Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

Stochastic Rhetoric: The Scary Trick Politicians Use to Manipulate Minds | Episode 489

October 28th, 2025  |  20 mins 19 secs

anxiety reduction, behavioral health, choose kindness, cognitive bias, compassion, critical thinking, dog whistle politics, emotional intelligence, fear and awareness, fishing without bait, free thinking, information overload, jim ellermeyer, kindness, media literacy, media manipulation, mental health, mike sorg, mindful communication, mindfulness, mindfulness podcast, misinformation, obfuscation, plausible deniability, podcast, political language, politics and psychology, random acts of kindness, self awareness, social awareness, stochastic rhetoric

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg wade into some deep—and dangerous—waters. Together, they explore how stochastic rhetoric and obfuscation have become the most powerful tools in modern political communication.

What do those words mean? In short, they describe how leaders and media use vague, coded, or confusing language to manipulate emotions, create division, and dodge accountability. From “dog whistles” to “plausible deniability,” Jim explains how these tactics quietly shape behavior and beliefs—without ever saying things outright.

Are You Being Fooled by Media? The Truth About Manipulation & Identity Loss | Episode 488

October 21st, 2025  |  20 mins 19 secs

advertising influence, algorithmic persuasion, anxiety, behavioral health, celebrity endorsements, comparison culture, consumerism, critical thinking, digital detox, emotional advertising, emotional intelligence, fishing without bait, fomo, identity loss, influencer culture, insecurity, jim ellermeyer, marketing psychology, media literacy, media manipulation, mental health, mike sorg, mindfulness, mindfulness podcast, recovery podcast, self-awareness, self-discovery, self-reflection, social media addiction, targeted ads

In this eye-opening episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer is joined once again by producer Mike Sorg to explore how modern media shapes our identities, fuels our purchases, and even distorts our sense of self-worth.

From emotional manipulation in advertising to influencer culture and data-driven targeting, Jim and Mike unpack the psychological tactics behind today’s media and tech. How does a Power Glove from the ’80s connect to the viral influencer culture of today? Are we in control of our choices—or are we reacting without realizing it?

Filtered Reality | Episode 404

January 9th, 2024  |  22 mins 56 secs

body image, filtered reality, influencers, media literacy, mental health, parenting, podcast, pop culture, psychology, self-esteem, social media, social media effects, therapist perspectives, tiktok, youth

Jim Ellermeyer and Producer Mike, discuss the topic of "filtered reality" portrayed on social media. They talk about how social media influencers and platforms like TikTok present an unrealistic, glamorized version of life that negatively impacts young people's self-image and mental health. The hosts criticize "wannabe mental health professionals" on TikTok offering advice without credentials. They advise listeners to consume social media mindfully, understanding much of what they see is carefully curated rather than real life. Jim shares his perspective as a therapist, noting patients have body image issues influenced by media. They encourage listeners to share their own related anecdotes.