Don’t let the bastards get you down: From Elphaba to Angelband
Bootstraps
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: (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...
info_outline
Miracles & Mischief with the Irreverend Maureen Muldoon
Bootstraps
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...
info_outline
Punchlines & Adrenaline: Comedian John Dacosse on Surviving Showbiz
Bootstraps
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...
info_outline
From Boom Boom to TACABOOM with Brad Dickert
Bootstraps
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,...
info_outline
Mic Drops & Broken Bottles: The Steve Cochran Files
Bootstraps
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 🎙️Want to see Steve live? LIVE FROM MY OFFICE presents an evening with...
info_outline
Living the Joyful Dream with Tommy “The Real Elf” Holl
Bootstraps
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 🎄 Follow Tommy on socials @therealelftommy 🎄 VOCAB OF THE WEEK: e·bul·lience “the quality of being and full of...
info_outline
A Conversation with My Trans Child, Grey Brennan
Bootstraps
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...
info_outline
Brains, Empathy, and Energy ~ Climate, Congress, and Sean Casten
Bootstraps
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 of healing. I hold space for both sorrow and...
info_outline
Innate Divine GPS - Soul sesh with Sonia Tully
Bootstraps
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. You’re the lighthouse. They’re just not ready...
info_outlineEvery 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" - Frank Zappa had a philosophy that an artist's career should not be judged on any singular project, no single record, film or any other individual piece of work. Frank felt that a person's art could only be judged as part of the whole of their career, and the throughline that connects it all. Each individual creation was a part of that whole. No critique of any single work could change the overall end result, which was what should be seen as an artist's entire body of work.
- “Amplify” (verb) To increase in volume or intensity. - Amplify your truth. The world needs to hear your sound.
🌟 Affirmation of the Week:
-
“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:
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.