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 guy who really seems to “get” the whole jewelry thing.  Here is Pat's IMDB link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0278156/ We’re going to discuss his own experience of buying an engagement ring, h ..read more

Bourbon continues to be a "go to" for guys who want to move away from cheap beer and fruity drinks, and I support it.  It's a crazy big world of choices that are mind boggling, even to seasoned bourbon hunters. My guest today is definitely a guy who can help us traverse the multi-leveled landscape of the bourbon world.  Derek works in the heart of Bourbon Country at one of the premier distilleries on the Bourbon Trails of Kentucky.  He'll explain the difference between whiskey and bourbon, highlighting that bourbon must adhere to specific laws, including being at least 51% corn ..read more

This is an auspicious moment because in this episode, for the first time, I’m going to address "The Ladies." Specifically, I’m going to talk about what you, as a woman,  should NOT do when you and your fella go to look for his wedding ring. When it’s time to pick out his wedding ring, he just might for your opinion. (Most likely he will!) And you should help him out by giving him one. (Or 2 or 3. This shouldn't be a problem for most of the women I know. Ha!) Picture this: A cute couple decides it’s time to pick out his wedding band and so they’re going to go visit their favorite independe ..read more

Customer involvement in designing jewelry is a growing trend in the jewelry business. Independent jewelry stores offer a range of options, from changing metals and gemstones to adding unique touches. However, there's a crucial balance between personalization and potentially compromising the integrity of the original design when people who don't know what they're doing want to get their hands dirty and help create a personal version of something they like.  While we'll focus mainly on engagement rings, these principles apply to all custom jewelry projects. It's important to recognize that ..read more

A lot of guys have no idea what a “push present” is.  I have to confess that until there was a baby in my future, I never heard of it, nor did I know what it was.  (And I'm in "the business!") So what is a push present? Is it something you should consider when there’s a baby on the way?   First, a push present is a gift that you present to your wife or girlfriend shortly after the baby is born, to celebrate the occasion.  The term "push present" originated from the idea that the mother has "pushed" to bring the baby into the world, and the gift is a way to show appreciation ..read more

"The times they are a changin'..."  I'm changing up the show and taking the podcast in a different direction!  Buy Like a Guy will be exploring topics beyond fine jewelry to include other areas of interest for men. But before I go, I'll talk about diamond reports, and reiterate once again the importance of seeking expert guidance when buying diamonds.  Grading reports are all well and good, but nothing compares to actually seeing the diamond, and using professionals to help you get what's right for you and your pocket book.  Shout out to all you experts out there! Drop me a ..read more

In this episode of Buy Like a Guy, I revisit when the proverbial "right time" is to make your buying decisions, and the importance of having a Plan B. It's always best to buy important jewelry well before you're planning on giving it.  Why? Because it's the best way to avoid undue anxiety about whether it's going to be done on time for your big reveal.  Know what else happens?  You won't have that nagging pressure hanging over your head as you wait for the final product. I'll touch on the Paradox of Choice, a very real problem in our society as far as I'm concerned, and one that ..read more

In Part 2 of my conversation with Shane Decker we discuss the role of jewelry in celebrating life's events and he shares the most important factors to consider when buying diamond jewelry. The conversation covers various aspects of buying an engagement ring and creating a memorable proposal. Shane emphasizes the importance of choosing the right diamond shape and metal, considering the style of mounting and color of metal, and creating a unique and unforgettable proposal experience. Ultimately, our conversation highlights the significance of expressing love through jewelry and creating lasting ..read more

It seems like most, if not all, of the information and marketing messages coming out of the jewelry industry these days are geared toward women. It makes sense because oftentimes she is the driver when it comes to what sort of style she likes, and as men, we want to give her an engagement ring, or other fine jewelry that she will love.   However, a lot of guys can feel invisible in the process, because not many people or companies are talking to you. You need some direction outside of what your mom says, or her friends say, or even your buddies.  You need an outside opinion and infor ..read more

In this episode I'm going to talk about something that resonates with both men and women: When you glance down at your brand new ring, and see those first few scratches and dings.  It can be disheartening, and you may even be surprised you even care.   Whether it's a minor scratch, a ding, or a chip, it happens to everyone.  It's kind of like those times when you discover a scratch on our car door or a chip in the windshield.  (I'll cover a little something about a Rolling Stones song that applies.  Well, sort of.)  The good news is that most of the time, it's not ..read more