#145 - Are you really the Average of the Five People Around You?

When was the last time you asked your buddy how he’s REALLY doing? This episode dives into friendship, vulnerability, and why men’s mental health deserves more than a passing “I’m fine.” 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

Matt and Karo discuss a very frequent issue that no one ever talks about, sometimes you're just in a friendship dry spell. Like dating, these things happen, so you need to take action to snap out of it. We discuss how long is too long, is there an equivalent of a slumpbuster for friendship and what to say and do to get yourself back into a good friendship rhythm. 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

Karo and Matt dive into the world of “social sports” – the games designed as much for connection as competition. From pickleball to padel to tennis, we explore how the court can become a friendship hub. So grab your paddle and your pals, because it’s all about playing together. 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

Matt and Karo discuss the old axiom that you are the five people you spend the most time with. Is it true? And if it is, what does that say about you? Do you need to level up your five? 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

Matt’s wife goes into labor in the middle of the night and Matt calls Karo for help – but Karo doesn’t pick up! Today on the pod we discuss who to choose as your emergency contact, and the importance of friendship first responders. 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

It's a touchy subject! But are we missing out on the benefits of physical contact with our friends. Matt and Karo discussed the pros and cons of how our society is compared to others past and present when it comes to the touchy feely stuff of friendship. 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 all have friends who we love hanging out with – and then completely forget about. Buddies who, for whatever reason, are not on our day-to-day radars. Karo and Matt discuss the causes of and cures for Friendship Amnesia. 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 come up with a great list of ways to keep up the long distance friendships. Letting your friends know they are valued and missed, but also figuring ways to keep living in the moment. 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

Friend groups can be a source of deep connection - or quiet chaos. This week, Karo and Matt dive into the subtle dynamics of cliques: how they form, why they last, and what happens when the group starts to shift. From loyalty tests to subgroup drama, we explore the pros, pitfalls, and politics of the friend group ecosystem. 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

There was always a bring your child to work day, but what if we let our friends into our work world a bit. Maybe we'd feel a bit closer. Ask your friends more about their work. 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