This week on a very special episode of "Friendless", join host James Avramenko as he sits down with the insightful Hannah McGregor, author and co-host of the popular podcast "Material Girls." Hannah, who penned "Clever Girl," shares her feminist analysis of Jurassic Park, diving into her unique perspective on the beloved classic.

In this in-depth conversation, Hannah opens up about her personal journey moving to Vancouver and the challenges she faced in building a community from scratch amidst social anxiety and panic attacks. James and Hannah also explore their preferences for horror genres, discuss their favourite childhood places, and the ethical complexities of zoos and museums.

Listeners will gain insight into Hannah’s ideal weekend relaxation plans, a humorous take on velociraptors in human suits, and the importance of fostering community and friendship in meaningful ways. The episode is brimming with humor, intellectual discourse, and practical advice on managing social anxiety, self-criticism, and the significance of personalized gestures in friendships.

Discover Hannah’s thoughts on friendship dynamics, and the valuable concept of emotional capacity in support networks. This episode is a rich blend of academic reflection and light-hearted banter, perfect for those looking to understand the nuances of community building and feminist perspectives on popular media.

Don’t miss Hannah’s professional insights and James' enthusiastic recommendation of "Clever Girl." Tune in to hear their candid discussion on vulnerability, societal pressures, and the transformative power of analytic essays. Be sure to check the show notes for links to Hannah’s work and other featured artists.

Links:

• Follow Hannah McGregor on Instagram: @hkpmcgregor
• Purchase "Clever Girl" (Not from Amazon)
• Learn more about Hannah's work

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#FriendlessPodcast #HannahMcGregor #CleverGirl #FeministAnalysis #CommunityBuilding #EmotionalCapacity

🎃 Spooktacular Halloween Special 🎃

In this chilling Halloween special of Friendless, host James Avramenko dives deep into the eerie world of horror movies and books, sharing his favourite spine-tingling picks and answering listener questions. From his personal "Mount Rushmore" of horror films to freshly-released gems like "The Substance" and "Oddity", James explores the genre's creativity and its platform for marginalised voices. He also highlights psychological thrillers like "I Saw the TV Glow" and Ti West’s gripping XXX trilogy.

James delves into horror literature, recommending unsettling reads from authors like Clive Barker and Eric LaRocca, and classics like "Frankenstein" and "Salem’s Lot". Whether you love imaginative narratives or are looking for your next Halloween watch or read, this episode offers something for every horror fan.

Plus, James confronts his fear of haunted houses, shares his take on WWE entrance themes, and hints at exciting future content. Tune in for a spooktacular mix of horror love and introspective discussion, perfect for the October season! 🍂💀

Links Mentioned in the episode

Bobby Roode's Entrance Theme

Mike & Maria Kanelllis' Entrance Theme

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In this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko tackles the age-old question: How do adults make friends? 

James shares his experiences at a speed dating event, where he delved into various fascinating topics like dietetics, bird watching, biology, and insectology, highlighting the joy of listening to people speak passionately about their interests. He emphasizes the importance of speaking confidently about one’s own passions without fearing judgment and stresses that if someone doesn’t appreciate what you love, they’re not meant to be your friend.

James provides practical strategies for making friends as an adult, including leveraging technology to find social groups based on shared interests, practicing conversational skills, and breaking down social anxiety into manageable steps. 

He also touches on concepts from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a therapy designed to help manage chronic behaviours and emotional regulation. James underscores the importance of mindfulness, believing in one’s worthiness to make new connections, and the idea of the "Wise Mind"—a balance between reason and emotion.

The episode explores how to build confidence and the value of mindfulness techniques such as visualisation and breath-focused practices to stay present and manage dysregulation. James also tackles societal issues of loneliness, particularly among people under 40, and shares personal anecdotes and strategies for forming new connections in a new city.

Join James as he provides heartfelt advice, encourages self-responsibility, and promotes the significance of practicing DBT skills to foster meaningful adult friendships. Follow Friendless on Instagram and TikTok, and don't forget to give it a 5-star review and sign up for the Substack newsletter for exclusive content!

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In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko welcomes back a beloved guest, Keira Daniels. Their conversation is a delightful blend of humour, introspection, and valuable life lessons on aging, friendships, and staying connected.

James and Keira kick things off with a humorous exchange about planned bed days, setting the tone for a lively and candid discussion. Keira shares insights from her partner, emphasising the importance of understanding others in conflict without assuming drastic personality changes.

The episode delves into the significance of maintaining friendships as we age, with James reminiscing about his grandparents' long-lasting bonds and social routines. Keira brings a fresh perspective on building adult friendships through "play" and everyday conversations, highlighting the challenges and rewards of authentic connections.

As they explore work relationships versus real friendships, James shares touching stories about his grandfather's social group, the "Knights of the Round Table," and the melancholy of outliving his friends. Keira and James agree that essential friendships often require flexibility, humorously recounting their own spontaneous social activities.

The conversation also tackles complex themes like overuse of terms like "narcissist," bad data collection, agile thinking, and the importance of honest feedback in friendships. Keira emphasises resolving conflicts without ego, while James discusses the societal pressures on men regarding being wrong.

Listeners will appreciate the candid reflections on social media's role in fostering connections, the challenges of maintaining friendships, and the importance of reaching out to brighten someone's day. James and Keira's mutual admiration is palpable, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the audience.

James wraps up the episode with gratitude towards Keira, thoughts on upcoming projects, and a heartfelt message for listeners to support the show. Don't miss this episode filled with laughter, wisdom, and the timeless value of genuine friendships.

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In this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko marks his one-year sobriety milestone by delving into his journey of self-discovery, emotional regulation, and the importance of building a robust support system. James opens up about the pivotal moments that led him to embrace sobriety, including dealing with intense emotions, the struggle of social isolation, and the critical role of harm reduction.

James shares insights into his coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness and mantra meditation, the 90-second rule for emotional regulation, and tips for journaling to process feelings. He reflects on his own personal growth, acknowledging his past struggles with self-worth and co-dependency, and emphasises the transformative power of small, incremental changes over drastic overhauls.

This episode also explores the broader themes of friendship, community, and the human need for connection. James discusses the significance of proactive communication and fostering a diverse support network to avoid echo chambers. He introduces the concept of a "6 pack" of support to distribute the emotional load among trusted individuals.

Listeners will find inspirations not just in James' triumphs but also in his candid acknowledgment of ongoing challenges. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to anyone grappling with sobriety or mental health issues to reach out, seek support, and take those first small steps toward a healthier, more connected life.

Join James Avramenko for a blend of personal storytelling, practical advice, and encouraging words as he continues to navigate the complexities of emotional health and sobriety.

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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 various projects.

They discuss the myriad challenges and joys of friendship, particularly how adult responsibilities and past experiences shape current relationships.

Listeners will gain insight into the emotional strain of outreach, the importance of community on online platforms, and the profound impact of minor acts of kindness, affectionately termed "pebbling." Tim also emphasizes the reality behind social media connections and the often unrealistic portrayals of friendship in media.

This episode provides a heartfelt discussion on the feelings of loneliness that even the most connected individuals experience, along with actionable advice on supporting friends discreetly and sincerely. As Tim shares his journey, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the small, meaningful ways we can lift each other up.

Don't miss this touching and insightful conversation on the complexities of friendship and community.

Nerd Incorrect - https://linktr.ee/nerdincorrect

Codenames LIVE! Main Cast

Brendan McKeigan: http://www.brendanmckeigan.com/

Dani Standring: https://beacons.ai/dani_standring/

Shannon Lahaie: https://www.twitch.tv/shanomen0n/

Jason Hatrick: https://twitter.com/jasonhatrick

Tavis Maplesden: https://twitter.com/TavisMaplesden

Lorenzo Patino: https://www.instagram.com/zopunny

Logan Avery Cooper: https://www.instagram.com/loganaverycooper

Sam Murdock: https://www.twitch.tv/suitedmonkey

Book Link:

Make Me A Mixtape by Jennifer Whiteford - linktr.ee/jenniferwhitefordwrites

Friendless Links 

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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 battles with imposterism, and insightful classifications of the syndrome's different forms. Emphasising the importance of self-compassion, community, and vulnerability, James offers practical strategies to work alongside these feelings, rather than against them.

From recognising the first signs to celebrating every small victory, James provides listeners with a thoughtful roadmap for navigating this pervasive experience. Tune in to discover how unconditional self-love and communal support can empower you to overcome the daunting feelings of inadequacy and fraudulence. This episode is a comforting reminder that you’re not alone in your struggles and that there is hope in embracing your authentic self.

Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack for more insights, recommendations, and James' personal reflections. Share your thoughts and suggestions with James on Instagram and TikTok @friendlesspod or email [email protected].

By popular request, we delve into:

• What imposter syndrome is and how it manifests.
• James' personal encounters with imposter syndrome.
• Five categories of imposter syndrome and their characteristics.
• Practical advice on self-compassion, validation, and seeking support.
• Celebrating small wins and the impact of genuine connections.

Join us in this heartfelt exploration and take the first step towards self-compassion and acceptance.

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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 feel that way too" from its organic beginnings to its polished final form.

The conversation shifts to discuss the liberating yet challenging aspects of living less reliant on capitalism, including details about Jaz’s garlic farming endeavours. They explore writing as a tool for both critique and affirmation, discussing influences like Edward Said and the intricate beauty of language. jaz reflects on the journey of incorporating and refining powerful quotes, tackling the complexities of copyright, and navigating the multifaceted nature of activism in a rural setting.

Tune in to hear about:

• jaz's involvement in critical theory and the evolution of their creative writing.
• The supportive role of queer feminist communities.
• The creative journey of writing a verse novel.
• Living sustainably through garlic farming and its implications on identity and activism.
• The significance of language, tone, and literary influences like Edward Said.
• Details about jaz’s new book, upcoming tour, and their latest creative projects.

Follow jaz on Instagram HERE

and read more of their work HERE

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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 summer experiences, the struggles he faced, and the profound lessons he learned in self-acceptance and personal boundaries. 

This episode offers a heartfelt and candid look at what to expect in the upcoming season, including a fresh mix of solo episodes and interviews that will explore deeper themes like mental health, lived experiences, and the quest for hope in chaotic times.

Get a taste of the first official episode set to launch on September 10th, featuring the return of poet jaz papadopoulos discussing their new book, "i feel that way too." James also invites listeners to engage with him more directly this season, fostering a deeper community connection through shared experiences and open dialogue.

Don't miss the rebirth of "Friendless" as it embarks on this new and invigorated journey. 

Tune in now and feel the love, sweet peas!

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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 into James' world as he candidly talks about his attachment style, mental health journey, and the complexities of self-growth. Emphasizing the importance of community support, James offers heartfelt advice on managing mental illness and the power of therapy. He reflects on the wisdom shared by diverse guests and plans to experiment with the show's format in the upcoming season, focusing on community, friendship, and intimacy.

With gratitude for six years of listener support, James announces a summer break and shares his vision for the show's future, inviting feedback and suggestions. He underscores the need for breaking down barriers of one-way intimacy in internet content and fostering an inclusive community.

Join James in this thought-provoking episode as he encourages reaching out to loved ones, embracing self-forgiveness, and being gentle with oneself. 

Have a wonderful summer, and stay tuned for exciting new episodes in August!

Fun and Safety sweet peas! 

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