Jessie shares what happened after losing her dream job as a set painter for the Pittsburgh CLO and how that unexpected change forced her to pivot into a completely new career path. From working difficult interim jobs to finding fulfillment in a benefits administration role, Jessie reflects on discovering appreciation, purpose, and contribution in unexpected places.

The conversation explores the importance of taking risks versus gambling, building a stable foundation through relationships, and leaning on community during uncertain times. Jessie also discusses her continued connection to creativity through art and wrestling, including launching a small-scale art venture.

Jim and Jessie dive into deeper themes of mindfulness, including how we minimize our accomplishments, the role of support systems, and the difference between confidence and arrogance—especially in the world of professional wrestling.

This episode is a powerful reminder that life’s direction isn’t always linear, and with support, willingness, and self-awareness, we can rebuild stronger foundations.

🎯 Calls to Action
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From the uncertainty of the PICU to the first small signs of awareness, Emily walks us through the emotional highs and devastating lows of recovery. She recounts moments of hope—like McKenna responding for the first time—and moments where that hope seemed to disappear just as quickly.

As the journey unfolds, Emily shares what it was like to advocate fiercely for her daughter in life-or-death situations, including a critical moment where speaking up quite literally saved McKenna’s life. Through it all, time lost meaning, routines became survival, and resilience became essential.

This episode also explores the long road of recovery—rehabilitation, regaining movement, and the emotional milestone of bringing McKenna home. But the journey didn’t end there. Emily shares the next challenge: kidney failure, the transplant process, and her unwavering certainty that she would be the one to donate.

This is a story of courage, advocacy, and the deep connection between parent and child—where love becomes the driving force through unimaginable circumstances.

This is Part 2 of Emily’s story.

👉 Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app
👉 Support us on Patreon for ad-free episodes: 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 this episode, Emily shares the intense and emotional journey following her daughter McKenna’s sudden medical crisis. What began as a normal day quickly turned into a life-threatening situation involving emergency surgery, strokes, and unimaginable uncertainty. Emily walks us through the overwhelming decisions, the devastating prognosis she was given, and the moments that tested her strength like never before.

Despite facing the possibility of losing her child, Emily found herself holding onto even the smallest signs of hope — a breath over a ventilator, a slight movement, a reason to keep going. She reflects on the emotional toll, the fear of the unknown, and how she navigated anxiety, trauma, and the temptation of relapse during the darkest moments.

This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and the importance of support systems when life changes in an instant.

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Emily.

Shane opens up about growing up in an environment marked by addiction, violence, and scarcity, while still finding moments of community, guidance, and protection. Rather than becoming a victim of his circumstances, he made intentional decisions to stay grounded in sports, discipline, and work — even when easier and more destructive paths were readily available.

Throughout this episode, Shane reflects on learning from the mistakes of others, refusing to settle for less, and choosing action over self-pity. Jim connects these experiences to mindfulness principles, recovery thinking, and the idea that real change comes from effort, behavior, and consistent choices — not just intention or wishful thinking.

Topics explored include:

Growing up without a safety net

Making conscious “wise mind” choices

Learning resilience through adversity

Taking action instead of living in “ifs, buts, and maybes”

Betting on yourself when others doubt you

Speaking intention into existence through action

This is Part 1 of a continuing conversation that sets the foundation for deeper discussions on identity, growth, and mindful living in future episodes.

🎧 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

This episode centers on listening — to ourselves, to others, and to the deeper awareness that helps us release fear, judgment, and mental clutter. Jim Ellermeyer and Santina discuss compassion, choice points, and the stories we hold onto, as well as the freedom that comes from letting them go.

Through reflection and shared experience, this conversation invites listeners to slow down, practice mindfulness, and approach life with greater understanding and non-judgment.

🎧 Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player
❤️ Support the show with 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

Through grounded insight, 12-step philosophy, and real-world examples, Jim explores:
• Why letting go feels so difficult
• How control and fear keep us stuck
• The connection between surrender and mindfulness
• How to recognize what you’re still carrying
• Practical ways to soften your grip and reclaim peace

This episode invites you to step out of old patterns and into a more open, honest, intentional life. If you’re ready to grow, breathe, and move forward—this conversation is for you.

🎧 Explore more episodes at www.FishingWithoutBait.com

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

Rather than dwelling on mistakes or missteps, Jim challenges us to ask a better question—What worked? When something goes right in your life, your recovery, your work, or your relationships, how often do you pause and examine the people, places, and circumstances that helped make it happen?

Through stories from the production world, recovery work, and even the brewing of a perfect glass of iced tea, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and mindful reflection.

✨ Topics include:
• Why we need to reinforce success, not just correct failure
• How to build confidence in teams and individuals
• Ways to encourage children and students through curiosity
• The power of journaling to document what did work
• A sneak peek into our new 365-day mindfulness activity calendar

🎣 As always, this podcast is about living life without definitive expectations, and making choices with honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. So ask yourself today—not what went wrong, but what went right.

👉 Join the conversation and share your own moments of success at www.FishingWithoutBait.com

Through stories of sports legends like John Wooden, reflections on culture, and lessons from film, Jim offers practical insights on how to plant flowers instead of weeds in your daily moments. Life isn’t measured in years—it’s measured in the choices we make right now.

Join us as we reflect on how to let go of negativity, embrace kindness, and live each moment well.