Podcast Summary: The Dr. Laura Podcast

Episode: Neuroscientist Suggests 10 Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Date: November 18, 2025
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Source Article: “A Neuroscientist’s 10 Signs You're Doing Better Than You Think in Life,” by Jessica Stillman, Inc.com

Overview of the Episode

In this episode, Dr. Laura Schlessinger dives into an article that highlights ten neuroscience-backed signs that people are doing better than they may realize in life. Dr. Laura brings her signature candid style to unpack each point, reflecting on her own journey and encouraging listeners to rethink the definition of success. The overall theme: Many of us are already succeeding in meaningful ways, even if we don’t recognize it.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Real Struggle: Feeling Successful Versus Being Successful

• [01:34] Dr. Laura opens with the idea that we focus too much on “how to be successful” instead of “how to feel successful when we are.”
• She challenges the fixation on chasing the next milestone and invites listeners to appreciate the growth process, even with its uncertainties.
• Quote:

  “What if the real struggle for lots of us isn’t how to be successful, but instead how to actually feel successful when we are?” (Dr. Laura, [02:10])

The Concept of "Enough"

• [03:30] She recounts a conversation with a wealthy acquaintance about what “enough money” really means. The punchline: it’s always “a little bit more,” illustrating the endless nature of comparison and striving.

  Quote:

  “Do you know what is enough money?... A little bit more.” (Dr. Laura, [04:48])

The Downside of Chasing More

• [08:13] Dr. Laura notes that constantly pursuing “a little bit more” leads to dissatisfaction.
• She segues into the neuroscience-based “10 signs” that indicate genuine growth and maturity—true markers of success.

The 10 Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think

Dr. Laura reads and comments on each sign, relating them to her experiences with self-improvement and resilience.

1. You Celebrate Small Wins

• [08:40] Dr. Laura identifies with this, saying she’s “like a silly four-year-old girl” over small victories.
• Quote:

  “Hallelujah. I do. I'm like a silly four-year-old girl on a small win. So that's good.” (Dr. Laura, [08:43])

2. You Try Again After Failing

• [09:05] She admits to initially complaining, but then analyzing failures to avoid repeating them.
• Quote:

  “That’s me. But first I bitch a little bit and then I do research to find out why I failed.” (Dr. Laura, [09:10])

3. You Pause Before Reacting

• [09:25] Dr. Laura confesses she’s improved here but “it’s not my best quality.”
• She highlights progress over perfection.

4. You Take Breaks Without Guilt

• [09:38] Candidly referencing her upbringing, Dr. Laura now values guilt-free rest, especially enjoying hikes, walks, movies, or chatting with friends.

5. You Recover from Setbacks Faster

• [10:00] She’s quick to bounce back, noting the difference time and experience have made.

6. You Ask for Help When You Need It

• [10:18] Dr. Laura is “compulsive” about seeking guidance, emphasizing that learning from others is a strength, not a weakness.
• Quote:

  “I start making calls… would you help me with this? Am I doing this right? What’s a better machine?” (Dr. Laura, [10:30])

7. You’re Kind to Yourself When You Make Mistakes

• [10:58] She allows herself to vent (with “bad words”), then focuses on solutions rather than self-blame.

8. You Notice Patterns Instead of Judging Them

• [11:22] As a psychotherapist, Dr. Laura often addresses behavioral patterns, reflecting professional insight on the power of observation over criticism.

9. You Make Decisions Based on Values, Not Pressure

• [11:40] She stands strong on her values, refusing to bow to external pressure—“You can bring me to the gates of hell, but I won’t back down, baby.”

10. You’re More Curious Than Anxious About the Future

• [12:12] Dr. Laura is invested in curiosity and discovery. She views anxiety as wasted energy, while curiosity fuels her continual engagement with life.
• Quote:

  “A lot of you call about anxiety, which I think is just wasted energy… you’re more curious than anxious about what’s next. Oh, God, that’s me.” (Dr. Laura, [12:15])

Memorable Reflections and Encouragement

Dr. Laura’s Creative Journey

• She shares how curiosity propels her through hobbies like leatherwork, knitting, glasswork, and more, always finishing projects before moving to the next.
• Her attitude: “Surprise me!”—embracing uncertainty and growth.

The Kurt Vonnegut Inspiration

• [16:34] Dr. Laura quotes Vonnegut, who encouraged practicing any art to “make your soul grow,” highlighting that the journey, not achievement, is what expands us as people.

  Quote:

  “Practice any art… not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you. To make your soul grow. I love that. To make your soul grow.” (Dr. Laura, [16:45])

Time-stamped Highlights

| Time | Segment | |--------|------------------------------------------------| | 01:34 | Opening reflections on feeling vs. being successful | | 03:30 | The endless pursuit of "enough" | | 08:13 | Transition to the 10 signs; introduction | | 08:40–12:12 | Walkthrough of all 10 signs—Dr. Laura's commentary | | 13:45 | Dr. Laura’s creative hobbies and curiosity | | 16:34 | Kurt Vonnegut quote and its meaning |

Tone and Takeaways

Dr. Laura maintains an upbeat, direct, and compassionate style throughout, peppered with humor and personal stories. The episode is an inspiring reminder that maturity, growth, and balance are the true measures of success—qualities most listeners have, even if unnoticed.

Final Encouragement:
Dr. Laura urges listeners to appreciate their growth and progress, to dig deeper than daily struggles, and to recognize themselves as “works in progress” deserving of celebration.

Recommended Action

Consider the 10 signs in your own life and celebrate your progress—however incremental. Let curiosity, not anxiety, steer you forward and remember: you’re likely doing better than you think!