Prayer:

  • [31:34] Michael highlights his daily prayer routine: "The one thing that I have done without fail, over the last 20 years is pray."
  • [33:39] He articulates the non-religious aspect of his prayer practice: "It's not a religious thing for me. It's an ask for help."

Entrepreneurship: Founding Meatball Shop and Seymour's

Michael recounts his entrepreneurial ventures, illustrating how his experiences informed his business strategies.

• Meatball Shop:

  • [55:10] Michael narrates his entrepreneurial spirit from a young age: "I've thought entrepreneurially kind of my whole life."
  • [59:07] He details the success of Meatball Shop, noting, "We had six locations in the city...People were waiting four hours to eat meatballs at the meatball shop."

• Seymour's:

  • [60:37] Transitioning from Meatball Shop, Michael founded Seymour's, a sustainable seafood restaurant: "I wanted to create a healthy restaurant that...people can go on dates there and not feel like they're going to walk out with dreadlocks."
  • [64:26] The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges, prompting Michael to pivot his business strategy.

Current Ventures: Creatures of Habit

Michael introduces his latest venture, Creatures of Habit, a brand focused on wellness through nutrition.

• Inception of Creatures of Habit:

  • [70:20] Michael shares the inspiration behind his product: "Creatures of Habit... I committed to it. And I began the journey of creating Creatures of Habit because I thought...I can tell my story that change is possible 100%."

• Product Details:

  • [73:12] The product features gluten and glyphosate-free oats with added protein: "It's a blend of gluten and glyphosate free oats, 30 grams of protein, plant protein...super tasty and super satiating."

• Personal Health and Product Development:

  • [75:30] Michael discusses overcoming gut health issues through his product: "Chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds...doesn't mess with my digestion."
  • [78:39] He emphasizes the authenticity of his product development: "There's nothing I feel more connected to and authentic about than what I fuel my body with every single day."

Wellness Philosophy: Balance, Commitment, Confidence, Courage

Michael articulates his comprehensive philosophy on wellness, underscoring the importance of balance and self-care.

• Balance as Key:

  • [84:36] Michael defines wellness as, "It's about balance," explaining how he structures his day to maintain harmony between self-care, family, and business.
  • [85:01] He states, "Wellness and happiness are kind of one and the same," emphasizing the need for boundaries to achieve personal well-being.

• Commitment to Daily Wins:

  • [41:36] The "three Cs" framework: "Commitment, Confidence, and Courage." Michael elaborates how consistent daily actions build confidence and courage.
  • [45:10] He advises, "The wins that we control, the little ones, are the ones that make the biggest impact."

• Endurance and Resilience:

  • [50:04] Michael stresses endurance as a critical trait for entrepreneurs and individuals alike: "Endurance is key...just stay in the game, no matter how hard it gets."

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Michael Chernow's journey is a testament to the transformative power of wellness practices and resilience. From overcoming severe addiction to building successful businesses centered around health and nutrition, his story offers profound insights and actionable advice.

• Notable Quotes:

  • [37:46] "Fitness saves. And had saved my life."
  • [31:34] "The one thing that I have done without fail, over the last 20 years is pray."
  • [85:01] "Wellness and happiness are kind of one and the same."

• Actionable Advice:

  • Establish a daily routine that includes physical activity, proper nutrition, and moments of gratitude or prayer.
  • Focus on small, consistent wins to build confidence and maintain momentum.
  • Seek support systems and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

• Philosophical Insights:

  • Wellness is defined by balance and the ability to set boundaries.
  • Endurance and commitment are crucial for both personal growth and entrepreneurial success.

Where to Find Michael Chernow

• Website: creatureshabit.com
• Social Media: Follow Michael on social platforms under the handle @MichaelChernow
• Podcast: Creatures of Habit Podcast – Focused on habits, rituals, and routines of inspiring individuals.

Michael Chernow’s story on Pursuit of Wellness serves as an inspiring guide for anyone seeking to transform their life through wellness, resilience, and purposeful living.