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 overwhelming decisions, the devastating prognosis she was given, and the moments that tested her strength like never before.

Despite facing the possibility of losing her child, Emily found herself holding onto even the smallest signs of hope — a breath over a ventilator, a slight movement, a reason to keep going. She reflects on the emotional toll, the fear of the unknown, and how she navigated anxiety, trauma, and the temptation of relapse during the darkest moments.

This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and the importance of support systems when life changes in an instant.

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Emily.

Emily describes how she sensed something was wrong with her healthy two-year-old daughter weeks before doctors confirmed it. Despite multiple visits and reassurances that it was “just a virus,” her body told her otherwise. The anxiety built until one terrifying afternoon when her daughter collapsed in her arms.

From calling 911, to the helicopter ride to Children’s Hospital, to hearing the words “open heart surgery,” Emily walks us through the moment-by-moment unfolding of crisis. She reflects on fear, being unheard, trust in medical professionals, and the power of intuition.

This is Part 1 of a deeply moving story about resilience, advocacy, recovery, and the spiritual strength that carried her through.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss Part 2.
Support us on Patreon for ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait
Pick up Jim’s book: Learn to Fish Without Bait https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4

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 gratification. Shane discusses burnout, stepping away from mixed martial arts, and the emotional toll of working in a system that no longer aligned with his values.

The conversation explores the difference between a risk and a gamble, why doing nothing can be the biggest risk of all, and how betting on yourself—when done with clarity and integrity—can lead to meaningful change. Shane also shares powerful insights on separating people from behaviors, personal responsibility, and choosing purpose over financial comfort.

This episode is a grounded, honest look at growth, regret, and the courage it takes to walk away from a life that’s no longer serving you.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player.
Support ad-free episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait
Pick up our book Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book:
https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4

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 relationships, how often do you pause and examine the people, places, and circumstances that helped make it happen?

Through stories from the production world, recovery work, and even the brewing of a perfect glass of iced tea, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and mindful reflection.

✨ Topics include:
• Why we need to reinforce success, not just correct failure
• How to build confidence in teams and individuals
• Ways to encourage children and students through curiosity
• The power of journaling to document what did work
• A sneak peek into our new 365-day mindfulness activity calendar

🎣 As always, this podcast is about living life without definitive expectations, and making choices with honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. So ask yourself today—not what went wrong, but what went right.

👉 Join the conversation and share your own moments of success at www.FishingWithoutBait.com

Jenni elaborates on Kula for Karma, an organization founded in 2007 by two women in recovery, which uses mindfulness and yoga to support individuals in underserved communities. She explains the meaning behind the name—'Kula' meaning community and 'Karma' meaning service to others—and describes how the organization started its first program in group homes for children affected by abuse and addiction. The conversation touches on the impact of mindfulness practices in various settings, such as addiction recovery centers, juvenile detention centers, and hospitals.

Jim and Jenni discuss the broader implications of mindfulness in mental health care, particularly in a post-pandemic world. They emphasize the importance of making these practices accessible to those who might not have the resources to attend traditional yoga classes. Jenni also shares how Kula for Karma operates without a physical office, keeping overhead low and maintaining a nationwide network of trained teachers.

The episode wraps up with Jenni talking about the funding and support for Kula for Karma, highlighting the significant contributions from Steve Madden and the various ways the organization raises funds. Listeners are encouraged to get involved by visiting the Kula for Karma website or participating in their Moves for Mental Health campaign on social media.

Join us for a profound discussion on the healing power of mindfulness and the incredible work of Kula for Karma in transforming lives through compassion and community service. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, mindfulness, and the journey of 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 !

Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Youtube or look for it on your favorite Podcatcher!

Check out Tara’s “Speaker Tapes” at KeepComingBack.net

Books mentioned: Jesus Calling https://amzn.to/3QgJk7p Emmett Fox - Around the year https://amzn.to/4b528hS 

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 !

Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Music, TuneIn or look for it on your favorite Podcatcher!

Check out Tara’s “Speaker Tapes” at KeepComingBack.net

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 !

Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Music, TuneIn or look for it on your favorite Podcatcher!

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 !

Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Music, TuneIn or look for it on your favorite Podcatcher!