Best Matchmaking Process Podcasts (2025)

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#134 - 24-Hour Friends 30:45

22h ago30:45

30:45

Karo and Matt dive into the magic of “24-hour friends” – those buddies you make over a short period of time at weddings, on vacation, or on a work trip. Why do these accelerated bonds feel so deep, and is it possible to turn them into long-lasting friendships? Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year …

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#133 - Friendship Myths 30:46

7d ago30:46

30:46

Matt and Aaron break down common friendship myths. As we all know there are things we believe to be true about friendship, but were did we get these beliefs from and when put to the test are they actually accurate? Usually the answer is no! here are some common friendship myths we discuss/debunk: Friendship should last forever Good friends never ar…

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#132 - The Friendship Social Contract 32:19

14d ago32:19

32:19

Matt and Karo dive into the Friendship Social Contract - the unspoken rules that hold friendships together. From keeping secrets to showing up on time (and what happens when you don’t), they explore the quiet agreements that separate great friends from flaky ones. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Y…

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#131 - The Loneliness Economy 30:40

22d ago30:40

30:40

An entire ecosystem is being built around confronting the loneliness epidemic. Matt and Karo discuss all the new ways help is there for you and all the pros and cons.The Government even has an entire program to help you become more socially fit. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, Y…

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#130 - #NoRegrets 34:49

29d ago34:49

34:49

We all have regrets in life – but we don’t often talk about friendship regret – that falling out you never reconciled, that misunderstanding you never corrected, that old pal you never picked up the phone and called. This week Matt and Karo talk about how to deal with and avoid friendship regret. Also, vasectomies. Watch this episode on YouTube! Ge…

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#129 - Rebound Friendships 31:31

1M ago31:31

31:31

This week, Karo and Matt dive into the world of rebound friendships—the new buddies you make following a friend break-up. We talk about how to move on without bitterness, what to look for in new friendships, and why rebounds aren’t just for romance. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagra…

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#128 - The Invisible Men 35:10

1M ago35:10

35:10

Karo and Matt tackle the quiet, heavy feeling of invisibility that can creep into male friendships. We explore why so many men feel unseen—even among their closest friends. We talk about the unspoken rules that keep guys from reaching out, and the cost of staying silent. Plus, how taking the smallest step to “be the friend” can help break the spell…

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#127 - Social Fitness Test Revisited 34:49

2M ago34:49

34:49

It's been a year since we last did our score count. Have you improved in any category? Is there a balance to your friendships? Are you being more vulnerable, scratching beyond the surface? Do you have a good circle that lives nearby? Have you built a trophy? We wanna hear from you! Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcas…

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#126 - Moving for Friends 31:18

2M ago31:18

31:18

Matt and Karo give a scorching hot take. It's perfectly normal to move for a love interest, but it's really not at all discussed whether you should move for your friends. Matt chased after Karo in California and maybe you should move if your bff is elsewhere. It's at least worth debating. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyea…

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#125 - Our Final Episode (April Fools’!) 31:51

2M ago31:51

31:51

Don’t worry, you’re not getting rid of us that easily! Today Karo and Matt introduce “limited series” – friendship activities that have a finite end date so they’re not as much of a commitment. The guys also discuss April Fools’ Day, the prank-industrial complex, and why their hometown is famous for the greatest prank of all time. Watch this episod…

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#124 - Q1 Friendship Check In 33:08

2M ago33:08

33:08

Since we are about to hit the end of our first fiscal friendship quarter, we thought it made sense to track our progress. How has your social fitness improved since Jan 1 and what are some areas to revisit and lock in on? Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt …

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Urban Bachelorette - Meet These Two Beautiful Single Ladies, Ready to Mingle 46:21

3M ago46:21

46:21

The Urban Bachelorette Episode! Join Dr. G as she sits down with two incredible, eligible single ladies—Donisha Reed and Mirth Brown—who are ready to find their Prince Charming! In this engaging conversation, they’ll share their dating experiences and challenges of being over 40, what excites them most about this stage in life, and what they’re loo…

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#123 - Fake It Til You Make It 32:00

3M ago32:00

32:00

They say dress for the job you want. Well we want you to do that, but for friendship. If you have an acquaintance that you want to be a good friend, start acting like they’re ALREADY a good friend. Share with them, check in on them, invite them out. In other words, fake it til you make it. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheye…

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Pt.2 Romantic Hope: What it Looks Like and How To Look for it 19:10

3M ago19:10

19:10

I'm offering an online talk and workshop: "How To Date Humans" (Later in Life) at the Omega Institute on 03.19.25 Click on the link to sign up! And if you want to take the word "baggage" out of your vocabulary of think of a better way to talk about your past and dig into someone else's consider this episode in the LDT catalog. Lakshmi was named amo…

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Where Are All The Good, Single, "Eligible" Men? 1:02:43

3M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

In this engaging episode tailored to also include women in their 30’s , Dr. G and Hollywood explore the timeless question: "What defines a good man, and where can they be found?" Drawing from personal stories, Dr. G addresses the frustrations many women face in their search for meaningful connections with good men, shedding light on common challeng…

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#122 - Keeping Score 34:49

3M ago34:49

34:49

Matt and Karo discuss the pros and cons of keeping track of friendship. Why it can be healthy to have some sense of the balance but unhealthy if it becomes a tit for tat transactional 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, TikTo…

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#121 - The Vibes of March 35:28

3M ago35:28

35:28

March is all about competition, luck, and celebration—so what better time to talk about friendship? In this episode, Karo and Matt explore how friendships evolve through the highs and lows of March Madness, the traditions that bring people together on St. Patrick’s Day, and what red flags you should beware of on The Ides of March. Watch this episod…

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#120 - Man's Best Friend - Part II 30:24

3M ago30:24

30:24

Matt and Karo give a proper ode to dogs, man's best friend. And Matt says goodbye to his faithful companion of twelve years. Olive the Tiny Frenchie. He talks about how much part of the community you become when you have a dog and how you feel you're suddenly left out when they're gone. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearp…

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#119 - How To Supercharge Your Hangs: Write An Agenda 31:03

4M ago31:03

31:03

Too many guys show up to hang-outs with no plan, leading to dead air, surface-level convos, and wasted time. In this episode, Karo and Matt break down why men should write an agenda (or “men-genda”) and share more tips on how to make your bro time more fun, meaningful, and memorable. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodc…

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#57 "Romantic Hope Pt.1: The Importance of Romantic Hope During Challenging Times" 18:01

4M ago18:01

18:01

Romantic Hope - NOT hopeless romantic - It might be one of the most important ideas developed by Lakshmi and The Later Dater today as we enter a new era in dating and relationships. People aren't just deleting the apps, they are beginning to torch the idea of romantic possibilities. So what is romantic hope and how and why is it actually a form of …

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#118 - Sahil Bloom - The Five Types of Wealth 34:39

4M ago34:39

34:39

Matt and Karo have a very special guest on the podcast this week. Sahil Bloom has created a groundbreaking blueprint to build your life around five types of wealth: Time Wealth, Social Wealth, Mental Wealth, Physical Wealth, and Financial Wealth. A life of true fulfillment engages all five types—working dynamically, in concert across the seasons of…

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#117 - Love and Friendship with Special Guest Matchmaker Maria! 35:05

4M ago35:05

35:05

Karo gets ganged up on this in special Valentine’s Day episode with our good friend Matchmaker Maria. How do you meet The One? It’s the same way you meet new friends! And make sure to pre-order Maria’s new book: “Matchmaker Maria's No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Love” Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the…

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#116 - Friendship Therapy 32:28

4M ago32:28

32:28

Couples go to therapy to work out their issues, and now there's a growing trend of friends doing the same thing. Would you ever consider friend therapy? We debate the pros and cons of working it out with your friend on this week's episode of Man of the Year. Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on…

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The 5 Day Love Challenge - For Ladies Only 3:40

5M ago3:40

3:40

Are you exhausted with dating game and keep finding yourself; On a spinning wheel of emotional turmoil? Attracting the same type of dead-end lover? Struggling to find someone who really likes you for you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are ready for this challenge, and this challenge is ready for you. It is a five day challenge …

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#115 - Good Friends Have Hard Conversations 32:10

4M ago32:10

32:10

This episode delves into the theory that good friends have hard conversations, emphasizing that addressing conflict is essential to building strong and meaningful relationships. Avoiding tough topics may seem easier, but it often leads to resentment or distance. By embracing honest, respectful dialogue, friends can resolve misunderstandings, streng…

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#114 - How To Make A Friend: Part II 30:13

5M ago30:13

30:13

This is the second half of our two part series that breaks down all of our tips into a very clear straightforward step by step process on how to make friends. Please check out Episode 113 for the full picture! Watch this episode on YouTube! Get MOTY merch at manoftheyearpodcast.com Man of the Year on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Matt Ritter on In…

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Dating Tips to Attract Your Husband/Wife in 2025! 59:45

5M ago59:45

59:45

We’re back! Join Dr. G and Hollywood in this insightful episode as they dive into the mindset needed to attract and prepare for marriage. Get ready for a heartfelt conversation as they share personal stories about their own marriages and explore what it truly means to be a wife or husband. If you're ready to take the next step toward marriage, this…

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#113 - How To Make A Friend: Part I 32:32

5M ago32:32

32:32

It’s a new year so we thought we’d get back to basics and answer the foundational question that launched this podcast – how exactly do you make a friend? In the first of this two-part episode, we talk about taking inventory of your existing network to find potential friends that are hiding in plain sight. In next week’s episode, we’re gonna increas…

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#112 - New Year's Res-BRO-lutions 2025 34:09

5M ago34:09

34:09

Most people make resolutions in various areas of their lives, vow to join the gym, which usually lasts all of 3 weeks, vow to save x number of dollars that we fall woefully short of while we rack up credit card debt, but very few of us include our friendship goals into our resolutions. We want to normalize that. So please include one friendship rel…

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#111 - Bro Bro Bro! Merry Christmas! 35:32

6M ago35:32

35:32

The guys celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah with some holiday friendship tips, including the “one hour’s salary” rule for buying gifts for your buddies, and offering “friendship amnesty” to any pals you might have beef with. They also discuss the etiquette of sending holidays cards and Karo’s recent journey to see Taylor Swift. Happy Holidays MOTY cr…

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#110 - Posting Up 34:45

6M ago34:45

34:45

People often think they need to make a concrete plan that involves a location and an activity, but we found a hack that seems to work. Friends benefit from lowering the barrier and just putting out the open call, aka posting up. Just telling people where you're gonna be and make it real easy for them to hang or just swing by. Watch this episode on …

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#109 - What’s Your Friendship Style? 33:35

6M ago33:35

33:35

Fireflies, Butterflies, and Wallflowers, oh my! Karo and Matt discuss the different friendship styles, as outlined in a fantastic quiz by New York Times reporter Natalie Proulx. They also debate whether people who are good at foosball are tools and whether people who play Magic the Gathering are called Magic the Gatherers. Watch this episode on You…

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#108 - When Friend Groups Collide 35:47

6M ago35:47

35:47

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 …

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Season 3 Premiere: #56 A New Take on The 'Open' Relationship 14:05

6M ago14:05

14:05

Season 3 Premiere: There's something beyond the idea of playing the field or going on a bunch of dates that "don't' go anywhere." What if you're just in the process of opening up again? What if these are 'open ' relationships? Join Lakshmi as she returns to her lifelong mission to improve dating culture and change the conversation around dating lat…

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#107 - The 21st Annual Man of the Year Dinner! 30:59

6M ago30:59

30:59

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, whe…

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#106 - Assuming the Best in Friendship 34:16

7M ago34:16

34:16

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 Communi…

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#105 - Getting Medieval On Your Friendship Rituals 33:42

7M ago33:42

33:42

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 episo…

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#104 - The Politics of Friendship - Election Day 29:58

7M ago29:58

29:58

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 …

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#103 - Exorcise Your Friendship Demons 33:38

7M ago33:38

33:38

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…

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#102 - Friendship Bucket List 32:50

7M ago32:50

32:50

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,…

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#101 - Pebbling (What Penguins Can Teach us about Friendship) 33:33

8M ago33:33

33:33

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 …

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#100 - UNITED STATES SURGEON GENERAL DR. VIVEK MURTHY! 39:06

8M ago39:06

39:06

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 …

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#99 - Parasocial Activity 36:42

8M ago36:42

36:42

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, an…

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#98 - One-Sided Friendships 29:55

8M ago29:55

29:55

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!…

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#97 - Modern Friendship With Author Anna Goldfarb 39:05

9M ago39:05

39:05

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…

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#96 - How Much Does It Cost to Make Friend? 31:43

9M ago31:43

31:43

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 (…

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#95 - How To Beat The Fall Friendship Blues 35:35

9M ago35:35

35:35

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…

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#94 - Lonely at Work 33:15

9M ago33:15

33:15

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 w…

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#93 - Friendship Literacy For New College Grads 33:51

10M ago33:51

33:51

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…

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#92 - Process vs. Goals 33:55

10M ago33:55

33:55

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 manofth…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Matchmaking Process Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen