Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

Why So Many Struggle With Guilt — The Religion Effect Explained | Episode 493

In Episode 493 of Fishing Without Bait, we continue our powerful two-part conversation on the lifelong impact of religiously reinforced guilt, shame, and fear. Building on the foundation set in Episode 492, Jim Ellermeyer and host Mike Sorg peel back the layers of how religious structures shape personal identity, relationships, sexuality, and self-worth. This episode dives deep into how early conditioning around sin, purity, and punishment affects the human psyche for decades — especially for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and anyone raised in shame-based environments. We explore how these rigid systems influence romantic relationships, create lifelong anxiety, damage self-esteem, and push people into cycles of self-criticism and fear of judgment. Jim shares personal stories from his upbringing, his time teaching within the Church, and the pivotal moment he challenged the doctrine of baptism and walked away. Together, he and Mike examine how religious authority has historically been used to suppress autonomy, silence questioning, control sexuality, and maintain power structures. Listeners will discover: • How guilt and fear are used as behavioral tools • How shame becomes internalized as a “harsh inner critic” • Why religious control disproportionately targets women • How cycles of guilt affect sexuality and relationships • How these systems contribute to depression, anxiety, and trauma • Why many still struggle with worthiness, identity, and self-acceptance • How to reclaim your inner authority, self-compassion, and spiritual autonomy This episode challenges harmful narratives—but does so with sincerity, honesty, and compassion. As always, we end with our free prescription: Fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Unplug your television and take up fishing. Forgive yourself and forgive another. Till all are free, none are free. Namaste, my friends.

A Culture Of Guilt Imposed By Religious Structure | Episode 491

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer guides listeners through one of the most transformative practices in mindfulness and recovery: letting go. Whether it’s old fears, expectations, resentments, or the emotional weight we’ve carried for years, Jim explains how release is not weakness—it’s liberation. Through grounded insight, 12-step philosophy, and real-world examples, Jim explores: • Why letting go feels so difficult • How control and fear keep us stuck • The connection between surrender and mindfulness • How to recognize what you’re still carrying • Practical ways to soften your grip and reclaim peace This episode invites you to step out of old patterns and into a more open, honest, intentional life. If you’re ready to grow, breathe, and move forward—this conversation is for you. 🎧 Explore more episodes at www.FishingWithoutBait.com [http://www.FishingWithoutBait.com]

Discover Your Inherent Truths: The Secret to Confidence & Self-Worth | Episode 491

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, counselor and mindfulness guide Jim Ellermeyer takes listeners on a thoughtful and practical journey into the world of inherent truths—the deep personal values and qualities that define who we really are beneath expectations, judgment, and fear. Jim opens the conversation by reminding us that self-discovery isn’t about finding a ready-made identity—it’s about creating ourselves with honesty, open-mindedness, and a willingness to try. He introduces the idea that inherent truths are fundamental aspects of identity that aren’t shaped by outside forces. These truths include qualities like empathy, honesty, dependability, intelligence, and the capacity to learn and love. Through stories, affirmations, and compassionate guidance, Jim breaks down the barriers that commonly derail personal growth: societal pressure, family expectations, fear of judgment, and the tendency to discount our own worth. He encourages listeners to practice “I am confident…” statements to reinforce these inner truths and reclaim ownership of their choices. Listeners also learn practical tools for maintaining emotional grounding, including a powerful breathing exercise: inhale with the word “Let…” and exhale with “…go.” This simple practice helps calm the nervous system and release self-doubt. Jim adds a gratitude ritual—affirming small wins throughout the day with the phrase, “That’s a positive.” As always, the episode emphasizes actionable mindfulness: accepting compliments instead of dismissing them, setting boundaries with clarity, exploring what energizes you, and paying attention to the moments that reveal who you really are. Jim closes the episode with an invitation for listeners to share their own inherent truths and continues the show’s mission of offering practical, compassionate tools for living purposefully, mindfully, and without definitive expectations. 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://www.FishingWithoutBait.com [https://www.FishingWithoutBait.com]

Fishing Without Bait 490: What Would Jesus Say to Today’s World Leaders?

Welcome back, friends, to Fishing Without Bait: A Lifetime Without Definitive Expectations. In Episode 490, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg explore what leadership truly means through the lens of Jesus of Nazareth. From the radical humility and servant leadership he modeled 2,000 years ago to his timeless call for justice and compassion, Jim examines how these teachings apply to the world’s political and social climate today. This thoughtful conversation covers: • How Jesus’s example challenges modern power and ego • The moral responsibility of leaders to serve everyone—not just their supporters • Why integrity, honesty, and empathy are essential in times of division • The enduring wisdom of “Blessed are the peacemakers” and “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Jim also reflects on the story of the Good Samaritan and closes with a reminder that hope—and helping others—remains our greatest prescription. 🎧 Listen now at FishingWithoutBait.com or on your favorite podcast platform. ✨ Do a kindness for yourself and for another. Forgive, reconnect, and live mindfully.

Stochastic Rhetoric: The Scary Trick Politicians Use to Manipulate Minds | Episode 489

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and producer Mike Sorg wade into some deep—and dangerous—waters. Together, they explore how stochastic rhetoric and obfuscation have become the most powerful tools in modern political communication. What do those words mean? In short, they describe how leaders and media use vague, coded, or confusing language to manipulate emotions, create division, and dodge accountability. From “dog whistles” to “plausible deniability,” Jim explains how these tactics quietly shape behavior and beliefs—without ever saying things outright. But this episode isn’t just about politics; it’s about mindfulness in the face of manipulation. Jim and Mike offer practical ways to recognize these tricks, question what we’re told, and bring compassion back into our conversations. “If you have a choice between being right and being kind, choose kind—and you’re going to be right every time.” In a time of noise and division, Fishing Without Bait invites listeners to slow down, think critically, and reconnect with what truly matters: kindness, awareness, and authenticity. 🎧 Listen now at: www.FishingWithoutBait.com [http://www.FishingWithoutBait.com] 📺 Watch on YouTube: Fishing Without Bait 489 💬 Join the discussion: #Mindfulness #MediaLiteracy #FishingWithoutBait