Only Friends Podcast with Matt Berkey Returns: New Poker Episodes

The popular poker podcast Only Friends with Matt Berkey returns after a break. Find out when the new episode will be released and what listeners can expect.

The popular poker podcast Only Friends is returning after a long break. Host Matt Berkey and the Solve For Why team are once again ready to share the latest news and discussions from the poker world with their audience. After ending in April 2025 at 719 episodes, Only Friends is back on air—the first new episode is scheduled for Monday, November 9, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time. As Berkey confirmed to PokerNews, the podcast will air Monday through Thursday, meaning four times a week. The Return of Only Friends: What Happened? The Only Friends podcast launched in March 2022 and quickly became one of the most notable events in the poker community. Alongside Matt Berkey, the hosts included Landon Tice , Conrad Simpson , Melissa Schubert , and Brian Lamanna . The show’s format covered a wide range of topics: from high-stakes games and cheating scandals to cryptocurrency, industry news, and even the team’s random musings at the start of the day. The broad range of topics and lively conversations made the podcast a favorite among poker fans. In 2023, Only Friends was recognized at the Global Poker Awards , winning the award for Best Podcast of the Year. However, after three years and 719 episodes, Berkey announced the end of the project. Reasons included the loss of their Las Vegas studio and stricter YouTube policies regarding gambling-related content. According to Berkey, this made it a particularly fitting time to wrap up the podcast. The final episode aired on April 25, 2025, and lasted four hours. Special guests included Nikki Limo , Jesse Sylvia , Jason Somerville , Ryan Depaulo , and PokerNews Podcast co-host Mike Holtz . At the end, the team thanked viewers for their loyalty and support, emphasizing that this was not a final goodbye, but rather a “see you soon.” Format Features and Topics of Only Friends The podcast stood out for its variety of topics and didn’t limit itself to just poker results. Episodes regularly addressed high-stakes action, cheating exposés, current industry debates, as well as commentary on cryptocurrency and other trends affecting the poker community. The lineup of hosts was flexible: Berkey was joined by different team members, allowing for multiple perspectives on events. This approach ensured lively discussion and kept listeners informed not only about official news but also behind-the-scenes stories from the poker world. The 2023 Best Podcast award at the Global Poker Awards recognized Only Friends’ contribution to the development of poker media. It highlighted the important role the podcast played for players and fans alike. WSOP and Daily Episodes: A Special Place on Air One of Only Friends’ trademarks was its daily episodes during the World Series of Poker (WSOP) . At the height of the summer series, the podcast aired every day, covering what was happening in Las Vegas both at and away from the tables. These episodes discussed controversial hands, player conflicts, as well as rumors and stories circulating within the poker community. This format allowed listeners to feel like they were part of the action in the world’s poker capital. In addition, various members of the poker community participated in the episodes, giving listeners the chance to hear opinions from a wide range of players and experts. With Only Friends returning to a regular schedule, many hope that daily WSOP episodes will once again become a tradition. After 18 months off the air, there’s plenty for the team to discuss. Interaction with PokerNews Podcast and Industry Impact Only Friends developed close ties with the PokerNews Podcast . Hosts from both shows regularly appeared on each other’s episodes, fostering an exchange of experience and ideas between two major poker media projects. After Only Friends announced its end, PokerNews Podcast co-host Chad Holloway noted that the show had a significant impact on the PokerNews team. According to him, Matt Berkey always spoke warmly of the PokerNews Podcast, and it was important for them to receive recognition from colleagues whose work had inspired them for years. Holloway expressed regret over the end of Only Friends. A few weeks after the final Only Friends episode, Berkey appeared as a guest on the 965th episode of the PokerNews Podcast (late May 2025). In that episode, together with Holloway and Mike Holtz, they discussed several hot topics: the “patch war” scandal at the WSOP, the US entry ban for Charlie Carrel , the return of poker at The Lodge club, and other news that was actively discussed in the industry at the time. Who Was Behind the Mic: Only Friends Hosts and Guests Matt Berkey — main host, professional player, and founder of Solve For Why. Landon Tice — young pro known for his success in both online and live tournaments. Conrad Simpson — regular contributor, adding humor and a fresh perspective. Melissa Schubert — one of the few women in poker podcasts, bringing diversity to the discussions. Brian Lamanna — expert in strategy and industry trends. Final episode guests included: Nikki Limo , Jesse Sylvia , Jason Somerville , Ryan Depaulo , Mike Holtz . This lineup kept the podcast relevant and interesting for a wide audience, bringing together professionals, amateurs, and media personalities. The Impact of Industry Changes on the Podcast’s Fate The decision to end Only Friends was due not only to the loss of their studio, but also to changes on YouTube, where rules regarding gambling content became stricter. This was an additional factor that pushed the team to take a break. Nevertheless, the community’s reaction showed just how much the podcast was in demand. The final episode lasted four hours and featured many guests, symbolizing the respect Only Friends had earned within the industry. The podcast’s return after an 18-month hiatus is not only great news for fans, but also an example of how poker media projects can adapt to changing conditions and retain their audience. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players The return of Only Friends is an important signal for everyone following the development of the poker industry, including PPPoker club players. First, regular podcast episodes will help keep you up to date with the latest trends, strategies, and discussions that can directly impact club games. Analysis of fresh news and insider information from professionals allows you to respond quickly to changes in the poker world. Second, the Only Friends format—inviting different guests and discussing the hottest topics—is a great example of how to build your own communities within PPPoker clubs. Joint discussions, sharing experiences, and breaking down interesting hands make the game not only more engaging but also help participants improve their skills. Finally, the podcast’s return confirms that despite platform challenges and industry changes, quality poker content is in demand and continues to develop. For PPPoker players, this means that interest in poker is still strong, so it’s worth staying active, participating in club events, and keeping up with the news to stay one step ahead.