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 packaged with love & tinfoil into empty Marshall Field’s shirt boxes, (with a sprinkle of powdered sugar), to dancing the Funky Chicken at weddings. Storytelling is healing…so this episode is a love letter to my family, to all of you, and to the woman who taught us that resilience, humor, and a good meal can heal almost anything…and of course, how to keep showing up…by pullin’ up those bootstraps!

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SchoolHouse Rock: Schoolhouse Rock - America Rock - The Preamble

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🍪 Tool of the Week: Do one thing that brings you joy. {If it’s something creative, even better!}

🍪 Mantra of the week:

🎶 “We the People …In order to form a more perfect Union, 🎶Establish Justice, 🎶Insure domestic Tranquility. Provide for the common defense🎶Promote the general Welfare, And secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. 🎶Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”🎶🎶
→ THIS is our rulebook for how to run the country. By the people. For the people!

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If you are struggling or need more support, Sign up for Lisa’s virtual healing group: https://tr.ee/Reclaim_You or email her at: lisawhitt111@gmail.com Website: www.lisawhittinghamlcpc.com/

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• Find the # to call your Congressperson, call: 855-971-2533

• Find # for your Senator (& demand they protect healthcare & our communities, vs Billionaires) call: 844-899-8261

• Not sure what to say?

• “My name is ___ and I am a constituent of Representative ___… Can you let me know their position on [bill]?” or “I ask Senator ___ to protect Medicaid & healtcare” (For more templates: www.aclu-il.org/en/talking-your-representatives )

• Support the abandoned immigrant children in the courtrooms:

• https://acaciajustice.org/

• W4J@acaciajustice.org

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

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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: Bootstrappingtales@gmail.com

or

DM Lisa on IG: @sita_whitt

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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.