Friendless

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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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 

and follow her on Instagram @MegNatPhil

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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"

Follow him on Instagram

and on X

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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, 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  (but please don't buy through the link 🩵)

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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)

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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.

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Listen to Boy Trouble

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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.

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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

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In this very special part 2 episode, your pal James Avramenko and guest Scott Hendrickson continue their discussion on the nuanced landscape of friendship, forgiveness, and the courage to confront one's past. They candidly explore their journey of reconciliation, unpacking the impact of personal growth and the ebbs and flows that challenge even the strongest of bonds.

The episode unveils Scott's key strategies to cultivate more meaningful relationships, such as small acts of appreciation and creating spaces for open vulnerability. Engaging in a heartfelt discussion, James and Scott reflect on their own friendship's past tumultuous phases, touching upon the essential elements of mutual support and accountability that have fortified their rekindled connection.

Listeners are privy to the pair's raw and unfiltered exchange on the tightrope of respect and understanding in friendships, especially when coping with external influences like romantic relationships or conflicting viewpoints. They underscore the potent combination of love, gratitude, and honest communication as the pillars of a resilient friendship.

By delving into stories of second chances, James emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness, both of others and of oneself, advocating for unlimited opportunities for personal redemption. Scott contributes his insights on cultivating a diverse community, reinforcing the importance of exposure to a wide array of perspectives to foster personal growth and improved mental well-being.

This episode provides practical perspectives on constructing a life rooted in empathetic connections and the individual's responsibility for self-improvement within the context of community support. As a powerful testament to the sometimes rocky road of rebuilding trust and intimacy, the dialogue between Scott and James serves as a beacon of hope for listeners faced with the challenge of mending fractured friendships.

To continue the conversation and explore more empowering content, follow "Friendless" on social media:

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