Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

Turning Pain Into Purpose with Shane Chojnacki | Episode 500

January 27th, 2026  |  18 mins 56 secs

faith and recovery, holistic wellness, life perspective, mental health, men’s wellness, mind body spirit, mindfulness podcast, mindfulness practice, mindset coaching, overcoming adversity, personal growth, purpose driven living, recovery community, resilience, shane chojnacki, sobriety and wellness, transformation stories, victor benjamin

In Fishing Without Bait 500, we continue Part 3 of our conversation with Shane Chojnacki, also known as pro wrestler The Savage Gentleman Victor Benjamin. Shane shares how adversity, faith, and mindful choice helped him turn career loss, injury, and personal upheaval into purpose-driven living. This episode focuses on perspective, resilience, and creating a life you don’t need a vacation from.

Shane Chojnacki on Discipline, Failure, and Playing the Film All the Way Through | Episode 499

January 20th, 2026  |  22 mins 33 secs

12 step philosophy, addiction recovery, athlete mental health, betting on yourself, burnout recovery, character development, consequences of choices, corrections officer experience, discipline, discipline over motivation, emotional regulation, full impact mindfulness, future thinking, integrity, leaving a toxic job, life transitions, long term thinking, mental toughness, mindfulness podcast, mixed martial arts life lessons, mma mindset, overcoming fear, personal growth, prison system realities, professional wrestling mindset, purpose over comfort, recovery mindset, resilience, risk vs reward, self awareness, self responsibility, shane chojnacki, the savage gentleman, victor benjamin

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.

Refusing to Let My Past Define Me with Shane Chojnacki | Episode 498

January 13th, 2026  |  22 mins 24 secs

acceptance and change, action and effort, addiction recovery themes, athlete mindset, behavioral change, betting on yourself, breaking the cycle, childhood adversity, choosing a better path, combat sports mindset, discipline, fighter mentality, growing up in poverty, inspirational podcast, learning from mistakes, life choices, manifestation mindset, mental health, mental wellness, mindfulness podcast, mindfulness practices, mindset, motivation through action, never settle, overcoming adversity, personal growth, personal responsibility, professional wrestler interview, recovery podcast, recovery stories, resilience, self awareness, self improvement, shane chojnacki, speaking intentions, taking responsibility, trauma and resilience, victor benjamin, wise mind

In Part 1 of of our discussion, Jim Ellermeyer sits down with Shane Chojnacki — professional fighter, trainer, and pro wrestler known as Victor Benjamin — for a powerful conversation about resilience, choice, and refusing to let your past define your future. Shane shares his journey growing up in difficult circumstances, learning from the mistakes of others, and choosing action and effort over excuses. This episode explores how real change begins with conscious decisions, mindful action, and the courage to bet on yourself.

A Culture Of Guilt Imposed By Religious Structure | Episode 491

November 18th, 2025  |  15 mins 34 secs

12-step recovery, acceptance, behavior health, compassion, emotional healing, fishing without bait, healing journey, intentional living, jim ellermeyer, letting go, mental health, mindfulness, mindfulness podcast, personal development, recovery, recovery podcast, resilience, self-discovery, self-growth, spiritual wellness, stress management, surrender

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer guides listeners through one of the most transformative practices in mindfulness and recovery: letting go. Whether it’s old fears, expectations, resentments, or the emotional weight we’ve carried for years, Jim explains how release is not weakness—it’s liberation.

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 !

Finding Joy Beyond Pleasure with Clairvoyant Santina Grace | Episode 435

August 27th, 2024  |  24 mins 7 secs

abraham lincoln, ascended masters, balance in life, clairvoyant medium, energy elevation, fishing without bait, inner joy, jim ellermeyer, joy vs pleasure, mindfulness, overcoming negativity, personal growth, resilience, santina grace, self-awareness, self-compassion, self-discovery, spiritual growth, spiritual journey

In this enlightening episode of Fishing Without Bait, hosted by Jim Ellermeyer, we welcome the insightful clairvoyant medium, Santina Grace. Santina shares her wisdom on the challenges of elevating one’s energy and the importance of dreams in overcoming life’s obstacles. The conversation delves into the concepts of joy versus pleasure, exploring how true joy is a lasting spiritual experience, unlike the fleeting nature of physical pleasures. Santina discusses the power of self-compassion and the dangers of self-criticism, offering practical advice on how to rise above negativity. The episode also touches on the teachings of ascended masters, with a special reflection on historical figures like Abraham Lincoln as examples of resilience and mastery. Listeners are invited to explore the balance in their lives, seek out inner joy, and embrace the journey of self-discovery. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that encourages you to find your own path to happiness and spiritual growth.

Conquering Challenges Through Mindfulness and Gratitude with Tara | Episode 420

May 6th, 2024  |  21 mins 47 secs

cognitive behavioral therapy, emotional management, gratitude, mindfulness, negative thoughts, personal growth, recovery, resilience, self-love, sobriety

Join host Jim Ellermeyer in an engaging episode of "Fishing Without Bait" with guest Tara from KeepComingBack.net. This episode delves into recovery and mindfulness, showcasing Tara’s journey through managing negative thoughts and emotions effectively using cognitive behavioral techniques.

The discussion highlights the challenges and strategies related to Tara's recovery post-surgery, emphasizing the crucial role of gratitude in overcoming adversity. Tara shares personal insights on the importance of self-love and confidence, enhanced by practical advice on affirming personal truths through "I am" statements.

Whether you’re on a path of recovery or interested in mental well-being, this episode provides valuable tools for fostering resilience and gratitude.

For more enlightening stories, visit KeepComingBack.net and tune into "Fishing Without Bait" for more empowering discussions.

Insights on Resilience and Identity with Mike Oglesbee | Fishing Without Bait 416

April 9th, 2024  |  22 mins 22 secs

empathy, healing and recovery, life challenges, life coaching, mental health, mental health support, mindfulness, overcoming adversity, personal growth, personal transformation, power of choice, resilience, self-discovery, spiritual journey, wisdom through experience

Host Jim Ellermeyer engages with guest Mike Oglesby in a profound discussion about overcoming life's hurdles, the essence of making personal choices, and the journey towards self-discovery and resilience. Mike shares his personal narrative of estrangement and the transformative realization that individuals possess the power to define their identity and life's direction, contrary to societal impositions and expectations. This conversation delves into the philosophy that life, with its inherent unpredictability and challenges, offers an opportunity for growth and understanding, highlighting the non-existence of fairness as a concept and the importance of responding constructively to life's situations.

Planting Seeds of Change with Mike Ogelsbee | Episode 415

April 2nd, 2024  |  21 mins 5 secs

conscious choice, embracing imperfections, family estrangement, identity, mental health, overcoming adversity, personal growth, personal transformation, resilience, self-discovery, self-esteem, self-improvement, setting boundaries, societal expectations, toxic environments

In this thought-provoking episode of "Fishing Without Bait," host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes guest Mike Oglesbee for a deep dive into personal transformation, the significance of setting boundaries, and the liberating power of choice. Oglesbee shares his profound journey of overcoming family estrangement and the challenges of growing up in a toxic environment, highlighting the pivotal decision to stand up for himself and the ensuing path to self-discovery. This episode sheds light on the destructive nature of imposed identities and societal expectations, especially on young women, and offers a fresh perspective on embracing imperfections and redefining personal success.

Moving on withDumpster Fire Ryan Zane | Episode 408

February 12th, 2024  |  20 mins 19 secs

mental health, personal growth, pro wrestling, resilience, self-discovery, self-expression, therapy

Jim Ellermeyer with pro wrestling Ryan Zane about his journey through wrestling and mental health, focusing on self-discovery, the ongoing nature of personal work, and the importance of mental health support. It emphasizes self-creation over finding oneself, advocating for honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness as the only requirements for participation. Ryan discusses the challenges and growth he has experienced, including dealing with mental health issues, the therapeutic process, and the role of pro wrestling in his personal development and expression.