Friendless James Avramenko

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 understanding and setting healthy boundaries, both for personal growth and in relationships.

Megan and James delve into the dynamics of friendships versus romantic relationships, the need for emotional health, and the invaluable lesson of purpose within relational contexts. They explore the nuances of fear-based thinking and the importance of avoiding manipulation in connections. Megan shares her recent triumph over her fear of roller coasters, attributing this newfound courage to inner work and self-trust.

Throughout the episode, the pair discusses the transformative power of storytelling in comedy, Megan's artistic inspirations, and her reflections on aging, appearance, and social media. Megan's career journey, from a love of music and dance to finding her voice in comedy, reveals her dedication to authenticity and the joy found in the arts.

Tune in for an episode packed with wisdom, humour, and genuine human connection.

Check out Megan's website at meganphillips.com [http://meganphillips.com/] 

and follow her on Instagram @MegNatPhil [https://www.instagram.com/megnatphil/]

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 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 relationships, with Nug sharing his own amusing yet insightful experiences.

Listeners get a glimpse into Nug's multifaceted career, from sketch comedy and podcasting to the inner workings of the wrestling industry. With anecdotes about meeting wrestling personalities like Eddie Kingston, Nug highlights the importance of mental health awareness and genuine support in any community.

The episode covers the impact of social media on mental well-being, the superficial nature of digital friendships, and the shifting dynamics brought about by the pandemic. Nug provides valuable advice on checking in on friends and emphasises the importance of honest communication and support.

As they navigate through stories of acting auditions, improvisation, and the pressure of living in the artistic world, James and Nug underline the significance of community and shared experiences. Concluding on a reflective note, they discuss the essence of friendship and the pursuit of recognition in their respective careers.

Join James and Nug for an engaging and heartfelt discussion about life's highs and lows, the importance of community, and the strides toward becoming better friends to ourselves and those around us.

Check out Nug's podcast "One Dollar Words" [https://thesonarnetwork.com/one-dollar-words/]

Follow him on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nugnahrgang?igsh=MW4yc3lpYzJvNWRmcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr]

and on X [https://twitter.com/nugnahrgang?lang=en]

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 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.



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]

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/]

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 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/]

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 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]