Fishing Without Bait 532: Beyond the Comfort Zone with Austin Cairns

About this Episode

In Part 3 of our conversation with Austin Cairns, host Jim Ellermeyer explores what Austin has learned from working in professional wrestling and sports broadcasting—and how those experiences connect with the mindfulness principles at the heart of Fishing Without Bait.

Austin opens up about the colorful personalities he has encountered in independent wrestling, along with a less glamorous side of the business: tribalism. He discusses the tension that can develop between promotions, the pressure of navigating different groups, and why he believes collaboration can ultimately make wrestling better.

The conversation then moves beyond the wrestling ring and into Austin’s expanding broadcasting career. He shares his experience contributing Pittsburgh Steelers reports for radio, reflects on interviewing established Pittsburgh sports broadcasters, and talks about his long-term goal of traveling and working in broadcasting on a larger stage.

Jim and Austin also explore changes in sports culture, including NIL, fantasy sports, sports gambling, and the increasingly common sight of fans watching their phones instead of the event happening directly in front of them.

That observation leads directly back to mindfulness. Austin describes himself as someone who wants to live in the moment, and when Jim asks what advice he would give someone pursuing a dream, Austin’s answer is simple: put yourself out there.

Growth rarely happens by waiting for the perfect opportunity or remaining completely comfortable. Austin reflects on going from a shy student to working across sports, wrestling, radio, television, and journalism by accepting opportunities that pushed him beyond what felt familiar.

It’s a conversation about ambition without losing awareness of where you are right now—and having the courage to enter uncomfortable spaces in order to discover what you can become.

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