Fishing Without Bait: A Full Impact Mindfulness Podcast

Shane Chojnacki on Discipline, Failure, and Playing the Film All the Way Through | Episode 499

In Fishing Without Bait 499, we continue our conversation with Victor Benjamin, also known as Shane Chojnacki—MMA fighter, boxing coach, and professional wrestler known as The Savage Gentleman. Part 2 dives deeper into the discipline and mindset that shaped Shane’s life. He reflects on learning to “play the film all the way through,” weighing consequences instead of chasing short-term gratification. Shane discusses burnout, stepping away from mixed martial arts, and the emotional toll of working in a system that no longer aligned with his values. The conversation explores the difference between a risk and a gamble, why doing nothing can be the biggest risk of all, and how betting on yourself—when done with clarity and integrity—can lead to meaningful change. Shane also shares powerful insights on separating people from behaviors, personal responsibility, and choosing purpose over financial comfort. This episode is a grounded, honest look at growth, regret, and the courage it takes to walk away from a life that’s no longer serving you. Call to Action: Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player. Support ad-free episodes on Patreon: 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]

Refusing to Let My Past Define Me with Shane Chojnacki | Episode 498

Host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Shane Chojnacki — a professional fighter, trainer, health advocate, and pro wrestler known as Victor Benjamin — for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about resilience, choice, and personal responsibility. Shane opens up about growing up in an environment marked by addiction, violence, and scarcity, while still finding moments of community, guidance, and protection. Rather than becoming a victim of his circumstances, he made intentional decisions to stay grounded in sports, discipline, and work — even when easier and more destructive paths were readily available. Throughout this episode, Shane reflects on learning from the mistakes of others, refusing to settle for less, and choosing action over self-pity. Jim connects these experiences to mindfulness principles, recovery thinking, and the idea that real change comes from effort, behavior, and consistent choices — not just intention or wishful thinking. Topics explored include: Growing up without a safety net Making conscious “wise mind” choices Learning resilience through adversity Taking action instead of living in “ifs, buts, and maybes” Betting on yourself when others doubt you Speaking intention into existence through action This is Part 1 of a continuing conversation that sets the foundation for deeper discussions on identity, growth, and mindful living in future episodes. 🎧 Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player 💙 Support ad-free episodes on Patreon: 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]

The Stories We Carry — and the Ones We Release with Santina Grace | Episode 497

In Fishing Without Bait 497, we continue our thoughtful conversation with returning guest Clairvoyant Santina Grace in Part 4 of this series. This episode centers on listening — to ourselves, to others, and to the deeper awareness that helps us release fear, judgment, and mental clutter. Jim Ellermeyer and Santina discuss compassion, choice points, and the stories we hold onto, as well as the freedom that comes from letting them go. Through reflection and shared experience, this conversation invites listeners to slow down, practice mindfulness, and approach life with greater understanding and non-judgment. 🎧 Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player ❤️ Support the show with ad-free episodes on Patreon: 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]

A Mindful New Year Message: January 1st Is Just Another Day

In this special holiday message, Fishing Without Bait takes a mindful pause to reflect on resilience, intention, and moving forward with purpose. Jim Ellermeyer shares why traditional New Year’s resolutions often set us up for disappointment — and why setting intentions, grounded in small, achievable actions, can lead to meaningful change. This episode explores gratitude, relationships, impermanence, and the idea that what we focus on and “plant” in our minds is what grows. A calm, compassionate reminder that January 1st is just another day — and every day is an opportunity to live intentionally, create memories, and take better care of ourselves and one another.

A Holiday Message from Fishing Without Bait

This holiday message from Fishing Without Bait is a moment of pause and gratitude. Jim Ellermeyer shares a short reflection for the season — acknowledging the challenges and emotions that often come with the holidays, while offering encouragement, mindfulness, and compassion. Whether the holidays are joyful, difficult, or somewhere in between, this message reminds us to stay present and gentle with ourselves. Thank you for listening, for growing, and for being part of this community. We’re grateful to walk this journey with you.