Kreatures Of Habit Podcast

In this Monday Moments episode, Michael Chernow talks about judgment as a major barrier to connection and a contributor to the growing loneliness epidemic, especially among men. He explains how humans are conditioned to judge, how ego drives judgment as a form of self-protection, and why judging ourselves often leads to judging others just as harshly—something he says social media intensifies through constant comparison. Michael shares his personal experience at 45, including struggling to make new friends after moving upstate from New York City and realizing his harsh judgments were shutting the door on meaningful relationships. By becoming more self-aware and giving people more of a chance, he’s built strong new friendships, and he encourages listeners to notice their instant judgments, pause, and try to see situations from others’ perspectives.

Vinny Brusco, founder of Agora Social Club, says the modern-day man is “lost” due to conforming to social norms and losing self-knowledge, and argues men need communities where they can be vulnerable, have meaningful conversations, and pursue health and wellness. He defines a healthier masculinity as controlled, stoic, and self-aware, contrasting it with negative cultural stereotypes and “bad actors” who exploit the term. 

The conversation covers fatherhood as a mirror for personal growth, routines like bedtime talks and prayer, and the pursuit of inner peace amid hustle culture. Vinny shares a major recommitment to Christian faith on December 5, 2025, describing “micro miracles,” surrender, and struggles with authority and belief. They also discuss sobriety, evolving prayer practices, and Vinny’s crowdfunding efforts for Agora. 

TIME STAMPS:
01:30 The Modern Man is Lost 
04:47 Agora Club Mission 
09:10 Vulnerability as Strength 
16:30 Fatherhood and Love 
25:50 Faith Commitment Journey 
32:40 Protein Bar Break 
36:16 Seeing Jesus In Utah 
40:00 Faith In Modern Men 
53:30 Commitment to Faith 
59:40 Creating Space For Men

Michael Chernow shares how a chaotic, unsafe childhood with a severely ill father left him with deep trauma and an overwhelming fear of becoming terminally ill, especially cancer, which can trigger fast, devastating spirals of anxiety and dissociation that impact his family. Despite 21+ years in recovery and extensive work through prayer, meditation, fitness, 12-step programs, breathwork, and self-development, the fear persists as a constant “low hum.”
After a year of researching and interviewing plant-medicine facilitators, he has decided to undertake a two-day guided journey on June 9–10 using either psilocybin alone or psilocybin with MDMA, which his facilitator says can help open the heart and address PTSD/trauma. He emphasizes sobriety remains his top priority and is not endorsing this for others, especially those early in sobriety, and plans to share his experience afterward.

Ian and Margaret Wishingrad break down what it actually takes to build a successful business with your spouse without destroying your relationship. As co-founders of Three Wishes, they reveal how their opposing strengths—visionary growth and disciplined execution—became their biggest advantage, not their biggest problem. From early chemistry and humor to real conflict, therapy, and setting boundaries, they share the unfiltered truth about mixing marriage and business at a high level.This episode dives into the origin of Three Wishes, from a trademark rejection to building a category-defining cereal brand focused on higher protein, lower sugar, and better ingredients. They unpack how retail really works, why shelf space is everything, and the early signals that proved the business could win. Beyond business, the conversation goes deep on parenting, building confidence in kids, emotional validation, and why prioritizing family over everything is the only strategy that actually scales long term.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 When Marriage and Business Collide 05:18 Delusion vs Belief in Founders 09:43 Moments That Prove You’re Close 13:06 Dreamer vs Guardrails Dynamic 18:37 Naming Three Wishes Under Pressure 23:22 Retail Is a Real Estate Game 29:38 How They Make It Work Daily 32:18 Strengths, Weaknesses, Growth 34:52 Why You Should Marry Your Best Friend 46:30 Advice for Fathers 49:17 Raising Confident Kids 53:42 Parenting With Intention 58:48 Why Family Comes First 01:01:32 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Them

In this Monday Moments episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow shares why productive confrontation is necessary in relationships and how communication is the foundation of healthy romantic, business, and friendship dynamics. He explains that bottling things up leads to resentment and eventual blow-ups, and encourages addressing issues calmly, clearly, and without aggression. He shares advice from an old friend that whoever raises their voice is wrong, and recounts a recent argument with his wife where choosing to sit in the discomfort helped de-escalate and reconnect. His core message: confront to release and improve communication, not to win.