Amanda Narcisi

Wrestling Mayhem Show 985: Hangman Bleeds, Dom Believes, and Sorg Can Take the Train Now

November 26th, 2025  |  1 hr 31 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

In Wrestling Mayhem Show 984, the crew gathers for a Thanksgiving edition filled with AEW chaos, Survivor Series debate, nostalgia, and community stories.

Sorg returns from Defy Wrestling with fresh notes from the Seattle scene—including Sting’s son’s first indie match, The Righteous, and Vert Vixen—before diving into AEW Full Gear’s biggest moments: Samoa Joe’s cage match victory, Hook joining the Ops, Swerve’s return, and the Continental Classic block breakdown featuring Okada.

Fishing Without Bait 488: Are You Being Fooled by Media? The Truth About Manipulation & Identity Loss

October 21st, 2025  |  20 mins 19 secs

advertising influence, algorithmic persuasion, anxiety, behavioral health, celebrity endorsements, comparison culture, consumerism, critical thinking, digital detox, emotional advertising, emotional intelligence, fishing without bait, fomo, identity loss, influencer culture, insecurity, jim ellermeyer, marketing psychology, media literacy, media manipulation, mental health, mike sorg, mindfulness, mindfulness podcast, recovery podcast, self-awareness, self-discovery, self-reflection, social media addiction, targeted ads

In this eye-opening episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer is joined once again by producer Mike Sorg to explore how modern media shapes our identities, fuels our purchases, and even distorts our sense of self-worth.

From emotional manipulation in advertising to influencer culture and data-driven targeting, Jim and Mike unpack the psychological tactics behind today’s media and tech. How does a Power Glove from the ’80s connect to the viral influencer culture of today? Are we in control of our choices—or are we reacting without realizing it?

AwesomeCast 752: We Built a Livestream Studio in a U-Haul at an Off-Road Motorsport Event!

October 8th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  1 hr 5 mins

ai video generation, alba colon, amazon prime login, awesomecast, baja sae, cancer survivor surfing, dave podnar, event livestreaming, first descents, game pass price increase, gopro crash, hendrick motorsports, katie dudas, meta ai editing, michael sorg, microsoft game pass, minecraft climate change game, mini baja rc, missy sorg, mobile livestream setup, off-road racing, openai sora, podcasting, production tips, romcom sabotage, sae international, santa cruz surfing, sidekick media services, slice on broadway, sorgatron media, streaming cautionary tale, tech podcast, u-haul studio, video production, wireless camera setup, women in motorsports

Surfboards, Baja Cars & Broken GoPros — This Week on AwesomeCast!

Katie returns with stories from the waves as she shares her inspiring First Descents surf adventure in Santa Cruz, designed for cancer survivors. Meanwhile, the team gives a full behind-the-scenes breakdown of their latest wild production at Baja SAE Carolina — from broadcasting out of a U-Haul van to dealing with dusty terrain, wireless camera chaos, and even a GoPro that didn’t survive.

Fishing Without Bati 486: “Not Today”: The One Phrase That Will Change Your Life

October 7th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  15 mins 58 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

Fishing Without Bait 484: Reclaim Your Emotional Sovereignty Today

September 23rd, 2025  |  Season 11  |  17 mins 34 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

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.

Wrestling Mayhem Show 973: Forks, Hoagies & AJ Lee

September 9th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  1 hr 7 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

AwesomeCast 744: Cat Wars, Retro Macs & the Coolest AI Trick Yet

August 6th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  1 hr 4 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

This week’s episode dives into a mix of tech, toys, and travel adventures. From a Nickelodeon-themed indoor amusement park and the quirky “Cat Wars” calendar to the upcoming Hello Kitty × Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Happy Meal toys, we cover it all. We also explore a retro Macintosh-style USB-C hub, try out live AI object recognition, fold our way through a paper airplane STEM kit, and get nostalgic with the Retro Bowl College Edition mobile game.

AwesomeCast 743: Grok This! Google AI, Chainsawed Sandwiches & Mario Paint Returns

July 30th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  59 mins 49 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

Join Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar for another wild ride through the latest in tech, geek culture, and digital oddities. From chainsawed sandwiches and pygmy hippos to new AI-powered tools from Google and fun gaming tie-ins, AwesomeCast 743 dives into the fun, weird, and sometimes terrifying world of tech.

Whether you’re curious about Google Search’s AI makeover, craving a McDonald’s-themed Joy-Con fry holder, or wondering why a zoo staged a fake hippo escape with an inflatable costume — we’ve got you covered.

Wrestling Mayhem Show 966: Glass, Gimmicks & Guilty Verdicts: Inside the Ring with Referee George Ross

July 23rd, 2025  |  Season 11  |  1 hr 51 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

This week on the Wrestling Mayhem Show, Sorg and Rizz are joined by special guest Referee George Ross, aka Big Match Bubby, for an action-packed and off-the-rails episode full of wrestling insights, travel horror stories, deathmatch madness, and plenty of mayhem.

They break down the latest from TNA Slammiversary, the crossover storyline potential with WWE NXT, and what a two-night SummerSlam means for wrestling fans. George dives deep into what it’s like officiating at independent shows, JCW vs. GCW chaos, and deathmatch culture—including wild teddy bears, 50 panes of glass, and exploding barbed wire setups.

Plus, the gang reminisces about old Rise Wrestling moments, mysterious family ties with Ray Lyn, and who might be Braylon’s dad… all while being harassed by a supportive lizard puppet.

Steel City Slamfest Mayhem w/ MV Young - Live from Tekko 2025

July 18th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  1 hr 8 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

Recorded live at Tekko 2025, this special panel brings the indie wrestling mayhem straight to the heart of Pittsburgh’s biggest anime and pop culture convention! Host Antoine Scott is joined by two of the city’s biggest pro wrestling powerhouses: MV Young—wrestler, promoter, and the mind behind 880 Wrestling—and Michael Sorg (“Sorgatron”), founder of IndieWrestling.us and longtime video producer behind countless independent wrestling shows.

AwesomeCast 741: Gaming on the Go: Backbone Review & Xbox Without a Console

July 16th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  1 hr 2 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

In this episode of AwesomeCast, co-hosts Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar dive into the latest tech trends, gadgets, and geek culture from Pittsburgh and beyond. Sorg shares a hands-on review of the Backbone USB-C mobile game controller, and Dave unveils a jaw-dropping 115-inch Hisense Mini-LED TV that costs as much as a car. We explore tech headlines including the consolidation of ChromeOS and Android, Google’s AI-powered NotebookLM, and how Xbox is pushing console-less gaming with Fire TV bundles. Plus, hear from Intern John about Picklesburgh adventures and travel plans, and enjoy a rapid-fire roundup in Chachi’s Video Game Minute, featuring a major shakeup on Steam and FBI action on ROM sites.

Wrestling Mayhem Show 964: Hot Tags & Cold Mics: Inside the Chaos with Glenn Spectre

July 9th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  2 hrs 14 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

Join hosts Sorg and Rizz with special guest Glenn Spectre, one half of the rising tag team The Troublemakers, for a wild, insightful, and hilarious episode packed with wrestling stories, deep dives, and backstage knowledge.

Fishing Without Bait 474: Layers Off, Purpose On: Rubina Chadha on Rediscovering Your Creative Self

July 8th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  14 mins 35 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

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.

Wrestling Mayhem Show 962: Bear Traps and Barbed Wire: Beastman Unleashed!

June 25th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  1 hr 52 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

AwesomeCast 737: Project Indigo, Ponchos & Pittsburgh Pride

June 17th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  58 mins 19 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

The AwesomeCast crew goes live from Adrian, Michigan to talk tech, travel, and gear in the field! Sorg, Katie, and Dave share behind-the-scenes insights from covering the Formula SAE EV competition, highlight Knockaround’s fun and functional sunglasses, and explore Adobe’s new AI-powered camera app, Project Indigo. Plus, they unpack Honda’s regulation-bending e-bike delivery vehicle and dive into the conspiracy lore of the Denver Airport. Don’t miss this week’s ChachiSays Video Game Minute featuring Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, PS5 milestones, and MLB meets gaming. Watch, listen, and get geeky at www.AwesomeCast.com!

Wrestling Mayhem Show 959: Hanging with Hardcam Frio

June 3rd, 2025  |  Season 11  |  1 hr 5 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

On this remote episode of Wrestling Mayhem Show, Sorg and Rizz are joined by Detroit-based wrestling videographer Hardcam Frio! Broadcasting from Ann Arbor, Michigan, the crew dives deep into the current state of WWE contract changes, the legacy of R-Truth, and the evolution of independent wrestling media—especially in Detroit. Plus, reactions to Logan Paul’s impact on the business, speculation around The Miz and Gunther, and the increasing role of social media in wrestling careers. We also get wild tales from ringside, including fire spots, syringes, and a paint glass firecracker spot that has to be heard to be believed!