Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

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

In this insightful episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes TEDx speaker and best-selling author Nick Jonsson to share his powerful story of recovery, resilience, and reconnection. From climbing the corporate ladder to confronting executive loneliness, Nick discusses his journey through burnout, addiction, and rebuilding a life grounded in purpose and vulnerability. He opens up about the difference between joy and pleasure, the power of community, and how practicing “vulnerability muscles” can transform relationships. Nick also explores how 12-step recovery programs, active listening, and surrendering ego led him to true connection and fulfillment. Whether you’re battling burnout, seeking meaning beyond success, or curious about recovery journeys, this episode offers relatable and actionable insight for growth. 🔗 Learn more about Nick Jonsson and his work at www.nickjonsson.com 🎧 More episodes at www.FishingWithoutBait.com

In this transformative episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes mindfulness-based creative educator, breathwork guide, and trauma-informed life coach Rubina Chadha, founder of Inner Design. Together, they explore the true meaning of “abracadabra” — “I create what I speak” — diving deep into the power of language, energy, and intention. Rubina shares insights into helping clients manage anxiety, stress, and trauma by tuning into their breath, embracing creative practices, and understanding their unique human design. With warmth and wisdom, she reveals how slowing down, practicing daily rituals, and engaging in mindful expression can help rewire our minds and reset our inner world. From active meditation to expressive doodling, Rubina emphasizes that everyone’s healing journey is personal and nonlinear. Whether you’re struggling with inner chaos or simply seeking clarity, this episode offers tangible tools for transformation and empowerment. Discover more mindful content and past episodes at www.FishingWithoutBait.com.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer continues his deep and insightful conversation with Rubina Chadha — a mindfulness-based creative educator, breathwork guide, and trauma-informed life coach, and founder of Inner Design. Together, they explore the power of observation and mindful creativity as tools for healing and self-discovery. Rubina shares how art and mindful looking can help individuals slow down, break from judgment, and reconnect with their inner creativity—even in the most mundane parts of life. The discussion touches on the barriers that block creative flow, including depression and anxiety, and how creative practices can be both the first casualty of stress and a path to recovery. Rubina and Jim dive into what it means to live authentically and develop one’s own “singleness of purpose.” Listeners are invited to consider how lived experience, not just knowledge, shapes wisdom—and how mindful living can be an invitation, not a sales pitch, to transformation. 🧠 Learn more at www.FishingWithoutBait.com 🎨 Connect with Rubina at www.theinnerdesign.com

In this insightful episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Rubina Chadha—mindfulness-based creative educator, trauma-informed life coach, breathwork guide, and founder of Inner Design. Together, they explore how breath, presence, and creativity intersect to support healing and personal transformation. Rubina shares her journey from corporate burnout to becoming a guide for those seeking deeper alignment and nervous system healing. The conversation delves into the science of trauma, the importance of embodiment, and the power of somatic practices such as breathwork, nervous system mapping, and intuitive movement. Listeners will learn how to create space for self-inquiry, reconnect with their truth, and cultivate emotional resilience. Rubina offers powerful insights on how mindful awareness and intentional design can shift your life from survival mode to purpose-driven living. Whether you’re beginning your healing path or deepening your mindfulness practice, this episode provides practical tools and heart-centered guidance for reconnecting with your inner wisdom. 🔗 Learn more about Rubina’s work at theinnerdesign.com 🎣 Find more episodes at www.FishingWithoutBait.com ⸻

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes back Tara from KeepComingBack.net to explore recovery, emotional intelligence, and mindful living through the lens of 12-step wisdom. Tara reflects on applying principles from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous in her everyday life—from promptly making amends at work to letting go of resentment and shame. Together, Jim and Tara discuss the power of moving from problem to solution, recognizing blind spots, and breaking free from perfectionism. Tara opens up about her new sponsor, her personal goals around family, health, and financial peace, and how self-care—even a simple manicure—can support healing. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder of the value of progress over perfection and being present with purpose. For more mindful conversations, visit www.FishingWithoutBait.com.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer continues a heartfelt and honest conversation with Tara from KeepComingBack.net. Together, they explore the power of presence, the importance of slowing down, and the emotional clarity that comes from mindfulness and spiritual grounding—especially during life’s busiest seasons. Tara opens up about navigating grief, burnout, and the juggling act of parenting, marriage, and recovery. She shares how a return to foundational 12-step principles helped her reset through tools like a personal daily checklist and intentional family connection. The episode touches on avoiding judgment, sharing experiences over advice, and embracing independence in parenting. It’s an insightful discussion about staying rooted in what truly matters: relationships, spiritual growth, and being present for life’s small, joyful moments. Find more at www.FishingWithoutBait.com and subscribe for mindful, purposeful living without definitive expectations.

In this heartfelt episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer reconnects with recurring guest Tara from KeepComingBack.net, a podcast archiving speaker meetings focused on experience, strength, and hope in 12-step recovery. Tara shares the deeply personal journey of losing her longtime sponsor to terminal illness and how that grief pushed her to seek new guidance and restart her spiritual program. She discusses her evolving relationship with surrender, the humility of beginning the 12 steps anew, and the profound insights gained from The Grief Recovery Handbook. The conversation touches on motherhood, emotional vulnerability, and the power of gratitude amid suffering. Whether you’re in recovery or navigating life’s dark hallways, Tara’s story offers inspiration, raw honesty, and practical wisdom. 🎧 Explore more at www.FishingWithoutBait.com

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host and behavioral therapist Jim Ellermeyer is joined by producer Mike Sorg for a heartfelt conversation about genealogy, family legacy, and the values we inherit—or choose to build ourselves. Jim reflects on his roots in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, sharing powerful stories from his family’s history of generosity, resilience, and recovery—including their struggles with alcoholism and mental health. The discussion explores how understanding our lineage can illuminate inherited strengths and vulnerabilities, while also offering insight into medical and behavioral patterns like addiction or suicide risk. Jim and Mike dive into the evolving meaning of “family,” contrasting inherited blood ties with chosen families and how modern mental health awareness empowers people to create new traditions and break generational cycles. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own moral compass, heritage, and the importance of doing the next right thing—even when it’s hard. This episode is a compassionate guide to creating a life of integrity, mindfulness, and purpose. 🎧 Explore more at www.FishingWithoutBait.com

In this heartfelt Mother’s Day-themed episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer finds himself on the other side of the mic as returning guest Missy Sorg interviews him about his journey, personal transformation, and the unwavering love and influence of his mother. Jim shares touching memories, from childhood board games to life-changing milestones like earning his master’s degree and achieving sobriety. The discussion explores themes of recovery, trust, and what it means to form meaningful, lasting connections. They reflect on the illusion of separateness, the importance of being present, and the power of 3 a.m. friendships. Drawing on 12-step philosophy, spirituality, and lived experience, Jim and Missy offer insights on living a life of honesty, gratitude, and mindfulness. This episode is a moving tribute to those who support us unconditionally and a reminder to cherish and nurture the relationships that truly matter. Find more at www.FishingWithoutBait.com and join the journey toward a lifetime without definitive expectations.