Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

Shane Chojnacki on Discipline, Failure, and Playing the Film All the Way Through | Episode 499

January 20th, 2026  |  22 mins 33 secs

12 step philosophy, addiction recovery, athlete mental health, betting on yourself, burnout recovery, character development, consequences of choices, corrections officer experience, discipline, discipline over motivation, emotional regulation, full impact mindfulness, future thinking, integrity, leaving a toxic job, life transitions, long term thinking, mental toughness, mindfulness podcast, mixed martial arts life lessons, mma mindset, overcoming fear, personal growth, prison system realities, professional wrestling mindset, purpose over comfort, recovery mindset, resilience, risk vs reward, self awareness, self responsibility, shane chojnacki, the savage gentleman, victor benjamin

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.

Refusing to Let My Past Define Me with Shane Chojnacki | Episode 498

January 13th, 2026  |  22 mins 24 secs

acceptance and change, action and effort, addiction recovery themes, athlete mindset, behavioral change, betting on yourself, breaking the cycle, childhood adversity, choosing a better path, combat sports mindset, discipline, fighter mentality, growing up in poverty, inspirational podcast, learning from mistakes, life choices, manifestation mindset, mental health, mental wellness, mindfulness podcast, mindfulness practices, mindset, motivation through action, never settle, overcoming adversity, personal growth, personal responsibility, professional wrestler interview, recovery podcast, recovery stories, resilience, self awareness, self improvement, shane chojnacki, speaking intentions, taking responsibility, trauma and resilience, victor benjamin, wise mind

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.

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!

Fishing Without Bait 244: Being an Independent Artist with Tim Vitullo

May 26th, 2020  |  24 mins 13 secs

discipline, extrovert, introvert, pittsburgh, singer, tim vitullo

Jim Ellermeyer is joined by singer/songwriter Tim Vitullo as they talk about being an “Introverted Extrovert”, his introduction into music starting at 14 years old, being an independent artist, being his own small business with the band, dealing with failure and being told “no”, coping with discouragement, band touring as a group with day jobs and making mistakes.