Best Mel Baker Podcasts (2025)

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

4d 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
George C. Wolfe on Desperation and Desire in His “Gypsy” 25:43

10d ago25:43

25:43

For Tony-winning playwright and theater director George C. Wolfe, the “landscape of America is rich and complicated and messy.” He takes the greatest joy in putting that messiness on the Broadway stage. This time, he’s directing the Broadway revival of “Gypsy,” widely considered the best of the Golden Age musicals. Alongside the show’s lead actor A…

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

13d 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
Sidelined After Service: What Federal Cuts Mean for Veterans 31:47

18d ago31:47

31:47

Veterans and advocates are sounding the alarm as massive federal job cuts and plans to eliminate 83,000 positions at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — championed as “efficiency reforms” by the Trump administration — threaten to strip away critical services. In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the human toll of sweeping layoffs and …

1
2025 Episode 3: James Hilton, Isabella Coco-Di Sipio and Sam Armson 1:11:23

19d ago1:11:23

1:11:23

Hosts Teo Pellizzeri and Annabelle Banfield speak with James Hilton (Marconi Stallions), Isabella Coco-Di Sipio (Bulls FC Academy) and Sam Armson (Inter Lions) and discuss the state of play in Football NSW competitions! Stay up to date with the NPL NSW competitions by visiting nplnsw.com.au or following NPL New South Wales on Facebook and Instagram…

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

20d 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
How Do We Respond to Attacks on Public Media, DEI and Democracy? 56:00

24d ago56:00

56:00

The San Francisco Public Press on April 30, 2025, hosted a fireside chat recorded for this “Civic” episode about attacks on diversity, democracy and media with Ricardo Sandoval-Palos, the public editor at PBS, and Lila LaHood, executive director of the San Francisco Public Press.In addition to discussing how journalists can do better covering issue…

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

27d 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
Progress or Political Theater? Factions Disagree on How to Clean Up San Francisco Street Conditions 29:31

1M ago29:31

29:31

San Francisco's mayor and police department are facing praise and scorn for cracking down on homelessness and visible substance use amidst shelter and treatment bed shortages and jail overcrowding.By San Francisco Public Press

1
Daveed Diggs Takes on Cyberpunk Rap 26:00

1M ago26:00

26:00

You might know rapper and actor Daveed Diggs from his performances in Broadway’s “Hamilton” or 2024’s “Nickel Boys.” But he is also one-third of the hip-hop group clipping. Known for their love of genre storytelling, the group’s new album “Dead Channel Sky” is not their first foray into science fiction. Along with William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes…

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
2025 Episode 2: Alexia Karrys-Stahl, Bai Antoniou and Bianca Galayini 1:04:17

2M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Hosts Teo Pellizzeri and Annabelle Banfield bring you the latest episode of Kick-Off, featuring interviews with Alexia Karrys-Stahl (Illawarra Stingrays), Bai Antoniou (St George FC) and Bianca Galayini (Hills United)! Stay up to date with the NPL NSW competitions by visiting nplnsw.com.au or following NPL New South Wales on Facebook and Instagram.…

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
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
Lucy Dacus Makes Her First Love Songs 24:37

2M ago24:37

24:37

Singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus has been building up to this moment her entire career. With her new album, “Forever Is a Feeling,” she is ready to write about love. Coming off the heels of a Grammy Award-winning run with her supergroup, boygenius, Dacus has signed a major label contract with Geffen for her solo work. In this episode, Lucy Dacus talks …

1
2025 Episode 1: David Perkovic, Mel Caceres and Noah Chianese 1:00:29

3M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Hosts Teo Pellizzeri and Annabelle Banfield bring you the first in-season episode of Kick-Off for 2025, featuring interviews with David Perkovic (NWS Spirit), Mel Caceres (APIA Leichhardt) and Noah Chianese (SD Raiders)! Stay up to date with the NPL NSW competitions by visiting nplnsw.com.au or following NPL New South Wales on Facebook and Instagra…

1
Journalists Are Fighting Back Against Investors Dismantling Newspapers Around the Country 29:31

3M ago29:31

29:31

Join the San Francisco Public Press for a screening of “Stripped for Parts” in San Francisco on Thursday, March 13. Details and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-stripped-for-parts-american-journalism-on-the-brink-tickets-1250795746749 Website for the film: https://strippedforpartsfilm.com/Rick Goldsmith’s production company: https://kovno…

1
Thousands Across Bay Area Are Mobilizing Against Mass Deportation 40:13

3M ago40:13

40:13

San Francisco's immigrant communities are facing a crisis as the Trump administration threatens mass deportations. For four decades, San Francisco has been a refuge for immigrants seeking a better life and a battleground for justice when federal policies target vulnerable communities. Today, legal aid networks, rapid response teams, and mass protes…

1
2025 Season Preview: NPL Women's New South Wales 1:17:01

3M ago1:17:01

1:17:01

NPL Women's NSW is back for 2025! Teo Pellizzeri, Annabelle Banfield and Nikola Pozder preview all the teams ahead of the upcoming season. Stay up to date with the NPL Women's NSW competition by visiting nplnsw.com.au or following NPL New South Wales on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Watch every game this season live, free and on demand on the Fo…

1
RE-RELEASE: Ukrainians in SF Are Anxious and Angry 29:43

3M ago29:43

29:43

This week marks three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the conflict shows no signs of ending. On the eve of this grim anniversary, Russia launched its largest drone attack yet, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties. Days later, the U.S. voted against a U.N. resolution calling for Russia’s withdrawal. In this episode, w…

1
Alicia Graf Mack on Honoring the Past and Future of Dance 32:11

3M ago32:11

32:11

Alicia Graf Mack has been entrusted with carrying the torch of ballet and modern dance into the future. As a dancer, she has battled through adversity to perform alongside artists like Beyoncé, John Legend and Andre 3000. As a teacher, she has helped bridge the past into the future, educating new generations of students. In this episode, Alicia Gra…

1
2025 Season Preview: NPL Men's New South Wales 1:08:06

4M ago1:08:06

1:08:06

The new NPL Men's NSW season is almost here! Teo Pellizzeri and Nikola Pozder discuss all the major transfer news and how each club is shaping up for 2025. Learn all you need to know before the action kicks off on February 7th! Stay up to date with the NPL Men's NSW competition by visiting nplnsw.com.au or following NPL New South Wales on Facebook,…

1
A New Aggressive Anti-Abortion Group Was Founded in San Francisco 30:05

5M ago30:05

30:05

Ever since the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, emboldened anti-abortion activists have used increasingly aggressive efforts to shut down abortion access in San Francisco. In October, an anti-abortion crusader entered the local Planned Parenthood brandishing a gun. And a new anti-abortion movement that launched in San Francisco is gaining popula…

1
Thank you for listening 2024 2:49

5M ago2:49

2:49

Thank you for listening. To support this work, visit: https://www.sfpublicpress.org/donate/By Lila LaHood, Liana Wilcox

1
LGBTQ Latin Americans Offer Safety From Hostile Substance Use Recovery Groups 39:10

6M ago39:10

39:10

LGBTQ Latin Americans come to San Francisco seeking relief from oppression and hostility. But when they join substance use disorder support groups, many encounter scorn — especially if they’re transgender. When one San Francisco couple heard that transgender Latin Americans were facing hostility in peer support groups, they formed their own. Now LG…

1
Why the Navy Conducted Radiation Experiments on Humans - Exposed episode 2 32:28

6M ago32:28

32:28

The Navy conducted radiation experiments on humans at San Francisco's Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, turning hundreds of servicemen and shipyard workers into unwitting “volunteers” for Cold War scientists’ biology and safety research. Check out the full series at https://sfpublicpress.org/exposedBy Mel Baker, Rebecca Bowe

1
A Community of Color Contends With the Navy’s Toxic Legacy - Exposed episode 1 37:42

6M ago37:42

37:42

Decades after the Navy closed a Cold War radiation research lab at San Francisco's Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, the mess isn't completely cleaned up. Neighbors in Bayview-Hunters Point are demanding accountability for the toxic legacy amid charges of environmental racism. Check out the full series at https://sfpublicpress.org/exposed…

1
Min Jin Lee Revisits the Decades It Took To Write “Pachinko” 38:46

6M ago38:46

38:46

Author Min Jin Lee talks to us about the power of the social novel. Her epic historical fiction novel, “Pachinko,” is frequently cited as one of the best books of the 21st century. Lee’s exploration of the immigrant experience, identity and empathy has a timeless quality that feels as relevant as ever in our current moment. In this episode, Min Jin…

1
Special Civic episodes coming Monday 2:18

6M ago2:18

2:18

Watch for a special investigative 2 episode podcast dropping Monday, November 25th.By Lila LaHood

1
Latinx in SF Use Tech for Post-COVID Trauma Recovery 31:44

7M ago31:44

31:44

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, San Francisco’s Latinx residents experienced higher rates of infection and deaths, and greater losses of income and homes compared with other ethnic groups. Widespread depression and anxiety resulting from the trauma led to a grassroots effort to heal the community. That’s when a UCSF psychiatrist asked t…

1
Should SF’s Great Highway Be a Park or a Roadway? 37:32

7M ago37:32

37:32

San Francisco’s proposition K is the most heated issue in this year’s local election. It asks whether the city should close a segment of the Great Highway, a coastal thoroughfare, to car traffic, so it could later become a park. Residents are divided: some welcome the idea of a park for families and community gatherings, while others worry that it …

1
Michael Urie Finds Laughs in the Balcony and the Front Row 36:22

7M ago36:22

36:22

Actor Michael Urie is a breath of fresh air. He talks to us about his journey in acting from the suburbs of Dallas, Texas to the Broadway stage. It was an unlikely path filled with generous doses of hard work, talent and passion. Urie explains how he first fell in love with musical comedies and how it changed everything for him. Even if you’ve neve…

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
Proposition G: Making Housing Truly Affordable for Seniors in San Francisco 25:58

7M ago25:58

25:58

Affordable housing is too expensive for many in San Francisco, leaving people in untenable living situations: rentals they can’t afford, overcrowded single room occupancy hotels, or tents on the street. Proposition G tries to combat that issue by proposing the creation of a fund to subsidize 550 to 600 units of affordable housing for extremely low …

1
Bonus: San Francisco Propositions November 2024 25:22

7M ago25:22

25:22

In the November, 2024 election San Francisco voters are being asked to decide whether to approve a wide range of issues in the form of 15 local ballot propositions, including ones on a major overhaul of the city’s commission system, bond measures and other program funding, changes to the business tax system, and incentives to bolster the ranks of p…

1
Halloween Spook-tacular! 39:37

7M 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
Commission Impossible: San Francisco Governance on the Ballot 35:08

8M ago35:08

35:08

San Francisco commission reform is on the November 2024 ballot. If either Proposition D or E passes, they will change the city’s commissions in different ways, which have had a vital role in how the combined city and county of San Francisco has been governed since 1898. Civic speaks to John Monson, the co-author of a civil grand jury report “Commis…

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
Overdose Prevention Centers Save Lives, But Is SF Listening? 29:50

8M ago29:50

29:50

There’s a glimmer of hope in San Francisco’s overdose crisis as the rate at which people are dying appears to be slowing down. But the city’s health director warned the public that the death rate may not have peaked yet. Meanwhile, health and city officials who once advocated for a place where people could safely consume substances in case of overd…

1
Conor Oberst Finds His Purpose in Process 31:20

8M ago31:20

31:20

Singer-songwriter Conor Oberst talks to us about the joy of making music. He describes his music and artistic mission as both a “release of negative feelings” and “a way to rejoice.” With their new album, “Five Dice, All Threes,” Oberst’s work with his band Bright Eyes is as emotionally expressive as ever. He breaks down the collaborative process b…

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
Fighting Secrecy in Local Government 30:01

8M ago30:01

30:01

Decisions by local and state governments have major impacts on our daily lives. But as transparency about those decisions decreases, and underfunded newsrooms struggle to get answers, many affected citizens are taking matters into their own hands. San Francisco Public Press Executive Director Lila LaHood spoke with award-winning journalist Miranda …

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
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
Taffy Brodesser-Akner Defends the Trauma Plot 38:59

9M ago38:59

38:59

Writer Taffy Brodesser-Akner jokes that “family is a chronic condition,” but eventually, we all figure out that we are lucky to have it. She talks to us about this theme in her newest novel and its sprawling exploration of how a Jewish family from Long Island contends with their own intense intergenerational trauma by simply surviving together. It’…

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
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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Mel Baker Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide