Giving Someone Something for Free

Summary

The Dr. Laura Podcast – Episode Summary
Episode Title: Giving Someone Something for Free
Air Date: June 13, 2026
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Podcast Theme: Exploring the psychological and social impact of generosity and dependency, particularly the dangers of repeatedly giving things away for free and the resulting entitlement or dependency it can foster.

---

Main Theme & Purpose

Dr. Laura uses this episode to dissect the unintended consequences of generosity when it is repeated without boundaries. Drawing on a viral social media reel and an emotional example from the film Cinderella Man, Dr. Laura explores how giving things away for “free” can shift people’s mindsets from gratitude to dependency, and ultimately resentment. The episode aims to offer “common sense advice” for parents, friends, and anyone in a caregiving or authoritative role about fostering appreciation rather than entitlement.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Social Media Reel – “Stages of Free”

• [02:43–03:41] Dr. Laura shares and discusses a short viral reel by Sam Vidanbu (name uncertain), which she found especially poignant:
  • First time: Giving something for free creates appreciation.
  • Second time: It creates anticipation.
  • Third time: It creates expectation.
  • Fourth time: It creates entitlement.
  • Fifth time: It creates dependency.
  • Sixth time (when the giving stops): It creates hatred.
• Notable Quote:
  • “This is singularly one of the most brilliant things I had ever heard. It summarized what I've been trying to tell parents in particular…” — Dr. Laura [03:41]
• Dr. Laura’s Commentary:
  • She relates this directly to familial and social relationships, particularly the negative side effects of too much, too frequent, or unconditioned support.

Illustrative Example: Cinderella Man

• [03:53–05:40; 08:21–10:50]
  Dr. Laura recounts the story of boxer James J. Braddock (not “John Broderick”), the real-life subject of the movie Cinderella Man, to demonstrate dignity amid hardship:
  • Set during the Great Depression, Braddock survives with the help of public assistance.
  • Despite needing help, he’s deeply uncomfortable accepting aid; he accepts out of necessity to feed his children.
  • When he regains success and stability, Braddock returns to the welfare office and anonymously pays back all the assistance he received.
• Notable Quote:
  • “He didn't say a word. He puts it down, taps it a few times, puts his hand on the counter, looks at her, nods and walks away. He repaid every cent.” — Dr. Laura [09:27]
• Dr. Laura’s Reflection:
  • She wonders how many people on social assistance “even consider the option in their own future of paying it back,” emphasizing gratitude and responsibility over dependency.

Broader Lessons for Listeners

• [10:50–11:09]
  Dr. Laura underlines the major lesson: consistent and unearned generosity can breed resentment and dependency, not just gratitude.
• Practical Takeaway:
  • Whether you’re a parent, friend, or provider, think carefully about when your giving crosses from compassion into fostering dependence or entitlement.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Social Media Consumption:
  • “I listened to something four times and then had Mallory download it for me because I didn’t know how to do that…” — Dr. Laura [02:05]
• On Pronunciation Lightheartedness:
  • “Maybe he has trouble saying Schlessinger and then we're even.” — Dr. Laura [02:23]
• On the Emotional Core of the Story:
  • “That is the most telling part of the movie. He appreciated the money he got. He didn't want to be dependent. He didn't want to hate the system. He didn't feel entitlement. He just wanted to feed his kids.” — Dr. Laura [10:28]

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:49–02:35] – Social media inspiration; intro to Sam Vidanbu’s message
• [02:43–03:41] – The six stages of giving something for free
• [03:53–05:40] – Introduction to Cinderella Man and Braddock’s hardship
• [08:21–10:50] – Recounting Braddock’s act of repaying welfare assistance
• [10:50–11:09] – Dr. Laura’s call to reflect on gratitude versus entitlement

---

Tone & Language

• Dr. Laura is conversational, direct, and mixes authority with humor.
• She uses storytelling and pop culture (film reference) to connect with listeners.
• The message is straightforward, slightly provocative, and designed to prompt reflection, especially among parents and caregivers.

---

Summary Takeaway

This episode delivers a concise but powerful warning against the risks of well-intentioned but unchecked generosity. Through a viral wisdom reel and the inspiring example of Cinderella Man, Dr. Laura encourages listeners to foster appreciation — not entitlement — in those they help, reminding everyone that true gratitude is best shown by self-restraint and an eagerness to give back.

---

For more advice or to ask your own question, Dr. Laura can be reached at 1-800-375-2872 or via DrLaura.com.

Transcript

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Ladies, if you're in that phase where your body's just doing new things, sleep's weird, energy's weird, cravings also weird, you're not alone. It's totally normal. Menopause and perimenopause just means your body needs a little support, and sprouts makes that support easier so you can start feeling more like you. Tons of fresh organic produce for fiber, sprouts, protein and creatine to keep your muscles and bones strong and your energy up and supplements that that can help you manage mood shifts. So whether it's perimenopause, menopause or any other health journey, it's easier at Sprouts Farmer's Market. Here's some common sense advice. Your body needs support to function properly, including your vaginal health, and that includes maintaining a healthy PH balance. New Azo Vaginal Probiotic Mini Chews helps keep that healthy bacterial balance, and that helps keep yeast and odor in check. It's great tasting, easy to take, and no pill means no water. That makes it simple to add to your daily routine. And simplicity is how good habits stick. Visit azoproducts.com for product details, usage instructions and safety information. Thank you for listening to my morning monologue brought to you by Golden Crest Metals, helping everyday investors protect what they've worked so hard to build by adding gold and silver to retirement portfolios. Learn [e-mail] Protect Remember, you can hear my radio program daily on Sirius XM Triumph and connect with me 24 [e-mail] Sometimes things pop up on my social

[Caller or Guest]

media,

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

which I initially got onto to

[Caller or Guest]

connect with various clubs, resin, knitting, and now leatherwork.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Nonetheless, other things pop up on it. And this morning I listened to something

[Caller or Guest]

four times and then had Mallory download it for me because I didn't know how to do that into print.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

And it's a brief reel by Sam Vidantbu.

[Caller or Guest]

Vidantbu. It's an African name.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Sam Vidanbu.

[Caller or Guest]

Vidanbu. Something like that. Okay, maybe he has trouble saying shlessinger and then we're even. Whatever.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

So listen up.

[Caller or Guest]

Especially you parents and friend types.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

The first time you give someone something

[Caller or Guest]

for free, it creates appreciation. The second time you give someone something for free, it creates anticipation.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

The third time you give someone something

[Caller or Guest]

for free, it creates expectation.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

The fourth time you give someone something

[Caller or Guest]

for free, it creates entitlement.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

The fifth time you give someone something

[Caller or Guest]

for free, it creates dependency.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

And if you don't give them that

[Caller or Guest]

thing for free, the sixth time, it creates hatred. This is singularly one of the most brilliant things I had ever heard. It summarized what I've been trying to tell parents in particular and welfare. There's a movie called Cinderella man and it's about a boxer in the 1920s, 30s and he was up to become this is all true story.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

He was up to become Broderick.

[Caller or Guest]

His name was John Broderick. He was up to become the heavyweight champion of the world, which is a big deal in fight world. However, the great depression hit and he

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

barely had a piece of ham.

[Caller or Guest]

If it was ham to cut up between himself and his kids and his wife

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

and he would go to the

[Caller or Guest]

yards and try to get work for the day. It was terrible.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

They had

[Caller or Guest]

assistance

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

so you went down

[Caller or Guest]

and you registered and you told how many kids you have what's going on with you and they gave you a pittance but something to try to keep food in your kids bellies. He hates doing this but he wants to put food in his kids bellies. It gets to the point where they have more well to do relatives and they're sending the kids to live with them so they'll be able to eat and have warmth because the lights and the heat were turned off. Okay,

[CBS Announcer]

2 Iconic soap operas collide in a high stakes showdown. Beyond the Gates and Young and the Restless come together for a must see CBS crossover event. The drama reaches new heights as powerful families long held secrets and unexpected alliances collide. Packed with love and betrayal, this crossover event changes everything. Don't miss the beyond the Gates and Young and the Restless crossover event all this week on CBS and streaming on Paramount.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

As people age, it's normal to ask what more they could be doing to take care of their health. It's important to be proactive, especially when it comes to your brain. Health, health. Don't wait for something to feel off before taking action. Make your next checkup count. Ask your doctor about your risk factors for dementia and a cognitive assessment. Visit brainhealthmatters.com for more information and resources provided by Lilly Life doesn't have to be so complicated. Walmart helps you simplify. They're your one stop. Shop for daily essentials like groceries, snacks, school supplies and thanks to Walmart Pharmacy. You can count on them for your prescription needs too. Use the Walmart app to easily manage your family's medications and save time by getting prescriptions delivered right to your door. Switch your prescriptions to Walmart Pharmacy delivery not available for all prescriptions and exclusions.

[Pacific Life Announcer]

Apply confidence. It's listening to your gut. It's moving forward even when the path ahead is unclear. For nearly 160 years, Pacific Life has helped people keep their promises, building confidence for generations. Whether you're confident in your financial future or just beginning to envision it, we're here to help. Ask a financial professional how Pacific Life the Power of a Promise Pacific Life Insurance Company, Omaha, Nebraska. And in New York, Pacific Life and Annuity, Phoenix, Arizona.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Here's some common sense advice. Your body needs support to function properly, including your vaginal health. And that includes maintaining a healthy PH balance. New Azo Vaginal Probiotic Mini Chews helps keep that healthy bacterial balance, and that helps keep yeast and odor in check. It's great tasting, easy to take, and no pill means no water. That makes it simple to add to your daily routine. And simplicity is how good habits stick. Visit eizoproducts.com for product details, usage instructions and safety information.

[Caller or Guest]

He has already broken his hand once, severely. Then it was twice, Then it was the third time. Fighting.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Okay, so he gets offered a few

[Caller or Guest]

stupid fights on the side and does it so he could get his kids back. You can watch the movie. It is one of the Russell Crowe play that he was really good. That's before he decided to go obese. But he was really good in this movie. And he starts making some money again.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

He shows up

[Caller or Guest]

at the financial assistance because it's still. Most people are still starving with a

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

wad of money to the same window

[Caller or Guest]

with the same older woman handing out, you know, a pittance of money just to get people to live.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

And he hands her the role of money.

[Caller or Guest]

He.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

He doesn't say a word. He puts it down, taps it a few times, puts his hand on the

[Caller or Guest]

counter, looks at her, nods and walks away. He repaid every cent. I don't know. Is there anybody on welfare who's ever paid back all the money or did they go through appreciation, anticipation, expectation, entitlement, dependency, and then hatred of the system? He gave all the money back. One of the more touching parts, by the way. He then made it all the way back and became the world's heavyweight champion for two years. They call him Cinderella man because he made a whole. He just, he came back and nobody thought he could. He was smaller than everybody. He fought. You really should watch it. Cinderella Man. But that is the most telling part of the movie. He appreciated the money he got. He didn't want to be dependent. He didn't want to hate the system. He didn't feel entitlement. He just wanted to feed his kids. And when he could, he paid it back. How many people on welfare even consider the option in their own future of paying it back?

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

My number 1-800-375-2872. If you like this podcast, be sure to rate it on Apple Podcasts or your favorite place to listen to my podcast. Of course, I'd love if you gave me five stars. And be sure to share this podcast with a friend on Facebook or your preferred social media platform.

[Sirius XM Triumph Announcer]

Sirius XM Triumph Is life presenting you with challenges? Get real answers with Dr. Laurel. Call 1-800- Dr. Laurel no nonsense advice

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

about relationships, marriage, kids, tough love. It happened is not a phrase anybody uses when they take responsibility.

[Sirius XM Triumph Announcer]

Inspiration.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Every time you go to bed with a negative thought, you have to match it up with a positive one.

[Caller or Guest]

That's your new rule.

[Sirius XM Triumph Announcer]

Dr. Laura Weekdays at 2pm east on Sirius XM Triumph 123 and on the SiriusXM app.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

As people age, it's normal to ask what more they could be doing to take care of their health. It's important to be proactive, especially when it comes to your brain health. Don't wait for something to feel off before taking action. Make your next checkup count. Ask your doctor about your risk factors for dementia and a cognitive assessment. Visit brainhealthmatters.com for more information and resources

[Applebee's Announcer]

provided by Lily for those crazy, busy, crazy hungry days when cooking family dinner is off the table, there's Applebee's all you can eat table full of unlimited favorites for just $15.99. You get all the tender signature riblets, all the crispy boneless wings, all the golden brown double crunched shrimp, and endless classic fries at a family friendly price. Applebee's all you can eat for just $15.99 per person per order. Now that's eaten good in the neighborhood. Limited time only, so hurry into your nearest Applebee's today.