The Dr. Laura Podcast - "CC's Dad Has Done Nothing Wrong"

Date: February 16, 2026
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Caller: CeCe

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Laura takes a call from CeCe, who is experiencing prolonged tension with her father after a disagreement involving a family vacation and her father's attempt to include a young boy from his church in the family's trip. The discussion unpacks family dynamics, motives, misunderstandings, and the importance of self-reflection and empathy. Dr. Laura offers her direct, no-nonsense advice, ultimately challenging CeCe to reconsider her perspective and acknowledge her and her siblings' roles in the family conflict.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Family Vacation and Initial Conflict

[01:53–04:44]

• CeCe recounts: Her extended family (dad, stepmother, brother, his girlfriend, their kids, CeCe, her husband, and her 9-year-old son) rented a house together for a holiday weekend.
• The issue: Days prior, CeCe's father, who is very involved in his church, asked about bringing a young boy from the church—whose single mother they support—to join, suggesting it would be good for CeCe's son.
• CeCe's response: She objected, partly due to logistical concerns, but admits to telling her father, "he's not for my son... I think you want to be a hero."
  • Dr. Laura's reaction [04:20]:

    "You decide to get nasty."
    "That was nasty. Yeah. 'You just want to be a hero' is kind of nasty." – Dr. Laura

2. Family Pushback and Unspoken Motives

[07:05–09:03]

• CeCe shares: Other siblings felt similarly about not wanting the boy to come, though they wouldn't say so directly to their dad.
• Post-trip atmosphere: No major blowups during the trip; the boy did not come. Dad was distant but there was a brief exchange of apologies at the end ("I'm sorry, dad. I'm sorry, too.").
• Aftermath: Dad refused further contact unless it was in therapy, and CeCe attempted but logistical issues delayed resolution. Her father withdrew, promising to reach out once a different therapist was chosen.

3. Dr. Laura’s Assessment & Hard Truths

[08:55–10:42]

• Dr. Laura probes:

  "Why were you all so mean to him about bringing this little boy?"

• CeCe tries to justify by mentioning safety and legal worries (not knowing the boy’s mother well), but Dr. Laura doesn't accept this.
• Dr. Laura's assertion [09:03, 09:46–10:28]:

  "That was the most bizarre display of sibling rivalry from adults about a little kid that dad is paying attention to. What the heck is wrong with all of you? You are all so terrible."
  "You were all angry that he was paying attention to this little boy..."
  "Your dad has done nothing wrong. ...You need to be a better person here."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On CeCe’s accusation [04:38]:

  "That was nasty. Yeah. 'You just want to be a hero' is kind of nasty." – Dr. Laura

• On the true source of the conflict [09:03]:

  "That was the most bizarre display of sibling rivalry from adults about a little kid that dad is paying attention to." – Dr. Laura

• On family dynamics [09:46]:

  "You were all angry that he was paying attention to this little boy, and that little boy meant something to him." – Dr. Laura

• Final assessment [10:28]:

  "Your dad has done nothing wrong. You need to be a better person here." – Dr. Laura

Important Timestamps

• [01:46] – Call begins: CeCe introduces her problem with her father post-vacation.
• [04:20–04:44] – Dr. Laura calls out CeCe's attitude as "nasty."
• [07:05–07:30] – CeCe describes her family’s response and aftermath of the vacation.
• [08:55–10:28] – Dr. Laura’s blunt analysis of the callers’ behavior towards their father.
• [10:28–10:46] – Dr. Laura’s closing statement and advice to CeCe.

Tone & Style

Dr. Laura maintains her signature direct, slightly confrontational but ultimately empathetic tone. She challenges excuses and asks CeCe to reflect honestly on family dynamics, focusing on accountability and growth.

Takeaway Message

Dr. Laura urges self-examination in family disputes, especially when projection, jealousy, or old rivalries cloud judgment. She reminds listeners that good intentions—like her caller’s father supporting a church child—should be recognized, not resented. Ultimately, “Your dad has done nothing wrong. You need to be a better person here.”

For further advice, listeners are encouraged to reflect honestly on their family interactions and to consider that sometimes the hardest messages to hear are the ones we need most.