Episodes

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko and guest Selin Isik delve into the complexities of living across continents, the impact of family dynamics on friendships, and the challenges of building and maintaining communities. They explore the value of human memory, the struggle to find belonging within communities, and the diverse perspectives brought by different fields of study. Selin shares her experience in the F.U.N. program, emphasising the fusion of her psycholo...

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal James is doing a wrap-up of the month of Love! He gives a breakdown of where he's at with love, discussing what he's gotten wrong in the past and what he's doing to change himself for the future. Questions of codependency, self-love, and forgiveness are explored. He then answers a series of listener questions, ranging from how to tell the difference between real and platonic love, to which dinosaur he'd f*ck/marry/kill All this and s...

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko interviews actor, writer, and producer Andrew Wade. Their wide-ranging conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining online presence, the importance of intentional friendship, the impact of societal influences on mental health, and the nuances of seeking and providing support. Andrew shares insights into building community and navigating the intricacies of personal and cultural connections, while James adds his perspec...

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal James Avramenko is joined by returning guest Shanda Stefanson! They discuss shifting focus away from their old poetry circles, dealing with later life ADHD diagnoses, and making friends when you have social anxiety. Read the weekly Substack! Follow Friendless on TikTok and on Instagram Read "Hey, sorry I missed you" Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!!

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko welcomes guest Landon Walliser for a candid conversation about the complexities of the theatre industry, the challenges of regional theatre, and the importance of fair pay for artists. They discuss their experiences on theatre boards, the impact of distance on relationships, and the anxiety caused by the pandemic. The episode also delves into the theme of alternate realities and regrets, the significance of community, and debat...

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko delves into themes of self-forgiveness and the distinction between behaving badly and behaving dangerously. He explores internal narratives, accountability, and the impact versus intention dynamic in societal and interpersonal interactions. Reflecting on his own behaviour, James emphasises the importance of personal accountability and the danger of using trauma as an excuse for harmful actions. He also discusses the challenges o...

In this very special, and ironically timed, episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko is joined by Taylor Padget (ice cream maestro and safest boy in Vancouver). They share a candid and humorous conversation about their experiences with friendships, the challenge of making genuine connections, and the significance of chosen family. Taylor also shares his decision to take a bold step and move to the UK. From pop culture moments to discussing their hometowns, the episode is packed with lighth...

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal James Avramenko is joined by artist and ruffian Kal Nguyen. They get into some really heavy subject matter, so listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health and need help, here are a few resources to reach out to: Talk Suicide Canada: 988 Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 Vancouver Crisis Line - 604-872-3311 You're not alone.

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal James Avramenko is joined by special guest Jaz Papadopoulos. Jaz is a poet, a teacher, a conflict resolution expert, and all around inspiration. They discuss the pitfalls of living in Vancouver (and how to escape), calling the UN out on their bs, asking for what you want from the people in your life, and so much more! Check out Jaz's work on their website HERE Sign up for the Friendless Substack HERE Follow Hey, Sorry I Missed You (Ja...

It's the most wonderful time of the year! To wrap up 2023, your pal James is back with a review of the year. He goes over some of his favourite books, movies, and podcasts. He also answers listener questions from who to buy gifts for to his favourite and least favourite holiday traditions. Sign up for the Friendless Substack HERE Follow Friendless on TIkTok Follow Friendless on Instagram And here's a list breaking down the Top 3s that James goes over in the episode: Top Movies: No One Will S...

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal James Avramenko welcomes back returning guest Darcy Haywood Stoop. They discuss the ups and downs of mental health, how to refuse to seize the day, and the healthy ego it takes to put your own airmask on first. Sign up for the Friendless Substack HERE Follow Friendless on Instagram and on TikTok

Trigger Warning: Open conversations about depression, grief, trauma, abuse. I haven't been able to see my therapist in three weeks and am having a nervous breakdown. Come along while I try to practice radical vulnerability and express what's been going on in my life this month. I tried to say everything I could as honestly as I could, I already know I missed things, forgot things, didn't say everything properly. I'm trying my best, that's got to be good enough. November is Men's Mental Health Mo...

In this very special episode of "Friendless," your pal James welcomes special returning guest Nathan Iles! They discuss the importance of community and the challenges of remote work, explore the intricacies of friendship and personal growth, discuss the impact of technology and social media on relationships, the need for safe spaces, and the power of niche communities. They also delve into the world of classic video games, sharing their favorite titles and the evolution of storytelling within ...

This week on a very special episode of Friendless host James Avramenko is joined by the talented playwright, solo performer, and writer, Laura Anne Harris. Their conversation delves into the intrinsic joy of the creative process, the challenges of being an artist, and the need for self-compassion. Laura candidly shares her journey through personal transformation, navigating grief, and her experiences in the artistic community, offering valuable insights into friendships, setting boundaries, and...

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal James is joined once again by actor, writer, producer, and pro wrasslin' mark Rod Peter Jr! They discuss navigating the world of Fringe theatre, the difference between community and society, making friends with mushrooms, and big sweat musclemen rolling around each other! Follow Rod on Instagram Follow Friendless on Instagram Follow Hey, sorry I missed you on Instagram Sign up with the Friendless Substack HERE And support the show HER...

This week on a very spooky episode of Friendless, your pal James gives you a rundown of what he's been up to this October, including his sobriety journey and starting a new poetry account (@heysorryimissedyou). Then he answers all your Halloween questions! From how he'd survive a Jason Vourhees attack, to his preferred weapon in a zombie apocalypse, and if he'd rather have sex with a ghost or an alien, all your spine tingling questions will be answered! Be sure to sign up for the Friendless Su...

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal James chats with Gavin Mac. They discuss the pitfalls of having straight friends, how to deal with demanding friends (and whether or not you are one), how autistism shows love, and what we talk about when we talk about mental health. Give Gavin a follow on Instagram Sign up for the Friendless Substack Follow Friendless on Instagram Check out James' new Poetry Instagram Hey, Sorry I Missed You Find all the other links in the Linktree An...

In this episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko welcomes special guest Anton DeGroot, a lighting designer and central character in James' novel. Join them as they delve into the fascinating world of becoming a fictional character and explore the profound impact of art on interpretations of love. They also discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating career changes in one's thirties. Anton shares captivating stories of his adventures through Europe, including the effects of travel on t...

Welcome to another episode of Friendless, where we delve into the complexities of human connection and the pursuit of creative fulfillment. In this episode, our host James Avramenko is joined by the talented artist, Eddie Torres. Eddie opens up about the pressure to constantly create content for the algorithm, feeling trapped on a hamster wheel that kills creativity. They share their fascination with exploring the world of kink and dom/sub relationships, inspired by a beautiful display of Shaba...

In this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko welcomes the incredibly talented Rachael Alexandre, a fearless artist with an insatiable curiosity for the world. Brace yourself as Rachael opens up about their experiences battling anxiety on set, and candidly shares their journey in the theatrical realm, detailing their love for the world of theater that blossomed during high school productions. Discover how their passion for technical theater and behind-the-scenes drama merged...

Welcome to a very special episode of "Friendless" with your host James Avramenko. In this episode, James takes a moment to reflect on the passing of time and the lessons learned along the way. As we age, we have the opportunity to live more, creating new experiences and memories. But when we were young, all we wanted was fun and to avoid pain or discomfort. However, James dives into the idea that experiencing pain and suffering can actually enrich our lives and shape us into the individuals we ...

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal James unfriends painter Corey Hardeman. They discuss the cost of art, capitalism murdering creativity, and the Blood God that rules us all. Check out Corey's work HERE and follow her on Instagram Be sure to sign up for the Friendless Substack And follow Friendless on Instagram and on TikTok If you're feeling spicy why not Buy Me A Coffee? And then find all the other info and links you might need through the Friendless Linktree or Websit...

In this episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko delves deep into the topic of overcoming the fear of intimacy, a challenge that many of us can relate to. The fear of intimacy can manifest differently for each person, whether it stems from past experiences, vulnerability, or a fear of rejection. However, it can serve as a significant barrier to forming the deep and meaningful connections we desire. James emphasises the importance of cultivating self-awareness as the first step in overcomi...

This week on a very special Friendless, your pal James Avramenko unfriends musician, author, and Renaissance Queer, Hank Pine. They talk all about iterating on creative impulses, the hell that is editing, how many Robins Batman has had, and so much more! Read Hanks Book HERE Listen to Hank’s Music HERE And follow him on Instagram HERE Sign up for the Friendless Substack HERE Follow all the links through the Linktree HERE And be sure to Buy Me A Coffee if you spare the change!