Buy Like a Guy Andy Koehn

In this episode, Pat Finn and I continue our off-the-cuff exploration of the significance of fine jewelry, including a pretty sweet story about Pat's late friend, the legendary Chris Farley, and his love of gift-giving. We get a little sentimental, but it's cool, because that's one of the unexpected powers of jewelry:  it can connect us to our past and the people we love the most. 
Jewelry is more than just shiny trinkets, and we talk about how fine jewelry becomes physical representations of unforgettable moments and intense emotions.  
Okay, yeah...it's a bit deep, but you won't need a tissue.  No tears were shed in the recording of this episode.  This isn't about sad stories.  It's a more of a quick reality check about why jewelry is, in fact, a necessity in our lives.  
Grab a drink, sit back, and decide if you agree with us.
Here is Pat's IMDB link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0278156/
His company is Improv+Ability: https://www.improv-ability.com/
Reach out to him via email if you have questions: pat@improv-ability.com
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 right jewelry for your special occasion, or put you in touch with a jewelry pro that's closer to home.
Or, you can shop online at my jewelry store right here: https://www.koehnjewelry.com/
Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head.  They're awesome.
Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987 
This episode was originally published in May, 2023

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, how he was clueless about the whole process, and how sometimes you just have to trust the experts.   He called me a "Sherpa," in this episode, and you know what?  I kinda liked it. 
His company is Improv+Ability: https://www.improv-ability.com/
Reach out to him via email if you have questions: pat@improv-ability.com
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 right jewelry for your special occasion, or put you in touch with a jewelry pro that's closer to home.
Or, you can shop online at my jewelry store right here: https://www.koehnjewelry.com/
Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head.  They're awesome.
Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987
This episode was originally published in May, 2023.

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 and made in America. 
We'll also touch on the rise in popularity of bourbon in recent years.  He'll give us a run down of the ingredients of bourbon, including corn, rye or wheat, and malted barley, and explain how the barrel contributes to the flavor and complexity of bourbon. 
You'll learn about the timeline for aging bourbon, and how he believes that between eight and 12 years is the magic number for optimal flavor.  
Just like diamonds, he and I agree that personal preference plays a significant role as to which bourbon is right for you.  And of course there is the thrill of collecting bourbons and sharing a pour or two with your friends.  (He'll even give a quick tutorial on the correct way to sip it.  Freakin' great!)
Ultimately, according to Derek, there is no wrong way to drink a worthy bourbon.  Cheers! 
If you need expert advice about something you don’t know much about, and need a little guidance, send me an email at andy@buylikeaguy.com and I’ll do my best to cover it in an upcoming show. 
If you’re “that guy,” (and of course you can be a woman) that people should hear from because you know your sh*t about a certain subject, please reach out to me, and let’s talk about how we can work together.
Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head.  They're awesome.
Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987

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 independent jewelry store. 
(Always go to an independent jewelry store.)
What’s going to happen is he’s going to start trying on rings to see how they look. Simple and easy. Maybe.
It’s normally awkward for him because this is probably the first time in his whole life that he’s going to pick out a piece of jewelry for himself, so this is completely foreign to him, and he’s in the uncharted waters of the jewelry world yet again.  (Not a guy's favorite place to be.)
Most men are comfortable talking about cars, a boat, golf clubs, or even a watch for that matter, but the ring he's supposed to wear for the rest of his life? Not so much...
He's going to need a little help and at some point he might turn to you and ask, “What do you think of this one?”
Now ladies, this is what you should NOT do or say at that point: “I don’t know, you have to wear it.”
That is a terrible answer because the person he trusts the most, you, leaves him hanging, and it's embarrassing and offers zero help or direction.
When he asks that question it’s most likely because he found a ring style he likes and he’s looking for your approval.
So help him out, and have an opinion…and share it.
If you don’t have an opinion, it means you’re not paying attention, or maybe you actually don’t care…but you know what? Care. Even if it’s just for a little while.
It’s not a big ask, and I can tell you he’ll appreciate it further on up the road.
Guys are easy. We ask because we want to know what you think, and most times we’re looking for a verbal nod that, "Yes, I like what you picked out," and even, "I don’t like it, how about that one?” (If that happens you can start to hone in on a ring that you both like and you can move forward with rest of the infinite plans you need to check off the list for your wedding day.)
Last tip: Your guy (or girl) wants your opinion, but he/she wants to have a say as well.
Be open to that…and if he’s really digging a certain ring style, go with it, because you know what? Your "one-and-only" wants to like their wedding ring too.
If you'd like help finding a jeweler closer to home, email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com and I'll do my best to put you in touch with some of the best jewelers on earth.
Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head.  They're awesome.
Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987

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 jewelry design is a nuanced craft that demands expertise. Just because you excel in one area doesn't automatically translate to designing jewelry.
It's tempting to assume that with countless designs available, any choice will suffice. However, not all designs are created equal. Some may not stand the test of time or wear well. Fine jewelry is an investment, and it's essential to ensure it endures both in style and quality.
Jewelry designers dedicate their careers to mastering their craft. They're experts in working with precious materials to create pieces that are both visually stunning and durable. While you can collaborate with designers and brands to customize existing designs, there's a line that, when crossed, risks compromising the final product.
This phenomenon isn't unique to jewelry; professionals in various fields encounter similar challenges. As a client, it's exciting to contribute to the design process, but it's crucial to know when to defer to the experts. Remember, being the boss means trusting your team to do what they do best.
If you're considering customizing a piece, be mindful of expert advice. When they gently advise against a certain change, it's probably a good idea to listen to them.  Their experience will guide you towards a design that stands the test of time, and will be cherished for a lifetime. While your ideas hold value, sometimes it's best to let seasoned professionals make the final call. 
If you'd like help finding a jeweler closer to home, email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com and I'll do my best to put you in touch with some of the best jewelers on earth.
Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head.  They're awesome.
Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987
Note: This episode was originally published in September, 2023.

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 for that effort. 

On the surface a push present seems like it’s a recognition thing for your wife or girlfriend…I mean it kind of is, giving birth is no small feat, and that’s putting it mildly!  (First time dad’s: trust me on this. She deserves a damn crown for the blood, sweat and tears that is part and parcel of having a baby!)

However,  I think it’s way more than recognition because as time goes on, this gift you give her when the baby is born, becomes something more…and its meaning changes.  The impact of this piece of jewelry and the gesture behind it, stretches way out into the future. That simple gift will become legendary in your family tree. 

It is something that can be passed down from one generation to the next, to the next. Imagine the short but true story, "Your daddy gave me this when YOU were born."  And then, "My dad gave this to my mom when I was born," and, "My grandfather gave this to my grandmother when my mother or father was born."  
A push present is a legacy, even if it doesn't feel that way just yet.  Legends aren't born, they're made.
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 right jewelry for your special occasion, or put you in touch with a jewelry pro that's closer to home.
Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head.  They're awesome.
Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987
Note: This episode was originally published in April, 2023.