A mindful exercise. A look at ourselves. We recommend rest and relaxation. One way you can do this is to take up fishing. And for a truly mindful experience, try fishing without bait.
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What does it actually mean to fish without bait? In Episode 529 of Fishing Without Bait , behavioral health therapist Jim Ellermeyer sits down with Producer Mike for a return to the fundamental ideas that have shaped the podcast through more than 500 episodes. At the center of the conversation is a simple relationship between expectations and serenity: “The greater your expectations, the lower…
What does it actually mean when someone tells us to “be like the Buddha”? In Fishing Without Bait Episode 527, Jim Ellermeyer sits down with longtime co-host and Producer Mike to explore Buddhism not as an unreachable ideal, but as a practical way of approaching everyday life. Being awake doesn't mean being perfect. It means noticing what is happening around us, recognizing what is happening…
In Fishing Without Bait 526 , we continue our conversation with Vic Costik of the New Rust Pittsburgh Podcast . In Part 2, Vic joins Jim Ellermeyer for a thoughtful discussion about identity, community, safety, recovery and the daily work of becoming a more compassionate person. Vic explains why they try to approach ignorance through “neutral inquiry,” beginning with questions rather than…
In Episode 525 of Fishing Without Bait , Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Vic Costik for Part 1 of a conversation about community, authenticity, connection, and finding the courage to become more fully yourself. Vic is a designer, community advocate, and the creator of New Rust , a podcast exploring Pittsburgh’s transformation through the individual stories of people doing interesting things throughout the…
Fishing Without Bait 524 presents the third and final part of Jim Ellermeyer’s conversation with Missy Sorg about political differences, social-media behavior and the possibility of maintaining meaningful relationships with people who do not share our beliefs. Rather than trying to win a debate, Jim and Missy examine what happens when people listen to respond instead of listening to learn. They…
In Episode 523 of Fishing Without Bait , we continue our conversation with Missy Sorg in Part 2 of a thoughtful and challenging discussion about politics, responsibility, family support, and respectful disagreement. Missy and Jim Ellermeyer begin by examining the complicated realities surrounding abortion and the question of what happens after a child is born. Their conversation moves beyond…
In Fishing Without Bait 522 , Jim Ellermeyer begins a new conversation with Missy Sorg about one of the most difficult challenges many people face today: how to stay connected when political differences feel personal, painful, and divisive. Missy shares why she wanted to return to the show and talk openly about strained friendships, lost connections, and the fear of being reduced to a political…
In Fishing Without Bait 521 , we conclude our four-part conversation with returning guests Eamon and Merlin , hosts of A Gay and His Enby . This final part brings the discussion into questions of faith, culture, identity, queer history, personal freedom, and the importance of community. Jim, Eamon, and Merlin talk about the many ways people interpret the divine, how history and education shape…
Part 3 of our conversation with returning guests Eamon and Merlin continues an honest and thoughtful discussion about curiosity, personal growth, and the courage to question long-held beliefs. The conversation explores how choosing facts over assumptions can lead to greater understanding, why asking "What if I'm wrong?" creates opportunities for growth, and how embracing uncertainty can become a…
In Part 2 of our conversation with returning guests Eamon and Merlin, we continue exploring the intersection of mindfulness, acceptance, personal growth, and human connection. The discussion moves through deeply personal experiences involving family relationships, coming out, marriage, forgiveness, faith, and the challenges of overcoming long-held beliefs. Eamon and Merlin share how authentic…
Returning guests Eamon and Merlin are back on Fishing Without Bait for Part 1 of a deeply personal and timely conversation about identity, community, and creating a life that aligns with your values. Several years after their first appearance on the show, Eamon and Merlin reflect on the events that led them to leave Texas and build a new life in Pittsburgh. They discuss the importance of feeling…
In Part 4 of our continuing conversation, returning guest Joanna Lowe joins host Jim Ellermeyer for an emotional and deeply honest discussion about grief, creativity, healing, and reclaiming life after devastating loss. Joanna shares how the death of her husband transformed her life and ultimately inspired her one-woman performance piece Widow. Through poetry, storytelling, humor, and raw…
In Part 3 of our continuing conversation, Jim Ellermeyer welcomes back returning guest Joanna Lowe for an unfiltered discussion about grief, anger, trauma, survival, and the complicated reality of healing after profound loss. Joanna opens up about the experience of widowhood, the emotional isolation of grief, and the well-meaning things people say that often miss the mark. She discusses the…
In Part 2 of our conversation with Joanna Lowe, we move into a deeply personal and profound discussion about grief, trauma, and what it means to rebuild a life after devastating loss. Joanna shares the story of losing her husband just months after their marriage—a loss that didn’t just take a partner, but reshaped her entire world. She opens up about experiencing prolonged grief disorder, losing…
In Fishing Without Bait 514 (Part 1), we welcome back Joanna Lowe for the beginning of a powerful and personal conversation. Joanna shares the unexpected story of how she became a spoken word artist—born from a moment of fear, vulnerability, and the decision to take control. From stepping on stage terrified to finding her voice through performance, this episode explores how courage isn’t the…
In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and Mike dive into the transformative power of gratitude and what it means to live as a “high-frequency” person. Drawing from principles rooted in 12-step recovery and mindfulness, Jim explains how shifting your mindset—away from comparison, criticism, and complaint—can fundamentally change your thinking, relationships, and even your brain…
This episode of Fishing Without Bait concludes our powerful conversation with Jessie Notarius, known in the wrestling world as The Unwilting Tatiana. Jessie opens up about the realities behind her wrestling journey—what it truly takes to pursue a passion while navigating injuries, setbacks, and the emotional toll that comes with them. She shares her experience with a recent wrist fracture, the…
In Part 2 of our conversation with Jessie Notarius—known in the wrestling world as The Unwilting Tatiana—we take a deeper dive into self-worth, boundaries, and personal growth. Jessie reflects on what it truly means to deserve respect, understanding, and equality in relationships, and why settling for less can cost us valuable time and energy. Through thoughtful discussion, we explore how…
In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer welcomes back Jessie Notarius—also known as pro wrestler The Unwilting Tatiana—for an honest and reflective conversation about life transitions, resilience, and rebuilding after disappointment. Jessie shares what happened after losing her dream job as a set painter for the Pittsburgh CLO and how that unexpected change forced her to pivot into…
In this powerful continuation of our conversation with Emily, we explore what life looks like after surviving the unimaginable. Following her daughter McKenna’s life-saving kidney transplant, Emily shares how her perspective on life, fear, and mindfulness has fundamentally shifted. From navigating the uncertainty of a rare genetic condition to balancing the emotional needs of her entire family,…
This week on Fishing Without Bait, we continue our powerful conversation with returning guest Emily as she shares the next chapter in her daughter McKenna’s incredible journey. From the uncertainty of the PICU to the first small signs of awareness, Emily walks us through the emotional highs and devastating lows of recovery. She recounts moments of hope—like McKenna responding for the first…
This week on Fishing Without Bait, we continue our deeply moving conversation with returning guest Emily. In this episode, Emily shares the intense and emotional journey following her daughter McKenna’s sudden medical crisis. What began as a normal day quickly turned into a life-threatening situation involving emergency surgery, strokes, and unimaginable uncertainty. Emily walks us through the…
In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim welcomes back returning guest Emily — whose recovery journey inspired many listeners in her previous appearance. This time, she shares a new chapter marked not by addiction, but by maternal instinct, fear, and extraordinary courage. Emily describes how she sensed something was wrong with her healthy two-year-old daughter weeks before doctors confirmed…
Part 4 of our conversation with Zeke Mercer dives deep into personal evolution, self-awareness, and the courage to reassess life’s direction. Zeke candidly discusses recognizing when wrestling — something she deeply loves — has become “one of the weeds,” using the metaphor of “planting flowers and pulling weeds” to frame growth and change. Jim and Zeke explore how “things work until they don’t,”…
In Part 3 of our conversation with Zeke Mercer, we dive deeper into themes of identity, perception, and personal growth. Zeke discusses healthcare bias, longstanding societal beliefs, and how misinformation shapes real-world experiences. The conversation explores the dangers of bitterness and resentment, the balance between ego and skill, and the importance of cultivating environments where people…
Part 2 of our conversation with Zeke Mercer dives deeper into the realities behind ambition, sacrifice, and self-worth. Zeke speaks candidly about guiding younger wrestlers, confronting the harsh truth that “wrestling doesn’t owe you a thing,” and the emotional crossroads between acceptance and bitterness. The conversation expands into integrity, ethical living, and how actions reveal character…
In Fishing Without Bait 502 (Part 1), Jim Ellermeyer welcomes back pro wrestler Zeke Mercer (she/her) for a thoughtful and honest discussion about burnout, identity, and intentional change. Zeke shares her carefully planned decision to step away from wrestling after years of dedication—not as a reaction, but as a wise mind choice. She talks openly about the physical toll of wrestling, emotional…
In Part 4 of our conversation with Shane Chojnacki — known in the ring as The Savage Gentleman Victor Benjamin — we dive deeper into faith, mindfulness, personal values, and living with intention. Shane shares how moments of upheaval led him toward clarity, spiritual grounding, and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, we explore how constant noise, digital distraction, and negativity pull us away…
In Fishing Without Bait 500, we continue Part 3 of our in-depth conversation with Shane Chojnacki — MMA fighter, boxing coach, personal trainer, and professional wrestler known as The Savage Gentleman Victor Benjamin. Shane opens up about pivotal moments in his life, including losing his job, navigating divorce, physical injury, and rebuilding from the ground up. Through mindfulness, faith, and…
In Fishing Without Bait 499, we continue our conversation with Victor Benjamin, also known as Shane Chojnacki—MMA fighter, boxing coach, and professional wrestler known as The Savage Gentleman. Part 2 dives deeper into the discipline and mindset that shaped Shane’s life. He reflects on learning to “play the film all the way through,” weighing consequences instead of chasing short-term…
Host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Shane Chojnacki — a professional fighter, trainer, health advocate, and pro wrestler known as Victor Benjamin — for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about resilience, choice, and personal responsibility. Shane opens up about growing up in an environment marked by addiction, violence, and scarcity, while still finding moments of community, guidance, and…
In Fishing Without Bait 497 , we continue our thoughtful conversation with returning guest Clairvoyant Santina Grace in Part 4 of this series. This episode centers on listening — to ourselves, to others, and to the deeper awareness that helps us release fear, judgment, and mental clutter. Jim Ellermeyer and Santina discuss compassion, choice points, and the stories we hold onto, as well as the…
In this special holiday message, Fishing Without Bait takes a mindful pause to reflect on resilience, intention, and moving forward with purpose. Jim Ellermeyer shares why traditional New Year’s resolutions often set us up for disappointment — and why setting intentions, grounded in small, achievable actions, can lead to meaningful change. This episode explores gratitude, relationships,…
This holiday message from Fishing Without Bait is a moment of pause and gratitude. Jim Ellermeyer shares a short reflection for the season — acknowledging the challenges and emotions that often come with the holidays, while offering encouragement, mindfulness, and compassion. Whether the holidays are joyful, difficult, or somewhere in between, this message reminds us to stay present and gentle…
In Fishing Without Bait Episode 496 – *Clearing the Etch-A-Sketch: Letting Go of What Isn’t Ours , we continue Part 3 of our conversation with returning guest and Clairvoyant **Santina Grace . This episode focuses on healing trauma without rewriting or reliving the past. Through grounding visualizations, breathwork, and recovery-based insights, Santina and the *Fishing Without Bait team discuss…
In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, we welcome back our imaginative, energetic returning guest Santina Grace for Part 2 of a deeply insightful conversation about mindfulness, self-awareness, grounding practices, and the inner battles so many of us face every day. Together, Santina and Jim dive into themes of anchoring thoughts, depersonalization, perspective shifts, emotional resilience, and…
In Episode 494 of Fishing Without Bait, we welcome back returning guest and clairvoyant medium Santina Grace for the first part of a warm, insightful, and deeply grounding conversation on reconnecting with joy, presence, and peace in today’s chaotic world. Jim and Santina explore some of the most important emotional and spiritual challenges of our time, including: • Finding joy in a world that…
In Episode 493 of Fishing Without Bait, we continue our powerful two-part conversation on the lifelong impact of religiously reinforced guilt, shame, and fear. Building on the foundation set in Episode 492, Jim Ellermeyer and host Mike Sorg peel back the layers of how religious structures shape personal identity, relationships, sexuality, and self-worth. This episode dives deep into how early…
In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer guides listeners through one of the most transformative practices in mindfulness and recovery: letting go. Whether it’s old fears, expectations, resentments, or the emotional weight we’ve carried for years, Jim explains how release is not weakness—it’s liberation. Through grounded insight, 12-step philosophy, and real-world examples, Jim…
In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, counselor and mindfulness guide Jim Ellermeyer takes listeners on a thoughtful and practical journey into the world of inherent truths—the deep personal values and qualities that define who we really are beneath expectations, judgment, and fear. Jim opens the conversation by reminding us that self-discovery isn’t about finding a ready-made identity—it’s…
Welcome back, friends, to Fishing Without Bait: A Lifetime Without Definitive Expectations. In Episode 490, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg explore what leadership truly means through the lens of Jesus of Nazareth. From the radical humility and servant leadership he modeled 2,000 years ago to his timeless call for justice and compassion, Jim examines how these teachings apply to the world’s…
In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg wade into some deep—and dangerous—waters. Together, they explore how stochastic rhetoric and obfuscation have become the most powerful tools in modern political communication. What do those words mean? In short, they describe how leaders and media use vague, coded, or confusing language to manipulate emotions, create…
In this eye-opening episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer is joined once again by producer Mike Sorg to explore how modern media shapes our identities, fuels our purchases, and even distorts our sense of self-worth. From emotional manipulation in advertising to influencer culture and data-driven targeting, Jim and Mike unpack the psychological tactics behind today’s media and tech.…
In Episode 487 of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer is joined by producer Mike Sorg for a heartfelt conversation rooted in the enduring wisdom of Fred Rogers. Together, they explore themes of uncertainty, emotional resilience, and self-acceptance through the lens of full-impact mindfulness. This episode dives into Mr. Rogers’ most impactful quotes, including “I like you just the way you…
In this episode, Jim Ellermeyer invites you to reflect on one of the most fundamental shifts you can make in life: choosing to live intentionally rather than simply existing. Together with producer Mike Sorg, Jim explores the concept of being a human being rather than a human doing, and how small mindful changes—like replacing “I have to” with “I choose to”—can radically transform your daily…
In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike explore the powerful concept of cognitive clarity—the antidote to anxiety and the constant mental noise of modern life. Learn how to manage racing thoughts, move from fear-based reactivity to logical clarity, and reclaim your emotional sovereignty by choosing your own narrative over external expectations. ✨ Topics include: •…
In this thought-provoking episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and co-host Mike Sorg engage in a profound exploration of the core values shared by the world’s major faiths—from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Sikhism, Confucianism, to Taoism. Amid global conflict and division, the hosts reflect on the universal threads of compassion, humility, charity, integrity, and…
In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg take a transformative dive into a concept often overlooked in recovery, education, parenting, and everyday life: positive chain analysis. Rather than dwelling on mistakes or missteps, Jim challenges us to ask a better question—What worked? When something goes right in your life, your recovery, your work, or your…
