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Friendless
Friendless episodes
- 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
1 hr 16 min - 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 - 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 - 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 forward
Get in Touch:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram/TikTok: @friendlesspod
- Sign up for the Friendless Substack
Support 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
47 min - 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 weaponized)
- 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 forward
Get in Touch:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram/TikTok: @friendlesspod
- Sign up for the Friendless Substack
Support 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 - 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
1 hr 7 min - The Liberating Power of Play (with special guest Nicole Thompson)
In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko sits down with the dynamic Nicole Thompson—psychotherapist, pleasure activist, and host of Modern Anarchy—for a wide-ranging conversation on the intersections of pleasure, relationships, and personal liberation.
James and Nicole dive into the journey from purity culture (with some wild stories of abstinence-only sex ed), through Nicole’s awakening as a queer, relationship anarchist, all the way into the liberatory practices of pleasure, polyamory, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Listeners get a candid look at what it means to unlearn shame, identify desires, and step fully into personal power within relationships of all kinds.
Key topics explored include:
- Breaking free from purity culture and reclaiming sexuality
- Tools for overcoming shame and practicing authentic, empowered communication
- Polyamory and relationship anarchy: defining boundaries, building community, and the importance of context and accountability in connection
- The role of psychedelics in trauma healing and pleasure, and the significance of set, setting, and integration
- The psychological and nervous system benefits of BDSM, kink, and the art of embodiment
- Practical ways to build supportive communities rooted in accountability, care, and ritual
Whether you’re curious about expanding your relationship models, integrating radical self-acceptance, or finding pleasure in your everyday life, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and Nicole’s infectious joy for helping others step into their fullest selves.
Dive deeper into Nicole’s resources:
- Modern Anarchy Podcast and free educational offerings
If you’re ready to throw out the rulebook, explore the intersections of love, sex, and self-discovery, or just want some actionable steps to feel more pleasure and friendship in your week—this episode is your invitation.
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
1 hr 17 min - The Seroquel is kicking in (reflections on June)
This week on a very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko brings you a reflective episode from his bed, touching on various themes such as the June wrap-up, the struggle to balance awareness of current events, and sharing an idea to convert his National Novel Writing Month essays into monologues. He dives into his personal experiences and challenges, including feelings of isolation, dissatisfaction with his job, and the struggle to find time for creative endeavours. James also critiques the ubiquity of AI in the tech industry and its impacts on creativity and job markets. Later, he discusses philosophical matters about plants and anthropomorphized objects, and eventually signs off, mentioning upcoming essays and Pride Month plans.
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
41 min - The Monkey Made Me Do It (with special guest Trevor Hinton)
In this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko reconnects with his long-time friend and former theater colleague, Trevor Hinton. Despite the years and distance apart, their profound conversation delves into themes of vulnerability, artistic expression, and the raw authenticity that stems from truly seeing each other. They discuss the balance between the metaphysical and material worlds, the importance of community, and how anger and confidence can mold personal growth. The episode wraps up with a focus on the nuances of friendship, the importance of checking in on strong friends, and the value of showing up authentically in our relationships.
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
1 hr 7 min - Cause Ya Gotta Have Faith (with special guest Zazu Payne)
In this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko dives into an insightful and heartfelt conversation with Zazu Payne, a biomedical engineer, board game enthusiast, and self-proclaimed 'friendship guru'. Zazu shares his journey from being a self-described 'selfish guy' to someone deeply invested in building authentic connections through community and faith. They discuss the power of vulnerability, the beauty in others, and how true friendships can start in the most unexpected places. Tune in for a candid discussion on the complexities of friendship and the courage it takes to show up genuinely in our increasingly disconnected world.
Follow Zazu on Instagram @zazux2_games
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
1 hr 8 min
About Friendless
From the publisher's feed
Friendless is a podcast about the strange, tender, often painful work of staying connected. Host James Avramenko talks to writers, thinkers, activists, and everyday people about…
loneliness, platonic love, community, mental health, and what it actually takes to build a life with people in it. No easy answers, no toxic positivity, no pretending the hard parts aren't hard. Just honest, sometimes uncomfortable, often moving conversations from somewhere in the void. But always fun and safety.