In this candid and thought-provoking episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko welcomes content creator and true crime aficionado Mel Zee for a wide-ranging exploration of friendship, online connection, and the psychology of digital communities.

James and Mel retrace the origins of their own friendship, sparked through TikTok, and unpack the evolving nature of meeting people online versus in person. Mel offers insight into her journey as a social media creator—the trade-offs between self-employment, personal boundaries, and wrestling with negative commentary when discussing everything from dating to true crime.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the world of true crime content: why it’s dominated by women, how it can serve both as a form of empowerment and a window into societal fears, and the responsibilities of creators to survivors and victims. Together, they tease apart the ethics of true crime storytelling, the dark allure of morbid curiosity, and how popular trends in media often reflect broader cultural anxieties.

Amidst tough truths about loneliness, loss, and the challenge of setting healthy boundaries, James and Mel share moments of hope, humor, and vulnerability—highlighting the importance of building connection, trying new things, and the radical self-respect that comes from saying “no.” The episode closes with heartwarming reflections on authentic friendship, the value of real-life community, and a practical invitation: throw a party, be brave, and make space for joy alongside all the heavy stuff.

Whether you're a fan of true crime, wrestling with friendship in the age of social media, or searching for belonging in a disconnected world, this episode of "Friendless" is sure to resonate.

Find Mel through all the links in her Linktree HERE! [https://linktr.ee/sorrymelzee?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=2005cacf-48e1-4d59-bb2f-d92104ffff06]

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Finding Light in Dark Stories (with special guest Mel Zee)

Join me as I reflect on the month of April, discussing the return of the sun and its impact on my mental health, personal growth, and the delicate balance of maintaining connections while undergoing distress tolerance therapy. In this episode, I introduce new ideas for tracking personal development and share invaluable insights from recent guests such as Dean Spade, Ravenous Randy Myers, Amy Lester, and Brett Cassidy. Learn actionable steps to improve friendships and hear my thoughts on whether friendships should have breakup conversations. Plus, discover my favourite songs from my monthly playlist and set intentions for the coming month. Don't miss it!

Sign up for the Friendless Substack HERE! [https://friendless.substack.com/]

Listen to my monthly Spotify playlist HERE! [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3OWUQo7ZtAeViZXxas10qL?si=1754f95e42ad4695]

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00:00 April Reflections and Personal Growth

03:51 Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Insights

08:01 Interview Highlights: Dean Spade

11:03 Interview Highlights: Ravenous Randy Myers

13:32 Interview Highlights: Amy Lester

15:44 Interview Highlights: Brett Cassidy

20:16 Actionable Steps for Personal Development

24:54 Listener Questions and Interactions

51:45 Reconnecting Through Communication

53:49 Navigating Breakups with Grace

56:24 Petty Reasons for Unfriending

01:01:08 Anonymous Messages to Ex-Friends

01:04:12 Monthly Playlist Highlights

01:07:23 Setting Monthly Intentions

01:13:03 Final Reflections and Gratitude

Sunshine Monkeys Rejoice! (Reflections on April)

In this episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko welcomes Brett Cassidy, a singer, songwriter, and producer. The two reconnect after years of following each other's careers online and share a deep conversation on friendship, community, and music. Brett discusses the evolution of his music career, his love for folk and psychedelic music, and the inspiration behind his latest EP. The conversation touches on the importance of vulnerability, maintaining connections, and the value of second chances. They also delve into how art and community play pivotal roles in their lives, providing hope and purpose amid a challenging world. Join them for an insightful dialogue that explores the depths of human connection and artistic expression.

Listen to A Selection of Ballads from the Old Man River [https://open.spotify.com/album/59r0a7rkriuA3hgrcaHxEQ?si=lyOupYA0QYe2LbvxJvl-mA]

Sign up for the Friendless Substack HERE! [https://friendless.substack.com/]

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and on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/friendlesspod/]

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Photo by @poolboy.studios [https://www.instagram.com/poolboy.studios/]

You Don't Need to Drown (with special guest Brett Cassidy)

In this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko interviews the multifaceted Amy Lester, a political organiser, clown, filmmaker, and actress. James and Amy dive deep into the complexities of the clown community, the challenges of living an artistic life within a capitalist society, and Amy's journey from being an active performer to becoming a dedicated political organiser. They discuss the nature of friendships, the intricacies of community, and the inherent power of vulnerability. Towards the end, Amy shares her insights on finding hope and joy amidst the chaos of today's world. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with humor, introspection, and authenticity.

Learn more about Class Action Lawsuit HERE [https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7486684] and HERE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=TLtLpDMGyDE&ab_channel=Insider]

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and on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/friendlesspod/]

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The Intersection of Art and Activism (with special guest Amy J. Lester)

In this episode of 'Friendless,' host James Avramenko interviews "Ravenous" Randy Myers, a multi-talented performer known for his work in professional wrestling, comedy, and various forms of entertainment. Randy shares his journey from being a drama kid in Calgary to becoming an influential figure in the wrestling world. He discusses the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way, including his struggles with mental health and how being open about it has helped him connect more deeply with fans and fellow performers. The conversation also delves into the parallels and differences between the stand-up comedy and wrestling communities, highlighting the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in performance. Randy's insights into community, friendship, and the power of being genuine make this episode a rich and engaging listen.

Photo credit thanks to @arealgoldmouth [https://www.instagram.com/arealgoldmouth/]

Check out Randy's work on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theweirdohero/]

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and on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/friendlesspod/]

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The Art of the Swerve (with special guest "Ravenous" Randy Myers)

In this special comeback episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko returns from a five-month hiatus to discuss his personal journey, the importance of self-respect, and the evolving themes of the show. 

James reflects on the challenges he's faced, including a difficult breakup, and shares his insights from therapy. He also announces exciting new projects, such as his completed poetry manuscript and upcoming book 'First Dates with Pro Wrestlers.' 

The episode introduces upcoming themes like intentional self-respect and the concept of authenticity. James emphasizes a more interactive experience with his audience, including book club activities and deeper dives into DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) principles. 

Listener engagement and feedback are highly encouraged as James aims to expand and enrich the Friendless community.  

00:00 Welcome Back to Friendless 

00:47 Gratitude and Personal Reflections 

03:07 The Breakup and Personal Growth 

10:17 Exciting Announcements and Projects 

14:14 Themes for Upcoming Episodes 

23:35 Listener Engagement and Future Plans 

28:18 Conclusion and Farewell



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Don't Call It A Comeback

In this episode of 'Friendless,' host James Avramenko meets and converses with Dean Spade—a lawyer, writer, and activist known for his work on queer and trans liberation. Dean discusses his new book, 'Love in a Fucked Up World,' and explores themes such as the importance of enthusiasm during tough times, the necessity of grounding oneself in reality, and the complexities of personal and community responsibility. The conversation delves into creating authentic connections, building community support systems, the significance of direct feedback, and the challenges of maintaining self-respect while engaging in activism. Dean also shares personal anecdotes, including his journey in writing his latest book and how inspiration serves as a form of protection and guidance.

Learn more about Dean and his work on his WEBSITE [https://www.deanspade.net/]

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How to Love in a F*cked Up World (with special guest Dean Spade)

This week on a very special episode of "Friendless", join host James Avramenko as he sits down with the insightful Hannah McGregor, author and co-host of the popular podcast "Material Girls." Hannah, who penned "Clever Girl," shares her feminist analysis of Jurassic Park, diving into her unique perspective on the beloved classic.

In this in-depth conversation, Hannah opens up about her personal journey moving to Vancouver and the challenges she faced in building a community from scratch amidst social anxiety and panic attacks. James and Hannah also explore their preferences for horror genres, discuss their favourite childhood places, and the ethical complexities of zoos and museums.

Listeners will gain insight into Hannah’s ideal weekend relaxation plans, a humorous take on velociraptors in human suits, and the importance of fostering community and friendship in meaningful ways. The episode is brimming with humor, intellectual discourse, and practical advice on managing social anxiety, self-criticism, and the significance of personalized gestures in friendships.

Discover Hannah’s thoughts on friendship dynamics, and the valuable concept of emotional capacity in support networks. This episode is a rich blend of academic reflection and light-hearted banter, perfect for those looking to understand the nuances of community building and feminist perspectives on popular media.

Don’t miss Hannah’s professional insights and James' enthusiastic recommendation of "Clever Girl." Tune in to hear their candid discussion on vulnerability, societal pressures, and the transformative power of analytic essays. Be sure to check the show notes for links to Hannah’s work and other featured artists.

Links:

 * Follow Hannah McGregor on Instagram: @hkpmcgregor [https://www.instagram.com/hkpmcgregor/]
 * Purchase "Clever Girl" ( [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Clever-Girl/Hannah-2024-09-17/Pop-Classics/9781770417397]Not from Amazon)
 * Learn more about Hannah's work [https://www.hannahmcgregor.com/]

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#FriendlessPodcast #HannahMcGregor #CleverGirl #FeministAnalysis #CommunityBuilding #EmotionalCapacity

Refocusing Jurassic Park's Feminist Lens (with special guest Hannah McGregor)

🎃 Spooktacular Halloween Special 🎃

In this chilling Halloween special of Friendless, host James Avramenko dives deep into the eerie world of horror movies and books, sharing his favourite spine-tingling picks and answering listener questions. From his personal "Mount Rushmore" of horror films to freshly-released gems like "The Substance" and "Oddity", James explores the genre's creativity and its platform for marginalised voices. He also highlights psychological thrillers like "I Saw the TV Glow" and Ti West’s gripping XXX trilogy.

James delves into horror literature, recommending unsettling reads from authors like Clive Barker and Eric LaRocca, and classics like "Frankenstein" and "Salem’s Lot". Whether you love imaginative narratives or are looking for your next Halloween watch or read, this episode offers something for every horror fan.

Plus, James confronts his fear of haunted houses, shares his take on WWE entrance themes, and hints at exciting future content. Tune in for a spooktacular mix of horror love and introspective discussion, perfect for the October season! 🍂💀

Links Mentioned in the episode

Bobby Roode's Entrance Theme [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVaJH8pWnWk&ab_channel=WWE]

Mike & Maria Kanelllis' Entrance Theme [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNQFrECZs48&ab_channel=WWEThemesandSongs]

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Halloween Spook-tacular!

In this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko tackles the age-old question: How do adults make friends? 

James shares his experiences at a speed dating event, where he delved into various fascinating topics like dietetics, bird watching, biology, and insectology, highlighting the joy of listening to people speak passionately about their interests. He emphasizes the importance of speaking confidently about one’s own passions without fearing judgment and stresses that if someone doesn’t appreciate what you love, they’re not meant to be your friend.

James provides practical strategies for making friends as an adult, including leveraging technology to find social groups based on shared interests, practicing conversational skills, and breaking down social anxiety into manageable steps. 

He also touches on concepts from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a therapy designed to help manage chronic behaviours and emotional regulation. James underscores the importance of mindfulness, believing in one’s worthiness to make new connections, and the idea of the "Wise Mind"—a balance between reason and emotion.

The episode explores how to build confidence and the value of mindfulness techniques such as visualisation and breath-focused practices to stay present and manage dysregulation. James also tackles societal issues of loneliness, particularly among people under 40, and shares personal anecdotes and strategies for forming new connections in a new city.

Join James as he provides heartfelt advice, encourages self-responsibility, and promotes the significance of practicing DBT skills to foster meaningful adult friendships. Follow Friendless on Instagram and TikTok, and don't forget to give it a 5-star review and sign up for the Substack newsletter for exclusive content!



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and on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/friendlesspod/]

Read "Hey, sorry I missed you"  [https://www.instagram.com/heysorryimissedyou/]

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How Do Adults Make Friends?

Are you feeling lonely or struggling to make friends? You're not alone. In 'Friendless,' host James Avramenko explores the ups and downs of friendship, the challenges of making new connections, and the impact of social isolation on our mental health. Each episode, James talks to people from all walks of life who have experienced friendship struggles and share their stories of triumph and perseverance. From overcoming shyness to navigating social anxiety, 'Friendless' offers practical tips and empathetic advice to help you build meaningful connections and find your community. Join James as he explores the complex world of human connection and the power of friendship.

James Avramenko

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