Jim Ellermeyer

Fishing Without Bait 464: A Happy Death: Finding Peace, Purpose, and Sobriety at the End

April 8th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  11 mins 24 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

In this deeply personal episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer, a behavioral health therapist, shares an emotional reflection on the recent passing of his longtime sponsor and dear friend, Joe Boston. Joined by producer Mike Sorg, the two explore what it means to experience a “happy death”—one filled with peace, dignity, and sobriety. Jim recounts the powerful story of Joe’s decision to discontinue dialysis and embrace hospice care, emphasizing the importance of choice, preparation, and spiritual peace at life’s end.

Fishing Without Bait 463: From Sketchbook to Soul: Mindfulness in the Work of David Pohl

April 1st, 2025  |  Season 11  |  20 mins 5 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

In this introspective episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer continues a deep and engaging conversation with acclaimed Pittsburgh illustrator and painter David Pohl. With decades of creative work, David reflects on the evolution of his artistic voice—from installations at the Mattress Factory Museum to the soulful simplicity of his latest paintings.

David opens up about the emotional and spiritual dimensions of his art, the impact of music on his healing journey, and the existential considerations of preserving an artist’s legacy in the digital age. Listeners gain insight into the meditative and ambient influences behind David’s process, the value of empathy in visual storytelling, and his personal message about embracing life’s cyclical nature.

Fishing Without Bait 462: Brushstrokes & Breakthroughs: David Pohl on Art, Doubt, and Discovery

March 25th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  21 mins 59 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

In this enriching episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer continues his conversation with acclaimed illustrator and painter David Pohl. David opens up about his lifelong artistic journey, reconnecting with painting during the pandemic, and using art as a deeply personal form of meditation, healing, and expression. The discussion explores themes of internal versus external validation, the evolving creative process, and embracing imperfection through mindfulness.

Wrestling Mayhem Show 949: Smell the End. Own the Beginning with Pitt Fight

March 19th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  1 hr 38 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

AwesomeCast 725: Pittsburgh’s Wildest Hills & Smart Tech Thrills

March 19th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  58 mins 11 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

Fishing Without Bait 461: Mister Rogers, Puppets & Passion: The Creative Path of David Pohl

March 18th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  18 mins 53 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

Join host Jim Ellermeyer in a fascinating conversation with illustrator David Pohl on this episode of Fishing Without Bait. David shares his incredible journey as a creative professional, from his early days working on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to building a successful freelance illustration career. He reflects on his time with Fred Rogers, offering behind-the-scenes stories about the show’s impact and the warmth of its legendary host.

Fishing Without Bait 460: Becoming Beastman

March 11th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  19 mins 5 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer sits down with larger-than-life pro wrestler “King Kong Husk” The Beastman to explore his transformative journey in the wrestling business. From his early days struggling to find a persona to embracing his identity as The Beastman, he shares how he built a brand, navigated the independent wrestling scene, and learned the difference between being one of the boys and making money in wrestling.

Untitled Episode

March 5th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  1 hr 38 mins

pittsburgh, podcast

Fishing Without Bait 459: Blacklisted Beastman

March 4th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  22 mins 33 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

In this heartfelt episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer sits down with professional wrestler “King Kong Husk” The Beastman for an introspective conversation about his life inside and outside the ring. From his early days of breaking into the wrestling business—sometimes the hard way—to his journey of self-discovery, Beastman opens up about the struggles, lessons, and redemption he found along the way.

Wrestling Mayhem Show 946: Chambers of Emotions with The Unwilting Tatiana

February 26th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  2 hrs 1 min

pittsburgh, podcast

Fishing Without Bait 448: The Love of Beastman

February 25th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  22 mins 45 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

In this powerful episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer sits down with pro wrestler "King Kong Husk" The Beastman to discuss his incredible journey through life and wrestling. Beastman shares how he has traveled the world—from Japan to Canada, with upcoming stops in Australia and Scotland—pursuing his passion for professional wrestling while navigating personal transformation.

Fishing Without Bait 447: The Man Before Beastman

February 18th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  21 mins 54 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

In this heartfelt and introspective episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes professional wrestler The Beastman (Wes Fetty) for a raw and inspiring conversation. Stepping beyond the ring, Wes opens up about his personal journey, from his childhood in West Virginia to overcoming adversity and carving his own path in the world of professional wrestling.

Fishing Without Bait 456: We Have a Book! Introducing "Learn to Fish Without Bait"

February 11th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  10 mins 3 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike introduce a powerful new tool for mindfulness and self-exploration—an interactive book crafted by Missy Sorg. This unique resource combines daily adult coloring pages and journaling prompts designed to help individuals cultivate self-awareness, reduce stress, and embrace full-impact mindfulness.

Fishing Without Bait 455: Overcoming Fear & Chaos: A Mindful Approach to Life’s Challenges

February 4th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  13 mins 14 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer, a behavioral health therapist, explores the challenges of navigating uncertainty, fear, and chaos in our modern world. Joined by co-host Mike Sorg, they reflect on historical periods of crisis—ranging from World War II to the Cuban Missile Crisis—and compare them to today’s social and economic struggles, including rising prices, job insecurity, and political unrest.

Fishing Without Bait 454: Chris Maverick on Mindfulness, Pop Culture, and Building a Joyful Life

January 28th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  16 mins 23 secs

academic analysis, balanced life, building connections, chris maverick, creative passions, hobbies, lego, life advice, mindful living, mindfulness, personal growth, personal journey, podcasting, pop culture, recreational activities, self-care, simple joys, stress management, stress relief, university of pittsburgh, unplugging, voxpopcast

In this enlightening episode of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Chris Maverick, professor at the University of Pittsburgh and host of the VoxPopcast. Together, they explore the importance of hobbies and mindfulness in combating stress and living a fulfilling life. Chris shares his journey from a high-stress corporate career to academia, emphasizing the value of recreation and personal growth. They delve into the joy of simple pleasures, from building Lego sets with loved ones to podcasting with family, and how these activities foster connection and creativity.

Fishing Without Bait 453: How does social media impact self-worth and identity with Chris Maverick

January 21st, 2025  |  Season 11  |  21 mins 26 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

Explore how social media shapes self-worth, identity, and modern challenges in this thought-provoking episode of Fishing Without Bait with Jim Ellermeyer and special guest Chris Maverick. Together, they uncover the realities of influencer culture, the impact of gender dynamics, and the dangers of fear-based narratives in today’s digital world. Learn practical mindfulness techniques to overcome social comparison and embrace authenticity. Whether you’re navigating curated realities or seeking personal empowerment, this episode equips you with the tools to thrive. Watch now and start your journey to a more mindful life!