The Dr. Laura Podcast

Episode: Menopause is Ruining My Marriage
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Date: January 17, 2026

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode centers around a caller named Melinda, a dedicated security officer grappling with a lack of recognition and respect in her workplace. Melinda feels unappreciated despite her commitment and accomplishments, and questions whether she should stay in her job. Dr. Laura guides her to explore the deeper emotional roots of her desire for approval, ultimately helping Melinda recognize her own worth and the futility of seeking validation from unappreciative employers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Melinda’s Dedication and Frustration at Work

• Background: Melinda has been a security officer for four years. She is extremely dedicated—always early, never misses work, and has transformed a high-crime site into a safe environment.
• Grievances: Despite her efforts, neither her employer nor the client site acknowledges her, especially during the holidays. She’s expected to work major holidays with little notice of layoffs and no appreciation (not even a thank you or a gift card).

2. The Emotional Toll of Being Unappreciated

• Melinda’s Distress: Melinda gets emotional discussing her predicament, feeling undervalued for her hard work.
• High Turnover: She notes that the site has high employee turnover due to a lack of basic decency and recognition.
• Feeling Stuck: Melinda expresses confusion as to why she keeps going to work in such an unrewarding environment.

3. Dr. Laura Unpacks Deeper Emotional Patterns

• Quote (Dr. Laura, 04:11):
  “Melinda, didn’t you just answer this yourself? You have a high turnover because nobody's treated decently.”
• Root Cause Analysis: Dr. Laura insightfully connects Melinda’s persistence in an unfulfilling job to a deeper psychological need—to finally receive love and approval, possibly unmet since childhood.
  • Quote (Dr. Laura, 04:28):
    “I don’t know. You keep hoping you’ll be loved. Oh my gosh. I was talking about your mom or your dad.”
• Advice: Dr. Laura suggests that Melinda is replaying childhood dynamics, seeking validation from an uncaring environment.
  • Quote (Dr. Laura, 07:26):
    “No matter what they do, it’s not going to make up for what happened when you were little.”

4. Empowerment and Next Steps for Melinda

• Recognizing Her Value:
  Dr. Laura encourages Melinda to realize that her skills and dedication are wasted in a toxic work environment and she need not seek their approval.
  • Quote (Dr. Laura, 07:40):
    “You’re so talented and so competent and so easy to manipulate that they use you. But you have tremendous talents. Look what you have accomplished!”
• Concrete Encouragement:
  Dr. Laura delivers a call to action:
  • Quote (Dr. Laura, 08:12):
    “And get the hell out of Dodge.”
  • Melinda acknowledges she needed to hear that and thanks Dr. Laura.

5. Broader Takeaway for Listeners

• Dr. Laura concludes the segment with a general reflection on why people stay in bad jobs or relationships—often trying to heal old emotional wounds through current situations.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dr. Laura (04:11):
  “Melinda, didn’t you just answer this yourself? You have a high turnover because nobody's treated decently.”
• Dr. Laura (04:28):
  “You keep hoping you’ll be loved. Oh my gosh. I was talking about your mom or your dad.”
• Dr. Laura (07:26):
  “No matter what they do, it’s not going to make up for what happened when you were little.”
• Dr. Laura (07:40):
  “You’re so talented and so competent and so easy to manipulate that they use you. But you have tremendous talents.”
• Dr. Laura (08:12):
  “And get the hell out of Dodge.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:26] — Melinda introduces her problem: feeling unappreciated and undervalued at work.
• [03:47] — Describes transforming a dangerous site, still with no recognition.
• [04:11] — Dr. Laura points out the link between high turnover and lack of decency.
• [04:28] — Dr. Laura suggests Melinda is seeking workplace validation to fill a childhood void.
• [07:26] — Dr. Laura makes the connection explicit: current struggles are rooted in past unmet needs.
• [07:40] — Encourages Melinda to use her talents elsewhere, highlights her accomplishments.
• [08:12] — Direct advice: “Get the hell out of Dodge.”
• [08:21] — Melinda expresses gratitude for Dr. Laura’s insight.

Summary of Tone and Language

• Dr. Laura’s tone is no-nonsense, empathetic yet direct. She quickly identifies patterns of behavior and delivers her observations without sugarcoating, but with genuine concern for Melinda’s well-being.
• Melinda’s language is emotional and earnest, reflecting both her frustration and her longing for acknowledgment and self-worth.

For Listeners

Anyone frustrated by a lack of recognition at work—or drawn to Dr. Laura’s brand of tough love—will find this episode both relatable and affirming. Dr. Laura guides Melinda to recognize when to walk away and affirm her own value, suggesting that seeking approval from the wrong people is an emotional trap rooted in the past. The key message: don't squander your talents or peace of mind on those who can't appreciate you—sometimes, the healthiest thing is simply to leave.