Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

Fishing Without Bait 495: Creating Yourself Through Choice Points with Santina Grace

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, we welcome back our imaginative, energetic returning guest Santina Grace for Part 2 of a deeply insightful conversation about mindfulness, self-awareness, grounding practices, and the inner battles so many of us face every day. Together, Santina and Jim dive into themes of anchoring thoughts, depersonalization, perspective shifts, emotional resilience, and reclaiming personal agency.  Santina shares a powerful example of using sensory-based anchors—in this case, strawberry essential oil—to help a client overcome cravings by reconnecting with a memory tied to freedom, comfort, and identity. The discussion expands into how grounding techniques and sensory awareness can support those dealing with derealization or feeling out of place in their own lives. Jim and Santina also explore how filtered media realities and comparison culture distort our self-worth, leading many to believe they don’t belong. They remind us that turmoil has always existed in every era, and the real work is nurturing compassion—for ourselves first, and then for others whose perspectives differ.  Together they unpack: • The difference between worry (paralyzing) and concern (actionable awareness) • How every moment is a choice point • The importance of checking in with ourselves mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually • How meditation can look like focus, creativity, movement, or music—not silence • How the mind’s chatter creates most internal conflict • The dynamic between the “I-self” and “my-self” • How befriending your “inner critic” or “inner witch” can reveal unmet needs and opportunities for self-care  This conversation is rich with humor, honesty, and the kind of grounded wisdom that encourages us not to “find ourselves,” but to create ourselves with intention, compassion, curiosity, and joy. 🎧 Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast app 💖 Get ad-free episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait [https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait] 📘 Pick up our book: Learn to Fishing Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4 [https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4]

The Myth of Productivity & the Path to Real Joy with Santina Grace | Episode 494

In Episode 494 of Fishing Without Bait, we welcome back returning guest and clairvoyant medium Santina Grace for the first part of a warm, insightful, and deeply grounding conversation on reconnecting with joy, presence, and peace in today’s chaotic world. Jim and Santina explore some of the most important emotional and spiritual challenges of our time, including: • Finding joy in a world that feels overstimulated and overwhelming • The myth of productivity and how tying your value to output diminishes your sense of self • How fear fuels anxiety, and why anxiety can only live in the future—not the present moment • Honoring the small comforts we take for granted—warmth, food, connection, breath • How to protect your energy from negative media and emotional overload • The difference between pleasure and true joy • How children naturally process emotion with immediacy, and why adults lose that instinct • Using memories and sensory anchors to return to peace during difficult times • The illusion of separateness and the importance of compassion • Breaking generational patterns of unworthiness • Choosing where to place your attention—and therefore your experience Santina shares wisdom from her years of intuitive work, helping listeners understand how to stay grounded, grateful, and connected even when the world feels chaotic. Whether you’re struggling with stress, fear, productivity pressure, or just the pace of modern life, this episode offers comfort, clarity, and actionable mindfulness tools you can use right now. 🎧 Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast platform 🌿 Support us on Patreon for ad-free versions of every episode: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait [https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait] 📘 Pick up our book “Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal & Adult Coloring Book”: https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4 [https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4]

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]