
Friendship Fuels Achievement | Matt Ritter
The Art of Charm
Reviving Dormant Friendships Quickly
They reassure listeners that friendships are resilient and can be reignited with a few thoughtful gestures.
AJ sits down with Matt Ritter, co-host of Man of the Year, to unpack the male loneliness epidemic and why so many men lose friendships as they get older. Matt shares his TCS framework for keeping friendships alive, why proximity and ritual are the real secrets to connection, and how to design a “friendship strategy” that fits your life instead of waiting for it to happen.
You’ll learn how to move acquaintances into real friends, how to host like a pro without burning out, and why your partner can’t (and shouldn’t) be your only friend.
Chapters:
00:00 – The male loneliness crisis and the “Man of the Year” tradition
05:00 – Why friendship dies without a dramatic ending
10:00 – Proximity and strategy: building real connection
15:00 – The TCS framework and the myth of the lone wolf
20:00 – How to be “worth knowing” — standing out socially
25:00 – The friendship habit: stacking connection into your life
30:00 – Overcoming rejection and fear of the invite
35:00 – Rituals, hosting, and creating sticky friendships
40:00 – Why your wife can’t be your only friend
45:00 – Friendship as self-care and the original life hack
A Word From Our Sponsors
Stop being over looked and unlock your X-Factor today at unlockyourxfactor.com
The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially. Visit the artofcharm.com/intel for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back.
If you’ve put off organizing your finances, Monarch is for you. Use code CHARM at monarch.com in your browser for half off your first year.
Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns.
Grow your way - with Headway! Get started at makeheadway.com/CHARM and use my code CHARM for 25% off.
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm.
Need to hire top talent—fast? Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm.
This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/charm
Save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at SELECTQUOTE.COM/CHARM TODAY to get started
Curious about your influence level?
Get your Influence Index Score today!
Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence.
Episode resources:
Check in with AJ and Johnny!
AJ on LinkedIn
Johnny on LinkedIn
AJ on Instagram
Johnny on Instagram
The Art of Charm on Instagram
The Art of Charm on YouTube
The Art of Charm on TikTok
friendship, male loneliness, connection, charisma, social skills, hosting, confidence, relationships, community, vulnerability
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


