Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

Part 3 of our conversation with returning guests Eamon and Merlin continues an honest and thoughtful discussion about curiosity, personal growth, and the courage to question long-held beliefs. The conversation explores how choosing facts over assumptions can lead to greater understanding, why asking "What if I'm wrong?" creates opportunities for growth, and how embracing uncertainty can become a pathway toward mindfulness. Eamon also shares deeply personal experiences involving trauma, faith, and the difficult process of deconstructing beliefs that no longer aligned with compassion or truth. Together, the discussion reflects on spirituality, healing, forgiveness, and finding hope beyond fear while emphasizing empathy instead of division. This episode continues the spirit of Fishing Without Bait—encouraging listeners to examine their own lives with openness, curiosity, and mindfulness. Learn more about Eamon and Merlin's podcast: https://agayandhisenby.fireside.fm/ More episodes from Sorgatron Media: https://www.sorgatronmedia.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Support ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait Pick up 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 Fishing Without Bait 502 (Part 1), Jim Ellermeyer welcomes back pro wrestler Zeke Mercer (she/her) for a thoughtful and honest discussion about burnout, identity, and intentional change. Zeke shares her carefully planned decision to step away from wrestling after years of dedication—not as a reaction, but as a wise mind choice. She talks openly about the physical toll of wrestling, emotional fatigue, and the risk of allowing one passion to define an entire life. The conversation moves through mindfulness, impermanence, and acceptance, highlighting how growth often requires letting go without resentment or shame. Zeke reflects on relationships, personal goals, and the importance of giving yourself permission to evolve. 🔹 This episode is Part 1 of a multi-part conversation with Zeke Mercer. Calls to Action: Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast player 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 Fishing Without Bait 500, we continue Part 3 of our in-depth conversation with Shane Chojnacki — MMA fighter, boxing coach, personal trainer, and professional wrestler known as The Savage Gentleman Victor Benjamin. Shane opens up about pivotal moments in his life, including losing his job, navigating divorce, physical injury, and rebuilding from the ground up. Through mindfulness, faith, and intentional living, he reframed setbacks as opportunities to grow and serve others. This episode explores the powerful connection between mind, body, and spirit, and how perspective and choice shape the quality of our lives. Listeners are invited to examine their own blind spots, reclaim agency in difficult moments, and begin creating a life they don’t need a vacation from. Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast platform. Support the show and get 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

Host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Shane Chojnacki — a professional fighter, trainer, health advocate, and pro wrestler known as Victor Benjamin — for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about resilience, choice, and personal responsibility. 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

In this special holiday message, Fishing Without Bait takes a mindful pause to reflect on resilience, intention, and moving forward with purpose. Jim Ellermeyer shares why traditional New Year’s resolutions often set us up for disappointment — and why setting intentions, grounded in small, achievable actions, can lead to meaningful change. This episode explores gratitude, relationships, impermanence, and the idea that what we focus on and “plant” in our minds is what grows. A calm, compassionate reminder that January 1st is just another day — and every day is an opportunity to live intentionally, create memories, and take better care of ourselves and one another.