Jim Ellermeyer

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.

Fishing Without Bait 478: Redefining Success: Vulnerability, Sobriety & the Executive Mindset with Nick Jonsson

August 5th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  17 mins 6 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

Fishing Without Bait—hosted by Jim Ellermeyer—continues our conversation (Part 3) with TEDx speaker and best‑selling author Nick Jonsson (Executive Loneliness). We unpack executive mental health, burnout, and recovery as Nick describes moving from “I have to” to “I choose,” owning financial insecurities, confronting toxic masculinity, and evolving from command‑and‑control leadership to an identity grounded in values rather than titles or status.

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.

Fishing Without Bait 477: Executive Loneliness: Breaking the Silence with Nick Jonsson

July 29th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  14 mins 45 secs

pittsburgh, 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.

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.

Fishing Without Bait 476: From Rock Bottom to Rising Strong: Nick Jonsson on Recovery and Reconnection

July 22nd, 2025  |  Season 11  |  17 mins 49 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

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.

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.

Fishing Without Bait 475: Abracadabra and the Power of Words: Mindful Living Starts Here with Rubina Chadha

July 15th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  18 mins 18 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

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.

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.

Fishing Without Bait 473: Inner Design: Creating a Life of Mindful Awareness with Rubina Chadha

July 1st, 2025  |  Season 11  |  19 mins 41 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

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.

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

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

pittsburgh, podcast

Fishing Without Bait 472: Big Book, Bigger Life: Recovery Lessons with Tara

June 24th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  17 mins 39 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

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.

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!

Fishing Without Bait 471: How a Checklist and a Higher Power Changed Everything with Tara

June 16th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  17 mins 29 secs

pittsburgh, podcast

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.