Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

Jim and Mike explore the power of simple responses, emphasizing 'I can't do that' to limit oversharing. They introduce mindfulness tools like 'I'm not there yet' to stay present and recommend using 'Not today' to assertively decline temptations. The discussion includes handling left-handed compliments and deflecting negative opinions with grace. Plus, they advise on questioning the necessity of hurtful behavior and reframing worries into actionable inquiries. Their insights offer practical strategies for everyday mindfulness.

In this episode, Jim Ellermeyer invites you to reflect on one of the most fundamental shifts you can make in life: choosing to live intentionally rather than simply existing. Together with producer Mike Sorg, Jim explores the concept of being a human being rather than a human doing, and how small mindful changes—like replacing “I have to” with “I choose to”—can radically transform your daily experience. 💭 Topics include: • The danger of living on autopilot • How “should” creates shame and anxiety • The power of journaling and silence • Letting go of digital distractions and negativity • Celebrating small victories and choosing growth over comfort You’ll walk away with tangible insights and invitations to return to your authentic self—one breath, one choice at a time. ⸻ 🛍 Grab the Learn to Fish Without Bait 365-Day Mindfulness Journal & Adult Coloring Book: https://www.fishingwithoutbait.com/swag 💖 Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fishingwithoutbait 🌐 Listen to more at: https://www.fishingwithoutbait.com

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.

Join host Jim Ellermeyer, behavioral health therapist, for a powerful Fishing Without Bait conversation on living with integrity, building internal validation, and focusing on solutions rather than problems—even in the face of political division and global conflict. Jim shares the five core attributes that shape a grounded life: knowing right from wrong, having a moral compass, being dependable, being honest, and treating others with courtesy and respect. Drawing from his deep roots in the 12-step recovery world, Jim explains why magnifying problems only fuels negativity, and how “studied indifference” and critical thinking can help us see past misinformation in today’s polarized media environment. He and co-host Mike discuss the need for unity, the dangers of outside forces driving division, and the importance of leaders who act with integrity. Jim also offers a heartfelt reflection on the Israel–Gaza conflict, expressing support for Israel’s right to exist while condemning the killing of innocents and calling for compassion for all human beings. His words challenge us to look beyond sides and politics, focusing instead on shared humanity. 💡 Everyone’s in recovery from something—share your story with us. 🎣 More episodes at: www.FishingWithoutBait.com

Nick Jonsson, an author and speaker renowned for his work on executive mental health, discusses vulnerability and authenticity in leadership. He shares insights on moving from a mindset of obligation to one of choice, confronting toxic masculinity, and the importance of community support for men. Nick also explores his journey through sobriety, making amends with family, and his efforts in suicide prevention with Limitless. His experiences lead to a new identity grounded in values, emphasizing the need for mindfulness in both personal and professional realms.