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