Friendless

James Avramenko
  • 4.6 (39)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 2026? I Hardly 2025-er! (Year End Retrospective Special!)

    2D AGO · VIDEO

    2026? I Hardly 2025-er! (Year End Retrospective Special!)

    In this very special episode of Friendless, join host James Avramenko in a look back on the year that was 2025. He reflects on the highs and lows of the past year. James opens up about his medical leave, mental health, and the complexities of dealing with burnout. He discusses guest highlights, including interviews with Dean Spade and Dust Kwaine, and shares his thoughts on the current state of friendship in culture. James also provides recommendations for books, movies, and music that defined his year and announces exciting new plans for 2026, including monthly live episodes with local authors. Tune in for an honest and insightful look back at 2025 and a glimpse into what's coming next. Sign up for the Friendless Substack HERE! Follow Friendless on TikTok and on Instagram Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Books Mentioned: Giovanni’s Room - James Baldwin Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma - Claire Dederer Penance - Eliza Clark Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt: A Memoir in Verse - Brontez Purnell The Children of Jocasta - Natalie Haynes The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper - Hallie Rubenhold Follow me on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/javramenko Movies Mentioned: Sinners Final Destination: Bloodlines One Battle After Another Eddington 28 Years Later Follow me on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/anaveragemango/

    46 min
  2. Love At First Sight (with special guest Lee Smith)

    2025-09-17 · VIDEO

    Love At First Sight (with special guest Lee Smith)

    In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko sits down with dear friend and special guest Lee Smith for an honest, vulnerable conversation about connection, identity, and the unexpected magic of friendship. Together, they unpack the challenges of forging community in a remote world, the unique energy of in-person gatherings, and the exhilarating (and sometimes scary) experience of bringing all your people together. James and Lee discuss the power of vulnerability when inviting others into your life, what it means to support and witness friends through life transitions, and how personal growth can manifest in surprising ways. From reflections on midlife rediscovery and the shifting meaning of happiness, to playful confessions about Pokemon-themed parties, stickers, and the joys of childhood nostalgia, this episode explores how small gestures and authentic presence can deepen bonds. Listeners will also hear insights on reparenting practices, the importance of building and nurturing friendship "toolkits," and the radical idea of bringing romance and intentionality into platonic relationships. Lee and James share actionable tips on staying connected (including the transformative act of making a friends list!), and discuss how celebrating one another can anchor us through life’s valleys and peaks. If you're searching for inspiration to reconnect with your community, tools for meaningful self-reflection, or simply a joyful reminder of the power of showing up as your truest self, this episode will leave you feeling seen and supported. Call to action: Take a moment this week to write down your friends’ names and reach out with a small note, gift, or message to let them know how much they mean to you! Sign up for the Friendless Substack HERE! Follow Friendless on TikTok and on Instagram Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Connect with your own community and share your "lightning bolt moments" with #FriendlessPod!

    56 min
  3. The Woo and The Boo (with special guest Gavin Harper)

    2025-09-10 · VIDEO

    The Woo and The Boo (with special guest Gavin Harper)

    This week on a very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko welcomes back one of his best friends, Gavin Harper, for an honest, heartwarming, and hilarious catch-up. Together they dive deep into the complexities of names and identity, community building, and the tough but necessary process of personal growth after life implosions. Gavin shares candid reflections on leaving a difficult job, navigating tricky workplace relationships, and embracing accountability for past actions—all while finding new joy and authenticity through connection, especially among Vancouver’s vibrant queer, autistic, and wrestling-loving communities. The episode is packed with stories about rebuilding after hardship, the cathartic magic of local pro wrestling, and the powers of “quiet time” with friends. James and Gavin laugh about introversion, party timing misadventures, and why pro wrestling is better than Disneyland. They also tackle topics like embracing authentic selfhood, sobriety, and the challenges and triumphs of making new friends as adults. Whether you’re looking for tips on healing, building community, or simply in need of some affirming laughs, this Friendless episode reminds us that real friendship is found in vulnerability, mutual care, and showing up for each other—whether in the wrestling ring or the living room. Tune in for wisdom, laughter, and a reminder that you don’t always have to be entertaining to be a good friend—sometimes, you just need to be there. Sign up for the Friendless Substack HERE! Follow Friendless on TikTok and on Instagram Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

    58 min
  4. Being the Great Optimist (with special guest Dust Cwaine)

    2025-08-26 · VIDEO

    Being the Great Optimist (with special guest Dust Cwaine)

    This week on a very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko sits down with one of Vancouver’s premier drag musicians and local icon, Dust Cwaine. From their first Instagram DM to this lively conversation, James and Dust dive into the realities of art, friendship, and finding connection in Vancouver’s often tough-to-crack creative scene.Dust opens up about their journey from writing profiles in BeatRoute Magazine to nine years in drag and making a name as a bold, genre-bending musician. Together, they unpack the intersections of drag, music, and legacy—why Dust made the leap from ephemeral lip-syncing to creating original music that lasts.Along the way, you’ll hear candid talk about building micro-communities, navigating friendship breakups, and what it really takes to be vulnerable—both onstage and off. Dust shares wisdom on mentorship, the tension and fun that drives their creative process, and why leaving little tangible gifts (like handwritten notes) for loved ones matters so much.Expect laughs, honest confessions, the value of a “six pack” of close friends, and even the story of Dust’s triumph over epic earwax. Plus, Dust debuts a special exclusive track from their upcoming album, Twin Lakes.If you’ve ever felt like making friends is hard or wondered how to build art—and relationships—that truly last, this episode is for you.Sign up for the Friendless Substack HERE!Follow Friendless on TikTokand on InstagramSupport the show, Buy Me A Coffee!!Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

    1h 15m
  5. Live Slow, Die Whenever (Birthday Special)

    2025-08-19 · VIDEO

    Live Slow, Die Whenever (Birthday Special)

    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! Follow Friendless on TikTok and on Instagram Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

    33 min
  6. Finding Your Village (with special guest Florence Ann Romano)

    2025-08-12 · VIDEO

    Finding Your Village (with special guest Florence Ann Romano)

    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 And follow her on Instagram Sign up for the Friendless Substack HERE! Follow Friendless on TikTok and on Instagram Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

    49 min
  7. I'm Not at Capacity, I Just Don't Want To (Solo)

    2025-08-07 · VIDEO

    I'm Not at Capacity, I Just Don't Want To (Solo)

    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 forwardGet in Touch: Email: friendlesspod@gmail.com Instagram/TikTok: @friendlesspod Sign up for the Friendless SubstackSupport the show: Buy Me A Coffee! 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 today! #madeonzencastr

    46 min
  8. Considering the Lobster (with special guest Tessa Irwin)

    2025-07-15 · VIDEO

    Considering the Lobster (with special guest Tessa Irwin)

    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! Follow Friendless on TikTok and on Instagram Support the show, Buy Me A Coffee!! Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

    1h 7m
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4.6
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    James Avramenko
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    163
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Friendless
  • Show Website
    Friendless