Podcast Summary: Dr. Laura Call of the Day

Episode: Hello and Good-bye
Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Caller: Ella Langley

Main Theme

In this deeply affecting episode, Dr. Laura takes a poignant call from Ella Langley, a listener facing her final days due to stage four uterine cancer. Ella reaches out for support as she nears death, seeking advice on mentally preparing for the end and leaving a message for listeners about acceptance and the journey beyond life. Dr. Laura gently guides the conversation, offering compassion, curiosity, and respect for Ella’s beliefs and wishes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Facing Mortality

[01:17]

• Ella, the caller, shares she is dying from stage four uterine cancer.
• She describes her condition: no longer able to eat, having moved to Northern Nevada to be with family rather than dying alone.
• "I'm with family. I'm not alone. ... I just would like you to help me mentally prepare for the next step, for the journey." — Ella Langley [01:17]

2. Beliefs About the Afterlife

[01:58] – [03:44]

• Dr. Laura asks Ella to share her beliefs about what happens after death.
• Ella explains she believes she will go to heaven, be with God, and reunite with loved ones who have passed.
• She is calm and accepting of her imminent passing, expressing she has no children or grandchildren and feels ready to go.
• Ella declines any life-extending treatments, stating she does not want "heroics" and has opted for comfort.

3. Ella’s Current Situation

[03:44] – [05:12]

• Ella is in hospice care at her cousin’s home in a scenic area above Gardnerville, near Lake Tahoe.
• She expresses gratitude that she’s not in pain:
  "No, I am not. That's the same grace is. No, I don't." — Ella Langley [05:12]

4. Final Wishes and Reflections

[05:24] – [05:36]; [07:31] – [08:13]

• When asked what Ella wants to do with her remaining time, she says she just wants to be comfortable at home, enjoying the view from the window.
• "You don't want to be wheelchaired to a park." — Dr. Laura [07:31]
  "No… it's beautiful country here, but… I'm good." — Ella Langley [07:36]
• Dr. Laura offers Ella an opportunity to address listeners. Ella chooses to share a message about acceptance and faith in something beyond this world:
  "When it's the end now, when it's time to go, just accept it. And this world’s not the final destination... This is the journey to a better world." — Ella Langley [08:13]

5. Gratitude and Looking Back

[09:00] – [10:10]

• Ella thanks Dr. Laura for guidance across decades, specifically in navigating family dynamics and acceptance ("All I was going to change was my attitude").
• She reflects on family history, loss, and cancer’s presence throughout her family.

6. Nature of Heaven and Spirituality

[10:10] – [11:29]

• Dr. Laura inquires about what Ella imagines heaven to be.
• Ella describes her vision: reunion with family, beauty greater than earth, and a spiritual (not physical) existence, "bodies of light... energy."
  "I believe it's being with God… it's a spiritual form. Bodies of light." — Ella Langley [10:37–11:17]
• Dr. Laura responds warmly, affirming Ella’s view.
  "Yeah." — Dr. Laura [11:29]

7. Parting Words

[11:42] – [12:00]

• Ella thanks Dr. Laura once more.
• Dr. Laura bids Ella farewell in a heartfelt closing:
  "Enjoy heaven, dear. Enjoy it." — Dr. Laura [11:52]
  "Okay, thank you, Dr. Laura." — Ella Langley [11:55]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "You can’t cure normal." — Ella Langley [01:17]
• "I'm dying from stage four uterine cancer… I’m just ready to expire." — Ella Langley [01:17–02:58]
• "No, I am not [in pain]. That's the same grace." — Ella Langley [05:12]
• "When it’s time to go, just accept it… This is the journey to a better world." — Ella Langley [08:13]
• "All I was going to change was my attitude…" — Ella Langley [09:44]
• "Do you believe… when you’re in heaven you can watch what’s happening down here?" — Dr. Laura [10:15]
• "I believe it’s a spiritual form. Bodies of light… energy." — Ella Langley [11:17–11:28]
• "Enjoy heaven, dear. Enjoy it." — Dr. Laura [11:52]

Important Timestamps

• [01:17]: Ella introduces her terminal diagnosis and intention for the call
• [02:06]: Ella discusses her beliefs about the afterlife
• [03:34]: Ella explains her choice to decline life-prolonging interventions
• [05:12]: Ella confirms she is not in pain
• [08:13]: Ella’s message to listeners about acceptance and the afterlife
• [09:44]: Reflections on family and personal growth
• [10:37]: Ella describes her vision of heaven
• [11:52]: Heartfelt goodbye between Dr. Laura and Ella

Tone and Style

The conversation is serene, honest, and emotionally resonant, with Dr. Laura offering gentle curiosity and solace, and Ella speaking with clarity, grace, and acceptance of her passing. The episode stands as a powerful reflection on mortality, spiritual belief, and the importance of acceptance at the end of life.