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. Respect Across Political Lines | Episode 522

    6d ago

    Respect Across Political Lines | Episode 522

    In Fishing Without Bait 522, Jim Ellermeyer begins a new conversation with Missy Sorg about one of the most difficult challenges many people face today: how to stay connected when political differences feel personal, painful, and divisive. Missy shares why she wanted to return to the show and talk openly about strained friendships, lost connections, and the fear of being reduced to a political label. Jim and Missy explore the idea that even when people disagree, there may still be a shared “ice cream” — a common point of connection that allows a real conversation to begin. This Part 1 episode moves through themes of political polarization, patriotism, social media, assumptions, “contempt prior to investigation,” and the need to focus less on identifying problems and more on finding solutions. Missy also opens up about women’s health, fertility treatments, abortion, birth control, and the way women’s bodies are often discussed or legislated without enough listening or understanding. Rather than a shouting match, this is a conversation about conversation itself: how to disagree without dehumanizing, how to listen without surrendering your values, and how to look for the person behind the label. Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player. Support the show and receive ad-free episodes on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait. You can also pick up our book, “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

    26 min
  2. Fighting Ideas, Not People with Eamon and Merlin | Episode 521

    Jun 30

    Fighting Ideas, Not People with Eamon and Merlin | Episode 521

    In Fishing Without Bait 521, we conclude our four-part conversation with returning guests Eamon and Merlin, hosts of A Gay and His Enby. This final part brings the discussion into questions of faith, culture, identity, queer history, personal freedom, and the importance of community. Jim, Eamon, and Merlin talk about the many ways people interpret the divine, how history and education shape understanding, and why queer and trans people have always been part of humanity. The conversation also turns toward Pittsburgh, where Eamon and Merlin reflect on how their lives, relationship, podcast, and voices have grown over the past several years. They share what it means to find community, create space for others, speak with empathy, and stay curious about the lives and experiences of people around us. For anyone struggling with fear, uncertainty, identity, or belonging, this episode offers a compassionate reminder: you do not have to figure it all out today. There will be people who accept you exactly as you are, and life can be lived one day at a time. Listen to Eamon and Merlin’s podcast A Gay and His Enby: https://agayandhisenby.fireside.fm/ Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait 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

    23 min
  3. Eamon & Merlin on Faith, Curiosity, and Healing | Episode 520

    Jun 23

    Eamon & Merlin on Faith, Curiosity, and Healing | Episode 520

    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

    27 min

  4. Jun 16

    Eamon and Merlin on Why Bigotry Can't Survive Proximity | Episode 519

    In Part 2 of our conversation with returning guests Eamon and Merlin, we continue exploring the intersection of mindfulness, acceptance, personal growth, and human connection. The discussion moves through deeply personal experiences involving family relationships, coming out, marriage, forgiveness, faith, and the challenges of overcoming long-held beliefs. Eamon and Merlin share how authentic relationships can challenge stereotypes and why spending time with people from different backgrounds often breaks down fear and misunderstanding. We also discuss the role of community, the impact of isolation on prejudice, lessons learned from faith traditions, and the importance of remaining open to learning from others. Throughout the conversation, themes of compassion, curiosity, forgiveness, and acceptance remain at the forefront. This episode serves as a reminder that understanding often begins with simply getting to know one another as human beings. Learn more about Eamon and Merlin's podcast, A Gay and His Enby: https://agayandhisenby.fireside.fm/ Calls to Action Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player. Support the show and get 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

    23 min
  5. Eamon and Merlin Return: Community, Identity, and Courage | Episode 518

    Jun 9

    Eamon and Merlin Return: Community, Identity, and Courage | Episode 518

    Returning guests Eamon and Merlin are back on Fishing Without Bait for Part 1 of a deeply personal and timely conversation about identity, community, and creating a life that aligns with your values. Several years after their first appearance on the show, Eamon and Merlin reflect on the events that led them to leave Texas and build a new life in Pittsburgh. They discuss the importance of feeling safe, finding supportive communities, and navigating a world that often challenges authenticity and self-expression. Jim Ellermeyer guides a thoughtful discussion about fear, prejudice, acceptance, and the ways people use faith and belief systems to either divide or connect. The conversation explores what it means to live mindfully, advocate for yourself, and build relationships rooted in understanding rather than judgment. This episode is Part 1 of an ongoing conversation that examines identity, belonging, spirituality, and the courage it takes to create yourself rather than simply find yourself. Learn more about Eamon and Merlin's podcast, A Gay and His Enby: https://agayandhisenby.fireside.fm/ Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast platform. Support 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
  6. Joanna Lowe on Turning Pain Into Purpose | Episode 517

    May 26

    Joanna Lowe on Turning Pain Into Purpose | Episode 517

    In Part 4 of our continuing conversation, returning guest Joanna Lowe joins host Jim Ellermeyer for an emotional and deeply honest discussion about grief, creativity, healing, and reclaiming life after devastating loss. Joanna shares how the death of her husband transformed her life and ultimately inspired her one-woman performance piece Widow. Through poetry, storytelling, humor, and raw vulnerability, Joanna explains how art became a way to survive grief and eventually begin living again. The conversation also explores: Performing Widow as an act of healing The physical and emotional realities of profound grief Why grief should never be hidden or suppressed Friendship and surviving “big grief” Launching The Grin Reapers Club podcast Finding meaning, authenticity, and purpose after tragedy “Grief is the other side of love” Joanna also discusses the creation of her new podcast, The Grin Reapers Club, where she and co-host Lauren openly discuss life through the lens of loss, honesty, humor, and resilience. Learn more about Joanna Lowe and her work: The Grin Reapers Club Podcast Joanna Lowe Bandcamp Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast player. Support us on Patreon for ad-free episodes: Fishing Without Bait Patreon Pick up our book: Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book

    24 min
  7. Joanna Lowe on Grief, Art, and Learning to Live Again | Episode 516

    May 19

    Joanna Lowe on Grief, Art, and Learning to Live Again | Episode 516

    In Part 3 of our continuing conversation, Jim Ellermeyer welcomes back returning guest Joanna Lowe for an unfiltered discussion about grief, anger, trauma, survival, and the complicated reality of healing after profound loss. Joanna opens up about the experience of widowhood, the emotional isolation of grief, and the well-meaning things people say that often miss the mark. She discusses the importance of allowing yourself to fully feel emotions instead of hiding them, how friends and family supported her during suicidal ideation, and the ways grief reshaped her relationship with her daughter. The conversation also explores: How to support someone who is grieving without smothering them Why “How are you?” can feel impossible to answer Anger toward God, loved ones, and life itself Trauma, emotional honesty, and parenting through grief The balance between needing solitude and needing connection Why every person experiences grief differently Joanna also discusses her one-woman show Widow, which she is bringing to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and how storytelling can help teach people how to truly love and support those who are grieving. Joanna’s work: The Occasional Epiphany by Joanna Lowe Cup A Joe Productions Facebook Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player. Support us on Patreon for ad-free episodes: Fishing Without Bait Patreon Pick up our book: Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book

    17 min
  8. Joanna Lowe on Grief That Changes You Forever | Episode 515

    May 12

    Joanna Lowe on Grief That Changes You Forever | Episode 515

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Joanna Lowe, we move into a deeply personal and profound discussion about grief, trauma, and what it means to rebuild a life after devastating loss. Joanna shares the story of losing her husband just months after their marriage—a loss that didn’t just take a partner, but reshaped her entire world. She opens up about experiencing prolonged grief disorder, losing years of her life to trauma, and the physical, emotional, and neurological effects that followed. This conversation explores: The reality of grief beyond what society expects How trauma impacts the body and mind The loss of identity, faith, and emotional connection Why “I know how you feel” can be harmful The importance of sitting with pain instead of trying to fix it This is not a conversation about “moving on.” It’s about learning to exist again. Beyond her personal journey, Joanna continues to create across multiple platforms: 🎶 The Occasional Epiphany: https://ceeteecee.bandcamp.com/album/the-occasional-epiphany 🎙️ The Grin Reapers Club Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/66bwzvlXpuOcdxbk3a2ygo 🎬 Cup a Joe Productions: https://www.facebook.com/cupajoprod 🎧 Calls to Action Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast player Support us on Patreon (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

    24 min
See All (560)

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