Buy Like a Guy

Pat Finn is a well-known actor, comedian, and writer with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He's appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including The Middle, Seinfeld, "It's Complicated," and the "I Am Chris Farley" documentary.  He has an almost endless list of professional accomplishments, and I wanted him on the show because he's also a husband, father, and regular g...

You survived the first round—now it's time for the next level of buying her a ring. In Part II, Andy and Carter Eve dive into the stuff most guys never ask: setting a real budget (without three-months-salary BS), the truth about lab-grown vs. natural diamonds, and why having a trusted jeweler is your secret weapon. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to set a budget you won't regret (and why it...

Ever feel like buying an engagement ring is a minefield? You're not alone. In this episode, Andy talks with Carter—a custom jeweler who's helped hundreds of guys get it right—about the biggest mistakes men make, how to actually get her the ring she wants, and why the "surprise" isn't what you think it is. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The #1 mistake guys make  when buying a ring—and how to av...

Ever wonder how a diamond actually gets from deep in the earth… to a jeweler's case… to her hand? Part II of Andy's conversation with Ari Jain from House of Diamonds uncovers the real, behind-the-scenes process of how natural diamonds are mined, cut, graded, and selected — long before a consumer ever sees them. If you've ever held a diamond and thought,  "Why does this tiny thing cost so much?"  T...

Thinking about buying an engagement ring — or trying to decide between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond? This episode cuts through all the noise, hype, and half-truths in the diamond world.   Part I of Andy's conversation with Ari from House of Diamonds (an eight-generation diamond expert with roots in Jaipur's royal gemstone trade) dives into the emotional, spiritual, and practical reali...

Thinking about buying your first real watch? Here's what the dealers won't tell you about ghost listings, fake prices, and why that "deal" you found online doesn't actually exist. Part II of Andy's conversation with Christian Bruhn from The Art of Time dives into the messy reality of buying luxury watches in 2025 — where online listings lie, auction prices mislead, and first-time buyers get burned...

When a guy decides he wants a real watch — something with meaning, quality, and story — he walks straight into a jungle of hype, counterfeits, and confusion. In this two-part conversation, Andy Koehn talks with Christian Bruhn, founder of The Art of Time and former member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, about the world of luxury watches, collecting with intention, and buying your first Rolex or high-...

Episode Overview Andy takes on the YouTube critics and industry cynics head-on, delivering a family legacy perspective on why dismissing diamonds as "bad investments" completely misses the fucking point. From his grandfather's 1919 start in the business to today's lab-grown revolution, this episode cuts through the financial advisor bullshit to reveal what diamonds are really worth. Key Takeaways...

Chapter 2: The Four C's (Part 2)  Episode Overview Andy finishes the Four C's conversation with Clarity and Carat Weight, delivers his legendary Diamond-to-Steak conversion chart, and cuts through the industry's microscopic bullshit to give you what actually matters when you're standing in that jewelry store. Key Takeaways The Clarity Reality Check: She doesn't need a flawless diamond unless she s...

Episode Overview Andy breaks down the diamond industry's "sacred scripture" - the Four C's - but cuts through the BS to give you what you actually need to know. This is part one of a two-part deep dive into diamond grading, focusing on Cut and Color. Key Takeaways The Bottom Line on Diamond Education: You'll spend roughly 2 hours of your entire life discussing the Four C's Don't overthink it - lea...

  Episode Overview Andy reads Chapter 1 from his new book, "The Inappropriate Guide to Buying An Engagement Ring" - a no-bullshit diamond and ring buying guide for guys who'd rather be anywhere else than a jewelry store. This episode covers the single most important piece of advice for buying an engagement ring without getting screwed over. Key Takeaways The Golden Rule: Find a jewelry store where...

This is the first installment of the audiobook version of my book The Inappropriate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring . I'll be releasing one chapter a week, right here in the podcast feed. If you'd rather read the whole thing now (because waiting is for people in line at the DMV), you can grab the full book on Kindle or paperback by clicking here .  Full transcript below (Oh and hey! This is all...

Andy here with an announcement. I'm taking a break for the next couple of months so I can line up some guests I plan on having on the show. I plan on being back in October, ready with new episodes hot off the press so stay tuned for that. I want to make sure I'm delivering value in these episodes, so if you've learned something or know of someone who would be a great fit for the show definitely le...

I'm going to share something I learned first hand about what you should not do when you buy and give something as special as an engagement ring, an anniversary gift...hell...any gift for that matter.  I get right to the point when I tell you, "Don't tell her how much it cost. Not even a hint." Telling her what you paid for something can quickly turn a special moment into an awkward one. She's not...

In this episode, I'll talk about the concept of the  commitment ring , that beautiful bridge between dating and engagement. Whether you're sipping beers at a cookout or pondering your future, this episode dives into the emotional significance of giving and receiving a ring that says, "We're in this together." Join me as I discuss why a commitment ring is more than just jewelry—it's a powerful decl...

In this episode we're going to dip our toes into the realm of lab-grown diamonds.  I'll shed  a little light on the ever-evolving diamond industry, exploring the distinctions between lab-grown and natural diamonds, their formation processes, and the ongoing debate surrounding their place in the fine jewelry world.  Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Historical Perspective It may come as a surprise, but lab-gro...

One of the most common questions I get is, how much does an engagement ring cost? Or how much should I spend to get a decent ring? Now there is no single answer to that, but today I'll share some numbers that might help you and then give you the single best answer I know of. If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at  andy@buylikeaguy.com . I'm happy to personally help you find the...

In this episode, I'll discuss diamond fluorescence, a topic that is rarely talked about. I'll explain what fluorescence is in my own words, and how it affects the appearance and value of a diamond. I'll also address the question of whether fluorescence is a "good or bad" thing and per usual, how the ultimate answer to that question comes down to personal preference. You'll learn a few things about...

In this episode Tim Jackson, founder of Independent in Time , continues our chat about the Independent Watch world, something most people know very little about.  We'll talk more about the dedication, discipline, and expertise required to excel in this field. The craftsmanship, technology, and artistry behind mechanical timepieces is impressive to say the least!  These watchmakers have a lot of sk...

It was a pleasure to welcome Tim Jackson on the show again!  Tim is the founder and owner of Independent In Time, and a passionate supporter and dealer for Independent Watches and they people who make them.   He shares his journey into this niche industry and the unique challenges faced by Independent Watchmakers. The discussion also explores the dedication, discipline, and expertise required to e...

Me and Derek, our resident bourbon expert, explore more aspects of the bourbon world, including brand loyalty, the cost of collecting bourbon, and the emotional connection people have with their favorite brands.  We talk about 'taters' (bourbon enthusiasts who wait in line for rare bottles and collect them without opening) as well as some other bourbon slang, such as the 'angel's share' (the alcoh...

[Look at me.  I'm your expert now.] In this episode, I'm going to talk about the different materials used to make men's wedding rings. I'll cover the most popular options like gold, platinum, titanium, tungsten carbide, palladium, tantalum, and cobalt, and touch on additional materials you've heard of, and probably not heard of. (A ring made with breast milk?) I'll explain the advantages and disad...

Tim Jackson and I continue our discussion about fine watches, and what makes them "tick." Tim is the Founder and Owner of Independent in Time , a company that deals in watches made by Independent Watchmakers from around the world. We cover a lot of ground here, including different watch options, brands, and other things to consider when choosing the perfect timepiece. Key Takeaways : Well known wa...

In this episode we're going to talk about watches with Tim Jackson, the Founder and Owner of Independent in Time . He deals in watches that are made by Independent Watchmakers from around the world. When it comes to watches, he knows his sh*t. We talk about the basics of buying a "nice watch," the appeal of owning and collecting fine watches, the different kinds of movements, and ultimately, what...

In this episode my guest, Leland Conway, provides valuable insights on buying a handgun for the uninitiated. He emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on friends' recommendations or the advice of gun store employees, as the choice of a handgun is a personal and individual decision.  (There are exceptions, and he'll cover that as well.) Leland recommends taking a basic firearms class to le...