Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

Fishing Without Bait 482: This Mindset Shift Changes Everything

September 9th, 2025  |  15 mins 33 secs

addiction recovery, behavioral health, emotional wellness, fishing without bait, focus on success, full impact mindfulness, growth mindset, how to change your life, inspirational podcast, jim ellermeyer, journaling, life skills, mental clarity, mental health, mindfulness, mindset shift, personal growth, podcast on recovery, positive reinforcement, positive thinking, recovery, recovery journey, recovery podcast, self-awareness, self-improvement, self-reflection, sidekick media, success habits, therapy

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg take a transformative dive into a concept often overlooked in recovery, education, parenting, and everyday life: positive chain analysis.

Jesus’ Message Was Simpler Than You Think | Episode 481

August 26th, 2025  |  11 mins 38 secs

alternative gospels, be kind to yourself, compassionate living, connecting with your true self, divine spark, emotional wellness, fishing without bait, fishingwithoutbait.com, forgiveness, freedom from religion, gospel of mary magdalene, gospel of thomas, holistic wellness, how to find inner peace, inner peace, jesus teachings, jim ellermeyer, kingdom of god within, living authentically, love your neighbor, mental health, mindful living, mindfulness meditation, mindfulness podcast, mindfulness practice, mindfulness recovery, nurture your spirit, overcoming fear, personal development, personal growth, personal spirituality, podcast on spirituality, self compassion, self discovery, self validation, spiritual awakening, spiritual journey, spiritual mindfulness, spirituality vs religion

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer and co-host Mike explore the difference between spirituality and organized religion and what it truly means to nurture your spirit.

Together, they revisit the timeless teachings of Jesus, focusing on his central message of love, compassion, and self-discovery — a message that’s often been overshadowed by societal control, rigid traditions, and centuries of interpretation.

The 3 Big C’s That Drain Your Happiness (And How to Avoid Them!) | Episode 480

August 19th, 2025  |  11 mins 20 secs

choose kindness, daily mindfulness practices, emotional vampires, fishing without bait, inspirational podcast, jim ellermeyer, life coaching, live in the moment, living well, mental health awareness, mindful living strategies, mindfulness podcast, mindfulness tips, overcome negativity, personal growth, plant flowers not weeds, positive living, recovery podcast, self help podcast, self improvement, stop comparing, stop complaining, stop criticizing, stress management, three big c’s

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike explore the “Three Big C’s” that drain joy and positivity from our lives: comparing, criticizing, and complaining. We discuss how these habits act like emotional vampires, sucking the energy from every room, and why avoiding them leads to a more mindful, fulfilling life.

From the Ring to the Classroom: Chris Maverick on Wrestling, Storytelling, and Mindfulness | Episode 452

January 14th, 2025  |  19 mins 21 secs

chris maverick, digital narrative, escapism, identity, jim ellermeyer, mindfulness, pro wrestling personas, professional wrestling, social media, storytelling

Join Jim Ellermeyer in this fascinating episode of Fishing Without Bait as he welcomes Chris Maverick, professor of digital narrative interactive design at the University of Pittsburgh, and a former professional wrestler. Together, they dive into the world of pro wrestling, exploring its unique blend of storytelling, athleticism, and improv. Chris shares his personal journey, from developing larger-than-life wrestling personas to balancing his academic career and wrestling life, revealing the liberating power of performance.

A Mindful Holiday Season: Balance, Boundaries, and Joy | Episode 450

December 17th, 2024  |  19 mins 48 secs

emotional wellness., family dynamics, fishing without bait, holiday stress, intentional living, jim ellermeyer, managing holiday expectations, mental clarity, mindfulness, self-care, stress-free holidays

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer tackles the stress and challenges many face during the holiday season. Jim shares practical strategies for navigating family dynamics, managing expectations, and prioritizing self-care during this busy time of year. With his signature blend of mindfulness and intentional living, he offers listeners tools to stay grounded, embrace the present moment, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays.

Learn how to step back, set healthy boundaries, and avoid the common pitfalls of holiday stress. Whether you struggle with the pressures of perfection, overwhelming obligations, or seasonal emotions, this conversation provides thoughtful insights to help you create a more joyful and peaceful holiday experience.

How to Foster Friendships in a Divisive World with Missy Sorg | Episode 446

November 19th, 2024  |  21 mins 34 secs

active listening, challenging friendships, communication skills, effective communication, friendship and beliefs, jim ellermeyer, mindful conversations, mindfulness podcast, mindfulness practices, missy sorg, mutual respect, navigating differences, open-mindedness, personal growth, podcast insights, polarized world, relationship advice, respectful dialogue, understanding perspectives

Join host Jim Ellermeyer on Fishing Without Bait, where mindfulness meets candid conversation. In this episode, Jim sits down with co-producer Missy Sorg for an insightful discussion about navigating friendships, differing opinions, and active listening in a polarized world. Missy shares her experiences during a tumultuous campaign season, reflecting on how personal values and beliefs impact relationships. Together, they explore the importance of respectful dialogue, understanding perspectives, and fostering meaningful connections despite ideological differences. This heartfelt episode offers valuable lessons on communication, mindfulness, and embracing openness in challenging times.

The Gift of Desperation with Tara From keepcomingback.net | Episode 444

November 5th, 2024  |  17 mins 53 secs

12-step program, addiction, addiction stories, community support, complacency, enabling behavior, fishing without bait podcast, gift of desperation, jim ellermeyer, mental health, mindfulness, overcoming addiction, personal growth, recovery, resilience, sobriety, sobriety challenges, spiritual growth, tara keepcomingback.net, tough love

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Tara from the KeepComingBack.net Podcast. They delve into the nuances of recovery, discussing the crucial concept of “the gift of desperation” and the role of tough love in sobriety. Tara reflects on her experiences in the 12-step community, exploring the balance between supporting loved ones and avoiding enabling behaviors. She candidly shares her journey of overcoming complacency and recognizing personal growth through the program. Together, Jim and Tara discuss the importance of community, humility, and staying connected to like-minded individuals who offer unique support in recovery. Tara also opens up about the challenges of applying these principles in daily life outside recovery meetings. This heartfelt conversation provides insight into the resilience required for lasting change, making it a must-listen for those interested in addiction recovery, mindfulness, and 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 !

Stewardship and Sobriety: Navigating Recovery with Tara From keepcomingback.net | Episode 443

October 29th, 2024  |  25 mins 22 secs

12-step philosophy, addiction journey, alcoholics anonymous, community support, fishing without bait, higher power, hope and healing, jim ellermeyer, keepcomingback.net, life challenges, material stewardship, mindfulness, overcoming fear, personal growth, podcast guest, recovery, recovery stories, sobriety, spiritual growth, tara interview

In this insightful episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes back Tara from the KeepComingBack.net podcast. Tara discusses her mission of sharing recovery journeys through modern speaker tapes, offering listeners the chance to hear individuals’ paths to sobriety and hope. The conversation delves into deep themes of ownership and stewardship, particularly in the context of 12-step philosophy, where individuals are seen as stewards rather than owners of people and possessions. Tara opens up about balancing her material success with her higher power’s influence, viewing her resources as tools for community support rather than personal gain. They also explore the pervasive role of fear, as highlighted in the recovery journey, and how spiritual growth aids in addressing it. This episode is a profound look at shared experiences, hope, and personal growth in the recovery journey, appealing to listeners seeking encouragement and wisdom in life’s challenges.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 !

Inside the Music: Tim Vitullo & Mike Dawson on Joy, Growth, and Collaboration | Episode 442

October 22nd, 2024  |  23 mins 4 secs

album performance, album release, beer collaboration, club cafe, fishing without bait, growth in music, humility, jim ellermeyer, joy vs pleasure, lunr eccos, mike dawson, mindfulness, music collaboration, music creativity, music industry, november 10th event, pittsburgh music, special forces inspiration, tim vitullo

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes musicians Tim Vitullo and Mike Dawson to discuss their first collaborative album, LUNR ECCOS, and their upcoming album release show at Club Cafe on November 10th. The conversation explores the personal foundations of their musical journeys, with Tim emphasizing the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning, and Mike sharing his approach of seeking inspiration from elite achievers. The guests dive into the difference between joy and pleasure, the value of interpersonal connections in music, and how staying grounded and open to growth fuels their creativity. They also reflect on humility and dealing with arrogance in the music industry. Listeners will gain insight into the human side of these talented artists and their creative processes. Don’t miss their release show, featuring a special beer collaboration and a performance of the album in full.

Crafting Space Sounds: The Making of LUNR ECCOS with Tim Vitullo & Mike Dawson | Episode 441

October 15th, 2024  |  31 mins 28 secs

album production, album release, brian eno, club cafe, creativity, experimental music, fishing without bait, frippertronics, improvisation, instrumental music, jim ellermeyer, live performance, looping techniques, lunr eccos, mike dawson, music collaboration, pittsburgh music, podcast, robert fripp, space-inspired music, tim vitullo

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer sits down with musicians Tim Vitullo and Mike Dawson to discuss their first collaboration album, LUNR ECCOS, ahead of their release party at Club Cafe on November 10. The duo shares their journey of creating the album, which centers around experimental and space-inspired instrumental music. They explore themes of internal validation, the struggles of balancing creativity with day jobs, and the importance of commitment in their art. Tim and Mike reflect on their creative process, from improvisation to looping techniques, and how collaboration helped them push boundaries. The episode dives into their inspirations, including Brian Eno and Robert Fripp, and how they applied these influences in crafting their unique sound. If you’re a fan of music innovation, this episode offers an intimate look into the mindset of these artists as they prepare to launch their groundbreaking album. Don’t miss this deep dive into the creative minds behind LUNR ECCOS.