BEMIDJI — Meet Denise Winkelman, a proud Minnesotan now navigating the chaotic landscape of Los Angeles. Yes, that’s right—she traded the quiet charm of Northome for sunny sidewalks filled with optimistic dreamers and overpriced kale smoothies.
Ever heard of “Bougie on a Budget”? Well, it’s not the latest health fad; it’s Denise’s debut comedy special landing on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube on Tuesday, August 19. Tune in if you want to laugh while also questioning your life choices—especially that avocado toast you splurged on.
The special is comically serious—like a clown wearing a serious face—intertwining laughter with the profound message of self-acceptance. As Denise puts it, “I grew up very different than I am right now.” Who knew being authentic could also mean dealing with the existential crisis of fitting in? Seriously though, if you can’t cringe at your past while chuckling, are you even living?
Drawing on her conservative Midwestern roots, Denise’s material takes us through the wild rollercoaster of her life as a transgender woman. What’s better than a poignant laugh at your upbringing while simultaneously clutching your pearls?
She recalls her straightforward childhood, attending Squaw Lake until the great homeschooling adventure began. Graduating from Northome School with a class of 18 must’ve felt like winning a popularity contest—without the actual contest part. “I did not finish in the top 10,” Denise jokes. Talk about low expectations! But hey, she got an education out of it, which is more than can be said for some reality TV stars.
Fast forward through a journey involving community college and a basketball career—because why not toss sports into the mix of identity confusion? Wrestling further emphasized her struggle as she tried to tackle internal conflicts with a body slam. Spoiler: it didn’t work as well as she hoped. Surprise, surprise! Trying to be “tough” rarely solves anything, despite many action movies suggesting otherwise.
Denise eventually discovered her trans identity from 90s talk shows—because nothing says discovery like watching Maury while questioning your existence. “I had never heard of the term before, and when it was discussed, it was more often a punchline than a topic of acceptance.” Who knew that discussing profound topics over Jerry Springer would spark epiphany? She even had a religious upbringing—talk about intrigue! It’s a miracle her transition wasn’t the last nail in the family’s Bible-thumping coffin.
As she mused about sports, “If I’m really tough, big, and strong, then all of this will go away,” Denise realized the futility of her efforts. Spoiler alert: It didn’t. But transitioning between 2012 and 2013, she opted to pour her energy into comedy. After an epiphany in bed—dreaming about becoming happy instead of drowning in self-destructive tendencies—she decided to offer the world her unique, albeit sarcastic, perspective.
Now, after a rollercoaster career switch to comedy, Denise is performing across Southern California, trying to find joy amidst traffic jams and yoga-loving influencers all without breaking the bank. And yes, all this while keeping up with her Minnesota Vikings—truly the ultimate exercise in patience and heartbreak.
“Bougie on a Budget” isn’t just a title; it’s a lifestyle choice for anyone wondering how to stretch a dollar while simultaneously questioning their existence. Denise assures everyone she’s poured her heart and soul into this special, making it a must-watch. So grab your popcorn, separate the dreams from the budget woes, and prepare to laugh until it hurts (or your wallet does). The show’s only intended for mature audiences, so if you’re under a rock—or still on the fence—do yourself a favor and catch Denise at denisewinkelmancomedy.com.
