Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

Respect Across Political Lines | Episode 522

In Fishing Without Bait 522, Jim Ellermeyer begins a new conversation with Missy Sorg about one of the most difficult challenges many people face today: how to stay connected when political differences feel personal, painful, and divisive. Missy shares why she wanted to return to the show and talk openly about strained friendships, lost connections, and the fear of being reduced to a political label. Jim and Missy explore the idea that even when people disagree, there may still be a shared “ice cream” — a common point of connection that allows a real conversation to begin. This Part 1 episode moves through themes of political polarization, patriotism, social media, assumptions, “contempt prior to investigation,” and the need to focus less on identifying problems and more on finding solutions. Missy also opens up about women’s health, fertility treatments, abortion, birth control, and the way women’s bodies are often discussed or legislated without enough listening or understanding. Rather than a shouting match, this is a conversation about conversation itself: how to disagree without dehumanizing, how to listen without surrendering your values, and how to look for the person behind the label. Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player. Support the show and receive ad-free episodes on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait [https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait]. You can also pick up our book, “Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book,” at 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]

Fighting Ideas, Not People with Eamon and Merlin | Episode 521

In Fishing Without Bait 521, we conclude our four-part conversation with returning guests Eamon and Merlin, hosts of A Gay and His Enby. This final part brings the discussion into questions of faith, culture, identity, queer history, personal freedom, and the importance of community. Jim, Eamon, and Merlin talk about the many ways people interpret the divine, how history and education shape understanding, and why queer and trans people have always been part of humanity. The conversation also turns toward Pittsburgh, where Eamon and Merlin reflect on how their lives, relationship, podcast, and voices have grown over the past several years. They share what it means to find community, create space for others, speak with empathy, and stay curious about the lives and experiences of people around us. For anyone struggling with fear, uncertainty, identity, or belonging, this episode offers a compassionate reminder: you do not have to figure it all out today. There will be people who accept you exactly as you are, and life can be lived one day at a time. Listen to Eamon and Merlin’s podcast A Gay and His Enby: https://agayandhisenby.fireside.fm/ [https://agayandhisenby.fireside.fm/] Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player. Support us on Patreon for ad-free episodes: 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 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]

Eamon & Merlin on Faith, Curiosity, and Healing | Episode 520

Part 3 of our conversation with returning guests Eamon and Merlin continues an honest and thoughtful discussion about curiosity, personal growth, and the courage to question long-held beliefs. The conversation explores how choosing facts over assumptions can lead to greater understanding, why asking "What if I'm wrong?" creates opportunities for growth, and how embracing uncertainty can become a pathway toward mindfulness. Eamon also shares deeply personal experiences involving trauma, faith, and the difficult process of deconstructing beliefs that no longer aligned with compassion or truth. Together, the discussion reflects on spirituality, healing, forgiveness, and finding hope beyond fear while emphasizing empathy instead of division. This episode continues the spirit of Fishing Without Bait—encouraging listeners to examine their own lives with openness, curiosity, and mindfulness. Learn more about Eamon and Merlin's podcast: https://agayandhisenby.fireside.fm/ [https://agayandhisenby.fireside.fm/] More episodes from Sorgatron Media: https://www.sorgatronmedia.com [https://www.sorgatronmedia.com] Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Support ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait [https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait] Pick up Learn to Fish 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]

Eamon and Merlin on Why Bigotry Can't Survive Proximity | Episode 519

In Part 2 of our conversation with returning guests Eamon and Merlin, we continue exploring the intersection of mindfulness, acceptance, personal growth, and human connection. The discussion moves through deeply personal experiences involving family relationships, coming out, marriage, forgiveness, faith, and the challenges of overcoming long-held beliefs. Eamon and Merlin share how authentic relationships can challenge stereotypes and why spending time with people from different backgrounds often breaks down fear and misunderstanding. We also discuss the role of community, the impact of isolation on prejudice, lessons learned from faith traditions, and the importance of remaining open to learning from others. Throughout the conversation, themes of compassion, curiosity, forgiveness, and acceptance remain at the forefront. This episode serves as a reminder that understanding often begins with simply getting to know one another as human beings. Learn more about Eamon and Merlin's podcast, A Gay and His Enby: https://agayandhisenby.fireside.fm/ [https://agayandhisenby.fireside.fm/] Calls to Action Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player. Support the show and get ad-free episodes: 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 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]

Eamon and Merlin Return: Community, Identity, and Courage | Episode 518

Returning guests Eamon and Merlin are back on Fishing Without Bait for Part 1 of a deeply personal and timely conversation about identity, community, and creating a life that aligns with your values. Several years after their first appearance on the show, Eamon and Merlin reflect on the events that led them to leave Texas and build a new life in Pittsburgh. They discuss the importance of feeling safe, finding supportive communities, and navigating a world that often challenges authenticity and self-expression. Jim Ellermeyer guides a thoughtful discussion about fear, prejudice, acceptance, and the ways people use faith and belief systems to either divide or connect. The conversation explores what it means to live mindfully, advocate for yourself, and build relationships rooted in understanding rather than judgment. This episode is Part 1 of an ongoing conversation that examines identity, belonging, spirituality, and the courage it takes to create yourself rather than simply find yourself. Learn more about Eamon and Merlin's podcast, A Gay and His Enby: https://agayandhisenby.fireside.fm/ [https://agayandhisenby.fireside.fm/] Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast platform. Support ad-free episodes: 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 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]