Friendless James Avramenko

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 loss and regathering of her identity. Riel also opens up about finding solace and purpose in writing fiction and the inspiration she draws from her father.

The conversation explores the complexities of friendships and romantic relationships, the importance of understanding and communicating love languages, and setting healthy boundaries. Riel reflects on her investment in friendships and the nourishment these connections provide, while also touching on societal pressures and the notion of self-love.

Listeners will be captivated by stories of Riel's intricate dreams, her renewed sense of purpose, and her intricate journey of self-recovery and reparenting. The episode also features discussions on enjoying nature, birdwatching, and the soothing aspects of the game *Wingspan,* which adds a delightful layer to the conversation.

Join James and Riel as they explore the importance of living in the present, the process of healing, and the deep value of authenticity in relationships. Whether you're navigating your own challenges or seeking inspiration from others' resilience, this episode offers a heartfelt and thought-provoking narrative.

Don't forget to check out "Exquisite Corpses" on Bandcamp [https://exquisitecorpse1.bandcamp.com/music], and stay tuned for Riel's upcoming novel and music album.

**Highlights:**

- Prioritising artistic needs in the face of mental health challenges

- The impact of long COVID on identity and creativity

- Navigating friendships, love languages, and setting boundaries

- The journey of self-love, reparenting, and direct communication

- Finding joy in nature, birding, and the game *Wingspan*

- Upcoming projects from Riel Hahn and a temporary podcast hiatus in July

Tune in for an enlightening and emotional conversation that promises to resonate long after the episode ends.



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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 authenticity and self-awareness. Join us as we explore the nuances of forgiveness, personal growth, and the value of human connection in the ever-evolving landscape of communication. Stay tuned for a blend of heartfelt reflections, humorous anecdotes, and a sprinkle of bagel-related musings, all delivered with James' signature sincerity and wit.

Check out Sorry, Sorry, Sorry [https://www.amazon.com/Sorry-Case-Good-Apologies/dp/1982163496] (but please don't buy through the link 🩵)

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

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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]

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 encounters with fans and his journey in the wrestling world, reflecting on the ironic enjoyment of anonymity despite his public persona. They also dive into the emotional labor of maintaining online friendships, weighing the mixed feelings about watching old acquaintances from afar on platforms like Facebook.

Delving deeper, RJ and James address the psychological aspects of dealing with fame, self-criticism, and the continuous pursuit of peace over happiness. With a blend of humour and sincerity, they also converse about the importance of authenticity in wrestling characters, the cultural shifts in the appreciation of physical intimacy within the sport, and the broader implications on personal connections.

Wrestling fans and listeners interested in the intersections of personal identity, public life, and digital connections will find this episode both enlightening and entertaining.

Watch Hey! (EW) [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLILTWWX_AIJRiFlvhG6aHKq7cnA2c1Fuf]

Follow RJ on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rjcity/]

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

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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]

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]

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!

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]