Sorgatron Media Master Feed

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?

Fishing Without Bait 487: Navigating Anxiety and Uncertainty with Mr. Rogers’ Wisdom

October 14th, 2025  |  Season 11  |  20 mins 56 secs

anxiety, behavioral health, being present, depression, emotional resilience, fred rogers, full impact mindfulness, helpers, inspirational podcast, kindness, leveling up, mental health, mindfulness, motivational, mr. rogers quotes, personal growth, pittsburgh podcast, podcast, self-acceptance, self-awareness, self-compassion, self-love, substance abuse recovery, therapy, uncertainty

Jim Ellermeyer and Mike Sorg explore the wisdom of Fred Rogers to help us navigate fear, overwhelm, and uncertainty through mindfulness and kindness. With reflections on self-acceptance, emotional resilience, and “leveling up” in life, this episode reminds us: “I like you just the way you are.”

Fishing Without Bait 390: Behind the Art with Mallory Sherman

July 11th, 2023  |  Season 11  |  18 mins 57 secs

anxiety, artistic improvement, coping mechanisms, happy moments, instagram, jim ellermeyer, mallory sherman, works of art

Join host Jim Ellermeyer as he delves deeper into the world of artist Mallory Sherman in this captivating podcast episode. Discover more about Mallory's incredible body of work and the moments of anxiety and happiness that serve as her muse. Gain insights into Mallory's personal journey as she shares her methods for coping with emotions beyond the realm of art. Uncover the motivations behind Mallory's decision to showcase her art on Instagram and witness her growth and improvement through this powerful platform. Tune in for an engaging conversation that explores the intersection of art, emotion, and self-expression.

Continuing the Conversation with Fatima Rumesa | Fishing Without Bait 297

June 8th, 2021  |  Season 11  |  26 mins 24 secs

anxiety, covid-19, mental health, pandemic, pittsburgh, podcast

Jim Ellermeyer continues his conversation with Fatima Rumesa.

Fishing Without Bait 259: To Make Better Choices

September 8th, 2020  |  13 mins 18 secs

anxiety, beginner’s mind, covid19, gut feeling, intuition, lockdown

Jim Ellermeyer is back with Producer Mike to discuss how we can make better choices.  What does that mean?  How do we develop our intuition and beginner’s mind to assess situations in our lives with your gut feelings.  

Fishing Without Bait 258: Recovery from Boredom

September 1st, 2020  |  15 mins 12 secs

12 step, addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, mindfulness, recovery

Jim Ellermeyer is back with Producer Mike to discuss BOREDOM.  What happens when we are left to our own thoughts when we’re making bad decisions and are surrounded by individuals that are encouraging bad decisions and are emotionally needy. How do we attach to better people and places that will help elevate us.   How do we deal with boredom and share people. 

Fishing Without Bait 255: Even More Mindful Bits

August 11th, 2020  |  7 mins 30 secs

anxiety, buddha, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, perspective, time travel

Jim Ellermeyer is live once again from Highland Park in Pittsburgh, PA to review some bits of wisdom from over the years, including: Buy the Ticket, Words Are Forever, The Five Minute Rule, Naming and, Identify, Immediacy, What We're Not Going to Talk About, What Not to Do and I Choose.

Fishing Without Bait 254: More Mindful Bits

August 4th, 2020  |  9 mins 50 secs

anxiety, buddha, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, perspective, time travel

Jim Ellermeyer is live once again from Highland Park in Pittsburgh, PA to review some bits of wisdom from over the years, including: Minds of Uncertainty, Pulling the Weeds, The Requirements to Be With You, Argument Party, Cast a Net, and two Buddha Stories: Cutting the Limb and a Package of Resentment.

Fishing Without Bait 253: Mindful Bits

July 28th, 2020  |  11 mins 40 secs

anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, perspective, time travel

Jim Ellermeyer is live from Highland Park in Pittsburgh, PA to review some bits of wisdom from over the years, including: Moving the Mountain, Time Travel, Time as Currency, Perspective, Your Life as a Movie, Abracadabra and Uncertainty Leads to Anxiety

Fishing Without Bait 237: You Are Important

April 7th, 2020  |  21 mins 38 secs

anxiety, coronavirus, defense mechanism, facts, mental health, mindfulness, perspective, quarantine

Jim Ellermeyer is talking with us today to help out those who are in recovery during this tough time. We discuss how we can still move forward if it feels like we’re standing still in our homes, navigating the hallway of life, and identifying just how important you and those around you are.

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