Growth isn’t always about adding something new — sometimes it’s about letting something go.

In Part 4 of our conversation with Zeke Mercer, we revisit the idea of “planting flowers and pulling weeds.” Zeke opens up about recognizing that wrestling, while still deeply loved, has become something she may need to step back from. Not out of resentment, but out of awareness. As she explains, things work… until they don’t.

Our conversation with Zeke Mercer continues in Part 3, and this episode moves into some deeply reflective territory.

We explore how beliefs can sometimes overpower facts, particularly in healthcare and societal narratives. Zeke offers candid perspectives on bias, misinformation, and the lived experience of being talked over or misunderstood.

Part 2 of our conversation with Zeke Mercer continues with an honest look at sacrifice, expectations, and the cost of pursuing a dream.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer sits down with pro wrestler Zeke Mercer (she/her) for a reflective conversation about burnout, identity, and mindful decision-making. Zeke shares her long-term plan to step away from wrestling after nearly a decade—not because she’s stopped loving it, but because she recognizes the need for balance.

In Part 4 of our ongoing conversation with Shane Chojnacki — pro wrestler and fighter known as The Savage Gentleman Victor Benjamin — we explore what happens when life forces us to slow down and truly look at where we are.

In Part 3 of our powerful conversation with Shane Chojnacki — MMA fighter, boxing coach, personal trainer, and pro wrestler known as The Savage Gentleman Victor Benjamin — we dive deeper into resilience, purpose, and perspective.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Shane Chojnacki—MMA fighter, boxing coach, and professional wrestler known as The Savage Gentleman Victor Benjamin—we dive deeper into the decisions that shaped his life and career.

Host Jim Ellermeyer sits down with Shane Chojnacki — a professional fighter, wrestler, trainer, and health advocate also known as “The Violent Gentleman” Victor Benjamin — for a powerful conversation about resilience, choice, and refusing to let your past define your future.