Andrew McCarthy

Because I was like many people, particularly guys, I think, who had this core group when I was young and just sort of blossoming in life and on my own for the first time, this core group of friends.

And they were very instrumental in me becoming who I became.

But through life and careers and families, they all scattered across the country.

And I realized I hadn't seen any of them in years and years, some in decades.

So I just, like I said, my son's comments stayed with me.

And I thought, I need to go see these guys and let them know how important they've been in my life.

So that's what was the impetus for the trip.

And I imagine I would just fly off to each one at various times over a six-month period or something.

But then once the road trip sort of happened and started, I said, this is interesting.

And then when I started talking to other men, and then I kind of went, oh, there's a book in here.

This is an interesting kind of theme.

And so it just sort of evolved and took on a life of its own.

Yeah, sure.

There's these two old guys in Ohio.

They're in their 70s, retired cops.

And I ran into them at, you know, one of the things that's gone really wrong in America is this gas station slash convenience store slash fast food restaurant that is usurping sort of small town America.

And I stopped to fill my tank and I went to get a soda or something.

Then I saw two old guys sitting in the, I think it was an Arby's or something connected to this gas station.

and they were just having coffee, and I just went up and approached them, and I said, can I talk to you about your friendship?

And they, sure, have a seat.