In this very special episode of Friendless, join host James Avramenko in a look back on the year that was 2025. He reflects on the highs and lows of the past year. James opens up about his medical leave, mental health, and the complexities of dealing with burnout. He discusses guest highlights, including interviews with Dean Spade and Dust Kwaine, and shares his thoughts on the current state of friendship in culture. James also provides recommendations for books, movies, and music that defined his year and announces exciting new plans for 2026, including monthly live episodes with local authors. Tune in for an honest and insightful look back at 2025 and a glimpse into what's coming next.

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Books Mentioned:

Giovanni’s Room - James Baldwin

Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma - Claire Dederer

Penance - Eliza Clark

Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt: A Memoir in Verse - Brontez Purnell

The Children of Jocasta - Natalie Haynes

The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper - Hallie Rubenhold

Follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/javramenko [https://app.thestorygraph.com/]



Movies Mentioned:

Sinners

Final Destination: Bloodlines

One Battle After Another

Eddington

28 Years Later

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2026? I Hardly 2025-er! (Year End Retrospective Special!)

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko sits down with dear friend and special guest Lee Smith for an honest, vulnerable conversation about connection, identity, and the unexpected magic of friendship. Together, they unpack the challenges of forging community in a remote world, the unique energy of in-person gatherings, and the exhilarating (and sometimes scary) experience of bringing all your people together.

James and Lee discuss the power of vulnerability when inviting others into your life, what it means to support and witness friends through life transitions, and how personal growth can manifest in surprising ways. From reflections on midlife rediscovery and the shifting meaning of happiness, to playful confessions about Pokemon-themed parties, stickers, and the joys of childhood nostalgia, this episode explores how small gestures and authentic presence can deepen bonds.

Listeners will also hear insights on reparenting practices, the importance of building and nurturing friendship "toolkits," and the radical idea of bringing romance and intentionality into platonic relationships. Lee and James share actionable tips on staying connected (including the transformative act of making a friends list!), and discuss how celebrating one another can anchor us through life’s valleys and peaks.

If you're searching for inspiration to reconnect with your community, tools for meaningful self-reflection, or simply a joyful reminder of the power of showing up as your truest self, this episode will leave you feeling seen and supported.

Call to action: Take a moment this week to write down your friends’ names and reach out with a small note, gift, or message to let them know how much they mean to you!

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Connect with your own community and share your "lightning bolt moments" with #FriendlessPod!

Love At First Sight (with special guest Lee Smith)

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko welcomes back one of his best friends, Gavin Harper, for an honest, heartwarming, and hilarious catch-up. Together they dive deep into the complexities of names and identity, community building, and the tough but necessary process of personal growth after life implosions. Gavin shares candid reflections on leaving a difficult job, navigating tricky workplace relationships, and embracing accountability for past actions—all while finding new joy and authenticity through connection, especially among Vancouver’s vibrant queer, autistic, and wrestling-loving communities.

The episode is packed with stories about rebuilding after hardship, the cathartic magic of local pro wrestling, and the powers of “quiet time” with friends. James and Gavin laugh about introversion, party timing misadventures, and why pro wrestling is better than Disneyland. They also tackle topics like embracing authentic selfhood, sobriety, and the challenges and triumphs of making new friends as adults.

Whether you’re looking for tips on healing, building community, or simply in need of some affirming laughs, this Friendless episode reminds us that real friendship is found in vulnerability, mutual care, and showing up for each other—whether in the wrestling ring or the living room.

Tune in for wisdom, laughter, and a reminder that you don’t always have to be entertaining to be a good friend—sometimes, you just need to be there.

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The Woo and The Boo (with special guest Gavin Harper)

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko sits down with one of Vancouver’s premier drag musicians and local icon, Dust Cwaine. From their first Instagram DM to this lively conversation, James and Dust dive into the realities of art, friendship, and finding connection in Vancouver’s often tough-to-crack creative scene.

Dust opens up about their journey from writing profiles in BeatRoute Magazine to nine years in drag and making a name as a bold, genre-bending musician. Together, they unpack the intersections of drag, music, and legacy—why Dust made the leap from ephemeral lip-syncing to creating original music that lasts.

Along the way, you’ll hear candid talk about building micro-communities, navigating friendship breakups, and what it really takes to be vulnerable—both onstage and off. Dust shares wisdom on mentorship, the tension and fun that drives their creative process, and why leaving little tangible gifts (like handwritten notes) for loved ones matters so much.

Expect laughs, honest confessions, the value of a “six pack” of close friends, and even the story of Dust’s triumph over epic earwax. Plus, Dust debuts a special exclusive track from their upcoming album, Twin Lakes.

If you’ve ever felt like making friends is hard or wondered how to build art—and relationships—that truly last, this episode is for you.

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

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Being the Great Optimist (with special guest Dust Cwaine)

In this very special birthday episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko reflects on turning 38 and the internal tension he feels about birthdays. He discusses setting resolutions around his birthday instead of New Year's, focusing on self-kindness and building community. James shares insights on detaching self-worth from work, the importance of friends who challenge him, and the value of letting go of the desire for retribution. He also discusses moments of lost friendships and the quirks and wisdom gleaned from past connections. Looking forward, James expresses a desire for deeper connections, artistic satisfaction, and envisions a future where Friendless grows into a larger team effort.

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Live Slow, Die Whenever (Birthday Special)

In this very special episode, host James Avramenko welcomes Florence Ann Romano, author of 'Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy in Community in Every Stage of Life.' Florence Ann discusses the inspiration behind her book, sparked by the isolation felt during COVID-19. She emphasizes the importance of building a support system at any stage of life and addresses the common challenges faced in creating meaningful connections. Through personal anecdotes and insightful observations, The episode explores themes of loneliness, the fear of connection, the impact of social media, and the importance of authenticity and vulnerability. It also delves into the complexities of ending friendships and maintaining a healthy social ecosystem. Join us for an enlightening conversation on navigating the landscape of modern relationships.

Check out Florence Ann Romano's Website Here [https://florenceann.com/]

And follow her on Instagram [http://instagram.com/florenceann.romano]

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Finding Your Village (with special guest Florence Ann Romano)

In this solo episode, James Avramenko returns from a short break to unpack a whirlwind of thoughts, feelings, and cultural critiques. From creative burnout and refusing the algorithm grind, to the power (and misuse) of the word "capacity," this episode goes deep.

James shares insights from nearly two years of sobriety and reflects on what showing up authentically really looks like—at Pride, in friendships, and on the mic. There’s also some spicy etymology, a meditation on complicated legacies, and a surprisingly emotional ode to professional wrestling.

No easy answers, no purity tests—just nuance, honesty, and a little chaos.

Topics Covered:

 * Burnout and creative boundaries
 * The pressure of constant content creation
 * Rethinking the word “capacity”
 * Sobriety and sober joy at Pride
 * Why language matters (and how it can be weaponised)
 * Wrestling, legacy, and Hulk Hogan’s complicated place in history
 * Public shaming, surveillance culture, and online punishment
 * Owning your part in collective problems—and how to move forward

Get in Touch:

 * Email: friendlesspod@gmail.com
 * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/friendlesspod/]/TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@friendlesspod]: @friendlesspod
 * Sign up for the Friendless Substack [https://friendless.substack.com/]

Support the show:

 * Buy Me A Coffee! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/friendlesspod]
 * Share with a friend who needs to hear it.
 * Leave a review.
 * Tell James you’re proud of him (seriously, he loves that stuff).

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I'm Not at Capacity, I Just Don't Want To (Solo)

On this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko sits down with his longtime friend Tessa Irwin, an assistant director with a decade of experience in the Canadian film industry. Together, they dive into the highs and lows of working in film production—from the unique community and camaraderie behind the scenes to the unpredictable nature of freelance work. Tessa shares her journey from struggling to break into the Australian film scene to landing opportunities in Vancouver, and the realities of navigating feast-or-famine work cycles.

They also discuss the evolving challenges and rewards of independent filmmaking, why so many creatives are gravitating towards YouTube and new media, and the real financial barriers to telling compelling stories on screen. Expect honest insights into the role of producers, the inner workings of film crews, and the sometimes comical chaos of working with animals and unpredictable set moments—including legal quirks around filming with lobsters!

As always, the episode circles back to the heart of Friendless: what real, supportive friendship looks like, and how leaning on your community can make life—and work—a little bit easier. Join James and Tessa for a thoughtful, witty, and revealing conversation that’s perfect for anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes world of film—and the everyday work of building strong friendships.



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Considering the Lobster (with special guest Tessa Irwin)

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko sits down with the dynamic Nicole Thompson—psychotherapist, pleasure activist, and host of Modern Anarchy—for a wide-ranging conversation on the intersections of pleasure, relationships, and personal liberation.

James and Nicole dive into the journey from purity culture (with some wild stories of abstinence-only sex ed), through Nicole’s awakening as a queer, relationship anarchist, all the way into the liberatory practices of pleasure, polyamory, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Listeners get a candid look at what it means to unlearn shame, identify desires, and step fully into personal power within relationships of all kinds.

Key topics explored include:

 * Breaking free from purity culture and reclaiming sexuality
 * Tools for overcoming shame and practicing authentic, empowered communication
 * Polyamory and relationship anarchy: defining boundaries, building community, and the importance of context and accountability in connection
 * The role of psychedelics in trauma healing and pleasure, and the significance of set, setting, and integration
 * The psychological and nervous system benefits of BDSM, kink, and the art of embodiment
 * Practical ways to build supportive communities rooted in accountability, care, and ritual

Whether you’re curious about expanding your relationship models, integrating radical self-acceptance, or finding pleasure in your everyday life, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and Nicole’s infectious joy for helping others step into their fullest selves.

Dive deeper into Nicole’s resources:

 * Modern Anarchy Podcast and free educational offerings [https://www.modernanarchypodcast.com/]

If you’re ready to throw out the rulebook, explore the intersections of love, sex, and self-discovery, or just want some actionable steps to feel more pleasure and friendship in your week—this episode is your invitation.

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The Liberating Power of Play (with special guest Nicole Thompson)

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko brings you a reflective episode from his bed, touching on various themes such as the June wrap-up, the struggle to balance awareness of current events, and sharing an idea to convert his National Novel Writing Month essays into monologues. He dives into his personal experiences and challenges, including feelings of isolation, dissatisfaction with his job, and the struggle to find time for creative endeavours. James also critiques the ubiquity of AI in the tech industry and its impacts on creativity and job markets. Later, he discusses philosophical matters about plants and anthropomorphized objects, and eventually signs off, mentioning upcoming essays and Pride Month plans.



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

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The Seroquel is kicking in (reflections on June)

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

Shows