Gents Journey

Gents Journey

How to Connect with Anyone

The step-by-step system for turning strangers into friends—from the first 10 seconds to lasting connection

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Matt McManus's avatar
Gents Journey
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Matt McManus
Oct 03, 2025
∙ Paid

Course Introduction

Making real friends as an adult shouldn’t be this hard. But most of us are never taught how to connect beyond small talk and surface-level interactions.

This course gives you the exact system I’ve used to build meaningful friendships—from the first ten seconds of meeting someone to turning strangers into brothers. No networking tactics. No fake personas. Just honest, proven strategies that help you be someone people actually want to be around.

Whether you’re navigating a life transition, moving to a new city, or just tired of shallow connections, these five modules will change how you show up in the world.

Let’s get started.


Module 1: The Foundation - Showing Up Right

Before you worry about what to say, master how you show up. This module covers the physical and mental preparation that makes connection possible: why being comfortable in your clothes matters, how working out creates calm confidence, and the grooming basics that signal self-respect. You can’t fake being centered—you have to earn it.

Key Takeaway: People read your energy before they hear your words.


Module 2: The Sandwich Question

Learn why “What’s your favorite sandwich?” is one of the most powerful conversation starters you’ll ever use. This module breaks down how food questions unlock memory and emotion, includes real stories of unexpected connections, and teaches you how to listen for what people are really saying. This isn’t about sandwiches—it’s about giving people permission to be human.

Key Takeaway: The right question opens the door to someone’s history.


Module 3: The Excitement Question

Stop asking “What do you do?” and start asking what actually matters. This module teaches you how to replace dehumanizing small talk with questions that make people light up. You’ll learn the follow-up framework that shows interest in the whole person, not just their productivity, and why this simple shift creates instant rapport.

Key Takeaway: Give people choice in how they’re known.


Module 4: Breaking the Ice with Humor

Discover how playful, unexpected humor disarms people and separates you from every boring conversation they’ve had. This module shares specific openers that work (like the Venmo question and absurd statements), explains the psychology of why humor creates safety, and teaches you when to use this approach. Most men take themselves too seriously—be the exception.

Key Takeaway: Humor signals you’re safe to be around.


Module 5: Reading the Room & The Nice Guy Strategy

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Matt McManus's avatar
A guest post by
Matt McManus
Father. Actor. Model. Friend. Entrepreneur.
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