Best Zee and Friends Podcasts (2025)

1
How to Survive the Internet (with special guest Sam Murdock) 1:06:57

3d ago1:06:57

1:06:57

This week on a very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko sits down with Sam Murdock—tech wizard, board game buff, and the behind-the-scenes moderator of Codenames Live. Fresh from his adventures as a Twitch streamer (pants optional), Sam shares his journey from computer programming dropout to community builder extraordinaire. Togethe…

1
S2 Ep 12. Confessions of a Remote Worker & Former Teacher 11:02

9d ago11:02

11:02

Three years into my career as a UX researcher after leaving the classroom, I'm reflecting on the realities of remote work and what I miss about in-person connection. While I don't regret my career change and appreciate the freedom of working remotely, I'm experiencing unexpected challenges that have me considering a hybrid approach. • Communication…

1
On Isolation vs Solitude or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love 50 Cent (Reflections on May) 59:14

9d ago59:14

59:14

In this very special solo episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko wraps up the month of May with honesty, humor, and plenty of personal insight. James digs into the duality of solitude versus loneliness, celebrates the small victories of incremental growth, and shares what he learned from his ongoing DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) group. H…

1
The Hidden Benefits of Bullying (with special guest Magda Baker) 1:24:31

17d ago1:24:31

1:24:31

This week on a very special episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko welcomes the inimitable Magda Baker—singer, songwriter, producer, actor, and co-founder of the queer arts magazine Beautiful Trash for Beautiful People—for a candid, funny, and wide-ranging conversation about art, friendship, community, and navigating modern life. Together, J…

1
Rebuilding Connection After Mistakes (with special guest Dr. Christine Cooper) 1:01:51

24d ago1:01:51

1:01:51

In this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko welcomes Dr. Christine Cooper — pharmacist, author, and self-proclaimed “reforming mean girl.” Christine opens up about her journey from being a not-so-nice kid to learning about empathy, accountability, and authentic human connection. She shares personal stories of growth, how consta…

1
Finding Light in Dark Stories (with special guest Mel Zee) 1:01:08

1M ago1:01:08

1:01:08

In this candid and thought-provoking episode of "Friendless," host James Avramenko welcomes content creator and true crime aficionado Mel Zee for a wide-ranging exploration of friendship, online connection, and the psychology of digital communities. James and Mel retrace the origins of their own friendship, sparked through TikTok, and unpack the ev…

1
Sunshine Monkeys Rejoice! (Reflections on April) 53:09

1M ago53:09

53:09

Join me as I reflect on the month of April, discussing the return of the sun and its impact on my mental health, personal growth, and the delicate balance of maintaining connections while undergoing distress tolerance therapy. In this episode, I introduce new ideas for tracking personal development and share invaluable insights from recent guests s…

1
S2 Ep 11. AI in Education: Your Secret Weapon for Breaking into UX 8:04

1M ago8:04

8:04

In today's short and sweet episode, I explore how teachers can leverage AI (artificial intelligence) tools in education to build valuable skills for transitioning to UX research and design careers. I share practical strategies for using classroom AI experiences to develop a compelling UX portfolio while still teaching. Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear fr…

1
You Don't Need to Drown (with special guest Brett Cassidy) 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

In this episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko welcomes Brett Cassidy, a singer, songwriter, and producer. The two reconnect after years of following each other's careers online and share a deep conversation on friendship, community, and music. Brett discusses the evolution of his music career, his love for folk and psychedelic music, and the …

1
The Intersection of Art and Activism (with special guest Amy J. Lester) 1:10:42

2M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

In this very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko interviews the multifaceted Amy Lester, a political organiser, clown, filmmaker, and actress. James and Amy dive deep into the complexities of the clown community, the challenges of living an artistic life within a capitalist society, and Amy's journey from being an active performer t…

1
The Art of the Swerve (with special guest "Ravenous" Randy Myers) 1:00:36

2M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

In this episode of 'Friendless,' host James Avramenko interviews "Ravenous" Randy Myers, a multi-talented performer known for his work in professional wrestling, comedy, and various forms of entertainment. Randy shares his journey from being a drama kid in Calgary to becoming an influential figure in the wrestling world. He discusses the challenges…

1
S2 Ep 10. Navigating Tech as a Black Woman: Sharae Gibbs on Her Path to Design Leadership at Google and She Designs 31:13

2M ago31:13

31:13

In today's episode, Sharae Gibbs, founder of She Designs and Google Interaction Designer, shares her 12-year journey in UX and her mission to empower women of color in tech through mentorship and training. • Former Graphic Designer who pivoted to UX design at major tech companies like IBM and Google • Created She Designs as a mentorship platform fo…

1
How to Love in a F*cked Up World (with special guest Dean Spade) 1:19:40

2M ago1:19:40

1:19:40

In this episode of 'Friendless,' host James Avramenko meets and converses with Dean Spade—a lawyer, writer, and activist known for his work on queer and trans liberation. Dean discusses his new book, 'Love in a Fucked Up World,' and explores themes such as the importance of enthusiasm during tough times, the necessity of grounding oneself in realit…

1
Don't Call It A Comeback 30:42

2M ago30:42

30:42

In this special comeback episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko returns from a five-month hiatus to discuss his personal journey, the importance of self-respect, and the evolving themes of the show. James reflects on the challenges he's faced, including a difficult breakup, and shares his insights from therapy. He also announces exciting new p…

1
S2 Ep 9. From Classroom to UX: Making Tech Accessible for All with Shaine Frazier 23:41

3M ago23:41

23:41

In today's episode, I explore accessibility in UX design with Shaine Frazier, a former special education teacher who now works as a UX insights professional in the insurance industry, discussing how teaching experience translates into building more accessible digital products. • Accessibility in design helps not just people with disabilities but be…

1
Best of The UX Teacher Prep Podcast: Nail Your “Why” In Job Interviews 12:10

3M ago12:10

12:10

This is a replay episode (S1. Ep. 10)- while I'm out sick. I'll be back with fresh content as soon as my voice returns! Thanks for tuning in, I hope you enjoy this throwback gem! Whether you’re pivoting careers, breaking into UX or just trying to stand out in this competitive job market, how you articulate your purpose and motivation can make all t…

1
S2 Ep 8. Beyond UX: Teacher Skills That Translate to Other Careers 14:57

4M ago14:57

14:57

The episode highlights the transferable skills educators possess that can open new career pathways outside teaching. I discuss how teacher skills can pave the way for successful careers in areas like curriculum design, project management, policy-making, and more. • Exploring the adaptability of teaching skills • Importance of communication and coll…

1
S2 Ep 7. Embracing Rejection on the UX Career Path 11:11

4M ago11:11

11:11

As educators transitioning into UX and product design, the sting of rejection can feel overwhelming. But remember, you're not alone in this. Every "no" you encounter is an opportunity to adapt and grow. In today's episode, I share a personal story of rejection and guide you on transforming these challenging moments into stepping stones towards succ…

1
S2 Ep 6. Navigating Post-Election Stress: A Word of Encouragement 7:09

7M ago7:09

7:09

A moment of rest and reflection. Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message. Support the show *Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love! Resources: Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips. Grab you…

1
Refocusing Jurassic Park's Feminist Lens (with special guest Hannah McGregor) 1:16:53

7M ago1:16:53

1:16:53

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 c…

1
S2 Ep 5. My First Case Study: Crafting A UX Portfolio from Classroom Experience 11:14

7M ago11:14

11:14

Ready to transform your teaching skills into a thriving UX career? Join me, Coach Zee, as I share my personal journey from a 15-year teaching tenure to becoming a Senior UX Researcher in EdTech. This episode will equip educators with the tools needed to craft their first UX portfolio piece. By leveraging your current teaching experience, you'll lea…

1
Halloween Spook-tacular! 39:37

8M ago39:37

39:37

🎃 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 "Oddit…

1
S2 Ep 4. Lessons in UX Success with Joe Natoli 32:45

8M ago32:45

32:45

Meet Joe Natoli, a seasoned UX expert whose career trajectory offers invaluable insights for both aspiring and experienced UX professionals. Join us as we uncover the wisdom Joe has amassed over three decades, from overcoming imposter syndrome to teaching over 350,000 students on platforms like Udemy. Joe also discusses his collaboration with Leah …

1
How Do Adults Make Friends? 42:26

8M ago42:26

42:26

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…

1
Building Lasting Connections (with special guest Keira Daniels) 1:16:17

8M ago1:16:17

1:16:17

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 …

1
The Imp of the Perverse (September Wrap-Up Special) 1:04:12

8M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

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 st…

1
S2 Ep 3. Is Remote Work Over? Tips for Teachers Transitioning to UX in a Hybrid World 8:54

8M ago8:54

8:54

Is the era of remote work really over? Are we officially seeing the end of remote work? Is all hope lost for transitioning teachers who want to work from home? Tune in as we unpack the latest buzz around major companies like Amazon, Boeing, UPS, and Disney, calling their employees back to the office. We’ll explore whether remote corporate roles, es…

1
Building Online Communities (with special guest Tim Riel) 1:24:42

8M ago1:24:42

1:24:42

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 u…

1
Feeling Like a Fraud? Let's Talk Imposter Syndrome 28:50

9M ago28:50

28:50

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 m…

1
S2 Ep 2. From Special Ed Teacher to Customer Experience Manager with Shaine Frazier 32:22

9M ago32:22

32:22

Learn about the secrets of a successful career transition as I chat with Shaine Frazier, a former New York City Special Education Teacher turned UX and Customer Experience Design expert. Shane shares his journey from classroom discontent to his thriving new role in tech, including the pivotal moments of self-study, LinkedIn networking, and professi…

1
i feel that way about garlic too (with special guest jaz papadopoulos) 1:05:50

9M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

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 intric…

1
Virgo Season Has Arrived! (Season 7 Preview!) 22:01

9M ago22:01

22:01

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 …

1
S2 Ep 1. From Big Tech to Startup with Sr. UX Researcher Hilda Nalwanga 37:12

9M ago37:12

37:12

Unlock the secrets to a successful career transition with Hilda Naluanga, a senior UX researcher at Xsolla, in our latest episode. Discover how Hilda navigated the fascinating shift from a career development coach in South Africa to becoming a key player in the video game industry. You’ll learn how her passion for design thinking and human-centered…

1
Ep 21. Season Finale: Bridging the Gap Between Teaching and UX Research 12:48

11M ago12:48

12:48

What if your teaching skills could help you land an exciting career in User Experience Research? This season finale will guide educators through the essential skills and methodologies that make them uniquely qualified for a transition into the UX Research space. You'll learn how lesson planning and classroom management are directly applicable to UX…

1
Ep 20. AI Tools to Boost Your UX Job Hunt 10:53

11M ago10:53

10:53

If you want to transition to a career in tech, you have to use tech! Ever wondered how AI can transform your career transition from teaching to UX design? I'm Coach Zee, a 15-year teacher turned UX Researcher and in this episode, I uncover the secrets behind leveraging AI to streamline your job search and land your dream role in the tech industry. …

1
All Good Things (Season 6 Finale) 41:24

12M ago41:24

41:24

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 li…

1
Ep 19. Pros and Cons of Remote Work From a Former Teacher 11:01

12M ago11:01

11:01

What if you could skip the exhausting daily grind, commute less, and transform your work-life balance entirely? That's exactly what happened to me as I transitioned from a traditional teaching role to becoming a Senior UX Researcher working remotely. In this episode of the UX Teacher Prep Podcast, I share my journey, recounting the joy of trading i…

1
The Assets and Liabilities of Being a Human (with special guest Megan Phillips) 1:28:37

12M ago1:28:37

1:28:37

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…

1
You Don't Have To Yell To Get Your Point Across (with special guest Nug Nahrgang) 1:22:45

12M ago1:22:45

1:22:45

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 humo…

1
Ep 18. UX Research Job Interviews: Top Questions and Answers for Aspiring UX Researchers 13:33

12M ago13:33

13:33

In this episode, I unpack the most commonly asked questions in UX Research interviews and offer invaluable insights to help you ace them. Drawing from personal experiences and research, I guide you through key methodologies, the importance of staying current with industry trends, and how to showcase your versatility and commitment to professional g…

1
Embracing Your Artistic Destiny (with special guest Riel Hahn) 1:28:48

1y ago1:28:48

1:28:48

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 wit…

1
Love Means Mostly Having To Say You're Sorry (May Lil' Guy) 52:28

1y ago52:28

52:28

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 s…

1
Ep 17. The Teacher Shortage and Why Teachers are Not Ok 12:29

1y ago12:29

12:29

In today's episode, I discuss the teacher shortage and recent teacher stories in the news. The first step to overcoming an obstacle is admitting there is a problem. There is a huge problem with the state of teaching and although it will take time, I believe a solution is possible. Announcement: Starting in June, the UX Teacher Prep Podcast will be …

1
Ep 16. From Classroom to UX: Five Things I Wish I Knew Before My Career Transition 13:36

1y ago13:36

13:36

In today’s episode, I share the 5 things I wish I knew before transitioning out of the classroom. Knowing these 5 things would’ve eased my anxiety and helped me mentally and logistically prepare for my corporate role in tech. If you're considering leaving the classroom, or in the middle of this life-changing leap, remember you've got an ally. I’m r…

1
The Intimacy of Pro Wrestling (with special guest RJ City) 1:20:25

1y ago1:20:25

1:20:25

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 d…

1
Ep 15. How Transitioning Teachers Can Build a UX Portfolio 15:17

1y ago15:17

15:17

Are you a teacher interested in a creative career in UX (User Experience) Design? Let's unwrap the essentials of a portfolio that stands out, not just as a showcase, but as a narrative of your professional journey. In this episode, I offer tips for building your first UX portfolio and reflect on my early portfolio as a transitioning teacher to my c…

1
How to Make Friends Online and Not Get Murdered (with special guest Beau Schultz) 1:14:47

1y ago1:14:47

1:14:47

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 solitud…

1
Ep 14. Toxic Teaching Environments: Confronting the Challenge 20:38

1y ago20:38

20:38

Don't forget to enter the Teacher Appreciation Giveaway on Instagram! Every day, teachers across the world face the daunting task of nurturing young minds, often at the expense of their own well-being. This Teacher Appreciation Week, I'm tipping my hat to these unsung heroes and shedding light on the challenges they face within the teaching profess…

1
Processing the Process (April Lil' Guy Wrap-up) 53:08

1y ago53:08

53:08

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 s…

1
Ep 13. Job Search Tips with Recruiter Sarah Janosz 25:27

1y ago25:27

25:27

Ever considered the leap from the classroom to a professional role in the creative industry? In this episode, I delve into this transition with the help of Sarah Janosz, a Creative Recruiter with a wealth of experience in creative placements. Sarah shares her career evolution, providing you with an authentic perspective on the nuances of such a shi…

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