In this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko reconnects with his long-time friend and former theater colleague, Trevor Hinton. Despite the years and distance apart, their profound conversation delves into themes of vulnerability, artistic expression, and the raw authenticity that stems from truly seeing each other. They discuss the balance between the metaphysical and material worlds, the importance of community, and how anger and confidence can mold personal growth. The episode wraps up with a focus on the nuances of friendship, the importance of checking in on strong friends, and the value of showing up authentically in our relationships.

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

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The Monkey Made Me Do It (with special guest Trevor Hinton)

In this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko dives into an insightful and heartfelt conversation with Zazu Payne, a biomedical engineer, board game enthusiast, and self-proclaimed 'friendship guru'. Zazu shares his journey from being a self-described 'selfish guy' to someone deeply invested in building authentic connections through community and faith. They discuss the power of vulnerability, the beauty in others, and how true friendships can start in the most unexpected places. Tune in for a candid discussion on the complexities of friendship and the courage it takes to show up genuinely in our increasingly disconnected world.

Follow Zazu on Instagram @zazux2_games [https://www.instagram.com/zazux2_games/]

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

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Cause Ya Gotta Have Faith (with special guest Zazu Payne)

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko sits down with Sam Murdock—tech wizard, board game buff, and the behind-the-scenes moderator of Codenames Live. Fresh from his adventures as a Twitch streamer (pants optional), Sam shares his journey from computer programming dropout to community builder extraordinaire. Together, James and Sam dive into the intricacies of forming genuine connections in the digital age, the irresistible chaos of live-streamed game nights, and how a simple meme or DM can sometimes be the sincerest way to show up for your friends.

They swap stories about discovering the world of board games, nurturing small social circles online and off, and keeping digital spaces welcoming in a world full of trolls. Sam also drops recommendations for indie games and deck-builders, discusses the magic (and anxiety) of playing and hosting Codenames Live, and reflects on what it really means to be a friend—spoiler: it’s often about being present in the small moments.

Tune in for tons of laughter, a few nostalgic deep cuts (Audiobooks on cassette, anyone?), and some thoughtful advice on how to be a more attentive friend, both online and IRL.

Check out Sam's work at https://nerdservice.ca

Check out Codenames LIVE! [https://linktr.ee/nerdincorrect?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=24309e95-5027-4b53-8099-38254bad1a9d]

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

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How to Survive the Internet (with special guest Sam Murdock)

In this very special solo episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko wraps up the month of May with honesty, humor, and plenty of personal insight. James digs into the duality of solitude versus loneliness, celebrates the small victories of incremental growth, and shares what he learned from his ongoing DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) group. He explores everything from why meme culture feels exhausting, to the ups and downs of friendship goals, and how being present can transform both heartbreak and happiness.

James also answers listener questions about friendship clichés, the concept of seasonal friendships, and the difference between intentional solitude and involuntary isolation. Along the way, he offers practical tools like time-blocking and journaling for anyone navigating their own journey of connection and self-understanding.

To top it off, James shares some of his favourite songs of the month, sets intentions for June, and encourages listeners to embrace the messy work of being authentically themselves.

Whether you’re seeking insight on relationships, battling your own solitude, or just wanting a good playlist, this episode is packed with relatable moments, gentle challenges, and a whole lot of heart.

Tune in, get comfy, and join James for a real talk about the complicated beauty of being friendless—and finding your own way through it.

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

Listen to the May playlist on Spotify HERE [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qxTupnjHHJMU8y2h4O9ml?si=ff205d10e3ca4ae6]

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On Isolation vs Solitude or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love 50 Cent (Reflections on May)

This week on a very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko welcomes the inimitable Magda Baker—singer, songwriter, producer, actor, and co-founder of the queer arts magazine Beautiful Trash for Beautiful People—for a candid, funny, and wide-ranging conversation about art, friendship, community, and navigating modern life.

Together, James and Magda dive into the tangled relationship many of us have with social media, technology, and addiction, exploring strategies for digital detox, reclaiming personal time, and the joys of (temporarily) switching to a flip phone. Magda shares his journey as a queer artist, from formative experiences in Calgary's underground music scene to building an authentic creative life and collaborative community on the West Coast.

Listeners will enjoy honest insights into staying hopeful amid political and personal upheavals, the healing power of shrinking your world, and why showing up for others—even when capacity feels low—can be transformative. The duo gets delightfully nerdy over David Lynch, swap tales of civic engagement, and discuss the meaning of friendship, the value of being an active community member, and the simple productivity hack known as “grilled cheese theory.”

Key topics include:

 * Digital minimalism and managing social media addiction
 * Building queer/trans arts communities and the ethos behind Beautiful Trash magazine
 * Transitioning artistic styles and identities across provinces
 * Making and maintaining friendships as an adult
 * Reframing self-worth, hope, and happiness in challenging times
 * The differences (and surprises) between Vancouver and Calgary queer/art scenes
 * Why showing up (to your friend’s gigs, to community meetings, or with a home-cooked meal) matters

Whether you’re searching for practical advice on fostering community or simply need a reminder to read that book your friend lent you, this episode is packed with relatable stories and inspiration for anyone seeking to be a better friend—to themselves and others.

Read Beautiful Trash HERE [https://linktr.ee/trashcan.media?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae0rI9nJ6bPNDCmhnbVGNmEZSLjJOxLiSt5qhjPx0pYIxvw7T0jz_YQbFn5VQ_aem_citNK2UtnrOQxSDTpk6lBg]

Listen to Magda's music [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3vd8YKhEQU1Py2Qy3VWrpz?si=2zlEe0ZoT56YGSPqZb8gtA]

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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The Hidden Benefits of Bullying (with special guest Magda Baker)

In this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko welcomes Dr. Christine Cooper — pharmacist, author, and self-proclaimed “reforming mean girl.” Christine opens up about her journey from being a not-so-nice kid to learning about empathy, accountability, and authentic human connection. She shares personal stories of growth, how constantly moving as a child delayed her understanding of the consequences of her actions, and the pivotal moment in college that made her self-reflect on who she wanted to be.

Christine discusses her book Finding Value: A Reforming Mean Girl’s Guide for Creating More Meaningful Connections, offering wisdom on building better friendships, setting healthy boundaries, and cultivating curiosity. Together, she and James explore what it really means to be a friend, how to take actionable steps toward kindness (starting with the person in front of you), and the importance of balancing your own needs with those of others. Christine also offers practical advice on accountability, healthy communication (including the tricky realm of nonverbal cues), and fostering a sense of community—even across divides.

This episode is packed with real talk, laughs, and useful takeaways for anyone looking to create more meaningful relationships in their lives.

Check out Christine's work HERE [https://authorccooper.com/]

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

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Rebuilding Connection After Mistakes (with special guest Dr. Christine Cooper)

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]

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

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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]

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

Follow Friendless on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@friendlesspod]

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

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

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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