Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

In Episode 494 of Fishing Without Bait, we welcome back returning guest and clairvoyant medium Santina Grace for the first part of a warm, insightful, and deeply grounding conversation on reconnecting with joy, presence, and peace in today’s chaotic world. Jim and Santina explore some of the most important emotional and spiritual challenges of our time, including: • Finding joy in a world that feels overstimulated and overwhelming • The myth of productivity and how tying your value to output diminishes your sense of self • How fear fuels anxiety, and why anxiety can only live in the future—not the present moment • Honoring the small comforts we take for granted—warmth, food, connection, breath • How to protect your energy from negative media and emotional overload • The difference between pleasure and true joy • How children naturally process emotion with immediacy, and why adults lose that instinct • Using memories and sensory anchors to return to peace during difficult times • The illusion of separateness and the importance of compassion • Breaking generational patterns of unworthiness • Choosing where to place your attention—and therefore your experience Santina shares wisdom from her years of intuitive work, helping listeners understand how to stay grounded, grateful, and connected even when the world feels chaotic. Whether you’re struggling with stress, fear, productivity pressure, or just the pace of modern life, this episode offers comfort, clarity, and actionable mindfulness tools you can use right now. 🎧 Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast platform 🌿 Support us on Patreon for ad-free versions of every episode: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait 📘 Pick up our book “Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal & 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 Episode 493 of Fishing Without Bait, we continue our powerful two-part conversation on the lifelong impact of religiously reinforced guilt, shame, and fear. Building on the foundation set in Episode 492, Jim Ellermeyer and host Mike Sorg peel back the layers of how religious structures shape personal identity, relationships, sexuality, and self-worth. This episode dives deep into how early conditioning around sin, purity, and punishment affects the human psyche for decades — especially for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and anyone raised in shame-based environments. We explore how these rigid systems influence romantic relationships, create lifelong anxiety, damage self-esteem, and push people into cycles of self-criticism and fear of judgment. Jim shares personal stories from his upbringing, his time teaching within the Church, and the pivotal moment he challenged the doctrine of baptism and walked away. Together, he and Mike examine how religious authority has historically been used to suppress autonomy, silence questioning, control sexuality, and maintain power structures. Listeners will discover: • How guilt and fear are used as behavioral tools • How shame becomes internalized as a “harsh inner critic” • Why religious control disproportionately targets women • How cycles of guilt affect sexuality and relationships • How these systems contribute to depression, anxiety, and trauma • Why many still struggle with worthiness, identity, and self-acceptance • How to reclaim your inner authority, self-compassion, and spiritual autonomy This episode challenges harmful narratives—but does so with sincerity, honesty, and compassion. As always, we end with our free prescription: Fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Unplug your television and take up fishing. Forgive yourself and forgive another. Till all are free, none are free. Namaste, my friends.

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. 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

In this eye-opening episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer is joined once again by producer Mike Sorg to explore how modern media shapes our identities, fuels our purchases, and even distorts our sense of self-worth. 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

In Episode 487 of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer is joined by producer Mike Sorg for a heartfelt conversation rooted in the enduring wisdom of Fred Rogers. Together, they explore themes of uncertainty, emotional resilience, and self-acceptance through the lens of full-impact mindfulness. This episode dives into Mr. Rogers’ most impactful quotes, including “I like you just the way you are,” and how these simple yet profound affirmations can guide us through fear, overwhelm, and self-doubt. Jim and Mike reflect on the concept of “leveling up” in life like a video game—gaining experience, becoming more resilient, and making meaningful choices. Listeners will hear discussions on: • Managing emotions by making them “mentionable and manageable” • Accepting life’s challenges without needing immediate solutions • The importance of being a helper—or recognizing helpers around you • The difference between kindness and being “right” • Embracing who you are and offering that same grace to others End your day with a moment of mindfulness, self-kindness, and the reminder that you already have something valuable to offer the world. 🧘 “Do a kindness for yourself. Do a kindness for another.”

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike explore the powerful concept of cognitive clarity—the antidote to anxiety and the constant mental noise of modern life. Learn how to manage racing thoughts, move from fear-based reactivity to logical clarity, and reclaim your emotional sovereignty by choosing your own narrative over external expectations. ✨ Topics include: • Why anxiety lives in the future • How to externalize racing thoughts • Regaining emotional sovereignty from validation-seeking • Listening to learn vs. listening to respond • The ancient meaning of “Abracadabra” and why your words matter 🎧 Support the show: 👉 Patreon.com/fishingwithoutbait 📘 New! Get the official companion book: Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book 👉 Buy here 🎣 “Unplug your television and take up fishing. And for a truly mindful experience — fish without bait.”

In this thought-provoking episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and co-host Mike Sorg engage in a profound exploration of the core values shared by the world’s major faiths—from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Sikhism, Confucianism, to Taoism. Amid global conflict and division, the hosts reflect on the universal threads of compassion, humility, charity, integrity, and justice that connect these traditions. They challenge listeners to look beyond dogma and doctrine and focus on our shared humanity—especially in times of violence and suffering. 🔍 Topics include: • The teachings of Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad, and other spiritual leaders • Misinterpretations of scripture and moral hypocrisy • The importance of mindfulness and ethical conduct • A critical reflection on using religion to justify violence • A heartfelt call for peace, unity, and understanding 💬 “If we’re not all God’s children, then none of us are.” 🎧 Tune in for a deeply mindful discussion that transcends religious boundaries and returns us to our shared values as human beings.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg take a transformative dive into a concept often overlooked in recovery, education, parenting, and everyday life: positive chain analysis. 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

In this episode of the show, Jim Ellermeyer his conversation with his friend Tara V, who has successfully achieved long-term recovery from addiction. Tara shares her experience entering the 12 step program and that decision. She discusses starting her Podcast, Keep Coming Back to share speakers and how she helps living the 12 step process for herself and others. www.keepcomingback.net brings the AA Speaker to the mic and records their story of recovery, creating “Speaker Tapes” for this generation. KeepComingBack.net is 12-step work, not for profit or recognition. 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 ! Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Music, TuneIn or look for it on your favorite Podcatcher!

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer and co-host Mike explore the difference between spirituality and organized religion and what it truly means to nurture your spirit. Together, they revisit the timeless teachings of Jesus, focusing on his central message of love, compassion, and self-discovery — a message that’s often been overshadowed by societal control, rigid traditions, and centuries of interpretation. We’ll discuss: • Why spirituality is about personal connection rather than institutional rules. • The two greatest commandments Jesus taught and why they free us from fear. • Insights from alternative gospels like Thomas and Mary Magdalene that emphasize the divine spark within. • How to embrace mindfulness, self-validation, and inner freedom in your daily life. Jim challenges us to see the divine within ourselves and others, and to choose kindness, forgiveness, and mindful living as a way of nurturing that spark. 🎧 Join us on a journey toward living without definitive expectations — where true freedom lies in love, compassion, and understanding. Visit FishingWithoutBait.com to listen to more episodes, share your thoughts, and explore ways to live fully in the moment.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike explore the “Three Big C’s” that drain joy and positivity from our lives: comparing, criticizing, and complaining. We discuss how these habits act like emotional vampires, sucking the energy from every room, and why avoiding them leads to a more mindful, fulfilling life. 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.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Nick Jonsson, TEDx speaker and best-selling author of Executive Loneliness (🌐 www.nickjonsson.com). Together, they dive deep into the hidden struggles of high-achieving professionals, particularly the silent epidemic of executive isolation and burnout. Nick shares his personal journey—from corporate success to personal collapse and eventual transformation—highlighting the importance of vulnerability, community, and authentic connection. Listeners will hear about the shift from external validation to inner fulfillment, the difference between pleasure and joy, and the power of accepting support rather than resisting it. Jim and Nick explore mindfulness through the lens of the 12-step recovery model, the concept of “vulnerability muscles,” and how active listening and presence can foster healing and growth. Nick’s message is one of hope, resilience, and the importance of showing up—both for ourselves and others. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the pressures of success, struggling with isolation, or seeking a more connected and meaningful life. 🌐 Learn more about Nick at www.nickjonsson.com 🎧 More episodes at www.FishingWithoutBait.com