web01.fireside.fm Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:23:34 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Betting On Yourself” https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/tags/betting%20on%20yourself Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0500 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. en-us episodic It's about living a life without definitive expectations and learning to fish without bait. Humility Health and Wellness LLC. 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. no mindfulness, addiction, recovery, pittsburgh, alcoholism, alcoholics anonymous Humility Health and Wellness LLC. fishingwithoutbait@sorgatronmedia.com Shane Chojnacki on Discipline, Failure, and Playing the Film All the Way Through | Episode 499 https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/550 3f40ffa8-77f9-4dfa-9cd8-4fb984065f67 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0500 Humility Health and Wellness LLC. full Humility Health and Wellness LLC. In Part 2 of our conversation with Victor Benjamin (Shane Chojnacki), we explore discipline, burnout, and the moment when staying safe becomes more dangerous than taking a risk. From MMA and corrections work to professional wrestling, this episode focuses on integrity, future thinking, and choosing growth over comfort. 22:33 no 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 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 Victor Benjamin, Shane Chojnacki, The Savage Gentleman, mindfulness podcast, full impact mindfulness, discipline, integrity, burnout recovery, betting on yourself, risk vs reward, personal growth, self awareness, emotional regulation, future thinking, consequences of choices, recovery mindset, addiction recovery, 12 step philosophy, resilience, mental toughness, life transitions, purpose over comfort, leaving a toxic job, corrections officer experience, prison system realities, MMA mindset, mixed martial arts life lessons, professional wrestling mindset, athlete mental health, discipline over motivation, long term thinking, self responsibility, character development, overcoming fear 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 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

]]> 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 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

]]> Refusing to Let My Past Define Me with Shane Chojnacki | Episode 498 https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/549 10e73960-79cb-4835-b38d-d869424b7f7d Tue, 13 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500 Humility Health and Wellness LLC. full Humility Health and Wellness LLC. In Part 1 of of our discussion, Jim Ellermeyer sits down with Shane Chojnacki — professional fighter, trainer, and pro wrestler known as Victor Benjamin — for a powerful conversation about resilience, choice, and refusing to let your past define your future. Shane shares his journey growing up in difficult circumstances, learning from the mistakes of others, and choosing action and effort over excuses. This episode explores how real change begins with conscious decisions, mindful action, and the courage to bet on yourself. 22:24 no 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 protection. Rather than becoming a victim of his circumstances, he made intentional decisions to stay grounded in sports, discipline, and work — even when easier and more destructive paths were readily available. Throughout this episode, Shane reflects on learning from the mistakes of others, refusing to settle for less, and choosing action over self-pity. Jim connects these experiences to mindfulness principles, recovery thinking, and the idea that real change comes from effort, behavior, and consistent choices — not just intention or wishful thinking. Topics explored include: Growing up without a safety net Making conscious “wise mind” choices Learning resilience through adversity Taking action instead of living in “ifs, buts, and maybes” Betting on yourself when others doubt you Speaking intention into existence through action This is Part 1 of a continuing conversation that sets the foundation for deeper discussions on identity, growth, and mindful living in future episodes. 🎧 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 mindfulness podcast, recovery podcast, personal growth, resilience, life choices, mindset, action and effort, behavioral change, overcoming adversity, recovery stories, mental health, self awareness, wise mind, acceptance and change, taking responsibility, discipline, self improvement, motivation through action, learning from mistakes, breaking the cycle, childhood adversity, growing up in poverty, addiction recovery themes, trauma and resilience, choosing a better path, personal responsibility, manifestation mindset, speaking intentions, never settle, betting on yourself, Shane Chojnacki, Victor Benjamin, professional wrestler interview, combat sports mindset, athlete mindset, fighter mentality, inspirational podcast, mental wellness, mindfulness practices 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 protection. Rather than becoming a victim of his circumstances, he made intentional decisions to stay grounded in sports, discipline, and work — even when easier and more destructive paths were readily available.

Throughout this episode, Shane reflects on learning from the mistakes of others, refusing to settle for less, and choosing action over self-pity. Jim connects these experiences to mindfulness principles, recovery thinking, and the idea that real change comes from effort, behavior, and consistent choices — not just intention or wishful thinking.

Topics explored include:

Growing up without a safety net

Making conscious “wise mind” choices

Learning resilience through adversity

Taking action instead of living in “ifs, buts, and maybes”

Betting on yourself when others doubt you

Speaking intention into existence through action

This is Part 1 of a continuing conversation that sets the foundation for deeper discussions on identity, growth, and mindful living in future episodes.

🎧 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

]]> 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 protection. Rather than becoming a victim of his circumstances, he made intentional decisions to stay grounded in sports, discipline, and work — even when easier and more destructive paths were readily available.

Throughout this episode, Shane reflects on learning from the mistakes of others, refusing to settle for less, and choosing action over self-pity. Jim connects these experiences to mindfulness principles, recovery thinking, and the idea that real change comes from effort, behavior, and consistent choices — not just intention or wishful thinking.

Topics explored include:

Growing up without a safety net

Making conscious “wise mind” choices

Learning resilience through adversity

Taking action instead of living in “ifs, buts, and maybes”

Betting on yourself when others doubt you

Speaking intention into existence through action

This is Part 1 of a continuing conversation that sets the foundation for deeper discussions on identity, growth, and mindful living in future episodes.

🎧 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

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