The Dr. Laura Podcast

Episode: I’m Fed Up With My Mother!
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Date: January 16, 2026

Episode Overview

In this emotionally charged episode, Dr. Laura takes a call from Brandon, a young man struggling with family turmoil following his parents’ divorce—an event made more complex by his discovery of his mother’s long-hidden infidelity. Brandon seeks Dr. Laura’s advice on confronting his mother and deciding whether she should have a role in his newborn child’s life. Dr. Laura guides him toward direct and mature confrontation, emphasizing honesty and clarity, while also exploring the difficult tension between preserving a sense of a happy childhood and facing adult realities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background: Divorce and Deception

• Brandon’s parents divorced shortly after his wedding (2023), with his father filing just a week prior ([01:45]).
• Initially, Brandon sided with his mother as his father was accused of making unfounded allegations of infidelity ([02:28]).
• Over time, Brandon discovered his mother had lied repeatedly and had multiple affairs during the marriage ([02:28]).
• Now, with a newborn child, Brandon is “fed up” and uncertain about letting his mother remain involved in his family ([03:19]).

2. Confrontation and Honesty

• Dr. Laura insists that before any decisions are made regarding his mother’s role, Brandon must have a direct and honest conversation with her:

  “Before you make a decision about her visiting the kid, you have to have this discussion, sir. You have to be brave and have this discussion.” (Dr. Laura, [03:40])

• Brandon hesitates due to his father's embarrassment, but Dr. Laura dismisses this as irrelevant to Brandon’s own relationship and healing ([04:20]).

3. Emotional Struggle and Responsibility

• Brandon admits to dreading this confrontation, revealing the weight and emotional complexity of facing a parent’s betrayal ([07:24]).
• Dr. Laura stresses the importance of courage—not just for Brandon’s own growth, but as a model for his child:

  “Because I hope sometime in the future, if your kid has a problem with the two of you, that your kid has the courage to talk to the two of you.” (Dr. Laura, [07:27])

4. Maintaining Perspective on the Past

• Brandon feels blindsided and questions the authenticity of his “fantastic” upbringing.
• Dr. Laura reframes this, defending the value of his childhood experience regardless of the parents’ private issues:

  “You had two great parents. You grew up in an atmosphere of two great parents. It’s a truth. That their relationship with each other sucked is irrelevant. What you grew up in was truth.” (Dr. Laura, [08:41]) “Don’t go back and say none of that was real. That’s really stupid to do—erase all that good stuff because the crap came out at the end.” (Dr. Laura, [09:29])

5. Support for the Father's Effort

• Dr. Laura recognizes the pain endured by Brandon’s father, emphasizing that his perseverance created a stable environment for Brandon:

  “Your dad put up with a lot of shit to make sure that would happen ... He persevered to give you a good life.” (Dr. Laura, [10:05]; [10:21])

6. Commitment and Accountability

• Brandon commits to having the tough conversation, encouraged by his wife’s presence and Dr. Laura’s support:

  “Good. Thank you. You said that in front of your wife. You better do it now because she’s going to call me and snitch.” (Dr. Laura, [10:48])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On facing parental confrontation:
  “Have a conversation, blunt, like she’s another person. Forget that she’s your mother. This is another person. Tell her the truth. You’re a grown man now. Tell her the truth. She cannot put you into your room without supper. I promise.”
  — Dr. Laura ([08:03])

• On childhood memories and perspective:
  “Don’t go back and say none of that was real. That’s really stupid to do—erase all that good stuff because the crap came out at the end.”
  — Dr. Laura ([09:29])

• On father’s sacrifice:
  “He persevered to give you a good life.”
  — Dr. Laura ([10:21])

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:00–01:00: Advertisements and sponsor messages (skipped content)
• 01:26: Start of the real call; Brandon introduces his family dilemma
• 02:28: Brandon reveals learning of his mother’s infidelity
• 03:40: Dr. Laura advises a direct conversation
• 04:20: Discussion on the father's embarrassment being irrelevant
• 07:24: Brandon expresses dread over confrontation; Dr. Laura gives encouragement
• 08:03: Dr. Laura spells out exactly how Brandon should approach his mother
• 09:29: Dr. Laura reframes Brandon’s childhood experience
• 10:05–10:35: Focus on father’s perseverance and why Brandon should appreciate it
• 10:46–11:01: Brandon commits to action; light banter with wife

Tone & Style

• Dr. Laura maintains her signature direct, pragmatic, and occasionally blunt tone, balancing empathy with straightforward advice.
• The exchange is warm yet challenging, pressing Brandon to take adult responsibility while affirming his difficult feelings.

In summary, this episode centers on facing messy family truths with courage and clear communication. Dr. Laura’s guidance—orients Brandon away from avoidance and toward mature confrontation, all while honoring the value of his upbringing and the integrity of honest relationships.