web02.fireside.fm Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:39:49 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Integrity” https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/tags/integrity Tue, 17 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -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 Zeke Mercer: Sacrifice, Identity & Self-Discovery | Episode 503 https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/554 87fa8238-e3d6-499d-93c0-260fbb18bf26 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Humility Health and Wellness LLC. full Humility Health and Wellness LLC. 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. 22:59 no Part 2 of our conversation with Zeke Mercer dives deeper into the realities behind ambition, sacrifice, and self-worth. Zeke speaks candidly about guiding younger wrestlers, confronting the harsh truth that “wrestling doesn’t owe you a thing,” and the emotional crossroads between acceptance and bitterness. The conversation expands into integrity, ethical living, and how actions reveal character more than words ever can. Zeke also opens up about her personal evolution, sharing reflections on transitioning, self-discovery, and navigating a world that isn’t always accepting. This episode is a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and choosing authenticity in the face of judgment. Calls to Action: Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast player. Support us on Patreon for ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait Pick up our 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 Fishing Without Bait, Fishing Without Bait Podcast, FWB503, Zeke Mercer, Mindfulness, Recovery, Mental Wellness, Self Discovery, Personal Growth, Integrity, Sacrifice, Expectations, Identity, Transition, Authenticity, Ethical Living, Resilience, Self Worth, Mental Health Part 2 of our conversation with Zeke Mercer dives deeper into the realities behind ambition, sacrifice, and self-worth. Zeke speaks candidly about guiding younger wrestlers, confronting the harsh truth that “wrestling doesn’t owe you a thing,” and the emotional crossroads between acceptance and bitterness.

The conversation expands into integrity, ethical living, and how actions reveal character more than words ever can. Zeke also opens up about her personal evolution, sharing reflections on transitioning, self-discovery, and navigating a world that isn’t always accepting.

This episode is a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and choosing authenticity in the face of judgment.

Calls to Action:
Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast player.
Support us on Patreon for ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait

Pick up our 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 of our conversation with Zeke Mercer dives deeper into the realities behind ambition, sacrifice, and self-worth. Zeke speaks candidly about guiding younger wrestlers, confronting the harsh truth that “wrestling doesn’t owe you a thing,” and the emotional crossroads between acceptance and bitterness.

The conversation expands into integrity, ethical living, and how actions reveal character more than words ever can. Zeke also opens up about her personal evolution, sharing reflections on transitioning, self-discovery, and navigating a world that isn’t always accepting.

This episode is a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and choosing authenticity in the face of judgment.

Calls to Action:
Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast player.
Support us on Patreon for ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait

Pick up our 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

]]> 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

]]> Fishing Without Bait 490: What Would Jesus Say to Today’s World Leaders? https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/539 098fa196-1522-4068-800f-578e7a138244 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:00:00 -0500 Humility Health and Wellness LLC. full Humility Health and Wellness LLC. In Episode 490, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg explore what leadership truly means through the lens of Jesus of Nazareth. From the radical humility and servant leadership he modeled 2,000 years ago to his timeless call for justice and compassion, Jim examines how these teachings apply to the world’s political and social climate today. 16:44 no Welcome back, friends, to Fishing Without Bait: A Lifetime Without Definitive Expectations. In Episode 490, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg explore what leadership truly means through the lens of Jesus of Nazareth. From the radical humility and servant leadership he modeled 2,000 years ago to his timeless call for justice and compassion, Jim examines how these teachings apply to the world’s political and social climate today. This thoughtful conversation covers: • How Jesus’s example challenges modern power and ego • The moral responsibility of leaders to serve everyone—not just their supporters • Why integrity, honesty, and empathy are essential in times of division • The enduring wisdom of “Blessed are the peacemakers” and “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Jim also reflects on the story of the Good Samaritan and closes with a reminder that hope—and helping others—remains our greatest prescription. 🎧 Listen now at FishingWithoutBait.com or on your favorite podcast platform. ✨ Do a kindness for yourself and for another. Forgive, reconnect, and live mindfully. Jesus of Nazareth, leadership, mindfulness, compassion, humility, servant leadership, moral responsibility, justice, empathy, forgiveness, peace, reconciliation, Good Samaritan, hope, integrity, honesty, truth, kindness, spiritual growth, faith, podcast, Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer, Mike Sorg, behavioral health, self improvement, mental health, emotional awareness, self compassion, inspiration, motivation, mindfulness podcast, spirituality, empathy in leadership, moral courage, personal growth, self reflection, positivity Welcome back, friends, to Fishing Without Bait: A Lifetime Without Definitive Expectations.

In Episode 490, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg explore what leadership truly means through the lens of Jesus of Nazareth. From the radical humility and servant leadership he modeled 2,000 years ago to his timeless call for justice and compassion, Jim examines how these teachings apply to the world’s political and social climate today.

This thoughtful conversation covers:
• How Jesus’s example challenges modern power and ego
• The moral responsibility of leaders to serve everyone—not just their supporters
• Why integrity, honesty, and empathy are essential in times of division
• The enduring wisdom of “Blessed are the peacemakers” and “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”

Jim also reflects on the story of the Good Samaritan and closes with a reminder that hope—and helping others—remains our greatest prescription.

🎧 Listen now at FishingWithoutBait.com or on your favorite podcast platform.
✨ Do a kindness for yourself and for another. Forgive, reconnect, and live mindfully.

]]> Welcome back, friends, to Fishing Without Bait: A Lifetime Without Definitive Expectations.

In Episode 490, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg explore what leadership truly means through the lens of Jesus of Nazareth. From the radical humility and servant leadership he modeled 2,000 years ago to his timeless call for justice and compassion, Jim examines how these teachings apply to the world’s political and social climate today.

This thoughtful conversation covers:
• How Jesus’s example challenges modern power and ego
• The moral responsibility of leaders to serve everyone—not just their supporters
• Why integrity, honesty, and empathy are essential in times of division
• The enduring wisdom of “Blessed are the peacemakers” and “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”

Jim also reflects on the story of the Good Samaritan and closes with a reminder that hope—and helping others—remains our greatest prescription.

🎧 Listen now at FishingWithoutBait.com or on your favorite podcast platform.
✨ Do a kindness for yourself and for another. Forgive, reconnect, and live mindfully.

]]> Lessons from the Brink | Episode 403 https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/443 d600ab2f-3ef5-4ef7-839d-d694807c917a Tue, 02 Jan 2024 13:00:00 -0500 Humility Health and Wellness LLC. full Humility Health and Wellness LLC. Jim Ellermeyer and Mike discuss life, death, spirituality, and recovery. Jim shares his recent brushes with death and how he faced them without fear due to his spiritual grounding and making amends through recovery. They talk about the importance of living fully in the present moment rather than worrying about the future or past. Jim stresses the value of empowering oneself, identifying fears, always telling the truth, treating people with respect, and carrying positive messages to help others.  18:31 no Jim Ellermeyer and Mike discuss life, death, spirituality, and recovery. Jim shares his recent brushes with death and how he faced them without fear due to his spiritual grounding and making amends through recovery. They talk about the importance of living fully in the present moment rather than worrying about the future or past. Jim stresses the value of empowering oneself, identifying fears, always telling the truth, treating people with respect, and carrying positive messages to help others.  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! personal growth, spirituality, addiction recovery, life lessons, mindful living, facing death, honesty, integrity, 12-step programs, behavioral health, letting go, empathy, compassion, fishing, nature, prescription for living, podcast Jim Ellermeyer and Mike discuss life, death, spirituality, and recovery. Jim shares his recent brushes with death and how he faced them without fear due to his spiritual grounding and making amends through recovery. They talk about the importance of living fully in the present moment rather than worrying about the future or past. Jim stresses the value of empowering oneself, identifying fears, always telling the truth, treating people with respect, and carrying positive messages to help others. 

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!

]]> Jim Ellermeyer and Mike discuss life, death, spirituality, and recovery. Jim shares his recent brushes with death and how he faced them without fear due to his spiritual grounding and making amends through recovery. They talk about the importance of living fully in the present moment rather than worrying about the future or past. Jim stresses the value of empowering oneself, identifying fears, always telling the truth, treating people with respect, and carrying positive messages to help others. 

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!

]]> New Perspectives With Natalie Bencivenga | Episode 183 https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/186 afb3e586-a2d6-420d-86b8-02fd4193c7ec Wed, 13 Mar 2019 12:00:00 -0400 Humility Health and Wellness LLC. full Humility Health and Wellness LLC. James Ellermeyer is joined by Natalie Bencivenga to continue their conversation about her path, including leaving medical school at 22, the influence of her grandmother and strong women in her life, reading a poem about her grandmother in her earlier life and the new perspective it gave her, being ok with being uncomfortable and working through it, and how going to school to become a social worker had changed her. 24:11 no <p>James Ellermeyer is joined by Natalie Bencivenga to continue their conversation about her path, including leaving medical school at 22, the influence of her grandmother and strong women in her life, reading a poem about her grandmother in her earlier life and the new perspective it gave her, being ok with being uncomfortable and working through it, and how going to school to become a social worker had changed her.</p> <blockquote>“If you don’t feel it you can’t heal it…”</blockquote> You can read Natalie’s work as part of P<a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/life/seen">ittsburgh Post-Gazette’s SEEN</a> and follow her on Twitter at @<a href="https://twitter.com/NBSeen">NBSeen</a> Natalie is the cohost of The Broadcast Podcast. You can listen to her interviews at <a href="http://broadcast-podcast.com/">www.broadcast-podcast.com</a> . Subscribe to our Podcast on <a href="https://itun.es/i6Lv3J5">iTunes</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/fishing-without-bait">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/music/m/Iv4f7utkoynri57yuzsvewuj44m?t=Fishing_Without_Bait">Google Music</a>, <a href="http://tunein.com/radio/Fishing-Without-Bait-p823762/">TuneIn</a> or look for it on your favorite <a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-download-listen-to-podcasts-android-ios-iphone/">Podcatcher</a>! Also, check us out streaming on <a href="https://michael-sorg-4djq.squarespace.com/#">The River's Edge</a> online radio!     Authentic self, integrity, Natalie Bencivenga, medical school James Ellermeyer is joined by Natalie Bencivenga to continue their conversation about her path, including leaving medical school at 22, the influence of her grandmother and strong women in her life, reading a poem about her grandmother in her earlier life and the new perspective it gave her, being ok with being uncomfortable and working through it, and how going to school to become a social worker had changed her.

“If you don’t feel it you can’t heal it…”

You can read Natalie’s work as part of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s SEEN and follow her on Twitter at @NBSeen

Natalie is the cohost of The Broadcast Podcast. You can listen to her interviews at www.broadcast-podcast.com .

Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Music, TuneIn or look for it on your favorite Podcatcher! Also, check us out streaming on The River's Edge online radio!

 

 

]]> James Ellermeyer is joined by Natalie Bencivenga to continue their conversation about her path, including leaving medical school at 22, the influence of her grandmother and strong women in her life, reading a poem about her grandmother in her earlier life and the new perspective it gave her, being ok with being uncomfortable and working through it, and how going to school to become a social worker had changed her.

“If you don’t feel it you can’t heal it…”

You can read Natalie’s work as part of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s SEEN and follow her on Twitter at @NBSeen

Natalie is the cohost of The Broadcast Podcast. You can listen to her interviews at www.broadcast-podcast.com .

Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Music, TuneIn or look for it on your favorite Podcatcher! Also, check us out streaming on The River's Edge online radio!

 

 

]]> Transformation With Natalie Bencivenga | Episode 182 https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/185 16950301-ae8f-4050-869b-4ede2ca01f7a Tue, 05 Mar 2019 11:00:00 -0500 Humility Health and Wellness LLC. full Humility Health and Wellness LLC. James Ellermeyer is joined by Natalie Bencivenga who is excited about changes in her life. We discuss her upbringing including going to medical school and the pressures she put on herself, listening to yourself, the lessons of integrity and creative arts, influencing young women that deal with similar issues, taking care of yourself, not allowing people to evolve and grow, and more! 24:19 no <p>James Ellermeyer is joined by Natalie Bencivenga who is excited about changes in her life. We discuss her upbringing including going to medical school and the pressures she put on herself, listening to yourself, the lessons of integrity and creative arts, influencing young women that deal with similar issues, taking care of yourself, not allowing people to evolve and grow, and more! </p> “You don’t have to listen to every thought that pops in your head..” You can read Natalie’s work as part of P<a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/life/seen">ittsburgh Post-Gazette’s SEEN</a> and follow her on Twitter at @<a href="https://twitter.com/NBSeen">NBSeen</a> Natalie is the cohost of The Broadcast Podcast. You can listen to her interviews at <a href="http://broadcast-podcast.com/">www.broadcast-podcast.com</a> . Subscribe to our Podcast on <a href="https://itun.es/i6Lv3J5">iTunes</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/fishing-without-bait">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/music/m/Iv4f7utkoynri57yuzsvewuj44m?t=Fishing_Without_Bait">Google Music</a>, <a href="http://tunein.com/radio/Fishing-Without-Bait-p823762/">TuneIn</a> or look for it on your favorite <a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-download-listen-to-podcasts-android-ios-iphone/">Podcatcher</a>! Also, check us out streaming on <a href="https://michael-sorg-4djq.squarespace.com/#">The River's Edge</a> online radio! Authentic self, integrity, Natalie Bencivenga, medical school James Ellermeyer is joined by Natalie Bencivenga who is excited about changes in her life. We discuss her upbringing including going to medical school and the pressures she put on herself, listening to yourself, the lessons of integrity and creative arts, influencing young women that deal with similar issues, taking care of yourself, not allowing people to evolve and grow, and more!

“You don’t have to listen to every thought that pops in your head..”

You can read Natalie’s work as part of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s SEEN and follow her on Twitter at @NBSeen

Natalie is the cohost of The Broadcast Podcast. You can listen to her interviews at www.broadcast-podcast.com .

Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Music, TuneIn or look for it on your favorite Podcatcher! Also, check us out streaming on The River's Edge online radio!

]]> James Ellermeyer is joined by Natalie Bencivenga who is excited about changes in her life. We discuss her upbringing including going to medical school and the pressures she put on herself, listening to yourself, the lessons of integrity and creative arts, influencing young women that deal with similar issues, taking care of yourself, not allowing people to evolve and grow, and more!

“You don’t have to listen to every thought that pops in your head..”

You can read Natalie’s work as part of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s SEEN and follow her on Twitter at @NBSeen

Natalie is the cohost of The Broadcast Podcast. You can listen to her interviews at www.broadcast-podcast.com .

Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Music, TuneIn or look for it on your favorite Podcatcher! Also, check us out streaming on The River's Edge online radio!

]]>