web02.fireside.fm Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:07:34 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Media Literacy” https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/tags/media%20literacy Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400 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 Stochastic Rhetoric: The Scary Trick Politicians Use to Manipulate Minds | Episode 489 https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/538 1f0182d3-94a8-4bbd-93b5-81b2407293cd Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400 Humility Health and Wellness LLC. full Humility Health and Wellness LLC. 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. 20:19 no 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. But this episode isn’t just about politics; it’s about mindfulness in the face of manipulation. Jim and Mike offer practical ways to recognize these tricks, question what we’re told, and bring compassion back into our conversations. “If you have a choice between being right and being kind, choose kind—and you’re going to be right every time.” In a time of noise and division, Fishing Without Bait invites listeners to slow down, think critically, and reconnect with what truly matters: kindness, awareness, and authenticity. 🎧 Listen now at: www.FishingWithoutBait.com 📺 Watch on YouTube: Fishing Without Bait 489 💬 Join the discussion: #Mindfulness #MediaLiteracy #FishingWithoutBait stochastic rhetoric, obfuscation, political language, dog whistle politics, media manipulation, mindfulness, critical thinking, Jim Ellermeyer, Mike Sorg, Fishing Without Bait, podcast, mental health, compassion, kindness, fear and awareness, plausible deniability, misinformation, cognitive bias, mindful communication, choose kindness, social awareness, politics and psychology, information overload, mindfulness podcast, free thinking, emotional intelligence, media literacy, anxiety reduction, self awareness, behavioral health, random acts of kindness 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.

But this episode isn’t just about politics; it’s about mindfulness in the face of manipulation. Jim and Mike offer practical ways to recognize these tricks, question what we’re told, and bring compassion back into our conversations.

“If you have a choice between being right and being kind, choose kind—and you’re going to be right every time.”

In a time of noise and division, Fishing Without Bait invites listeners to slow down, think critically, and reconnect with what truly matters: kindness, awareness, and authenticity.

🎧 Listen now at: www.FishingWithoutBait.com
📺 Watch on YouTube: Fishing Without Bait 489
💬 Join the discussion: #Mindfulness #MediaLiteracy #FishingWithoutBait

]]> 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.

But this episode isn’t just about politics; it’s about mindfulness in the face of manipulation. Jim and Mike offer practical ways to recognize these tricks, question what we’re told, and bring compassion back into our conversations.

“If you have a choice between being right and being kind, choose kind—and you’re going to be right every time.”

In a time of noise and division, Fishing Without Bait invites listeners to slow down, think critically, and reconnect with what truly matters: kindness, awareness, and authenticity.

🎧 Listen now at: www.FishingWithoutBait.com
📺 Watch on YouTube: Fishing Without Bait 489
💬 Join the discussion: #Mindfulness #MediaLiteracy #FishingWithoutBait

]]> Are You Being Fooled by Media? The Truth About Manipulation & Identity Loss | Episode 488 https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/537 025169fe-17ec-49e0-9e7f-34b73bbefbae Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400 Humility Health and Wellness LLC. full Humility Health and Wellness LLC. 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? 20:19 no 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? In this episode: • Why media makes us feel “less than” • Celebrity endorsements vs. authentic influence • Targeted ads, data mining, and algorithmic persuasion • Unrealistic expectations and identity loss in the digital age • The mental health toll of comparison culture • What it really means to be unmanageable • Mindful practices to resist manipulation “It’s much easier to fool someone than to convince them they’re being fooled.” Take a breath. Check the facts. And most importantly—remember who you are. 🎧 Listen, learn, and share at FishingWithoutBait.com media manipulation, advertising influence, influencer culture, social media addiction, mindfulness, identity loss, emotional advertising, targeted ads, algorithmic persuasion, consumerism, critical thinking, mental health, digital detox, comparison culture, mindfulness podcast, Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer, Mike Sorg, self-awareness, media literacy, recovery podcast, self-discovery, emotional intelligence, anxiety, insecurity, marketing psychology, FOMO, celebrity endorsements, behavioral health, self-reflection 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?

In this episode:
• Why media makes us feel “less than”
• Celebrity endorsements vs. authentic influence
• Targeted ads, data mining, and algorithmic persuasion
• Unrealistic expectations and identity loss in the digital age
• The mental health toll of comparison culture
• What it really means to be unmanageable
• Mindful practices to resist manipulation

“It’s much easier to fool someone than to convince them they’re being fooled.”

Take a breath. Check the facts. And most importantly—remember who you are.

🎧 Listen, learn, and share at FishingWithoutBait.com

]]> 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?

In this episode:
• Why media makes us feel “less than”
• Celebrity endorsements vs. authentic influence
• Targeted ads, data mining, and algorithmic persuasion
• Unrealistic expectations and identity loss in the digital age
• The mental health toll of comparison culture
• What it really means to be unmanageable
• Mindful practices to resist manipulation

“It’s much easier to fool someone than to convince them they’re being fooled.”

Take a breath. Check the facts. And most importantly—remember who you are.

🎧 Listen, learn, and share at FishingWithoutBait.com

]]> Filtered Reality | Episode 404 https://fishingwithoutbait.fireside.fm/444 8cd626ff-33f7-4af0-b98a-4dbe9530d6ff Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0500 Humility Health and Wellness LLC. full Humility Health and Wellness LLC. 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. 22:56 no 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. 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! social media, mental health, body image, self-esteem, influencers, social media effects, youth, parenting, TikTok, podcast, pop culture, media literacy, psychology, therapist perspectives, filtered reality 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.

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 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.

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!

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