Man of the Year - Champions of Friendship

In this episode, we tackle the challenges of navigating friend group dynamics when different social circles collide. Should you keep them separate to avoid awkwardness, merge them into one big happy group, or find a balance somewhere in between? We explore the pros and cons of each approach, share tips for managing potential conflicts, and discuss how to create a space where everyone feels comfortable. Whether you're planning a party, introducing new friends, or dealing with unexpected overlap, we've got you covered! Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and X Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and X

Tonight is Karo and Matt’s Super Bowl – their annual dinner at Peter Luger in Brooklyn with their childhood friends at which the iconic Man of the Year trophy will be awarded. The guys discuss the origins of the trophy, the importance of creating rituals with your buddies, and Karo jumps the gun by referring to this as their 22nd annual dinner, when it’s actually only the 21st... Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and X Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and X

We have a viewpoint on the pod that you are better served to assume the best of intentions for your friends even when they mess up. It's the better way to friend. Why, well here are just a few reasons: Trust is the foundation of any strong friendship. Assuming the best helps to maintain and build trust between you and your friends. Enhances Communication: When you assume the best, you're more likely to communicate openly and honestly, fostering better understanding and resolving conflicts more easily. Promotes Positivity: A positive outlook can lead to a more optimistic and supportive social circle, benefiting everyone involved. Reduces Misunderstandings: Misinterpreting a friend's actions or words negatively can lead to unnecessary conflicts. Assuming the best helps to prevent such misunderstandings. Encourages Support: Believing in your friends' good intentions can make you more supportive and empathetic, strengthening the bond between you. #maleadultfriendship #scaredtobevulnerable #adultfriendship #socialfitness #howtomakefriends Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and X Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and X

This podcast was inspired by the world’s greatest friendship ritual – Karo and Matt’s annual Man of the Year dinner with their childhood friends. But how can you incorporate rituals into your everyday friendships? The guys share some best practices, and Matt recounts his recent trip to Medieval Times, which apparently still exists. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and X Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and X

We recorded this before the election so we have no idea who won, but we wanted to discuss the thorniest of friendship issues in the hope that not too many friendship bridges get burned Tuesday regardless of what happens. #friendshipexpert #friendship #maleadultfriendship #electionday #trump #kamala #nov5 #politicalnews #politics   Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

Happy Halloween wolfmen of the year! It’s spooky szn so today Karo and Matt discuss facing your friendship fears, meeting the Ghost of Friendship Past, and dealing with old buddies who know you have skeletons in the closet. Have we beat this Halloween analogy to death yet? Well if you don’t like this episode take it to the grave! Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

Karo and Matt are coming to New York City on November 22nd for their next live show! Man of the Year Podcast presents Friendsgiving Live! Stand-up, celebrity guests, and the chance to make a brand new bestie! TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW: https://manoftheyearpodcast.com/ or https://www.caveat.nyc/events/man-of-the-year-podcast-presents-friendsgiving-live-11-22-2024

If you're gonna be lifelong friends with someone, shouldn't you do epic sh*t? We think so! We discuss what should go on your friendship bucket list!   Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

Apparently, Penguins are ahead of the curve on friendship! They do this act called pebbling where they literally bring little pebbles one by one back as a show of affection to their little ones. Pebbling in human form refers to little signs of love or affection that are gifted to a friend or a loved one that you think they would enjoy. So when you think you're just being funny sending your friends & family little videos and tweets and memes you find online you're actually pebbling!   Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter    

It’s our 100th episode and Karo and Matt welcome a very special guest – the freakin’ Surgeon General of the United States! Dr. Murthy and the guys discuss the epidemic of loneliness, the importance of showing up for your friends, and who pays for margaritas when he goes out for drinks after work in DC. The Surgeon General also officially deputizes Karo and Matt as Chief Friendship Officers of the United States! Learn more about Dr. Murthy at surgeongeneral.gov Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

Chappell Roan is speaking out against toxic fan behavior, so Karo and Matt are discussing parasocial friendships – one-sided relationships between a civilian and a celebrity. When is it harmless fandom, and when does it cross the line? Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

Let's face it, we've all been in this situation. When you have a friend that just won't respond to your text, won't ever make plans, basically would never speak to you again if you didn't put in the work, it can be super frustrating. And you ask yourself, why are you putting up with this. We explore why this happens and what should you do about it! And if this is even a friendhsip at all?? Also, we discuss why sometimes you are the person doing this and how you can be a better friend.     Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

Karo and Matt welcome special guest Anna Goldfarb! Called “the New York Times’ friendship correspondent,” Anna's reporting has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Vox, and more. Her new book, “Modern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connections,” explores the nuances of navigating adult friendships in a hyperfluid society. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

Let’s be honest—whether you’re joining a fraternity or a country club, you're essentially paying to make friends. But aren’t we all doing that in one way or another? From gym memberships to couples' dinners and mommy-and-me classes, forming and maintaining friendships often involves some level of spending. In this episode, we dive into the hidden (and not-so-hidden) costs of socializing and share some tips on how to make friends without breaking the bank! Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

Karo and Matt discuss how to handle what they’ve coined “The SAD Sixty” – the roughly 60 days from Labor Day to Halloween when social plans are sparse and Seasonal Affective Disorder is rampant. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of building genuine connections at work, especially in today's world of remote and hybrid setups, where colleagues are often spread across the globe. With fewer opportunities for face-to-face interactions, it's harder to find those you can be open and vulnerable with. But socialization is essential, so we’re sharing some tips to beat the office blues and foster better connections, no matter where you are. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

We learn (or should learn) financial literacy in school, but no one teaches you friendship literacy. Karo and Matt offer some advice for the Class of 2024 on how to make friends in the real world. They also discuss which pill they would take in The Matrix and why Matt’s work records are sealed by the Warren Commission. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

Matt and Karo discuss Matt's favorite guru James Clear and how some of his principles can be applied to friendship. It's not just about the end result - aka more or healthier friendships, it's about the daily, weekly, monthly process we put in place so we don't even have to sweat the outcome.   Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

Karo and Matt are joined by their friend and mentor Jim McCann, the CEO and founder of 1-800-Flowers. They discuss whether platonic men can give each other flowers, whether the “one hour’s salary” rule works for buying gifts for your buddies, and what it was like to own a piece of the New York Mets. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

We all learned about the foot pyramid and how to have a balanced diet. Though it turns out most of it was wrong. So maybe it's time to make sure your social nutrition is also well balanced! Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Aaron Karo on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter