In this powerful episode of Fishing Without Bait, behavioral health therapist Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg dive into the disempowerment of women in today’s culture. They explore how girls begin to lose self-esteem as early as age nine, pressured by filtered media, fashion, and social influencers. Jim challenges societal expectations by examining gendered magazine ads, the “dad bod” double standard, and the impact of social media on self-image.

In this deeply personal episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer, a behavioral health therapist, shares an emotional reflection on the recent passing of his longtime sponsor and dear friend, Joe Boston. Joined by producer Mike Sorg, the two explore what it means to experience a “happy death”—one filled with peace, dignity, and sobriety. Jim recounts the powerful story of Joe’s decision to discontinue dialysis and embrace hospice care, emphasizing the importance of choice, preparation, and spiritual peace at life’s end.

In this introspective episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer continues a deep and engaging conversation with acclaimed Pittsburgh illustrator and painter David Pohl. With decades of creative work, David reflects on the evolution of his artistic voice—from installations at the Mattress Factory Museum to the soulful simplicity of his latest paintings.

In this enriching episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer continues his conversation with acclaimed illustrator and painter David Pohl. David opens up about his lifelong artistic journey, reconnecting with painting during the pandemic, and using art as a deeply personal form of meditation, healing, and expression. The discussion explores themes of internal versus external validation, the evolving creative process, and embracing imperfection through mindfulness.

Join host Jim Ellermeyer in a fascinating conversation with illustrator David Pohl on this episode of Fishing Without Bait. David shares his incredible journey as a creative professional, from his early days working on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to building a successful freelance illustration career. He reflects on his time with Fred Rogers, offering behind-the-scenes stories about the show’s impact and the warmth of its legendary host.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer sits down with larger-than-life pro wrestler “King Kong Husk” The Beastman to explore his transformative journey in the wrestling business. From his early days struggling to find a persona to embracing his identity as The Beastman, he shares how he built a brand, navigated the independent wrestling scene, and learned the difference between being one of the boys and making money in wrestling.

In this heartfelt episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer sits down with professional wrestler “King Kong Husk” The Beastman for an introspective conversation about his life inside and outside the ring. From his early days of breaking into the wrestling business—sometimes the hard way—to his journey of self-discovery, Beastman opens up about the struggles, lessons, and redemption he found along the way.

In this powerful episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer sits down with pro wrestler "King Kong Husk" The Beastman to discuss his incredible journey through life and wrestling. Beastman shares how he has traveled the world—from Japan to Canada, with upcoming stops in Australia and Scotland—pursuing his passion for professional wrestling while navigating personal transformation.

In this heartfelt and introspective episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes professional wrestler The Beastman (Wes Fetty) for a raw and inspiring conversation. Stepping beyond the ring, Wes opens up about his personal journey, from his childhood in West Virginia to overcoming adversity and carving his own path in the world of professional wrestling.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike introduce a powerful new tool for mindfulness and self-exploration—an interactive book crafted by Missy Sorg. This unique resource combines daily adult coloring pages and journaling prompts designed to help individuals cultivate self-awareness, reduce stress, and embrace full-impact mindfulness.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer, a behavioral health therapist, explores the challenges of navigating uncertainty, fear, and chaos in our modern world. Joined by co-host Mike Sorg, they reflect on historical periods of crisis—ranging from World War II to the Cuban Missile Crisis—and compare them to today’s social and economic struggles, including rising prices, job insecurity, and political unrest.

In this enlightening episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Chris Maverick, professor at the University of Pittsburgh and host of the VoxPopcast. Together, they explore the importance of hobbies and mindfulness in combating stress and living a fulfilling life. Chris shares his journey from a high-stress corporate career to academia, emphasizing the value of recreation and personal growth. They delve into the joy of simple pleasures, from building Lego sets with loved ones to podcasting with family, and how these activities foster connection and creativity.

Explore how social media shapes self-worth, identity, and modern challenges in this thought-provoking episode of Fishing Without Bait with Jim Ellermeyer and special guest Chris Maverick. Together, they uncover the realities of influencer culture, the impact of gender dynamics, and the dangers of fear-based narratives in today’s digital world. Learn practical mindfulness techniques to overcome social comparison and embrace authenticity. Whether you’re navigating curated realities or seeking personal empowerment, this episode equips you with the tools to thrive. Watch now and start your journey to a more mindful life!

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.

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.

Happy New Year from the Fishing Without Bait Podcast! 🎉 This year, skip the resolutions and focus on mindful intentions backed by purposeful actions. Remember, life is a collection of small victories—celebrate each one.

Celebrate the season with the Fishing Without Bait Podcast! 🎄✨ Join us as we send our heartfelt holiday wishes for mindfulness, joy, and purpose in your life. Thank you for being part of our journey this year! 🌟

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer tackles the stress and challenges many face during the holiday season. Jim shares practical strategies for navigating family dynamics, managing expectations, and prioritizing self-care during this busy time of year. With his signature blend of mindfulness and intentional living, he offers listeners tools to stay grounded, embrace the present moment, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer engages in a profound conversation with Bronwyn Schweigerdt, a psychotherapist and anger expert. Bronwyn delves into the impact of generational trauma and the importance of breaking cycles of shame. She shares transformative techniques for forgiveness, explaining the role of self-reflection and externalizing emotions in healing. The discussion extends to the philosophy of forgiveness, viewing it as a personal liberation rather than exoneration of others.

Dive into an enlightening conversation on Fishing Without Bait with host Jim Ellermeyer as he welcomes Bronwyn Schweigerdt, a psychotherapist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and anger expert. Together, they unravel the complexities of anger, its role in mental health, and its connection to emotions like shame and validation. Bronwyn shares her personal journey through depression, revealing how suppressed anger and societal conditioning shaped her path to becoming a therapist.