Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

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.

Happy Holidays from the Fishing Without Bait Podcast

December 23rd, 2024  |  1 min 8 secs

Celebrate the season with the Fishing Without Bait Podcast! 🎄✨ Join us as we send our heartfelt holiday wishes for mindfulness, joy, and purpose in your life. Thank you for being part of our journey this year! 🌟

Stay connected and explore more episodes:
🌐 Visit us at www.FishingWithoutBait.com
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Happy Holidays!

A Mindful Holiday Season: Balance, Boundaries, and Joy | Episode 450

December 17th, 2024  |  19 mins 48 secs

emotional wellness., family dynamics, fishing without bait, holiday stress, intentional living, jim ellermeyer, managing holiday expectations, mental clarity, mindfulness, self-care, stress-free holidays

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer tackles the stress and challenges many face during the holiday season. Jim shares practical strategies for navigating family dynamics, managing expectations, and prioritizing self-care during this busy time of year. With his signature blend of mindfulness and intentional living, he offers listeners tools to stay grounded, embrace the present moment, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays.

Learn how to step back, set healthy boundaries, and avoid the common pitfalls of holiday stress. Whether you struggle with the pressures of perfection, overwhelming obligations, or seasonal emotions, this conversation provides thoughtful insights to help you create a more joyful and peaceful holiday experience.

Breaking the Chains of Generational Trauma with Bronwyn Schweigerdt | Episode 449

December 10th, 2024  |  21 mins 15 secs

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer engages in a profound conversation with Bronwyn Schweigerdt, a psychotherapist and anger expert. Bronwyn delves into the impact of generational trauma and the importance of breaking cycles of shame. She shares transformative techniques for forgiveness, explaining the role of self-reflection and externalizing emotions in healing. The discussion extends to the philosophy of forgiveness, viewing it as a personal liberation rather than exoneration of others.

Fishing Without Bait 448: From Suppressed Anger to Self-Attunement: A Therapist’s Journey with Bronwyn Schweigerdt

December 3rd, 2024  |  23 mins 55 secs

anger management, boundaries, emotional intelligence, emotional well-being, healing, mental health, mindfulness, self-attunement, shame, suppressed anger, therapy

Dive into an enlightening conversation on Fishing Without Bait with host Jim Ellermeyer as he welcomes Bronwyn Schweigerdt, a psychotherapist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and anger expert. Together, they unravel the complexities of anger, its role in mental health, and its connection to emotions like shame and validation. Bronwyn shares her personal journey through depression, revealing how suppressed anger and societal conditioning shaped her path to becoming a therapist.

Navigating Family Dynamics and Social Media Stressors with Missy Sorg | Episode 447

November 26th, 2024  |  21 mins 22 secs

In this engaging episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Missy Sorg for a thoughtful conversation about navigating relationships, communication, and mindfulness in today’s complex social landscape. Missy shares her insights on addressing challenges with family and friends holding differing philosophies, the importance of offering solutions instead of complaints, and maintaining a balanced approach to social media interactions. They discuss the significance of setting personal goals, managing emotional triggers, and fostering meaningful connections through active listening and empathy.

Missy also reflects on managing online negativity as a social media professional, sharing practical strategies for fostering civil discussions. The episode concludes with advice for maintaining harmony during family gatherings and finding ways to avoid unnecessary conflicts. As always, Jim encourages listeners to embrace mindfulness, self-compassion, and kindness in their daily lives.

How to Foster Friendships in a Divisive World with Missy Sorg | Episode 446

November 19th, 2024  |  21 mins 34 secs

active listening, challenging friendships, communication skills, effective communication, friendship and beliefs, jim ellermeyer, mindful conversations, mindfulness podcast, mindfulness practices, missy sorg, mutual respect, navigating differences, open-mindedness, personal growth, podcast insights, polarized world, relationship advice, respectful dialogue, understanding perspectives

Join host Jim Ellermeyer on Fishing Without Bait, where mindfulness meets candid conversation. In this episode, Jim sits down with co-producer Missy Sorg for an insightful discussion about navigating friendships, differing opinions, and active listening in a polarized world. Missy shares her experiences during a tumultuous campaign season, reflecting on how personal values and beliefs impact relationships. Together, they explore the importance of respectful dialogue, understanding perspectives, and fostering meaningful connections despite ideological differences. This heartfelt episode offers valuable lessons on communication, mindfulness, and embracing openness in challenging times.

A Conversation on Faith, Letting Go, and Purpose with Tara From keepcomingback.net | Episode 445

November 12th, 2024  |  17 mins 47 secs

In this heartfelt episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes back Tara from the Keep Coming Back podcast, diving deep into themes of connection, surrender, and spiritual growth. Tara opens up about her journey, discussing the significance of letting go, supported by her spiritual practices and faith. She shares how mindful moments, whether through meditation, nature, or tarot, reinforce her relationship with her higher power. Tara’s story of personal struggles, alongside her insightful analogy of parenting and spirituality, brings humor and depth to the discussion. Together, they explore how changing perspectives can lead to peace and understanding, moving beyond ego to focus on what truly matters. Jim and Tara touch on the value of self-talk and the transformative power of the 12-step program in finding purpose and clarity in life’s complexities. This episode offers a refreshing blend of wisdom and wit for anyone on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

The Gift of Desperation with Tara From keepcomingback.net | Episode 444

November 5th, 2024  |  17 mins 53 secs

12-step program, addiction, addiction stories, community support, complacency, enabling behavior, fishing without bait podcast, gift of desperation, jim ellermeyer, mental health, mindfulness, overcoming addiction, personal growth, recovery, resilience, sobriety, sobriety challenges, spiritual growth, tara keepcomingback.net, tough love

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Tara from the KeepComingBack.net Podcast. They delve into the nuances of recovery, discussing the crucial concept of “the gift of desperation” and the role of tough love in sobriety. Tara reflects on her experiences in the 12-step community, exploring the balance between supporting loved ones and avoiding enabling behaviors. She candidly shares her journey of overcoming complacency and recognizing personal growth through the program. Together, Jim and Tara discuss the importance of community, humility, and staying connected to like-minded individuals who offer unique support in recovery. Tara also opens up about the challenges of applying these principles in daily life outside recovery meetings. This heartfelt conversation provides insight into the resilience required for lasting change, making it a must-listen for those interested in addiction recovery, mindfulness, and personal growth.Are you finding benefit from this show?  We appreciate any support with our Patreon page!  Pledge as little as $1 a month for extra clips, behind the scenes and more at www.patreon.com/fishingwithoutbait !

Stewardship and Sobriety: Navigating Recovery with Tara From keepcomingback.net | Episode 443

October 29th, 2024  |  25 mins 22 secs

12-step philosophy, addiction journey, alcoholics anonymous, community support, fishing without bait, higher power, hope and healing, jim ellermeyer, keepcomingback.net, life challenges, material stewardship, mindfulness, overcoming fear, personal growth, podcast guest, recovery, recovery stories, sobriety, spiritual growth, tara interview

In this insightful episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes back Tara from the KeepComingBack.net podcast. Tara discusses her mission of sharing recovery journeys through modern speaker tapes, offering listeners the chance to hear individuals’ paths to sobriety and hope. The conversation delves into deep themes of ownership and stewardship, particularly in the context of 12-step philosophy, where individuals are seen as stewards rather than owners of people and possessions. Tara opens up about balancing her material success with her higher power’s influence, viewing her resources as tools for community support rather than personal gain. They also explore the pervasive role of fear, as highlighted in the recovery journey, and how spiritual growth aids in addressing it. This episode is a profound look at shared experiences, hope, and personal growth in the recovery journey, appealing to listeners seeking encouragement and wisdom in life’s challenges.Are you finding benefit from this show?  We appreciate any support with our Patreon page!  Pledge as little as $1 a month for extra clips, behind the scenes and more at www.patreon.com/fishingwithoutbait !

Inside the Music: Tim Vitullo & Mike Dawson on Joy, Growth, and Collaboration | Episode 442

October 22nd, 2024  |  23 mins 4 secs

album performance, album release, beer collaboration, club cafe, fishing without bait, growth in music, humility, jim ellermeyer, joy vs pleasure, lunr eccos, mike dawson, mindfulness, music collaboration, music creativity, music industry, november 10th event, pittsburgh music, special forces inspiration, tim vitullo

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes musicians Tim Vitullo and Mike Dawson to discuss their first collaborative album, LUNR ECCOS, and their upcoming album release show at Club Cafe on November 10th. The conversation explores the personal foundations of their musical journeys, with Tim emphasizing the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning, and Mike sharing his approach of seeking inspiration from elite achievers. The guests dive into the difference between joy and pleasure, the value of interpersonal connections in music, and how staying grounded and open to growth fuels their creativity. They also reflect on humility and dealing with arrogance in the music industry. Listeners will gain insight into the human side of these talented artists and their creative processes. Don’t miss their release show, featuring a special beer collaboration and a performance of the album in full.