Podcast Summary: Dr. Laura Call of the Day

Episode Title: My Grandpa Called Me "Chubbs"
Date: October 8, 2025
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Guest Caller: Tracy

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Laura Schlessinger talks with Tracy, a caller struggling with the lasting emotional impact of a childhood nickname, “Chubbs,” given by her step-grandfather and echoed by step-uncles. The discussion focuses on how to process old hurts, build real self-esteem through accomplishments, and let go of childhood slights that no longer define adult identity. As always, Dr. Laura offers her frank and practical wisdom, challenging Tracy to move beyond her past and embrace her present worth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to the Problem (02:19–03:40)

• Tracy shares that her step-grandfather and uncles called her “Chubbs” as a child because she was a “little chunky.”
• She reveals she’s never talked about this before but feels it deeply affected her as a girl and may have influenced decisions later in life.

2. Dr. Laura’s Immediate Response: Reframing Childhood Nicknames (03:40–04:55)

• Dr. Laura shares her own experience:

  “My dad called me Monkey Face.” (03:46)

• She downplays the significance of such nicknames, framing them as simply a small part of a person’s life:

  “To be 53 and not have built an identity beyond Chubbs is sad. That's your doing... Are you smart? Ingenious? Clever? Kind? Creative? Athletic? Well, then, what the hell? Chubbs is one of them.” (04:28)

• Dr. Laura bluntly challenges the idea that this old nickname is central to Tracy’s self-worth.

3. Self-Esteem Comes from Accomplishments, Not Labels (04:55–11:03)

• Tracy discusses her fluctuating weight due to thyroid cancer and shares her professional achievements in the medical field.
• Dr. Laura presses for specifics:

  “Give me one specific thing. I don't need your resume. One specific thing. One. Are you a nurse? Are you a doctor?” (09:08)

• Tracy responds she’s “technology smart,” saving lives as an X-ray technologist.
• Dr. Laura prods Tracy to reject the emotional baggage:

  “Stop crying over crap. Come on, you're tearing yourself up.” (09:40)

• Emphasizes that self-esteem is earned:

  “You have fine self esteem. Every time you got a degree and accomplished and saved a life, that was your self esteem.” (10:13)

4. Public Criticism and Shrugging Off Insults (10:37–11:56)

• Dr. Laura shares her own experience with being publicly insulted for being “scrawny” or presumed to have “a facelift.”
• She impresses upon Tracy that others’ opinions, especially those targeting appearance, are meaningless compared to one’s real-life contributions:

  “Would you rather be skinny and never have saved a life? Pick one. Tell me. Pick one. Stay chubby and save lives.” (11:44)

• Tracy affirms:

  “I’d rather be chubby and save lives.” (11:52)

• Dr. Laura sums up:

  “Right? And I'd rather be scrawny and wrinkles, deep wrinkles in my face, than not being here helping you right now.” (11:56)

5. Whether to Confront the Family (12:25–12:57)

• Tracy asks if she should confront her family about the nickname.
• Dr. Laura advises against it:

  “Sweetheart, if I were you, I would never admit that I've been carrying this around for 40 years.” (12:31) “Grandpa was just being affectionate. He had nicknames for everybody. Geez Louise, Tracy.” (12:46)

6. Final Thoughts on Self-Esteem and Moving On (13:00–14:55)

• Dr. Laura reassures Tracy that, based on her accomplishments, she has no reason to claim low self-esteem:

  “Of most of the people that I talk to, who call me about self esteem. You're the last person on the list who should complain about low self esteem.” (13:00)

• Emphasizes what matters is the positive impact on the world, not past names or poor relationship choices.
• Concludes with a message of encouragement, stating that both have overcome negative labels ("Scrawny. Me. Chubby. You." 13:41), and are stronger for it.

7. Practical Advice for Health and Confidence (14:25–15:04)

• Dr. Laura encourages Tracy to focus on health, highlighting the value of walking:

  “Walk. Walk. My number one thing is walk at least a mile and a half. At least a mile and a half. Good sneaks. Mile and a half. Keep posture. Chest up, chin in. Walk. Let your arms swing. Don’t be holding a phone. Your arms have to swing to get the most out of walking.” (14:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dr. Laura: “Are you still chubby?”
  • Tracy: “Well, I’ve been up and down due to thyroid cancer.”
    (04:55)
• Dr. Laura: “Come on, you’re tearing yourself up. Stop crying over crap.” (09:40)
• Dr. Laura: “That's how we build self esteem. Not by virtue of a nickname. Not even by virtue of fat.” (10:21)
• Dr. Laura: “Would you rather be skinny and never have saved a life? Pick one. Tell me.”
  Tracy: “I’d rather be chubby and save lives.” (11:44–11:52)
• Dr. Laura: “If I were you, I would never admit that I’ve been carrying this around for 40 years.” (12:31)
• Dr. Laura: “You have made the world a better place by being in it... That’s self-esteem.” (13:00–13:33)
• Dr. Laura: “Walk. My number one thing is walk at least a mile and a half… Good sneaks… Keep posture… Let your arms swing...” (14:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:19] Tracy introduces her childhood issue with the nickname “Chubbs”
• [03:46] Dr. Laura shares her own nickname: “Monkey Face”
• [04:55] Discussion of Tracy’s weight and self-image
• [09:08] Tracy’s medical field accomplishments
• [10:13] Dr. Laura on building self-esteem through action
• [11:44] “Would you rather be skinny and never have saved a life?”
• [12:31] On confronting family about the nickname
• [13:00] Emphasizing true self-esteem and real achievements
• [14:32] Dr. Laura’s practical health advice

Tone & Style

This episode features Dr. Laura’s signature blend of tough love, humor, and directness. She is insistent, almost brusque, but ultimately compassionate, driving Tracy to see her worth through real accomplishments and not the lens of old wounds.

In Summary

Dr. Laura drives home the message that identity is not defined by childhood nicknames or old insults, but by what one does and contributes in life. She validates Tracy's feelings, but then forcefully—and lovingly—pushes her to see the bigger picture: her professional successes and her positive impact in the world outweigh any lingering emotional scars from being called “Chubbs.” Dr. Laura’s advice is decisive: let go, focus on health and what truly matters, and never let a silly childhood label limit your adult sense of self-worth.