Jim Ellermeyer

Fishing Without Bait 514: Joanna Lowe Returns: Spoken Word, Courage & Creating Your Own Path

May 5th, 2026  |  22 mins 1 sec

courage, creativity, cup a joe productions, fear, grin reapers club podcast, independent artist, joanna lowe, mental health, mindfulness, occasional epiphany, personal growth, recovery, self expression, spoken word, storytelling, wellness podcast

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, we begin Part 1 of our conversation with returning guest Joanna Lowe. Joanna shares how she unexpectedly became a spoken word artist and reflects on fear, courage, and reclaiming personal power through creativity.

AwesomeCast 777: NFL Draft Tech, Xbox Game Pass Changes & AI Cameras Watching Lines?!

April 27th, 2026  |  1 hr 1 min

pittsburgh, podcast

Sorg and Podnar break down the tech behind Pittsburgh’s massive NFL Draft event, including apps, cashless systems, and crowd logistics. They also explore Xbox Game Pass changes, Apple’s new subscription model, AI-powered line tracking in NYC, and emerging trends in consumer tech.

Gratitude, High-Frequency Living & Letting Go | Episode 513

April 27th, 2026  |  19 mins 7 secs

12 step recovery, addiction recovery, avoiding negativity, behavior change, boundaries, emotional intelligence, gratitude, gratitude practice, high frequency people, jim ellermeyer, life coaching, mental health, mental wellness, mike sorg, mindfulness, mindfulness podcast, mindset, personal development, personal growth, positivity, recovery, self awareness, self improvement, wellness

In episode 513 of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and Mike explore the power of gratitude, mindfulness, and surrounding yourself with high-frequency people. They break down how avoiding comparison, criticism, and complaint can transform your mindset and relationships. This episode offers practical tools for setting boundaries, redirecting negativity, and living with intention.

AwesomeCast 776: Tim Cook Steps Down, Game Pass Gets Weird & Can PurePlank Fix the Dad Bod? | AwesomeCast 776

April 21st, 2026  |  1 hr 2 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

On this week’s AwesomeCast, Sorg and Dave Podnar talk through tech that hits real life: Sorg tries out the PurePlank fitness board, Dave follows up on the ResMed AirSense 11 CPAP, and the crew spotlights Taher Elgamal’s role in the history of SSL and secure web browsing. They also react to Microsoft’s Game Pass changes, Sorg’s growing interest in Reddit as a better daily feed, DaVinci Resolve’s new still-image color tools, and the big Apple leadership shakeup as Tim Cook steps down as CEO.

Fishing Without Bait 512: From Injury to Insight: Jessie Notarius on Strength & Patience

April 21st, 2026  |  20 mins 18 secs

acceptance, adversity, art therapy, creativity, fishing without bait, healing, jessie notarius, mental health, mindfulness discussion, mindfulness podcast, motivation, overcoming injury, patience, perseverance, personal growth, podcast interview, recovery, resilience, self improvement, the unwilting tatiana, wellness, wrestling journey

In this episode, we wrap up our conversation with Jessie Notarius, aka The Unwilting Tatiana, as she shares her journey through injury, recovery, and resilience. From wrestling setbacks to artistic expression, Jessie reflects on perseverance and finding purpose in adversity.

Fishing Without Bait 511: From Wrestling to Real Life: Jessie Notarius on Confidence & Mindset

April 14th, 2026  |  18 mins 17 secs

anxiety management, boundaries, confidence building, emotional intelligence, gratitude mindset, jessie notarius, life organization, mental health, mindfulness podcast, personal growth, positivity, productivity mindset, recovery mindset, self awareness, self esteem, self worth, sorgatron media, the unwilting tatiana, wellness podcast

Fishing Without Bait 510: Building a Foundation After Setbacks with Jessie Notarius

April 6th, 2026  |  18 mins 59 secs

career change, community support, confidence vs arrogance, creative journey, emotional resilience, fishing without bait, jessie notarius, jim ellermeyer, life transitions, mental health, mindfulness podcast, overcoming setbacks, personal growth, recovery podcast, resilience, self esteem, self improvement, the unwilting tatiana, wellness podcast, wrestling mindset

Jessie Notarius, known as The Unwilting Tatiana, returns to discuss life after losing a dream job and the unexpected path that followed. Through career changes, creative pursuits, and wrestling, she shares how resilience, community, and taking risks helped her rebuild her foundation. This episode explores confidence, support systems, and finding purpose through change.

Fishing Without Bait 509: A Mother’s Strength: Emily on Healing, Fear, and Hope

March 31st, 2026  |  26 mins 21 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

Emily returns to share life after her daughter’s life-saving kidney transplant, reflecting on resilience, fear, and the reality of living through what once felt impossible. This episode explores mindfulness in crisis, parenting through trauma, and the power of taking life one step at a time.

Fishing Without Bait 508: From ICU to Hope: Emily’s Story of Resilience and Recovery

March 24th, 2026  |  21 mins 59 secs

addiction recovery perspective, advocacy in healthcare, emily interview, family resilience, fishing without bait, healing journey, icu survival, inspirational story, kidney transplant story, mckenna recovery story, medical trauma, mental health podcast, mindfulness podcast, overcoming adversity, parenting journey, recovery podcast, resilience story, sorgatron media, trauma recovery, wellness podcast

In this continuation of Emily’s story, she shares the emotional rollercoaster of her daughter McKenna’s recovery—from moments of hope to devastating setbacks in the ICU. Through resilience, advocacy, and unwavering love, Emily recounts how she fought for her daughter’s life and ultimately prepared to give her the ultimate gift: a kidney.

AwesomeCast 772: Epic Universe Tips, LEGO Smart Blocks & Switch 2 Boost Mode

March 18th, 2026  |  1 hr 2 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

On AwesomeCast 772, Sorg, Katie, and Podnar break down their trip to Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure, sharing practical strategy, favorite lands, standout food, and the rides that were actually worth the wait. Plus, they talk McDonald’s Crocs Happy Meal toys, Chachi’s video game news, Hedy Lamarr’s link to wireless tech history, LEGO smart blocks, a Nintendo Switch 2 display update, and the delightfully weird Payphone Go project.

Fishing Without Bait 507: Holding On to Hope with Emily

March 17th, 2026  |  23 mins 58 secs

addiction recovery, coping strategies, emily guest, emotional healing, family support, hope, life challenges, mckenna story, medical journey, mental health, mindfulness podcast, overcoming adversity, parenting crisis, pittsburgh, podcast interview, podcastfishing without bait, recovery podcast, resilience, sobriety, trauma, wellness

In this powerful continuation, Emily shares the unimaginable medical crisis her daughter faced and the emotional toll it took on her and her family. Through devastating uncertainty, she reveals how hope, resilience, and support carried her forward. This episode is a raw and honest look at survival, trust, and taking life one moment at a time.

AwesomeCast 771: Amazon’s New Health AI, ChatGPT for Math, and Mario’s Mystery Goo?

March 11th, 2026  |  1 hr 2 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

AwesomeCast 771 features special guest hosts Missy Sorg and Dave Podnar while Mike Sorg is away, and they bring a fun mix of geek culture, health tech, AI, and gaming news. They kick things off with a Mario Day discussion about the mystery goo in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, then dive into Dave’s experience with the WatchPAT ONE at-home sleep apnea test and how healthcare technology is becoming more accessible.

They also unpack Amazon’s new healthcare AI assistant, discuss privacy concerns around medical data, and explore how ChatGPT’s new interactive math and science visuals could help visual learners and change education. Plus, Chachi checks in with video game news on Nintendo tariffs and Microsoft’s Project Helix, and Dave closes things out with a lighter story about a custom Chicago-built hybrid Ford Explorer for the Pope.

Fishing Without Bait 506: Emily’s Mother’s Intuition: The Night Everything Changed

March 10th, 2026  |  27 mins 25 secs

addiction recovery, advocacy, anxiety and fear, behavioral health, childhood illness, ecmo, emily, fishing without bait 506, fishing without bait podcast, jim ellermeyer, mindfulness podcast, motherhood, mother’s intuition, open heart surgery, parental strength, pediatric emergency, picu experience, recovery journey, resilience, spiritual awakening, trauma recovery, wellness podcast

Returning guest Emily shares the beginning of an unimaginable chapter — when mother’s intuition told her something was wrong with her two-year-old daughter. What followed was panic, emergency transport, and open heart surgery. This is Part 1 of a powerful story of fear, resilience, and faith.

Fishing Without Bait 505: Knowing Which Weeds to Pull with Zeke Mercer

March 3rd, 2026  |  16 mins 28 secs

change, critical thinking, identity, life transitions, mindfulness, personal growth, podcast, recovery, self awareness, sorgatron media, wellness, zeke mercer

In Part 4 of our conversation with Zeke Mercer, we explore growth, identity, and recognizing when something no longer serves you. Zeke reflects on stepping back from wrestling, the role of critical thinking, and the balance between individuality and belonging. A thoughtful discussion on change, awareness, and self-respect.

Fishing Without Bait 504: Zeke Mercer on Identity, Ego & Respect

February 24th, 2026  |  19 mins 1 sec

authenticity, bias, ego, fishing without bait, fishing without bait 504, identity, mental health, mindfulness, personal growth, recovery, resilience, self awareness, wellness, wrestling and life, zeke mercer

Part 3 of our conversation with Zeke Mercer explores bias, identity, and how bitterness, ego, and respect shape both wrestling and life. Zeke shares powerful reflections on authenticity, personal growth, and navigating judgment. A thoughtful discussion on mindfulness, self-awareness, and resilience.

Fishing Without Bait 503: Zeke Mercer: Sacrifice, Identity & Self-Discovery

February 17th, 2026  |  22 mins 59 secs

authenticity, ethical living, expectations, fishing without bait, fishing without bait podcast, fwb503, identity, integrity, mental health, mental wellness, mindfulness, personal growth, recovery, resilience, sacrifice, self discovery, self worth, transition, zeke mercer

In Part 2 of our conversation, Zeke Mercer reflects on sacrifice, expectations, and the emotional realities of chasing dreams. She shares deeply personal insights about identity, integrity, and her transition journey. A thoughtful discussion on self-worth, resilience, and living authentically.