Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

From Wrestling Fan to Broadcaster with Austin Cairns | Episode 531

September 14th, 2026  |  18 mins 22 secs

Family, Storytelling, austin cairns, avoiding burnout, being present, broadcasting, burnout, career development, ccac, celebrating accomplishments, celebrating success, confidence vs arrogance, following your passion, full impact mindfulness, gratitude, independent wrestling, internships, jim ellermeyer, life balance, living your dream, mental wellness, mindful living, mindfulness, personal growth, pittsburgh podcast, podcast, point park university, pro wrestling commentator, professional wrestling, recovery, self confidence, self worth, sports broadcasting, sports media, time management, trusted relationships, wellness, work life balance, wrestling commentary

In Part 2 of our conversation with sportscaster Austin Cairns, we explore the value of trusted relationships, making time for family, and learning to recognize your own accomplishments. Austin shares how his path through sports broadcasting and professional wrestling helped him realize that sometimes you're already living the dream before you stop long enough to notice it.

Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player, support ad-free episodes at https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait, and pick up “Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book” at https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Joanna Lowe Returns: Spoken Word, Courage & Creating Your Own Path | Episode 514

May 5th, 2026  |  22 mins 1 sec

Creativity, Fear, Storytelling, courage, cup a joe productions, grin reapers club podcast, independent artist, joanna lowe, mental health, mindfulness, occasional epiphany, personal growth, recovery, self expression, spoken word, wellness podcast

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, we begin Part 1 of our conversation with returning guest Joanna Lowe. Joanna shares how she unexpectedly became a spoken word artist and reflects on fear, courage, and reclaiming personal power through creativity.

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

January 14th, 2025  |  19 mins 21 secs

Social Media, Storytelling, chris maverick, digital narrative, escapism, identity, jim ellermeyer, mindfulness, pro wrestling personas, professional wrestling

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.

From Software Design to Pop Culture Studies: Christopher Maverick’s Journey | Episode 451

January 7th, 2025  |  19 mins 40 secs

Storytelling, christopher maverick, comics in academia, cultural studies, digital humanities, english literature, fishing without bait, modern education, pop culture studies, pro wrestling, teaching mindfulness

In this insightful episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Christopher Maverick, a professor of digital narrative interactive design at the University of Pittsburgh, for a conversation blending academia, pop culture, and mindfulness. Together, they explore the intersection of humanities and technology, with Maverick sharing his journey from software design to teaching subjects like comics, graphic novels, and cultural studies.
Pop Culture Studies, Comics in Academia, Teaching Mindfulness, Christopher Maverick, Digital Humanities, Modern Education, Storytelling, English Literature, Cultural Studies, Pro Wrestling, Fishing Without Bait