Bootstraps

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 "DOUGE" - The Coolest Dog Grooming Salon in L.A. - catching the eye of brands and media around the world. This episode's got brains, travel, loads of hijinks and family shenanigans. So buckle up for a fun and fabulous ride!

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El's partner's Dog grooming Salon in West Hollywood:

https://www.doguespa.com

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To learn more about supporting the immigrant children in the courtrooms:

https://acaciajustice.org/

[email protected]

https://www.chicagoappleseed.org/court-watching/

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Therapy Tool of the Week - TIPP Skills: For Fastest Physiological Change (If you're in Fight/Flight/Freeze)

1. Temperature: Apply a cold pack to your face or neck, or splash cold water on your face for 30 seconds. This stimulates the body's dive reflex, which can help calm your physiological response

2. Intense Exercise: Engage in 1–2 minutes of high exertion activity, such as jumping up & down, sprinting in place, swinging/shaking arms, or fast walk, to quickly shift your body's state.

3. Paced Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, and then exhale for 8 seconds (like you're blowing out candles). Continue this pattern for 2–5 minutes to regulate your breathing and reduce distress.

4. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Systematically tense each muscle group and then release, allowing tension to dissipate from your body.

*For more Grounding Tools: https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding-techniques

Mantra of Week: "Curiosity is stronger than fear."

*******We want to hear from YOU!!*******

Do you have an inspirational "Bootstraps" story you'd like to share? Or are you struggling with an issue / need advice / tools from Lisa?

Write to us at:

[email protected] or

DM Lisa on IG: @sita_whitt

DISCLAIMER:

The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or advice. The content presented reflects the personal views and opinions of the host and/or guests and should not be considered clinical or therapeutic guidance. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the Host, Lisa Whittingham, LCPC, or any of the guests featured on the show. If you are in need of mental health support, please consult a licensed professional in your area. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to hold the host, guests, or any affiliated parties liable for any psychological, emotional, legal, or physical harm or damages that may arise from the content or discussions shared on the show. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please contact emergency services or a mental health professional immediately.

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 humor, wisdom, and a whole lot of real talk about navigating the chaos of modern life without totally losing it.

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Website: https://drjohnduffy.com/

Contact Dr Duffy: https://drjohnduffy.com/contact/

IG: @drjohnduffy

Substack: https://drjohnduffy.substack.com/

Dr. Duffy's Books: https://drjohnduffy.com/the-available-parent/

https://drjohnduffy.com/parenting-the-new-teen-in-age-of-anxiety/

https://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-Our-Sons-Disaffected-Psychologists/dp/1684813689

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Vocab of the Week: Window of Tolerance – Your emotional "comfort zone" for stress and connection. (For for more info) : https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/counselingcenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2022/09/Window-of-Tolerance-Moving-Towards-Info-Sheet-Emotional-Adulting.pdf

Mantra for the Week: "I can't control the chaos, but I can control my breath."

*******We want to hear from YOU!!*******

Do you have an inspirational "Bootstraps" story you'd like to share? Or are you struggling with an issue / need advice / tools from Lisa?

Write to us at:

[email protected] or

DM Lisa on IG: @sita_whitt

DISCLAIMER:

The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or advice. The content presented reflects the personal views and opinions of the host and/or guests and should not be considered clinical or therapeutic guidance. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the Host, Lisa Whittingham, LCPC, or any of the guests featured on the show. If you are in need of mental health support, please consult a licensed professional in your area. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to hold the host, guests, or any affiliated parties liable for any psychological, emotional, legal, or physical harm or damages that may arise from the content or discussions shared on the show. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please contact emergency services or a mental health professional immediately.

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 Academy. And of course, no musician's journey is complete without a little chaos… including the unforgettable night Chris ended up with a *bloody drummer in his living room*.

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For more info about music/art/dance/classes: https://www.academyofmusicandart.com/

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Vocab of Week:

Affirmation of Week: Every act of creation connects me to something greater than myself. I trust the healing power of rhythm, sound, and expression. My voice, my art, and my story deserve to be heard.

*******We want to hear from YOU!!*******

Do you have an inspirational "Bootstraps" story you'd like to share? Or are you struggling with an issue / need advice / tools from Lisa?

Write to us at:

[email protected] or

DM Lisa on IG: @sita_whitt

DISCLAIMER:

The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to

be a substitute for professional mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or advice. The

content presented reflects the personal views and opinions of the host and/or guests and should

not be considered clinical or therapeutic guidance. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the Host, Lisa Whittingham, LCPC, or any of the guests featured on the show. If you are in need of mental health support, please consult a licensed professional in your area. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to hold the host, guests, or any affiliated parties liable for any psychological, emotional, legal, or physical harm or damages that may arise from the

content or discussions shared on the show. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please contact emergency services or a mental health professional immediately.

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 Norbert Leo Butz (yep, Wicked, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Rent—that guy). From his "coming out story," to dressing up as Elphaba for Halloween (long before it was cool 🧙‍♀️💚)…through it all, Matthew lives by one bold motto, borrowed from The Handmaid's Tale: 👉 "Don't let the bastards get you down!"

👼 https://www.angelbandproject.org/

👼 https://angelbandproject.ejoinme.org/ABP2025Soiree

To connect with Matthew:

https://www.instagram.com/matthew__butz

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Vocab of Week: Embodiment – the practice of living fully in your body, often through movement or breath.

Affirmation of Week: "Courage is being yourself every day in a world that tells you to be someone else." — Unknown

*******We want to hear from YOU!!*******

Do you have an inspirational "Bootstraps" story you'd like to share? Or are you struggling with an issue / need advice / tools from Lisa?

Write to us at:

[email protected] or

DM Lisa on IG: @sita_whitt

DISCLAIMER:

The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to

be a substitute for professional mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or advice. The

content presented reflects the personal views and opinions of the host and/or guests and should

not be considered clinical or therapeutic guidance. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the Host, Lisa Whittingham, LCPC, or any of the guests featured on the show. If you are in need of mental health support, please consult a licensed professional in your area. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to hold the host, guests, or any affiliated parties liable for any psychological, emotional, legal, or physical harm or damages that may arise from the

content or discussions shared on the show. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please contact emergency services or a mental health professional immediately.

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 the stage to the pulpit, from storytelling to songwriting, Maureen brilliantly blends humor, wisdom, creativity and practical "Jersey girl" tools for living a miraculous life…without taking herself too seriously. Buckle up for a wild ride with this rare, precious gem!

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🌟If you're looking for support, a shift, a creative outlet, or spiritual direction, book a discovery session with Maureen: click here.

🌟For more of Maur:

SpeakEasy Spiritual Community,

Voice Box Stories

Miracles Live 365.

🌟To read about Maureen's journey of going from movie star to miracle worker, click here.

🌟 Follow Maureen on Substack: Love, Maur

🌟Check out Maureen's books, classes, retreats, or book her for a coaching session, speaking engagement/event/wedding: Books Classes & Retreats Speaking & Coaching

🌟Follow her on socials & more : https://linktr.ee/MaurMuldoon?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

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Vocab of the week: "Miracle" : a correction in perception/a Decision to move from perceiving with fear (ego) to perceiving with love (heart). A reversal of lack: when those who "temporarily have more share with those who temporarily have less". This "lack," however, is a mental one—it's the mistaken belief in separation from love. A miracle corrects this false perception.

Affirmations of the Week: "I lead with my heart, find levity in humor, and trust the lessons the cosmic curveballs throw my way."

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*******We want to hear from YOU!!*******

Do you have an inspirational "Bootstraps" story you'd like to share? Or are you struggling with an issue / need advice / tools from Lisa?

Write to us at:

[email protected] or

DM Lisa on IG: @sita_whitt

DISCLAIMER:

The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to

be a substitute for professional mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or advice. The

content presented reflects the personal views and opinions of the host and/or guests and should

not be considered clinical or therapeutic guidance. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the Host, Lisa Whittingham, LCPC, or any of the guests featured on the show. If you are in need of mental health support, please consult a licensed professional in your area. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to hold the host, guests, or any affiliated parties liable for any psychological, emotional, legal, or physical harm or damages that may arise from the

content or discussions shared on the show. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please contact emergency services or a mental health professional immediately.

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 Kevin James. As an actor, he's appeared in Meet the Parents (1992), Chasing Robert, and most recently The Road Dog (2023). John is always a blast to talk to!

Click HERE for more of John Dacosse's Comedy

Follow John on Instagram: @jdacosse

Causes John cares about :

https://www.hfoundation.org/

https://assisi.org/

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Vocab of the week:

🌟LEVITY lev·i·ty (noun) - lightness of mind or humor, especially during serious times.

🌟 "A day without laughter is a day wasted." – Charlie Chaplin

*******We want to hear from YOU!!*******

Do you have an inspirational "Bootstraps" story you'd like to share? Or are you struggling with an issue / need advice / tools from Lisa?

Write to us at:

[email protected] or

DM Lisa on IG: @sita_whitt

DISCLAIMER:

The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to

be a substitute for professional mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or advice. The

content presented reflects the personal views and opinions of the host and/or guests and should

not be considered clinical or therapeutic guidance. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the Host, Lisa Whittingham, LCPC, or any of the guests featured on the show. If you are in need of mental health support, please consult a licensed professional in your area. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to hold the host, guests, or any affiliated parties liable for any psychological, emotional, legal, or physical harm or damages that may arise from the

content or discussions shared on the show. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please contact emergency services or a mental health professional immediately.

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 project better (and every person feel seen). We dig into his journey through music, production, and the magic of making stories sound their best. Meet the man behind the Boom.

⚡️ Warning: this episode contains drum fills and unsolicited therapy plugs.

Follow Brad on Instagram @boom.squared

Stream the newest single from Johnny Stranger "SECONAL" now. The full album Guerilla Gorilla coming November 5th.

Stream the newest single from The Manic Standstill HERE

Drum play-through Video for "Go Away" HERE

Music video for "Bulletproof" HERE

🎙️ 🥁Vocab of the week: Conceptual Continuity: refers to the underlying threads in a body of creative work. Like a jig-saw puzzle. Each piece is a creative project. At first things seem unconnected, but slowly a pattern starts to emerge, as more of the pieces seem to interact. Eventually, a clear picture presents itself.

: 🌟 "Amplify" (verb) To increase in volume or intensity.

• Amplify your truth. The world needs to hear your sound.

• "My voice has value, and my rhythm matters."

*******We want to hear from YOU!!*******

Do you have an inspirational "Bootstraps" story you'd like to share? Or are you struggling with an issue / need advice / tools from Lisa?

Write to us at:

[email protected] or

DM Lisa on IG :@sita_whitt

DISCLAIMER:

The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to

be a substitute for professional mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or advice. The

content presented reflects the personal views and opinions of the host and/or guests and should

not be considered clinical or therapeutic guidance. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the Host, Lisa Whittingham, LCPC, or any of the guests featured on the show. If you are in need of mental health support, please consult a licensed professional in your area. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to hold the host, guests, or any affiliated parties liable for any psychological, emotional, legal, or physical harm or damages that may arise from the

content or discussions shared on the show. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please contact emergency services or a mental health professional immediately.

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 Podcast Live From My Office

🎙️Want to see Steve live? LIVE FROM MY OFFICE presents an evening with Mark Giangreco at the White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, IL. Book tickets HERE.

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VOCAB OF THE DAY: "Resilience" - The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness; Grit; Bootstraps!

AFFIRMATION OF THE DAY: "I don't need permission to shine… I trust my voice, even when the crowd throws keys."

CAUSES WE CARE ABOUT: Purchase Steve's "SURVIVE 2025" T-shirts & Hats HERE. **All proceeds go to: https://ragsofhonor.us/pages/about

The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project:

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If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of PTSD, or have unresolved trauma,

EMDR (Eye Movement Densitization Reprocessing) is a psychotherapeutic modality used to treat unresolved trauma. For more info and/or to find a provider near you:

https://www.emdria.org/

Lisa is also trained in EMDR (You can reach out to her at contact info below to schedule a free consultation).

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live or whether they can find treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress. Each ROH brao ***WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU***

Are you struggling with an issue and you need advice from Lisa? Or do you have an inspirational "Bootstraps" story you'd like to share?

Write to us at: [email protected]

DM Lisa on IG :@sita_whitt or leave a voicemail at: (872) 215-2084

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BOOTSTRAPS is produced by Brad DIckert and Lisa Whittingham

Edited and Mixed by Brad DIckert.

DISCLAIMER:

The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to

be a substitute for professional mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or advice. The

content presented reflects the personal views and opinions of the host and/or guests and should

not be considered clinical or therapeutic guidance. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the Host, Lisa Whittingham, LCPC, or any of the guests featured on the show. If you are in need of mental health support, please consult a licensed professional in your area. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to hold the host, guests, or any affiliated parties liable for any psychological, emotional, legal, or physical harm or damages that may arise from the

content or discussions shared on the show. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please contact emergency services or a mental health professional immediately.

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 @therealelftommy

🎄 VOCAB OF THE WEEK: e·bul·lience "the quality of being cheerful and full of energy; exuberance."

🎄 AFFIRMATION OF THE WEEK: "Joy is an act of resistance."

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CAUSES WE CARE ABOUT:

• The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project:

• protectimmigrantkids.org

***WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU***

Are you struggling with an issue / need advice / tools from Lisa? Or do you have an inspirational "Bootstraps" story you'd like to share (live/email/or voicemail)? Lisa is seeking guests with personal stories of resilience…in addition to musicians, artists, healers, comedians, activists - or anyone using their gifts and voice to help heal our planet.

Write to us at: [email protected]

DM Lisa on IG :@sita_whitt or leave a voicemail at: (872) 215-2084

BOOTSTRAPS is produced by Lisa Whittingham And Brad DIckert. Edited and Mixed by Brad DIckert.

DISCLAIMER:

The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to

be a substitute for professional mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or advice. The

content presented reflects the personal views and opinions of the host and/or guests and should

not be considered clinical or therapeutic guidance. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the Host, Lisa Whittingham, LCPC, or any of the guests featured on the show. If you are in need of mental health support, please consult a licensed professional in your area. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to hold the host, guests, or any affiliated parties liable for any psychological, emotional, legal, or physical harm or damages that may arise from the

content or discussions shared on the show. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please contact emergency services or a mental health professional immediately.

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 documentary filmmaking and digital media (ie Coca-Cola & The New York Times). This one's got grit, grace, and a whole lot of wisdom from both sides of the generational gap.

✨ VOCAB LESSON: "Gender Identity" - One's innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither .

✨ AFFIRMATION-for-the-week: "My authenticity is my superpower. I will not shrink to fit someone else's story."

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We want to hear from YOU!!

Are you struggling with an issue / need advice / tools from Lisa?

Or do you have an inspirational "Bootstraps" story you'd like to share (live/email/or voicemail)? Lisa is seeking guests with personal stories of resilience…in addition to musicians, artists, healers, comedians, activists - or anyone using their gifts and voice to help heal our planet.

Write to us at:

[email protected]

or

DM Lisa on IG :@sita_whitt or leave a voicemail at: (872) 215-2084

DISCLAIMER:

The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to

be a substitute for professional mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or advice. The

content presented reflects the personal views and opinions of the host and/or guests and should

not be considered clinical or therapeutic guidance. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the Host, Lisa Whittingham, LCPC, or any of the guests featured on the show. If you are in need of mental health support, please consult a licensed professional in your area. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to hold the host, guests, or any affiliated parties liable for any psychological, emotional, legal, or physical harm or damages that may arise from the

content or discussions shared on the show. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please contact emergency services or a mental health professional immediately.