James Avramenko

Friendless

Health EN ↓ 185 episodes

Friendless is a podcast about the strange, tender, often painful work of staying connected. Host James Avramenko talks to writers, thinkers, activists, and everyday people about loneliness, platonic love, community, mental health, and what it actually takes to build a life with people in it. No easy answers, no toxic positivity, no pretending the hard parts aren't hard. Just honest, sometimes uncomfortable, often moving conversations from somewhere in the void. But always fun and safety. 

Author

James Avramenko

Category

Health

Podcast website

friendlesspod.com

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Building Online Communities (with special guest Tim Riel) Video 24.09.2024

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko sits down with Tim Riel ( @nerdincorrect) to explore the intricate world of community building, the realities of adult friendships, and the importance of small, thoughtful gestures in maintaining connections. Tim, a dedicated board gamer, comedian, and host of Codenames Live, opens up about managing his busy schedule filled with va...

Feeling Like a Fraud? Let's Talk Imposter Syndrome Video 17.09.2024

In this week's episode of Friendless , host James Avramenko kicks off a fresh deep dive series by opening up about a topic close to his heart: Imposter Syndrome. Drawing from his personal experiences and professional teaching background, James demystifies imposter syndrome by exploring what it truly is, its common triggers, and the various ways it manifests. He shares relatable anecdotes, personal...

i feel that way about garlic too (with special guest jaz papadopoulos) Video 10.09.2024

In this very special comeback episode of Friendless , host James Avramenko welcomes back the talented poet and writer, jaz papadopoulos.  jaz shares their rich experiences and profound journeys from studying critical theory to thriving in a queer feminist community, and eventually entering an MFA program. Together, James and jaz delve into the intricate process behind Jaz’s verse novel "i fee...

Virgo Season Has Arrived! (Season 7 Preview!) Video 03.09.2024

In this exciting sneak peek into Season 7 of "Friendless", host James Avramenko returns revitalised from his summer holiday, ready to dive deep into personal growth, friendship, and community.  Celebrating Virgo season and his 37th birthday, James reflects on his nearly 11 months of sobriety and the transformative journey he's been on over the past year. Join James as he opens up about his su...

All Good Things (Season 6 Finale) Video 25.06.2024

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko wraps up Season 6 with a lively discussion on being raised by wild animals, the importance of community, and personal transformation. James humorously explores the animal kingdom, from sloths to meerkats, what mental illnesses cartoon characters have, and what type of animal he'd like to be raised by.  Listeners are invited in...

The Assets and Liabilities of Being a Human (with special guest Megan Phillips) Video 18.06.2024

In this very special episode of *Friendless*, host James Avramenko welcomes comedian and performer Megan Phillips. The conversation begins with Megan's journey toward self-discovery and fostering unconditional love and trust in oneself, which she believes can extend to building healthier communities. The reflect on growing up in boundary-less homes, and highlight the lifelong importance of underst...

You Don't Have To Yell To Get Your Point Across (with special guest Nug Nahrgang) Video 11.06.2024

In this very special episode of Friendless, James Avramenko sits down with guest Nug Nahrgang to explore the complexities of relationships, community, and pro wrestling. The conversation expands into the safety and understanding within a close-knit community, reminiscing about formative university years and the paradoxes of connection. The duo humorously discusses the adoption of enemies through r...

Embracing Your Artistic Destiny (with special guest Riel Hahn) Video 04.06.2024

In this very special episode of *Friendless,* host James Avramenko is joined by the multi-talented Riel Hahn. Together, they delve into a deeply resonant conversation about artistic fulfilment, mental health, and navigating life's complexities.  They discuss Riel's ongoing battle with chronic health issues, including her life-changing experience with long COVID, which resulted in a gradual lo...

Love Means Mostly Having To Say You're Sorry (May Lil' Guy) Video 28.05.2024

Welcome to the latest episode of "Friendless" with your host, James Avramenko. In this insightful and introspective episode, James delves into the art of making genuine apologies and the importance of direct and clear communication. From outlining the six steps of a meaningful apology to discussing the impact of social media on connections, James shares wisdom on navigating relationships with auth...

The Intimacy of Pro Wrestling (with special guest RJ City) Video 14.05.2024

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko is joined by RJ City, host of Hey! (EW). Their conversation takes them on an exploration of the dynamics of social media connections, the nuances of wrestling as an art form, and the complex interplay between public recognition and personal space. Listeners will be treated to rich discussions where RJ shares his surprising encounte...

How to Make Friends Online and Not Get Murdered (with special guest Beau Schultz) Video 07.05.2024

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko and special guest Beau Schultz embark on a candid discussion about the nuanced essence of personal space, astrology, and the whimsical idea of reimagining deities in modern society.  Tackling both light-hearted and profound themes, the duo delves into their personal needs for solitude and the significance of having supportive...

Processing the Process (April Lil' Guy Wrap-up) Video 30.04.2024

In this very special April Lil' Guy wrap-up episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko offers a candid exploration into his recent diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD), providing listeners with a unique insight into the complexities of mental health. James shares the challenges and triumphs of his journey with BPD, discussing its symptoms, treatment impacts, and the emotional intr...

Celebrating The Inner Teenager (with special guest Sara Bynoe) Video 23.04.2024

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko is joined by Sara Bynoe (actor, producer, host of Teen Angst) to dive deep into the complexities of friendship and the emotional impact of friend break-ups. Sara opens up about a painful experience with a friend who crossed a line and failed to show remorse, prompting her to reflect on the importance of setting boundaries and ackno...

Meeting Our Past and Future Selves (part 2) (with special guest Scott Hendrickson) Video 16.04.2024

In this very special part 2 episode, your pal James Avramenko and guest Scott Hendrickson continue their discussion on the nuanced landscape of friendship, forgiveness, and the courage to confront one's past. They candidly explore their journey of reconciliation, unpacking the impact of personal growth and the ebbs and flows that challenge even the strongest of bonds. The episode unveils Scott's k...

Meeting Our Past and Future Selves (part 1) (with special guest Scott Hendrickson) Video 09.04.2024

This week on a very special episode of "Friendless,"  host James Avramenko is joined by his oldest friend Scott Hendrickson to explore the multifaceted nature of friendship, the importance of authenticity, and the poignant reflections on personal growth.  James and Scott revisit the foundation of their long-standing friendship, from their shared experiences in the arts during middle scho...

Still Here (with special guest Kat Jeffery) Video 02.04.2024

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko and guest Kat Jeffery unpack the nuanced nature of friendship and self-discovery through a gripping and honest dialogue. James and Kat rekindle a connection from 15 years past, exploring the progression from substance-fueled partying to soberiety, and present interactions that reveal who our true friends are.  Listeners are in...

How to Reframe Internal Narratives (March Lil' Guy) Video 26.03.2024

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko takes listeners on a deep dive into the themes of accountability, the complexities of love, and the transformative practice of reframing. James reflects on his own journey towards self-discovery, sharing personal anecdotes about facing his shadow-self, reassessing relationships, and the ongoing work of self-acceptance.  Listen...

The Sober Road Goes On and On (with special guest Bryan Nothling) Video 19.03.2024

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal and host James Avramenko welcomes back Bryan Nothling aka The Bnoth. In a candid conversation between two creative souls, they dive deep into the unpredictable waters of success and the unspoken financial challenges artists contend with. Both share personal anecdotes from their stints in alternate careers, like plumbing and blacksmithing,...

You Don't Know What You Don't Know (with special guest Jabree Robinson) Video 12.03.2024

Join host James Avramenko on very special episode Friendless for an enlightening conversation with Jabree Robinson, a martial arts merch expert and queer community icon.  They discuss the undiscovered gem that is Bellingham, why you don’t know you don’t know, and  the transformative power of grace.  Sign up for the weekly Substack! Follow Friendless on TikTok and on Instagram Read "...

Bridging Distances (with special guest Selin Isik) Video 05.03.2024

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 fi...

L'amour c'est fou (February Lil' Guy) Video 27.02.2024

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...

What's bringing you joy this week? (with special guest Andrew Wade) Video 20.02.2024

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 buildi...

So you've been diagnosed with ADHD...(with special guest Shanda Stefanson) Video 13.02.2024

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 th...

Getting Dramatic (with special guest Landon Walliser) Video 06.02.2024

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. ...

You're Doing Better Than You Think (January Lil' Guy) Video 30.01.2024

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 accountab...

Listen to the Friendless podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.