Friendless

This week on a very special episode of "Friendless,"  host James Avramenko is joined by his oldest friend Scott Hendrickson to explore the multifaceted nature of friendship, the importance of authenticity, and the poignant reflections on personal growth. 

James and Scott revisit the foundation of their long-standing friendship, from their shared experiences in the arts during middle school to the challenges they faced in a blue-collar, trades-driven educational system.

Scott opens up about his struggle to find a sense of community, delving into his desire to connect with various cultures and the impact of his actions on those relationships. Both reflect on the weight of intentions versus actions and the delicate balance of intent versus impact in the fabric of friendships. Central to their dialogue is the concept of friendship itself, highlighting qualities such as acceptance, support, and the shared journey of personal evolution.

The episode takes an emotional turn as they discuss the significance of reconnecting after years apart, the comedic misunderstandings surrounding identity, and the gravity of being true to oneself. They tackle complex ideas including the concept of being an "old soul," the pursuit of authenticity, and the bittersweet realization that life is a transient, shared experience of "walking each other home."

Listeners are invited to contemplate the role of emotional regulation, the perils of ideological focus, and the enduring bond of companionship through life's intricacies. This is just the first part of a two-part conversation that is sure to resonate deeply with anyone interested in the true meaning of friendship and self-discovery.

Prepare to connect with James's heartfelt storytelling, Scott's poignant reflections, and soul-stirring music that accompanies this deep exploration. Don't miss this compelling narrative on the power of human connections and the road to self-awareness.

Remember to follow "Friendless" for the concluding segment in "Scott Part 2," stay updated with our weekly Substack, and connect with us on TikTok and Instagram. Share your thoughts on the episode with a 5-star review and consider supporting the show by buying the hosts a coffee. Let's discover what it means to be truly friendless, together.

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In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko and guest Kat Jeffery unpack the nuanced nature of friendship and self-discovery through a gripping and honest dialogue. James and Kat rekindle a connection from 15 years past, exploring the progression from substance-fueled partying to soberiety, and present interactions that reveal who our true friends are. 

Listeners are invited to delve into the real meaning of unconditional love in friendships, as James questions the balance between unwavering support and allowing friends to face the consequences of their actions—a true act of care. Kat shares her life-altering journey from partying to sobriety, providing a powerful testament to the purity and risk involved in a friend's intervention.

This episode also touches on the influence of geography on maintaining connections while pursuing personal growth, the significance of mentorship, and the impact of creating art that connects with others. James and Kat dive deep into the influence of literary legends like Sylvia Plath and Joan Didion on their lives and how certain works have shaped their relationships and behaviour.

Additionally, the dialogue delves into themes of artistic identity, debunking the myth of the 'starving artist,' and recognising the importance of acknowledging and seizing significant life opportunities. The fluid discourse later covers the impact of social media on authentic human interaction, the importance of integrity, and the challenge of competing in a capitalistic society.

Artistic reflection, codependency, and personal authenticity round out the discussion, offering listeners profound reflections on how to navigate one's narrative with honesty and intentionality.

Remembering the personal milestones of friends, seizing creative impulses, and the sense of community are just a few of the poignant moments in this episode that will resonate with artists, seekers, and friends alike.

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Tune in to discover why knowing when to stand by or step back from a friend might be the highest act of love.

In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko takes listeners on a deep dive into the themes of accountability, the complexities of love, and the transformative practice of reframing. James reflects on his own journey towards self-discovery, sharing personal anecdotes about facing his shadow-self, reassessing relationships, and the ongoing work of self-acceptance. 

Listeners will join James as he delves into the critical role of self-love and the powerful notion of inward accountability, providing practical insights into how one can extend love to oneself first before sharing it with others. Through the lens of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), he sheds light on alternative ways to perceive past memories and challenges, revealing how these tools have been instrumental in his growth.

As he contrasts the dynamics of nurturing friendships with the cautious expression of love, James also touches upon the theme of authenticity, contemplating why people lie and the repercussions of deceit. This heartfelt episode promises to resonate with anyone who's grappling with transitions, seeking to understand the intricacies of human connections, and striving towards a compassionate acceptance of self and others.

DBT workbook

CBT resources

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This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal and host James Avramenko welcomes back Bryan Nothling aka The Bnoth. In a candid conversation between two creative souls, they dive deep into the unpredictable waters of success and the unspoken financial challenges artists contend with. Both share personal anecdotes from their stints in alternate careers, like plumbing and blacksmithing, and discuss the physical and psychological toll these jobs took on them.

The episode shifts to more existential topics, opening up a discussion on the nuanced meaning of friendship, the pursuit of a sober life, and the complexities of grieving and forgiving oneself.

Bryan and James touch upon the critical notion of community and how artistry, recovery, and human connection interplay in their lives. They explore their responsibilities within these communities, the impact of addiction, and how sobriety has shaped their personal growth and creative output.

Listeners are also privy to their thoughts on the contemporary housing crisis, the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health, and the collective trauma society is yet to address fully.

Amidst the heavy topics, there’s also room for lighter, albeit peculiar, conversations about blacksmithing, the taboo around eating certain meats, and the questionable ethics of animal breeding.

In an inspiring turn, James thanks Bryan for his role in his sobriety journey, and they discuss celebrating life's small victories, including Bryan's tips for finding joy in the everyday. Towards the end, Bryan leaves us with actionable advice urging listeners to craft deeper connections through kindness, setting the tone for a parting message filled with hope and encouragement.

Catch this episode for an intimate exploration of sobriety, creativity, the power of human connection, and how to navigate life's complexities—one day and one kind word at a time.

Remember to follow the journey, leave a review, sign up for the newsletter, and join us next time on Friendless for more thoughtful exchanges.

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Join host James Avramenko on very special episode Friendless for an enlightening conversation with Jabree Robinson, a martial arts merch expert and queer community icon. 

They discuss the undiscovered gem that is Bellingham, why you don’t know you don’t know, and  the transformative power of grace. 

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In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko and guest Selin Isik delve into the complexities of living across continents, the impact of family dynamics on friendships, and the challenges of building and maintaining communities. 

They explore the value of human memory, the struggle to find belonging within communities, and the diverse perspectives brought by different fields of study. 

Selin shares her experience in the F.U.N. program, emphasising the fusion of her psychology background with brand strategy. 

Listen in for a thought-provoking conversation on psychology, community, and the pursuit of authentic connections.

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This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal James is doing a wrap-up of the month of Love! 

He gives a breakdown of where he's at with love, discussing what he's gotten wrong in the past and what he's doing to change himself for the future. Questions of codependency, self-love, and forgiveness are explored. 

He then answers a series of listener questions, ranging from how to tell the difference between real and platonic love, to which dinosaur he'd f*ck/marry/kill

All this and so much more on this week's Lil' Guy episode!

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In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko interviews actor, writer, and producer Andrew Wade. 

Their wide-ranging conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining online presence, the importance of intentional friendship, the impact of societal influences on mental health, and the nuances of seeking and providing support. 

Andrew shares insights into building community and navigating the intricacies of personal and cultural connections, while James adds his perspective on therapy and the dynamics of auditioning in the theatre industry. 

The episode closes with a reflection on kindness, empathy, and the impact of cultural and community influences on individuals' well-being. Join them for a thought-provoking and heartfelt discussion on the complexities of human connection and societal expectations.

Fun and Safety sweet peas!

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This week on a very special episode of Friendless, your pal James Avramenko is joined by returning guest Shanda Stefanson!

They discuss shifting focus away from their old poetry circles, dealing with later life ADHD diagnoses, and making friends when you have social anxiety. 

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In this very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko welcomes guest Landon Walliser for a candid conversation about the complexities of the theatre industry, the challenges of regional theatre,  and the importance of fair pay for artists. 

They discuss their experiences on theatre boards, the impact of distance on relationships, and the anxiety caused by the pandemic. 

The episode also delves into the theme of alternate realities and regrets, the significance of community, and debates over movie trilogies, and who's the James Bond. 

Join in for a lively and introspective discussion that offers insights into the theatre community and personal connections.

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