Podcast Summary: Dr. Laura Call of the Day

Episode: I Wish My Wife Would Take Me Back
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Guest: Jeremiah
Original Air Date: October 3, 2025

Overview

In this emotionally candid episode, Dr. Laura Schlessinger speaks with Jeremiah, a recently divorced father. Jeremiah grapples with guilt and regret over his behavior during his marriage—specifically drinking, infidelity, and episodes of physical and emotional abuse. He longs to reconcile with his ex-wife but continuously faces her refusal. Seeking Dr. Laura’s guidance, Jeremiah wonders whether he should hold onto hope or let go for the sake of his children. Dr. Laura responds with her signature blend of directness and ethical counsel, challenging Jeremiah with tough truths and practical guidance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Background and Circumstances of the Caller

[02:18 – 04:03]

• Marriage and Divorce: Jeremiah was married for 15 years; both he and his ex-wife are 38.
• Relationship Duration: Dated for 2 years before marrying.
• Causes of Divorce: Jeremiah candidly admits to drinking, infidelity, emotional abuse, and physical abuse (pushing and shoving, but not hitting).
  • “So, the reason you guys divorced?” – Dr. Laura [03:03]
  • “Was drinking and infidelity and also emotional abuse and physical Abuse at times.” – Jeremiah [03:04]
  • “You did all of that?” – Dr. Laura [03:17]
  • “Yes, I did.” – Jeremiah [03:20]
• Legal Consequences: Arrested and on probation for DWI, not for abuse.
  • “Did you end up in jail for any of it?” – Dr. Laura [03:21]
  • “No. For drinking? Yes.” – Jeremiah [03:24]
• Children: Two boys, aged 12 and 13, witnessed his relapse into alcoholism. Physical altercations were hidden from them.
  • “So they watched their dad behave like this. Wow.” – Dr. Laura [04:10]

Post-Divorce Life and Ongoing Relationship

[04:44 – 06:50]

• Current Status: Jeremiah moved back with his mother due to probation terms; he’s now getting his own place.
• Ongoing Communication: Maintains a good friendship with his ex-wife, sharing openly about his dating life and feelings.
• Desire to Reconcile: Has repeatedly asked his ex-wife to get back together—she refused both times.
  • “I would love to remarry, I would love to reconcile. I would love to continue grow our family. And it was a no.” – Jeremiah [05:32]
• Dating Post-Divorce: Entered a brief relationship to escape his mother’s house, realized it was a mistake, felt it wasn’t fair to the other woman or himself.

The Question: Should He Let Go?

[06:45 – 06:50]

• Jeremiah’s main question: “Should I just give up the idea of even trying...?” [06:45]

Dr. Laura’s Signature Counsel

[06:50 – 10:45]

• Direct Warning Against Persistence:
  • “If you keep pushing, I call that pushing. Abusive behavior.” – Dr. Laura [06:50]
• Advice on Role and Responsibility:
  • Focus on being supportive as a friend and co-parent.
  • Avoid pursuing romantic relationships until both sons are 18, to provide them with stability and modeling better behavior.
  • “Don't date. Wait till your kids are all 18. Give them a better role model than they had when they were younger. This is your moral obligation now.” – Dr. Laura [09:14]
  • “Be supportive of her. Be her friend. Be their dad. No women. And don't push her anymore. She said no.” [09:23]
  • “If you keep pushing, she might push you away, and you don't want that. You want her in your life. I don't want you to lose her.” [09:36]
  • “Give up the notion we're going to get married again and make everything just all hunky dory. Give it up.” [09:42]
• Reframing the Goal: Dr. Laura reframes Jeremiah’s mission as prioritizing his children’s well-being and respecting his ex-wife’s wishes.
• Memorable Closing Exchange:
  • “Be her friend and their dad. You owe them both to be that, don't you think?” – Dr. Laura [10:46]
  • “I do. I do. Thank you, Dr. Laura. I really needed that.” – Jeremiah [10:55]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dr. Laura, on persistence and boundaries:
  “If you keep pushing, I call that pushing. Abusive behavior.” [06:50]
• Dr. Laura, on moral duty:
  “Don't date. Wait till your kids are all 18. Give them a better role model than they had when they were younger. This is your moral obligation now.” [09:14]
• Jeremiah, acknowledging Dr. Laura’s advice:
  “I do. I do. Thank you, Dr. Laura. I really needed that. Thank you.” [10:55]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:18] – Jeremiah introduces his situation to Dr. Laura
• [03:20] – Jeremiah admits responsibility for abusive behavior
• [04:10] – Discussion of the effects on children
• [05:32] – Jeremiah details failed attempts at reconciliation
• [06:45] – Main question: Should he let go?
• [06:50] – Dr. Laura cautions that pushing for reconciliation is abusive
• [09:14] – Dr. Laura’s core advice: Focus on children, don’t date, don’t push
• [10:55] – Jeremiah gratefully accepts the advice

Summary in Tone

Dr. Laura, maintaining her trademark mix of tough love and ethical clarity, delivers unambiguous advice: Jeremiah’s hope for reconciliation is damaging, both to himself and to his family. She insists he redirect his energy toward providing a stable, respectful environment for his children and ex-wife. The episode is a moving exploration of repentance, boundaries, and the hard road of rebuilding one’s character for the sake of those you love most.