Bootstraps

Bootstraps & Butchers: The Next Generation of Whittingham Meats

This week Lisa sits down with someone very close to her heart — her oldest nephew Bobby Whittingham, the 4th generation carrying forward the legacy of Whittingham Meats, a South Side Chicago family business, built from pure hustle and grit. The story goes way back, to Lisa's grandfather Dixie, who went from working the deli counter at "the Jewel," to buying a refrigerated truck for 100 bucks from a guy at a bar, and literally driving restaurant to restaurant selling meat out of the back. Today, the Whittingham name is part of South Side Chicago history, even appearing on a sign in right field at Chicago White Sox "Comiskey Park." But long before business and responsibility, Bobby was just a kid playing with toys in his Italian Nonna's "frunchroom", where family stories, traditions, and values quietly took root. Bobby & Lisa reminisce on stories from the front lines of the "Pandorama" in 2020. When the world shut down, Bobby stepped up with a brilliant pivot: creating the now-legendary "Corona Care Package," helping the family business adapt overnight and continue serving the community during one of the most uncertain moments in modern history. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes leadership shows up not with a title, but with creativity, instinct, and courage. In this conversation, Bobby also shares: * Why he's a strong advocate for therapy and self-awareness. * How becoming a father soon is reshaping the way he thinks about legacy — not just in business, but in life. Bobby embodies the Bootstraps Boogie mindset — trusting your intuition, adapting when life throws curveballs, and not waiting for the storms to stop, but learning how to dance in the rain. *** * Visit whittinghammeats.com [https://www.whittinghammeats.com] for any of their seasonal packages, value packages or any of the amazing meat products they offer, and get FREE delivery on orders of $150 or more. * Follow Bobby on Instagram @Bobwhitts *** Therapy resources: https://www.phylliskrystal.com/ [https://www.phylliskrystal.com/] If you or a loved one is struggling with traumatic memories/PTSD, this therapy is very effective: https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/ [https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/] Lisa is an EMDR-trained Therapist, and a Certified Music & Sound Practitioner:: https://www.lisawhittinghamlcpc.com/ [https://www.lisawhittinghamlcpc.com/] Contact Lisa: DM Lisa on IG: @sita_whitt or email: lisawhitt111@gmail.com [lisawhitt111@gmail.com] *** 🎶 Bootstrap Boogie Playlist 🎶 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-KL5XY5Cjvo99189zwS-JNuMSKUtw31_&si=CueyFzWUUkcrUfvC [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-KL5XY5Cjvo99189zwS-JNuMSKUtw31_&si=CueyFzWUUkcrUfvC] *** We want to hear from YOU!! Write in with stories of people you admire for their courage, creativity, leadership. Bootstrappingtales@gmail.com or DM Lisa on IG: @sita_whitt *** DISCLAIMER: The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or advice. Thecontent 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.

Welcome to "Bootstrap Boogie"

Bootstrap Boogie is named in honor of my Nonna — a woman who knew hardship intimately, but who also knew joy, music, and how to shake her tailfeather! She believed in dancing (& baking!) through life, even during the hardest seasons. It feels exactly right that my first guests of this newly re-imagined chapter are my effervescent cousin Stacy Whittingham, joined by her darling daughter Ali. Stacy and I were Nonna's eldest granddaughters — we shared a close bond, and were two of her favorite dance partners! With Stacy, there is always laughter, music, and a kind of lightness that never disappears, even when life is heavy. Stacy & Ali also both understand the creative process deeply. They are both writers ~ & Stacy published a book, A Mother's Gift. She knows the courage it takes to put your voice into the world — especially when telling the truth might ruffle some feathers. And they both understand something just as vital: the medicine of JOY. Together, Stacy and Ali embody that joy. Their presence is warm, playful, and deeply human — a reminder that creativity, connection, and laughter are not luxuries, but lifelines. In a world that feels increasingly heavy, this conversation is an invitation to remember what keeps us moving: ✨ music & dancing ✨ storytelling ✨ generational love ✨ and the radical act of choosing JOY This episode is a dance — with familglia, with memory, and with the parts of ourselves that still know how to feel light! * * To learn more about the Angel Band Project: https://www.angelbandproject.org [https://www.angelbandproject.org] * Stacy's Book: "A Mother's Gift" * 🎶 Bootstrap Boogie Playlist 🎶 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvp9Y5awMerbL5_0-lKoLj7d2AxIz4jJa&si=38PaDyMr_5cdPxQK [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvp9Y5awMerbL5_0-lKoLj7d2AxIz4jJa&si=38PaDyMr_5cdPxQK] *** We want to hear from YOU!! Write in with stories of people you admire for their courage, creativity, leadership. Bootstrappingtales@gmail.com or DM Lisa on IG: @sita_whitt *** DISCLAIMER: The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and entertainment 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.

From Chicago to Dear Chelsea to Netflix…Creativity & Candor with Catherine Law

This week I'm joined by Catherine Law, Executive Producer and Co-Host of the hit podcast Dear Chelsea (now streaming on NETFLIX!) — and fun fact, she's also the personal and professional partner to my producer, Brad! We go behind the scenes of making a wildly successful advice podcast, and talk about what it's really like working alongside your husband, AND comedy legend Chelsea Handler. Catherine shares her creative journey, insider stories from Dear Chelsea, and why humor can be one of the most powerful ways to tell the truth and feel less alone. Expect smart laughs, Chi-town grit, & honest conversation ~ come for the laughs and stay for the grounded, unexpected clarity! During the interview, we talked about somatic pain, and somatic pain therapy. Catherine shared some podcast episodes from Alan Gordon, LCSW that helped shed some light on the subject: * Stop Chronic Pain [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayim-bialiks-breakdown/id1546456269?i=1000535507422] * We're All Just A Bundle of Neural Pathways [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-all-just-a-bundle-of-neural-pathways-alan-gordon-lcsw/id1265323809?i=1000401313878] * How Can I Heal My Pain By Making My Brain Feel Safe? [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-can-i-heal-my-pain-by-making-my-brain-feel-safe/id1503847664?i=1000510488070] Follow Catherine For More: * IG: @cathalizabeth * TikTok: @flashcadabra Catherine's Podcasts: * Dear Chelsea [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dear-chelsea/id1563085598] * Paper Ghosts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paper-ghosts-the-texas-teen-murders/id1526682330] * The Daily Zeitgeist [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-zeitgeist/id1289384685] * The Dylan Hour [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dylan-hour-with-dylan-mulvaney/id1800026219] *** We want to hear from YOU!! Write in with stories of people you admire for their courage, creativity, leadership. Bootstrappingtales@gmail.com or DM Lisa on IG: @sita_whitt *** DISCLAIMER: The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and entertainment 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.

REPLAY: Living the Joyful Dream with Tommy "The Real Elf" Holl

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 https://therealelf.com/TheRealElf.com [http://therealelf.com] 🎄 Follow Tommy on socials @therealelftommy * VOCAB OF THE DAY: e·bul·lience "the quality of being cheerful [https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=4c66011f2d283160&sxsrf=AE3TifO2IVfT7S_z9JcGTBIh-47tjPlk-Q:1754085310381&q=cheerful&si=AMgyJEtTt81ZwKfSOowD-Pgs8NXgUYpHEmr1c0CSmXKuVzezOv4EIId7Kl8UV1yv--_CmbbxSVptrvqgzCp0O4-JuninPcW1QCcZMSbII8sRpxEcvpOgpEM%3D&expnd=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwie39L-zOqOAxUcEFkFHcgTPQwQyecJegQIOhAR] and full of energy; exuberance." AFFIRMATION OF THE DAY: "Joy is an act of resistance." * CAUSES WE CARE ABOUT: * The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project [https://firrp.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: Bootstrappingtales@gmail.com [Bootstrappingtales@gmail.com] 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.

Your Body Knows the Tea — with Licia Sky

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 … (Which basically makes her the Beyoncé of trauma healing.) We talk about why your body remembers *everything* (even the stuff you wish it didn't), how sound can crack open healing, and why play isn't just for kids — it's for all of us who are a little emotionally crispy. Come for the wisdom. Stay for the laughs! * https://music.apple.com/us/artist/licia-sky https://www.pesi.com/speaker/licia-sky https://traumaresearchfoundation.org/ [https://traumaresearchfoundation.org/] * 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: Bootstrappingtales@gmail.com or DM Lisa on IG: @sita_whitt * DISCLAIMER: The Bootstraps podcast is for informational and entertainment 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.