Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

How Society Steals Confidence from Young Girls (And How to Take It Back) | Episode 465

April 15th, 2025  |  23 mins 22 secs

In this powerful episode of Fishing Without Bait, behavioral health therapist Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg dive into the disempowerment of women in today’s culture. They explore how girls begin to lose self-esteem as early as age nine, pressured by filtered media, fashion, and social influencers. Jim challenges societal expectations by examining gendered magazine ads, the “dad bod” double standard, and the impact of social media on self-image.

A Happy Death: Finding Peace, Purpose, and Sobriety at the End | Episode 464

April 8th, 2025  |  11 mins 24 secs

In this deeply personal episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer, a behavioral health therapist, shares an emotional reflection on the recent passing of his longtime sponsor and dear friend, Joe Boston. Joined by producer Mike Sorg, the two explore what it means to experience a “happy death”—one filled with peace, dignity, and sobriety. Jim recounts the powerful story of Joe’s decision to discontinue dialysis and embrace hospice care, emphasizing the importance of choice, preparation, and spiritual peace at life’s end.

From Sketchbook to Soul: Mindfulness in the Work of David Pohl | Episode 463

April 1st, 2025  |  20 mins 5 secs

In this introspective episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer continues a deep and engaging conversation with acclaimed Pittsburgh illustrator and painter David Pohl. With decades of creative work, David reflects on the evolution of his artistic voice—from installations at the Mattress Factory Museum to the soulful simplicity of his latest paintings.

Brushstrokes & Breakthroughs: David Pohl on Art, Doubt, and Discovery | Episode 462

March 25th, 2025  |  21 mins 59 secs

In this enriching episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer continues his conversation with acclaimed illustrator and painter David Pohl. David opens up about his lifelong artistic journey, reconnecting with painting during the pandemic, and using art as a deeply personal form of meditation, healing, and expression. The discussion explores themes of internal versus external validation, the evolving creative process, and embracing imperfection through mindfulness.

Mister Rogers, Puppets & Passion: The Creative Path of David Pohl | Episode 461

March 18th, 2025  |  18 mins 53 secs

Join host Jim Ellermeyer in a fascinating conversation with illustrator David Pohl on this episode of Fishing Without Bait. David shares his incredible journey as a creative professional, from his early days working on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to building a successful freelance illustration career. He reflects on his time with Fred Rogers, offering behind-the-scenes stories about the show’s impact and the warmth of its legendary host.

Becoming Beastman | Episode 540

March 11th, 2025  |  19 mins 5 secs

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer sits down with larger-than-life pro wrestler “King Kong Husk” The Beastman to explore his transformative journey in the wrestling business. From his early days struggling to find a persona to embracing his identity as The Beastman, he shares how he built a brand, navigated the independent wrestling scene, and learned the difference between being one of the boys and making money in wrestling.

Blacklisted Beastman | Episode 459

March 4th, 2025  |  22 mins 33 secs

In this heartfelt episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer sits down with professional wrestler “King Kong Husk” The Beastman for an introspective conversation about his life inside and outside the ring. From his early days of breaking into the wrestling business—sometimes the hard way—to his journey of self-discovery, Beastman opens up about the struggles, lessons, and redemption he found along the way.

The Love of Beastman | Episode 458

February 25th, 2025  |  22 mins 45 secs

In this powerful episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer sits down with pro wrestler "King Kong Husk" The Beastman to discuss his incredible journey through life and wrestling. Beastman shares how he has traveled the world—from Japan to Canada, with upcoming stops in Australia and Scotland—pursuing his passion for professional wrestling while navigating personal transformation.

The Man Before Beastman | Episode 457

February 18th, 2025  |  21 mins 54 secs

In this heartfelt and introspective episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes professional wrestler The Beastman (Wes Fetty) for a raw and inspiring conversation. Stepping beyond the ring, Wes opens up about his personal journey, from his childhood in West Virginia to overcoming adversity and carving his own path in the world of professional wrestling.

We Have a Book! Introducing "Learn to Fish Without Bait" | Episode 456

February 11th, 2025  |  10 mins 3 secs

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike introduce a powerful new tool for mindfulness and self-exploration—an interactive book crafted by Missy Sorg. This unique resource combines daily adult coloring pages and journaling prompts designed to help individuals cultivate self-awareness, reduce stress, and embrace full-impact mindfulness.

Overcoming Fear & Chaos: A Mindful Approach to Life’s Challenges | Episode 455

February 4th, 2025  |  13 mins 14 secs

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer, a behavioral health therapist, explores the challenges of navigating uncertainty, fear, and chaos in our modern world. Joined by co-host Mike Sorg, they reflect on historical periods of crisis—ranging from World War II to the Cuban Missile Crisis—and compare them to today’s social and economic struggles, including rising prices, job insecurity, and political unrest.

Chris Maverick on Mindfulness, Pop Culture, and Building a Joyful Life | Episode 454

January 28th, 2025  |  16 mins 23 secs

academic analysis, balanced life, building connections, chris maverick, creative passions, hobbies, lego, life advice, mindful living, mindfulness, personal growth, personal journey, podcasting, pop culture, recreational activities, self-care, simple joys, stress management, stress relief, university of pittsburgh, unplugging, voxpopcast

In this enlightening episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Chris Maverick, professor at the University of Pittsburgh and host of the VoxPopcast. Together, they explore the importance of hobbies and mindfulness in combating stress and living a fulfilling life. Chris shares his journey from a high-stress corporate career to academia, emphasizing the value of recreation and personal growth. They delve into the joy of simple pleasures, from building Lego sets with loved ones to podcasting with family, and how these activities foster connection and creativity.

How does social media impact self-worth and identity with Chris Maverick | Episode 453

January 21st, 2025  |  21 mins 26 secs

Explore how social media shapes self-worth, identity, and modern challenges in this thought-provoking episode of Fishing Without Bait with Jim Ellermeyer and special guest Chris Maverick. Together, they uncover the realities of influencer culture, the impact of gender dynamics, and the dangers of fear-based narratives in today’s digital world. Learn practical mindfulness techniques to overcome social comparison and embrace authenticity. Whether you’re navigating curated realities or seeking personal empowerment, this episode equips you with the tools to thrive. Watch now and start your journey to a more mindful life!

From the Ring to the Classroom: Chris Maverick on Wrestling, Storytelling, and Mindfulness | Episode 452

January 14th, 2025  |  19 mins 21 secs

chris maverick, digital narrative, escapism, identity, jim ellermeyer, mindfulness, pro wrestling personas, professional wrestling, social media, storytelling

Join Jim Ellermeyer in this fascinating episode of Fishing Without Bait as he welcomes Chris Maverick, professor of digital narrative interactive design at the University of Pittsburgh, and a former professional wrestler. Together, they dive into the world of pro wrestling, exploring its unique blend of storytelling, athleticism, and improv. Chris shares his personal journey, from developing larger-than-life wrestling personas to balancing his academic career and wrestling life, revealing the liberating power of performance.

From Software Design to Pop Culture Studies: Christopher Maverick’s Journey | Episode 451

January 7th, 2025  |  19 mins 40 secs

christopher maverick, comics in academia, cultural studies, digital humanities, english literature, fishing without bait, modern education, pop culture studies, pro wrestling, storytelling, teaching mindfulness

In this insightful episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Christopher Maverick, a professor of digital narrative interactive design at the University of Pittsburgh, for a conversation blending academia, pop culture, and mindfulness. Together, they explore the intersection of humanities and technology, with Maverick sharing his journey from software design to teaching subjects like comics, graphic novels, and cultural studies.
Pop Culture Studies, Comics in Academia, Teaching Mindfulness, Christopher Maverick, Digital Humanities, Modern Education, Storytelling, English Literature, Cultural Studies, Pro Wrestling, Fishing Without Bait

Fishing Without Bait: A Mindful New Year’s Message

December 30th, 2024  |  44 secs

Happy New Year from the Fishing Without Bait Podcast! 🎉 This year, skip the resolutions and focus on mindful intentions backed by purposeful actions. Remember, life is a collection of small victories—celebrate each one.