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.

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

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

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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]

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/]

Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/friendlesspod]

Create your podcast [https://zencastr.com/?via=james-avramenko] today! #madeonzencastr

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).

Create your podcast [https://zencastr.com/?via=james-avramenko] today! #madeonzencastr

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.



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/]

Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/friendlesspod]

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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.

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/]

Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/friendlesspod]

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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.



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/]

Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/friendlesspod]

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The Seroquel is kicking in (reflections on June)

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/]

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

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

Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/friendlesspod]

Create your podcast [https://zencastr.com/?via=james-avramenko] today! #madeonzencastr

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/]

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

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

Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/friendlesspod]

Create your podcast [https://zencastr.com/?via=james-avramenko] today! #madeonzencastr

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/]

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

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

Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/friendlesspod]

Create your podcast [https://zencastr.com/?via=james-avramenko] today! #madeonzencastr

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]

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

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

Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/friendlesspod]

Create your podcast [https://zencastr.com/?via=james-avramenko] today! #madeonzencastr

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

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