"Why's 'Exclusively Friends' Poker Show Terms After a Three-Year Run"
The Wrap-up of the Popular 'Only Friends' Podcast
Hosted by the Solve For Why squad, led by the illustrious Matt Berkey, the ever-popular 'Only Friends' podcast bids adieu after an astounding 719 episodes spread over a jaw-dropping three-year stint.
In March, Berkey announced the painful decision to pull the plug on the award-winning podcast, which nabbed the 2023 Global Poker Award for Best Podcast. But it wasn't just the accolades that led to this goodbye.
The shutdown wasn't merely a response to the win, but rather a cocktail of reasons. Determined by factors like the unexpected loss of their Las Vegas studio space and YouTube's stricter policies on gambling content, the choice to end 'Only Friends' felt natural.
It's a bittersweet day as we are live w/our 719th and final episode. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the ride. We really appreciate all the support and loyalty day in and day out. Let's go out w/a bang💥
📺 Join Us LIVE at Noon PT🎙️
🔗 https://t.co/e73CQsPeFo pic.twitter.com/OoPq6TiaCi— Only Friends Podcast (@OnlyFriends_Pod) April 25, 2025
Before making their exit, the crew hosted a heartfelt four-hour stream graced by some heavyweight poker players and content creators such as Nikki Limo, Jesse Sylvia, Jason Sommerville, Ryan Depaulo, and Mike Holtz of the PokerNews Podcast.
"Today, we broadcast our final episode," the crew announced, "We're immensely grateful for your undying support - let's finish off with a bang!"
It's a Wrap: The Finale of 'Only Friends'
Premiering in March 2022, the podcast's rapid success captivated poker enthusiasts with its dynamic cast: Landon Tice, Conrad Simpson, Melissa Schubert, and Brian "Tortoise" Lamanna. For three years, the crew broadcast daily, juggling hot topics like cheating scandals, crypto markets, and life tips, all delivered with an unfiltered take on the poker industry.
Critics lauded the show for its insightful commentary and Berkey's high-stakes expertise, earned through gameplay exploits and strategic finesse. The announcement of its closing left many in the poker community in dismay, with industry figures like Joey Ingram, Lance Bradley, Chad Holloway, Marle Spragg, Joe Stapleton, and Caitlin Comeskey expressing their sadness.
"End of an era," Bradley wrote poignantly, "Our game thrives when people take risks and try new things. A round of applause to the entire crew for making waves."
Bittersweet indeed. You brought a much-needed product to the poker community. You did more than your part and leave the industry better than you found it. A big thank you and tip of the cap to the entire OnlyFriends crew. https://t.co/oICnsah4u9— Chad Holloway (@ChadAHolloway) April 25, 2025
Stream the emotional finale of 'Only Friends' on YouTube.
Mega-Moves with Big Bet Berkey: Going Head-to-Head with Box Breaking Bleznick
As an Editor & Live Reporter for PokerNews and host of the Life Outside Poker podcast, Connor Richards has proven himself a force to be reckoned with. With two Global Poker Award nominations under his belt, Richards continues to push the boundaries of the poker world.
- The final episode of 'Only Friends' podcast, hosted by Matt Berkey and the Solve For Why squad, will be available to stream on YouTube, marking an end to their three-year run.
- Apart from being a part of the award-winning 'Only Friends' podcast, Melissa Schubert is also associated with PokerNews, reinforcing the interconnectedness of the poker community.
- In the world of casino-games and casino-and-gambling news, discussions often revolve around strategic finesse, such as the gameplay exploits demonstrated by podcast host Matt Berkey.
- Despite the closing of 'Only Friends', other podcasts like the PokerNews Podcast continue to thrive, maintaining a rich dialogue within the poker community.
- In the context of poker news, the shutdown of 'Only Friends' has generated a wave of emotions, mirroring the impact of such decisions on the broader poker community.