Gateway Foundation’s Catalyst Council Presents: Laugh for Recovery

Kristen Toomey’s standup comedy career began in 2008. Since then she has performed in L.A., New York, Montreal and everywhere in between. Her commanding stage presence and energetic, expressive and truthful style of comedy are just a few of the reasons entertainment website The A.V. Club said “Kristen Toomey is a Chicago Original”. She has appeared on NBC’s Chicago Med, Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, WGN Radio and NPR.

Dr. Bill Miller is a Chicago-based retired physician and seasoned comedian who blends humor with healing. A UCLA graduate and Northwestern-trained doctor, Dr. Bill has been performing since the 1980s, entertaining audiences from comedy clubs to corporate events. Get ready for laughter from a doctor who truly knows the cure for the common chuckle!

Jeanie Doogan launched her comedy career early as the youngest of eight, honing her humor after failed attempts at dance, gymnastics, and academics. From family dinner table knock-knock jokes to headlining at Zanies, The Laugh Factory, and The Comedy Bar, she’s entertained audiences at colleges, casinos, and corporate events. Featured in Chicago Parents’ Magazine and on Team CoCo’s House All Star Showcase and Nick Jr.’s Moms’ Night Out, Jeanie delivers sharp, unapologetic takes on teaching, parenthood, and American culture. Drawing from her South Side Chicago roots and 20 years as a public school teacher, her quick wit resonates with audiences everywhere.

Chris Bader is one of Chicago’s fastest rising young comedians. Bader enjoys interacting with the audience with his infectious laugh. You will often find him telling stories about chasing women and growing up with parents that emigrated from Iran. He has appeared on the Kevin Nealon Show in LA. Chris has also worked with the likes of Bob Saget, David Koechner, Chris D’Elia, Bobcat Goldthwait, and Jamie Kennedy. 

Jim Flannigan is a nationally touring stand-up comedian from Chicago. Known for his fast paced, clever punchlines,  Jim is a regular headliner at top comedy clubs including Zanies and The Improv, as well as being a regular performer at Chicago’s Laugh Factory and Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas, NV.

Jim has opened for some of the biggest names in the world of comedy, including Sebastian Maniscalco, Demitri Martin and more, along with TV appearances on ABC, NBC, WGN & NBC Sports among others. Flannigan spent 3 years as the co-host of the hilarious All Over the Place, a weekly podcast that is just that, with Pat McGann. In April 2023, Jim recorded a set for Nate Bargatze’s Nateland Presents The Showcase.