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

More with Margaret Staib and her journey with Alopecia...

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 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.

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/

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 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 [email protected].

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!!!

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...

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.