Bootstrap Bitch
By Alicia Coppola
Bootstrap BitchApr 21, 2022
Colette Van Paemal
Collette and I talk all things women of a certain age! We talk self-care, self-worth, self-value, and self-confidence. We also talk all about my favorite new Makeup Line Seint Makeup... https://colettevp.seintofficial.com/en/shop/retail/107/makeup
Margaret Staib Part 2 (Yes I know my sound is awful... this is being corrected!)
More with Margaret Staib and her journey with Alopecia...
Margaret Staib
For those of you on a similar journey as Margaret here is the info for The National Alopecia Aerata Foundation here is the link. https://www.naaf.org/ Margaret also offers personal support on that site as well.
Bonnie Root
Bonnie Root Is a dear friend of mine who is a seasoned actress and performer and proudly owns the fact she has both survived and even thrived for 25 years working in the film and television industry. Her credits are numerous. We met on NBC's TRINITY eons ago. Little did I know about her childhood and how she thrived despite a childhood of extreme physical, mental, and sexual abuse. Bonnie very thoughtfully, candidly, and emotionally shares this story with me in hopes to come out of the darkness and shine a very much needed bright spotlight on Child Abuse for April's Child Abuse Prevention Month. She is dedicating this episode of BootStrapBitch to ForgottenChildren.org. Should her story move you, please consider making a donation...
Currently, you can see Bonnie in the noir thriller feature CRUEL HEARTS opposite Melora Hardin and Eddie Jemison, on Amazon Prime. Her latest project, which she produced and stars in, is an absurdist horror thriller called THE MOVIE. The film is a commentary on Hollywood’s treatment of female actors, and it has been scooping up best film, best writing, and best actress awards at film festivals worldwide. It is set for a Los Angeles Premiere at The Golden State Film Fest in late February and will be released widely in 2022.
Bonnie is also an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, vocalist, and songwriter. She has a full-length album of original songs being released in 2022, a collaboration with award-winning producer and multi-instrumentalist, Mike Hightower. Bonnie wrote, directed, and produced the short film, SISSY which won Best Film at the Downtown L.A. film fest, Best Film at London Bootleg fest, Excellence in filmmaking from Indie Fest, and Special Jury prize for Best Ensemble at Amsterdam International. A full-length feature version of Sissy is in development with Bonnie set to direct. In 2022, she will also produce and star in a feature film called WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL, written and to be directed by Lila McLaughlin. The film will explore the life of a woman living with PTSD from a sexual assault as a child and the moment she comes face to face with the man she believes was her attacker all those years ago.
Bonnie loves animals, is vegan and is a survivor and advocate for all survivors who are out there bravely living their truth and in pursuit of healing.
Kodie Elyse
I met Kodye Elyse at a Boss Babes Luncheon. All us gals sat, ate, and shared who we were, what we did, and how what we are doing could hopefully help others and exact change in our world. Much like what I am trying to do with this podcast. Kodie started TikTok during the pandemic as something fun to do. She now has over 3.7 million followers and her message is clear: Women need to support each other, not tear each other down. Kodie is a mother of three and is a content creator with a passion for female empowerment. Her message that resonates across all platforms is “in order to be the best version of yourself, and for your children, one needs to prioritize self-care.”
Learn more about Kodie on her website https://liveinexcess.com/
Chris Wiehl
I met this wonderful gentleman Chris when he called to welcome me to our new television series BULL for TNT back in 2000. Our show didn't last unfortunately but our friendship has. From the football field, to the stage, to tv and film, to a brain tumor, Chris has been through it all and has done so with grace and of course the Wiehl charm. Chris has a smile that lights up everyone around him and a laugh that is infectious. His positivity knows no bounds. It is what got him through his journey.
Jodi Cohen
Jodi Cohen is the founder of https://vibrantblueoils.com/
Out of necessity for her family's health and well-being, Jodi created oils to heal her family and herself. Her journey to wellness after the most extreme loss a mother can go through is heartbreaking and inspirational.
For more information on how to use Jodi's oils please get your free chapter of her book Essential Oils To Boost The Brain And Heal The Body go to Book Free Chapter: https://boostthebrainbook.com/gift/
For more information on Resiliency, please visit Resilience Roadmap Summit: https://resilienceroadmap.byhealthmeans.com/?idev_id=20835
If anyone wants to contact Jodi for more info please email her at info@vibrantblueoils.com.
Terry Quinn
I met Terry in 1988 at his nightclub, Peggy Sues, the famous hot spot of the time in NYC. Everyone who was anyone could be found belly up at the bar. The prettiest girls brought in the handsome guys and there was never a dull moment! Terry is a true Renassaince man: He is a NYC firefighter, he paints, he builds things, his contact list is like a roll of toilet paper. Mostly, he is just a lovely gentleman who was always kind to the then 19-year-old me. IN this episode we talk about 9/11 and the impact that had on him. We talk about how he and his partners came up with the idea of opening Peggy Sues and his restaurant The Falls.
Talking to Terry was a wonderful journey back to when NYC was a time, not just a place. ENJOY!!!
Ken Ross
I met Ken Ross through our mutual friend, Dianne. Ken is a famous photographer having shot everything and everyone in over 101 countries. Please see his magnificent work here...
https://www.kenrossphotography.com/
He is also the president and founder of the Elisabeth Kübler Ross Foundation for his mother, Dr. Elisabeth Kübler Ross. Please read more about her and her prolific works here...
https://www.ekrfoundation.org/
Hers is the pioneering mind that opened the public dialogue on death and dying. Elisabeth was one of the first if not THE first champion for how are dying are treated. Elisabeth believed people should be treated, families should be treated, not just the disease.
When we met, Ken had no idea how important that meeting was. His mother's work was instrumental in my grieving not only my father's death but the years of his illness. It took me many years to grieve my father. In some ways I still do, but her words have always comforted me.
Even more wonderful, Ken asked me to become a Global Ambassador for The Elisabeth Kübler Ross Foundation.
It is one of the greatest honors of my life. Here is Ken Ross...
Andrea "Dre" Bendewald
Dre and I met in an audition years ago. She was the blonde me, I the brunette Dre. We talked about getting boyfriends. Next audition we talked about the guys we met and should we get married. In the next few auditions, we talked about marriage and pregnancy. When was the right time to have children in our profession? Basically, she and I talked about everything BUT what we were there to do. Little did I know...though she knew all along..we were Circling; women coming together sharing our truths and when doing so, finding ourselves. ISn't that the best way to walk into any room? As your true self. Here's more about this fabulous enchantress...
Andrea Bendewald has been leading transformational women’s circles all over Los Angeles and virtually with women from around the world. From Private Celebration Circles to Council in Schools, Women’s Circles, Co-ed Full Moon Circles at the Den Meditation, Andrea intuitively guides any group to a deeper experience of community and connection to their inner, and collective wisdom.
Through deep listening, sacred sharing, and guided ancient rituals, the Art of Circling is an interactive spiritual practice that empowers, heals, and transforms the lives of all who participate.
Andrea is hosting The Art of Circling Women’s Retreats, virtually in September and in-person in October. Her "Introduction to Circling" sessions will be offered in July and August.
Visit TheArtofCircling.com to join the Circle Village and receive information on upcoming events.
Tracy Palmer
BootStrapBitch is a HUGE and PROUD supporter of the LGBTQ+ Community. It is very near and dear to me and my family. For Pride Month I wanted to do a special episode in celebration of this wonderful community I LOVE so much, so I asked my friend Tracy Palmer to come on. Tracy and her wife have been on a very difficult and emotionally taxing fertility journey to becoming Mommies. Tracy is candid, raw, emotional, and educational as she speaks about #QueerFertility and how very difficult it is for this community to become parents.
Tracy is now the founder of Inclusive Fertility LLC where she seeks to support LGBTQ+ folks on their path to parenthood. She believes that navigating the fertility landscape as an LGBTQ+ person is difficult enough, you don't have to do it alone. Tracy spent the last decade+ in fitness and felt the pull to make a career change when her own 2 year journey with her wife to parenthood brought to light the inequity and challenges faced by queer folks building their families. She now spends her time advocating for change in clinics, communities, and policies..https://inclusivefertility.com/
Tracy Palmer
BootStrapBitch is a HUGE and PROUD supporter of the LGBTQ+ Community. It is very near and dear to me and my family. For Pride Month I wanted to do a special episode in celebration of this wonderful community I LOVE so much, so I asked my friend Tracy Palmer to come on. Tracy and her wife have been on a very difficult and emotionally taxing fertility journey to becoming Mommies. Tracy is candid, raw, emotional, and educational as she speaks about #QueerFertility and how very difficult it is for this community to become parents.
Tracy is now the founder of Inclusive Fertility LLC where she seeks to support LGBTQ+ folks on their path to parenthood. She believes that navigating the fertility landscape as an LGBTQ+ person is difficult enough, you don't have to do it alone. Tracy spent the last decade+ in fitness and felt the pull to make a career change when her own 2-year journey with her wife to parenthood brought to light the inequity and challenges faced by queer folks building their families. She now spends her time advocating for change in clinics, communities, and policies..https://inclusivefertility.com/
Michelle Stafford
We are back! In this episode, Michelle talks about her decades-spanning career, her life as a single mother to two children, her passion projects and her love of the Freefall! She started out modelling and found acting on Daytime's Young And The Restless and General Hospital to Primetime's Pacific Palisades. During this time, Michelle also took on the role of a single mother. She speaks very candidly about her fertility journey using two surrogates to create the family she so wanted.
In 2013, She created her own incredibly funny Web Series The Stafford Project on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qomwV1BqEK0
Michelle also created the successful organic skincare line, SkinNation. https://skinnation.com/
This is a brilliant lady with an equally compelling story...
Maurice Benard
Maurice Benard is an accomplished actor with a career spanning decades playing the mysterious, dangerous, handsome Mob Boss, Sonny Corinthos on ABC's General Hospital for which Maurice has won two Daytime Emmy's. His public journey with Bipolar Disorder has made him a staunch advocate for Mental Health and Mental Health Awareness. He is further reaching his fans and helping shine the much-needed spotlight on Mental Health in his new NYTimes Best Selling Memoir "Nothing General About It: How Love (And Lithium) Saved Me On And Off General Hospital https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-General-About-Lithium-Hospital/dp/0062973371
Additionally, Maurice has launched his very popular YouTube Channel "State Of Mind" where he and his guests discuss all things great and small.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_rEI_NNc5pLloK0YEBVUsg
For Mental Health Awareness Month, Maurice is the perfect guest for the first May Episode.
Carmindy
Carmindy found makeup artistry from being bullied in school. She found art in makeup and the Angels in transforming women. Carmindy traveled from California to Miami to NY to build her brand. Thanks to her dear friend Stacy London, Carmindy became the makeup artist on TLC's What Not To Wear for 340 episodes. She was at the peak of her success when she married the wrong guy, parted with half her money and then found herself in an abusive relationship and almost homeless. Her story of pulling herself up by her BootStraps with the help of her girlfriends is beyond inspirational. Quite frankly the word for Carmindy's journey has yet to be invented! She has rebuilt herself and is now in collaboration with QVC with a brand new line Carmindy Beauty a 5 Minute Beauty to help us busy women and a passion to change the female narrative by Carmidizing all of us!!!
Here is Carmindy... Check out her brand new Collection with QVC... 5 Minute Beauty with Carmindy.
Tawnia McKiernan
I met this talented lady on the set of my tv show CBS's Blood and Treasure. She directed 2 episodes and it was love at first hot flash. Tawnia grew up in Hollywood Royalty as the daughter of famed TV Producer Stephen J Cannell who created 40 TV shows such as Rockford Files, Baretta, and 21 Jump Street. The apple didn't fall far from the tree, as Tawnia is a very busy tv director for shows such as NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, Riverdale, and the list goes on. Tawnia talks about her childhood, her career, and her recent journey with breast cancer. As always, Tawnia is candid and most important, real about the highs and lows of life.
Judson Mills
From All My Children to Walker Texas Ranger and everything in between, to drugs and a hint of jail time to starring in The Bodyguard The Musical all over the country. This handsome, honest, and humble hero of mine has lived multiple lives in just this one. Judson Mills is a wise, highly spiritual man who has a very unique understanding of the human spirit and all we are capable of. I adore him plain and simple.
Please visit the hospital that helped Judson's child and mine coincidently as well...Children's Hospital of Los Angeles...
https://secure1.chla.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2241&mfc_pref=T&2241.donation=form1
Malina Moye
Malina Moye is the spiritual, musical great/granddaughter of Elizabeth Cotton and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the two great female Black pioneering musicians and guitarists who lit the Rock Torch that Malina carries today. Malina continues to create and break down the barriers of rock music, of what seven notes of music coming from a Black woman should be. Malina is those notes and she plays them as she wishes: The way her sisters did before her and because of Malina’s grit, talent, and determination, the way they will be played after her.
Malina is featured on Bella Thorne’s new single called Phantom coming out March 26th. On March 20th, she will be performing in John Oates Song Festival in partnership with Feeding America. https://secure.feedingamerica.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app20020b?idb=1132190517&df_id=29510&mfc_pref=T&29510.donation
March 27th, Malina is on the round table for Black Women in Rock for WLP and Rock & Roll fantasy camp LA.
Malina's new album is slated for a summer release.
Eben Britton
If you are a football fan you know this guy! Eben is a former offensive tackle who played six seasons in the NFL. Selected 39th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft, Eb spent four years with the Jacksonville Jaguars followed by two with the Chicago Bears. Britton started 23 games at right tackle, 7 at left guard, and 4 as a sixth eligible lineman, for a total of 34 career starts in 60 games played. When his football career ended, he found himself without the field that celebrated the childhood rage that took him all the way to the NFL. He had to switch gears completely and work on himself. Thru this enlightened work, Eb found his path to meditation, Cannabis advocacy, and Cannabis advocacy for athletes.
Please check out Eb's Podcacst The Eben Flow podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-eben-flow/id1519113552 and his Meditative Tribe at www.Patreon.com/edsbritton
Ashley Scott
Ashley Scott. You know Ashley from her work from Into The Blue, Dark Angel, and Birds Of Prey and of course my favorite because we were costars...Jericho!
What you may not know is how amazing her work at being her true self is. In this episode, Ashley very honestly speaks about finding her way back to herself after two failed relationships, struggles with her career and self-esteem, and how mothering her two glorious daughters taught her to be gentle with herself.
Ashley thanks the amazing people at The Jewish Family Services for helping her and her family. Please click the link to learn more about them and if you are so generously inclined, support their work. https://www.jfsla.org/
Happy Listening!!!
Adam Ferrara
You know Adam,s work from Rescue Me with Denis Leary, Nurse Jackie opposite Edie Falco, as a co-host of Top Gear, and of course, as my husband on the CBSALLACCESS series Why Women Kill. Adam is a renowned standup comic and has had many of his own Comedy Specials and Comedy Albums. Check his most recent which I believe won every award known to man... "It's Scary In Here." https://www.amazon.com/Its-Scary-Here-Adam-Ferrara/dp/B08FF53W9J
Adam also has a very successful, funny, and entertaining podcast called The Adam Ferrara Show 30 Minutes You'll Never Get Back. Check it out here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-ferrara-podcast/id1473543128
Adam guest stars on CBS's NCIS on March 9th.
Jennifer Esposito
Not only is Jennifer a talented actress, author, and creator of Jennifer's Way Bakery, but she is a kindred spirit. Brooklyn born and Staten island raised, Jennifer came up in a similar NY Italian household as yours truly. You know her acting work from Summer Of Sam, Spin City, and Bluebloods, her baking prowess from her NYC Bakery Jennifer's Way, and her health advocacy for Celiac Disease. Jennifer is the author of the NYTimes best-selling memoir, Jennifer's Way, which chronicles the story of her struggle and ultimate diagnosis with Celiac disease. Following its' huge success, she penned Jennifer's Way Kitchen, a cookbook sharing 100+ delicious, anti-inflammatory, allergen-free recipes. It has become the Bible for cooking delicious, allergen-free food for people with food intolerances.
Jennifer talks about her career, her struggle with Celiac disease, how she healed her gut and in doing so, her entire being. She is warm, raw, candid, funny and inspirational. Enjoy!!!
Timothy Omundson
This dashing man is a magnificent actor, father, and husband who also happens to be a dear friend. Timothy Omundson's career spans decades. You know him from his brilliant roles on Psych, Galavant, and my favorite because it is where we met, Jericho, among so many others. Four years ago this April, at the height of his career, while promoting a film in Florida, Tim suffered a major stroke in the airport bathroom. In this episode, Tim speaks very candidly about his perseverance throughout his recovery, the love he has for his family and friends who supported him and his family, the gratitude he has daily, and how special it is to be back on TV on the NBC hit show This Is Us. Well... This Is Tim...
For more information about stroke prevention and recovery please visit https://www.stroke.org/
Alex Kapp The OG Boot Strap Bitch
Alex Kapp is an amazing actress and mother of two daughters... You will know her from her starring roles on Seinfeld, Weathergirl, and The New Adventures Of Old Christine. Alex gets very candid about the ups and downs of life, career, marriage, divorce and she got busy pulling herself up from remaining down. Look up her recent Corona Isolation videos with her BFF and fellow Bootstrap Bitch on Youtube.
If you or anyone you know are in need of a Divorce Coach, look no further. Visit Alex at alexkappcoaching.com
Bootstrap Bitch Teaser
Everyone has a story. Everyone is on their own journey, but what we all share are the curve balls life throws at us. At some point, we all need to pick ourselves up by our bootstraps and get on with it. The matter is not how many times we get knocked down, but how many times we get back up. In this podcast, I will be talking to people who share the moments that transformed them and the lives they now live in spite of and because of those moments. We who pull ourselves up by our bootstraps don't bitch... We do.