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PODCAST

Bootstraps

Lisa Whittingham

Welcome to the podcast for navigating this wild, apocalyptic rollercoaster ride we"re all on! And no, I"m not being dramatic — the actual definition of apocalypse means "to uncover." And whew, haven"t we all been uncovering a lot lately? Old wounds, new anxieties…But here"s the good news ~ the magic is in the mess. This podcast was inspired by the "McDago" tribe of Irish-Italian, tough, tender, funny-as-hell FAMIGLIA who taught me: "Fall down? Fine. But come back swingin" - with fire,

health & fitness mental health

All Episodes

53:36

REPLAY: Living the Joyful Dream with Tommy "The Real...

Bootstraps ·

2025/11/25

Tommy Holl, aka The Real Elf, opens up about surviving cancer, charming Barbara Corcoran (yes — she backed him on Shark Tank!), and choosing radical joy in the face of grief. (You'll also get juicy behind-the-scenes secrets from Shark Tank!). So pull up your bootstraps - and maybe a Candy Cane martini! This one's full of heart, hustle, and elf-ing courage. 🎄 Learn more about Tommy's magical mission, order an Elfgram or book Tommy for an event at TheRealElf.com 🎄 Follow Tommy on socials

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56:03

Your Body Knows the Tea — with Licia Sky

Bootstraps ·

2025/11/18

This week I sit down with the incredible Licia Sky — a somatic educator, artist, singer-songwriter, and bodyworker. She helps people reconnect with themselves using mindful meditation in movement, writing, and voice as tools for attunement, healing, and connection. She has also been teaching expanded awareness in workshops around the world, and Licia is also the co-founder of the Trauma Research Foundation, and creative partner (and wife) of The Body Keeps the Score author Dr. Bessel van der Kolk …

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21:08

Melting the ICE in Chicago

Bootstraps ·

2025/11/11

If you're overwhelmed, tired, or just trying to make sense of the wacky world we're livin in — this episode is for you. You're not alone. If you're paying attention…It's a lot. And it's real. Here in Chicago — families are literally being ripped apart by ICE. We are living through a moment that is asking us to step up. This episode is a reflection. Not to "debate" or "politicize." But to remember… that all this madness is rooted in the same core truth: Every human being deserves safety, dignity, and

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51:31

"Same Soup/Different Seasoning" with Pat Brady &...

Bootstraps ·

2025/10/28

Get ready for sparks! ⚡ Two fierce, funny & fab Irish firecrackers, Pat Brady and Maureen Muldoon, sit down to stir the pot in Same Soup, Different Seasoning. Laughs, insight, and a little chaos guaranteed.Two worlds. One table. In this debut of Same Soup, Different Seasoning, former Republican National Committee member, federal prosecutor, & political analyst Pat Brady sits down with me, and my dear friend, Chicago spiritual leader, and creative force Maureen Muldoon for a spirited, laugh-filled

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55:33

Thresholds & Turning Points: Mark Ishaug on Leading...

Bootstraps ·

2025/10/21

Today we chat with more fam from SOUTH SIDE!! (on my Irish side)...my “reMARKble” cousin, Mark Ishaug — CEO of *Thresholds* in Chicago, longtime HIV/AIDS and mental-health champion, civic collaborator, and unapologetic optimist. He shares tales from the front lines of Chicago, amid the chaos of ICE Raids and the government shut down. Somehow through all of it, Mark continues to tirelessly instill hope ~ creating a lighthouse for thousands of persons with mental illnesses and substance use

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45:26

We the People….and the Famigliá: The Nonna Episode

Bootstraps ·

2025/10/14

This week on *Bootstraps,* we’re going back to the South Side, for some laughs & comfort food — to the “Frunchroom” … We’re celebrating Nonna — our funny, fierce, gnocchi making, chocolate chip cookie-baking matriarch. You’ll get a sneak peek into my funny famigliá - and hear stories recorded live from Sister Lakes, Michigan, where we put the fun in dysFUNction at our family reunion this summer! My cousins, aunts, and uncles share favorite mems of Nonna. From her blueberry muffins, perfectly

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01:20:04

REPLAY: Innate Divine GPS - Soul sesh with Sonia Tully

Bootstraps ·

2025/10/07

In this soulful (and spicy) kickoff, I sat down with my radiant, spiritual mentor, a Chicago native, and 4th generation intuitive guide, Sonia Tully! We got real about navigating these apocalyptic times - with heart… AND humor. As Sonia’s Nana taught her: “The situation is critical, but doesn’t have to be serious.” Join us for big Chi-town energy! ✨Learn more about all that Sonia has going on, HERE ✨ To get the # to call your Congressperson, call: 855-971-2533 To call your Senator (&

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01:00:36

If They Ain't Payin' Your Bills, Don't Pay Them No Mind!

Bootstraps ·

2025/09/30

Family stories can take the wildest turns ... Over 30 years ago, I set up a High School bestie with my older brother, and ended up with a bestie for my child, and one of the most remarkable people in my life—my nephew El. He’s a true Renaissance man, who speaks five languages, and traveled the world while doing research for his PhD in anthropology. He also happens to make me laugh until I cry. Adding to the magic, El’s partner became a global sensation on Amazon Prime’s The Pack, & co-founded

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49:55

Managing the Meltdowns & Mayhem: Keeping Your Cool...

Bootstraps ·

2025/09/23

This week I sat down with the one and only Dr. John Duffy — clinical psychologist, bestselling author, podcast host, teen whisperer, and all-around good guy you’d want on speed dial when your family group chat goes off the rails. We talk parenting (spoiler: none of us are doing it perfectly), teens (they’re not as scary as they look, I promise), relationships (yep, they’re still confusing), and why a lot of men would rather rebuild a carburetor than sit on a therapist’s couch. Dr. Duffy brings

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01:02:22

From Berklee to Bloody Drummers: Chris Wilson’s...

Bootstraps ·

2025/09/16

In today’s episode, I sit down with my very first guitar teacher, Chris Wilson — the founder of **The Academy of Music & Art in Westmont, IL**. Chris shares stories about his leap-of-faith decisions: to follow his intuition and study at Berklee College of Music, open his own guitar studio, and how that dream grew into a thriving academy. We also take a full circle trip down memory lane — funny tales from my early guitar lessons, that years later led to a brief gig working with Chris at the

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55:37

Don’t let the bastards get you down: From Elphaba to...

Bootstraps ·

2025/09/09

Buckle up for today’s episode…it’s a wild, spinning ride of laughter + heartbreak + Broadway glitter + unshakable resilience. My effervescent cousin Matthew Butz joins me to discuss how his phenomenal family used the power of music to not only heal from horrific tragedy, but also how they alchemized their pain into a beautiful, healing gift: The Angel Band Project (in memory of his Aunt Teresa, who died tragically). He spills some family tea too: his uncle is two-time Tony and Grammy Award winner

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01:03:14

Miracles & Mischief with the Irreverend Maureen Muldoon

Bootstraps ·

2025/09/02

Soul sister, storyteller, songstress, minister, mother, and all-around magic maker— my convo with the stunning Maureen Muldoon will open your heart, tickle your soul, and drop your jaw. She dishes about starting her own “fu*king church,” {the choir? Grammy nominated, Jefferson Starship lead singer, Cathy Richardson} and shares sneak peeks behind the velvet rope of her early days in Hollywood…honing her craft in the La-La Land trenches, alongside Sandra Bullock (before the Oscars knew her name). From

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47:49

Punchlines & Adrenaline: Comedian John Dacosse on...

Bootstraps ·

2025/08/26

Comedy is chaos with a punchline — and John Dacosse has the scars (and the credits) to prove it. From Oprah’s hype man to warming up Rosie O’Donnell’s audiences, John Dacosse reminds us why laughter really is the best medicine. John has opened for big names like Ellen DeGeneres, George Lopez,& Craig Ferguson. He’s appeared on NBC, Comedy Central, & TBS. A brilliant,multi-talented performer, he’s shared the stage with comics Sebastian Maniscalco, Brad Garrett, Dave Chapelle, George Lopez, and

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01:08:52

From Boom Boom to TACABOOM with Brad Dickert

Bootstraps ·

2025/08/19

Every show needs a wizard behind the curtain — and for Bootstraps, that’s my producer, Brad Dickert. A drummer, songwriter, sound engineer, and all-around sound sorcerer, Brad makes music and podcasts come alive. With his magical wife, he co-runs Tacaboom Productions, producing podcasts for big names like Chelsea Handler on Dear Chelsea and Paper Ghosts with M. William Phelps. Beyond the talent and the tech, Brad is known for his big heart and generous spirit — the kind of energy that makes every

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01:11:17

From Boom Boom to TACABOOM with Brad Dickert

Bootstraps ·

2025/08/19

Every show needs a wizard behind the curtain — and for Bootstraps, that’s my producer, Brad Dickert. A drummer, songwriter, sound engineer, and all-around sound sorcerer, Brad makes music and podcasts come alive. With his magical wife, he co-runs Tacaboom Productions, producing podcasts for big names like Chelsea Handler on Dear Chelsea and Paper Ghosts with M. William Phelps. Beyond the talent and the tech, Brad is known for his big heart and generous spirit — the kind of energy that makes every

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39:41

Mic Drops & Broken Bottles: The Steve Cochran Files

Bootstraps ·

2025/08/12

Chicago legend Steve Cochran stops by to dish on Bootstrappin’ his way through comedy and radio — from dodging flying keys and beer bottles with Gary Shandling and Howie Mandel in the Wild West days of stand-up, to Tom Hanks literally leaping into his arms at the Oscars, to getting a private tour of Paisley Park from Prince himself. Dearly beloved... we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life… and just a typical Tuesday in the life of radio royalty. 🎙️ Check out Steve’s

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51:28

Living the Joyful Dream with Tommy “The Real Elf” Holl

Bootstraps ·

2025/08/05

Tommy Holl, aka The Real Elf, opens up about surviving cancer, charming Barbara Corcoran (yes — she backed him on Shark Tank!), and choosing radical joy in the face of grief. (You'll also get juicy behind-the-scenes secrets from Shark Tank!). So pull up your bootstraps - and maybe a Candy Cane martini! This one's full of heart, hustle, and elf-ing courage. 🎄 Learn more about Tommy’s magical mission, order an Elfgram or book Tommy for an event at TheRealElf.com 🎄 Follow Tommy on socials

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54:46

A Conversation with My Trans Child, Grey Brennan

Bootstraps ·

2025/07/29

Meet one of the bravest souls I know — my trans child Grey. From his “coming out” journey, to his recent gender affirming surgery, this isn’t just a convo about gender. It’s about the mess and the magic of growing up, parenting through the unknown, showing up with love (even when you don’t have all the answers), and the beautiful, messy business of becoming who you are. Grey’s gift for weaving big truths into compelling stories (that hit you right in the heart), made him a force in the world of

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56:20

Brains, Empathy, and Energy ~ Climate, Congress, and...

Bootstraps ·

2025/07/22

Illinois Congressman Sean Casten is a scientist, clean energy entrepreneur, Downers Grove Dad, & the rare “E-word” politician (that’s ”Empathy” folks!) Join us for tales from the frontlines in DC. If you’ve ever wondered what hope looks like in human form—it might just be this guy. ✨ VOCAB LESSON-of-the-day: EMPATHY = the ability to communicate that incredibly healing message of “you're not alone.” ✨ AFFIRMATION: “My hope is a form of resistance.” Even as the world changes, I choose to be a force

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01:12:56

Innate Divine GPS - Soul sesh with Sonia Tully

Bootstraps ·

2025/07/15

In this soulful (and spicy) kickoff, I sit down with my radiant, spiritual mentor, a Chicago native, and 4th generation intuitive guide, Sonia Tully! We get real about navigating these apocalyptic times - with heart… AND humor. As Sonia’s Nana taught her: “The situation is critical, but doesn’t have to be serious.” Join us for big Chi-town energy! ✨VOCAB lesson-of-the-day: “weird” = Old English wyrd, meaning fate: destiny or prophecy. ✨AFFIRMATION-for-the-week = You’re not the black sheep

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