Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

Vic Costik’s Love Letter to Pittsburgh | Episode 526

August 3rd, 2026  |  35 mins 50 secs

12-step recovery, accepting flaws, accountability, authentic living, authenticity, belonging, community building, compassion, emotional wellness, empathy, healthy boundaries, jim ellermeyer, kindness, lgbtq community, lgbtq inclusion, local podcasts, love letter to pittsburgh, making amends, mental wellness, mind of awareness, mindfulness, mindfulness podcast, neutral inquiry, new rust pittsburgh, new rust pittsburgh podcast, overcoming fear, people-pleasing, perfectionism, personal growth, pittsburgh artists, pittsburgh community, pittsburgh culture, pittsburgh makers, pittsburgh podcast, pittsburgh small businesses, pittsburgh weird, privilege, queer pittsburgh, recovery, self-acceptance, social awareness, toxic relationships, trans visibility, transgender community, transgender safety, vic costik, wellness podcast

In Part 2 of our conversation with Vic Costik of the New Rust Pittsburgh Podcast, we explore community-building, LGBTQ+ belonging, authentic living and the importance of approaching unfamiliar experiences with curiosity instead of contempt. Vic also shares how Pittsburgh’s artists, makers, local businesses and unexpected corners inspired a podcast that serves as a love letter to the city.

Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait in your favorite podcast player, support ad-free episodes at https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait, and pick up “Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book” at https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4.

Vic’s Story: Identity, Transition & Finding Community | Episode 525

July 28th, 2026  |  18 mins 20 secs

acceptance, authentic self, authenticity, belonging, community, community advocacy, connection, curiosity, empathy, found family, human connection, identity, jim ellermeyer, lgbtq community, life transitions, mental wellness, mindfulness, mindfulness podcast, new rust, new rust podcast, overcoming judgment, personal growth, personal transformation, pittsburgh, pittsburgh community, pittsburgh creatives, pittsburgh culture, pittsburgh lgbtq, pittsburgh podcast, queer community, recovery, self acceptance, self discovery, trans identity, trans masculine, transgender community, understanding, ux design, vic costik, wellness

Fishing Without Bait welcomes Vic Costik, creator of the New Rust podcast, for the first part of a conversation about Pittsburgh, community, identity, and finding the freedom to live authentically. Vic shares how moving from New York City to Pittsburgh helped him discover found family, embrace his community, and ultimately begin meeting himself for the first time.

Zeke Mercer on Identity, Ego & Respect | Episode 504

February 24th, 2026  |  19 mins 1 sec

authenticity, bias, ego, fishing without bait, fishing without bait 504, identity, mental health, mindfulness, personal growth, recovery, resilience, self awareness, wellness, wrestling and life, zeke mercer

Part 3 of our conversation with Zeke Mercer explores bias, identity, and how bitterness, ego, and respect shape both wrestling and life. Zeke shares powerful reflections on authenticity, personal growth, and navigating judgment. A thoughtful discussion on mindfulness, self-awareness, and resilience.

Zeke Mercer: Sacrifice, Identity & Self-Discovery | Episode 503

February 17th, 2026  |  22 mins 59 secs

authenticity, ethical living, expectations, fishing without bait, fishing without bait podcast, fwb503, identity, integrity, mental health, mental wellness, mindfulness, personal growth, recovery, resilience, sacrifice, self discovery, self worth, transition, zeke mercer

In Part 2 of our conversation, Zeke Mercer reflects on sacrifice, expectations, and the emotional realities of chasing dreams. She shares deeply personal insights about identity, integrity, and her transition journey. A thoughtful discussion on self-worth, resilience, and living authentically.

Passion, Perseverance, and Pro Wrestling: Zeke Mercer’s Journey and Life Lessons | Episode 427

June 25th, 2024  |  24 mins 31 secs

authenticity, determination, fishing without bait, inspirational, jim ellermeyer, life lessons, memorable matches, motivational, overcoming challenges, passion, personal growth, podcast, pro wrestler, self-awareness, wrestling insights, wrestling journey, zeke mercer

In this episode of "Fishing Without Bait," host Jim Ellermeyer engages in an insightful conversation with pro wrestler Zeke Mercer. Zeke shares his journey in the wrestling world, emphasizing the passion and determination needed to succeed. He discusses the metaphorical parallels between wrestling and life, offering a unique perspective on overcoming challenges and pursuing dreams. Zeke's candid reflections on his experiences, including the importance of authenticity and self-awareness, provide valuable life lessons. Listeners will also hear about Zeke's memorable matches and the impact of wrestling on his personal growth. Join us for an inspiring and motivational discussion that goes beyond the ring.

Bumps in the Road with Jessie Notarius | Episodes 397

August 30th, 2023  |  16 mins 25 secs

authenticity, creativity, discipline, elbow injury, female wrestler, floral fashion, livin gin the moment, mindfulness podcast, performance, pro wrestling, stone cold steve austin, tatiana unwilting, wrestling insights, wrestling journey, wrestling memories

Join mindfulness guide Jim Ellermeyer as he delves into the world of professional wrestling, interviewing the delightful flower child Tatiana on her journey from rookie to bold persona.

Hear Tatiana's captivating stories of battling misperceptions about women in wrestling, bringing her floral fantasies to life in the ring, and her Zen philosophies on performance. Jim artfully coaxes insights from her on being present and embracing the theater of wrestling.

From her double elbow break to memories of stars like "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, this unlikely duo finds common ground in their openness to new experiences.

Tune in as they have a thoughtful discussion on living in the moment - you may not expect a mindful meditation on life to blossom from a wrestling podcast, but that's the beauty of fishing without bait.

Join us as we explore the intersections of discipline and creativity, performance and authenticity, and more. You'll come away entertained and enlightened, and may even want to add floral prints to your wardrobe!