125 episodes

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.

Friendless James Avramenko

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.5 • 37 Ratings

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.

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

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

    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 partners over 'fixers.'

    James opens up about his daily realities living with autism and trauma, underlining the importance of understanding one's personal space. Beau offers snippets of wisdom on finding joy in fashion and accessories, which spices up their discourse on self-expression and the acts of maturing and finding happiness.

    The episode also ventures into the realm of modern mythology, proposing a society where pop culture icons like Jojo Siwa and Drake could be viewed as contemporary deities, encouraging a reflection on societal values and celebrity influence.

    Sharing thrilling insights into their astrological signs, Beau and James decode the implications of their Virgo, Leo, and Cancer traits. They also touch on poignant cultural topics from the perspective of queer experiences, making sense of community dynamics and the profound engagements that social media platforms like TikTok offer in forging genuine connections.

    Follow Beau on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cowboybeau_/]

    Listen to Boy Trouble [https://open.spotify.com/track/0bOGlTQIrvsDgrLftpfi7G?si=2be59604d03c49f6]

    Read the weekly Substack! [https://friendless.substack.com/]

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

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

    Read "Hey, sorry I missed you"  [https://www.instagram.com/heysorryimissedyou/]

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

    • 1 hr 14 min
    Processing the Process (April Lil' Guy Wrap-up)

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

    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 intricacies involved.

    Come along with James as we navigate the nuanced effects of the disorder, from managing emotions to understanding interpersonal relationships. With an emphasis on compassion and self-awareness, James aims to debunk common misconceptions about BPD and other Cluster B disorders, inviting a discussion on the importance of empathy and understanding in mental health conversations.

    Touching upon themes of self-love, healing, and the power of community, James also dives into his personal strategies, including engaging with a DBT workbook and the positive outcomes of new medications. Through his story, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own paths to emotional maturity and the value of unconditional support in overcoming life's challenges.

    Join James in this heartfelt episode that promises to enlighten, inspire, and foster a deeper understanding of mental health complexities.

    Read the weekly Substack! [https://friendless.substack.com/]

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

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

    Read "Hey, sorry I missed you"  [https://www.instagram.com/heysorryimissedyou/]

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

    Don't forget to give Friendless a 5-star review and share the episode to help spread awareness and support for those navigating similar challenges!

    • 53 min
    Celebrating The Inner Teenager (with special guest Sara Bynoe)

    Celebrating The Inner Teenager (with special guest Sara Bynoe)

    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 acknowledging the lasting effects such betrayals can have.

    The conversation steers into a candid discussion about the different dimensions of emotional trauma, with James emphasising the necessity of allowing oneself to feel the repercussions fully. Both contemplate the difficult choices surrounding the potential for reconciliation after trust has been shattered.

    Sara shares insights from her journey with cognitive behavioural therapy and the mental health strategies she's adopted to help navigate her responses to challenging situations. Likewise, James reveals his own path to self-understanding following a recent psych evaluation.

    They further explore the essence of friendship – what it means to be a good friend, the value of kindred spirits, and the intricate dance between connection and self-preservation. Sara and James also touch upon the topics of neurodiversity, the stigma associated with psychological diagnoses, and the relationship between trauma and personality development.

    Community building is highlighted as Sara discusses her role in creating inclusive spaces through her events, such as "Teen Angst". They also reflect on their own evolving criteria for cultivating meaningful friendships and the lessons they've learned from holding onto or releasing certain relationships.

    Follow Sara's work through Yellow Notebook Productions HERE [https://www.instagram.com/yellownotebookproductions/]

    Read the weekly Substack! [https://friendless.substack.com/]

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

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

    Read "Hey, sorry I missed you"  [https://www.instagram.com/heysorryimissedyou/]

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

    • 1 hr 10 min
    Meeting Our Past and Future Selves (part 2) (with special guest Scott Hendrickson)

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

    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 key strategies to cultivate more meaningful relationships, such as small acts of appreciation and creating spaces for open vulnerability. Engaging in a heartfelt discussion, James and Scott reflect on their own friendship's past tumultuous phases, touching upon the essential elements of mutual support and accountability that have fortified their rekindled connection.

    Listeners are privy to the pair's raw and unfiltered exchange on the tightrope of respect and understanding in friendships, especially when coping with external influences like romantic relationships or conflicting viewpoints. They underscore the potent combination of love, gratitude, and honest communication as the pillars of a resilient friendship.

    By delving into stories of second chances, James emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness, both of others and of oneself, advocating for unlimited opportunities for personal redemption. Scott contributes his insights on cultivating a diverse community, reinforcing the importance of exposure to a wide array of perspectives to foster personal growth and improved mental well-being.

    This episode provides practical perspectives on constructing a life rooted in empathetic connections and the individual's responsibility for self-improvement within the context of community support. As a powerful testament to the sometimes rocky road of rebuilding trust and intimacy, the dialogue between Scott and James serves as a beacon of hope for listeners faced with the challenge of mending fractured friendships.

    To continue the conversation and explore more empowering content, follow "Friendless" on social media:

    Read the weekly Substack! [https://friendless.substack.com/]

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

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

    Read "Hey, sorry I missed you"  [https://www.instagram.com/heysorryimissedyou/]

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

    • 1 hr 27 min
    Meeting Our Past and Future Selves (part 1) (with special guest Scott Hendrickson)

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

    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 school to the challenges they faced in a blue-collar, trades-driven educational system.

    Scott opens up about his struggle to find a sense of community, delving into his desire to connect with various cultures and the impact of his actions on those relationships. Both reflect on the weight of intentions versus actions and the delicate balance of intent versus impact in the fabric of friendships. Central to their dialogue is the concept of friendship itself, highlighting qualities such as acceptance, support, and the shared journey of personal evolution.

    The episode takes an emotional turn as they discuss the significance of reconnecting after years apart, the comedic misunderstandings surrounding identity, and the gravity of being true to oneself. They tackle complex ideas including the concept of being an "old soul," the pursuit of authenticity, and the bittersweet realization that life is a transient, shared experience of "walking each other home."

    Listeners are invited to contemplate the role of emotional regulation, the perils of ideological focus, and the enduring bond of companionship through life's intricacies. This is just the first part of a two-part conversation that is sure to resonate deeply with anyone interested in the true meaning of friendship and self-discovery.

    Prepare to connect with James's heartfelt storytelling, Scott's poignant reflections, and soul-stirring music that accompanies this deep exploration. Don't miss this compelling narrative on the power of human connections and the road to self-awareness.

    Remember to follow "Friendless" for the concluding segment in "Scott Part 2," stay updated with our weekly Substack, and connect with us on TikTok and Instagram. Share your thoughts on the episode with a 5-star review and consider supporting the show by buying the hosts a coffee. Let's discover what it means to be truly friendless, together.

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

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

    Read the weekly Substack! [https://friendless.substack.com/]

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

    • 1 hr 5 min
    Still Here (with special guest Kat Jeffery)

    Still Here (with special guest Kat Jeffery)

    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 invited to delve into the real meaning of unconditional love in friendships, as James questions the balance between unwavering support and allowing friends to face the consequences of their actions—a true act of care. Kat shares her life-altering journey from partying to sobriety, providing a powerful testament to the purity and risk involved in a friend's intervention.

    This episode also touches on the influence of geography on maintaining connections while pursuing personal growth, the significance of mentorship, and the impact of creating art that connects with others. James and Kat dive deep into the influence of literary legends like Sylvia Plath and Joan Didion on their lives and how certain works have shaped their relationships and behaviour.

    Additionally, the dialogue delves into themes of artistic identity, debunking the myth of the 'starving artist,' and recognising the importance of acknowledging and seizing significant life opportunities. The fluid discourse later covers the impact of social media on authentic human interaction, the importance of integrity, and the challenge of competing in a capitalistic society.

    Artistic reflection, codependency, and personal authenticity round out the discussion, offering listeners profound reflections on how to navigate one's narrative with honesty and intentionality.

    Remembering the personal milestones of friends, seizing creative impulses, and the sense of community are just a few of the poignant moments in this episode that will resonate with artists, seekers, and friends alike.

    Stay connected with the growth-oriented and heartfelt narratives of "Friendless":

    Follow Kat's work on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/katjeffski/]

    Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/friendlesspod/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@friendlesspod] for behind-the-scenes content. 

    Join our community on Substack [https://friendless.substack.com/] for weekly reflective pieces.

    Support Friendless on Buy Me A Coffee [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/friendlesspod] for exclusive perks.

    Tune in to discover why knowing when to stand by or step back from a friend might be the highest act of love.

    • 1 hr 25 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
37 Ratings

37 Ratings

Flynn Trinity ,

So good!

I would sleep more if I could stop binging this podcast.

Mister Stinky ,

I love this show

So far just started. Listened to Jacob Richmond. Lovely stuff. Yay.

jgreenkey ,

Disconnect to Reconnect

Super intriguing and engaging host! Love to hear the stories of each guest every week!

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Soul Boom
Rainn Wilson
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
Sixteenth Minute (of Fame)
Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
Split Screen: Kid Nation
CBC
Fail Better with David Duchovny
Lemonada Media
The Viall Files
Nick Viall

You Might Also Like

CANADALAND
CANADALAND
Seek Treatment with Cat & Pat
Headgum
This American Life
This American Life
The Daily
The New York Times
Life Kit
NPR
The Rubin Report
Dave Rubin