Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

Humility Health and Wellness LLC.
  • 5.0 (7)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A mindful exercise. A look at ourselves. We recommend rest and relaxation. One way you can do this is to take up fishing. And for a truly mindful experience, try fishing without bait.

  1. Zeke Mercer: Sacrifice, Identity & Self-Discovery | Episode 503

    20H AGO

    Zeke Mercer: Sacrifice, Identity & Self-Discovery | Episode 503

    Part 2 of our conversation with Zeke Mercer dives deeper into the realities behind ambition, sacrifice, and self-worth. Zeke speaks candidly about guiding younger wrestlers, confronting the harsh truth that “wrestling doesn’t owe you a thing,” and the emotional crossroads between acceptance and bitterness. The conversation expands into integrity, ethical living, and how actions reveal character more than words ever can. Zeke also opens up about her personal evolution, sharing reflections on transitioning, self-discovery, and navigating a world that isn’t always accepting. This episode is a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and choosing authenticity in the face of judgment. 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 https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4

    23 min
  2. Zeke Mercer: When Passion Needs a Pause | Episode 502

    FEB 10

    Zeke Mercer: When Passion Needs a Pause | Episode 502

    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

    21 min
  3. Faith, Focus and Control with Shane Chojnacki | Episode 501

    FEB 3

    Faith, Focus and Control with Shane Chojnacki | Episode 501

    In Part 4 of our conversation with Shane Chojnacki — known in the ring as The Savage Gentleman Victor Benjamin — we dive deeper into faith, mindfulness, personal values, and living with intention. Shane shares how moments of upheaval led him toward clarity, spiritual grounding, and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, we explore how constant noise, digital distraction, and negativity pull us away from presence — and how reclaiming awareness allows us to respond rather than react. From the idea of “controlling the controllable” to surrounding yourself with people who align with your values, this episode is about choosing purpose over chaos. We also touch on humor, humanity, and the importance of simple kindness — reminding us that being a good human being costs nothing but can change everything. 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

    20 min
  4. Turning Pain Into Purpose with Shane Chojnacki | Episode 500

    JAN 27

    Turning Pain Into Purpose with Shane Chojnacki | Episode 500

    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

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

    JAN 20

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

    In Fishing Without Bait 499, we continue our conversation with Victor Benjamin, also known as Shane Chojnacki—MMA fighter, boxing coach, and professional wrestler known as The Savage Gentleman. Part 2 dives deeper into the discipline and mindset that shaped Shane’s life. He reflects on learning to “play the film all the way through,” weighing consequences instead of chasing short-term gratification. Shane discusses burnout, stepping away from mixed martial arts, and the emotional toll of working in a system that no longer aligned with his values. The conversation explores the difference between a risk and a gamble, why doing nothing can be the biggest risk of all, and how betting on yourself—when done with clarity and integrity—can lead to meaningful change. Shane also shares powerful insights on separating people from behaviors, personal responsibility, and choosing purpose over financial comfort. This episode is a grounded, honest look at growth, regret, and the courage it takes to walk away from a life that’s no longer serving you. Call to Action: 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

    23 min

  6. JAN 13

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

    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

    22 min
  7. The Stories We Carry — and the Ones We Release with Santina Grace | Episode 497

    JAN 6

    The Stories We Carry — and the Ones We Release with Santina Grace | Episode 497

    In Fishing Without Bait 497, we continue our thoughtful conversation with returning guest Clairvoyant Santina Grace in Part 4 of this series. This episode centers on listening — to ourselves, to others, and to the deeper awareness that helps us release fear, judgment, and mental clutter. Jim Ellermeyer and Santina discuss compassion, choice points, and the stories we hold onto, as well as the freedom that comes from letting them go. Through reflection and shared experience, this conversation invites listeners to slow down, practice mindfulness, and approach life with greater understanding and non-judgment. 🎧 Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player ❤️ Support the show with 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

    20 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    A Mindful New Year Message: January 1st Is Just Another Day

    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.

    3 min
See All (541)

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

A mindful exercise. A look at ourselves. We recommend rest and relaxation. One way you can do this is to take up fishing. And for a truly mindful experience, try fishing without bait.

Information

You Might Also Like