Loading summary

Transcript28 lines

[00:00]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Ladies.
[00:01]
Podcast Host / Narrator
If you're in that phase where your body's just doing new things, sleep's weird, energy's weird, cravings also weird, you're not alone. It's totally normal. Menopause and perimenopause just means your body needs a little support. And sprouts makes that support easier so you can start feeling more like you. Tons of fresh organic produce for fiber, sprouts, protein and creatine to keep your muscles and bones strong and your energy up, and supplements that that can help you manage mood shifts. So whether it's perimenopause, menopause or any other health journey, it's easier at Sprouts Farmer's Market. Here's some common sense advice. Your body needs support to function properly, including your vaginal health, and that includes maintaining a healthy pH balance. New Azo Vaginal Probiotic Mini Chews helps keep that healthy bacterial balance, and that helps keep yeast and odor in check. It's great tasting, easy to take, and no pill means no water. That makes it simple to add to your daily routine. And simplicity is how good habits stick. Visit azoproducts.com for product details, usage instructions and safety information. Thank you for listening to my morning monologue brought to you by Golden Crest Metals, helping everyday investors protect what they've worked so hard to build by adding gold and silver to retirement portfolios. Learn more@goldencrestmetals.com Protect Remember, you can hear my radio program daily on Sirius XM Triumph and connect with me 24.7@drlaura.com all
[01:43]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
right, found a great article published March 23, 2025. Mark Travers he talks about five hard truths about marriage. Most people learn too late. That's why I like people to get premarital counseling with an expert in premarital counseling so that you don't learn the hard truths the hard way. You're prepared so you're not frustrated and angry and shocked and surprised and annoyed. You know how to face the truths and lies. Okay, so number one, and I've said this a zillion times, love is not enough. It isn't. That's a peculiar feeling that people describe in different ways and mostly don't understand it. It's not really a feeling that comes and goes. And if it's coming and going with you, then it's not love. Because love is a bunch of adoration, respect, admiration. And that doesn't excuse me, that doesn't come and go. All right? Many people think that as long as they feel this emotion, everything will fall into into place. But love does not automatically solve differences in communication, personal values, long term goals know how to deal with, let's just say moods, challenges, illnesses. What really sustains a marriage is commitment. So shacking up is not commitment. And that's why those breakups are not only more than marriages. If you shack up your chance of divorcing after a marriage goes up. It's not a commitment mentality. You women are silly when you settle for that. You guys, I understand you want to keep your safe edge financially and everything else, right? I get it. What sustains a marriage is commitment and the willingness to adapt. Love is part of, I don't know, the spark, but it's the daily choices of what you're going to do and say that make a difference. Another big misconception about marriage is that really a good match means no argument, nonsense, conflict inevitable. It's essential. Sometimes the absence of conflict likely means that important issues are being swept under the carpet. It's how people choose to handle the disagreements. Healthy conflict can bring people closer together by opening the door to deep, meaningful conversations, not wars. If it turns into emotional and verbal fisticuffs, that's not a healthy communication. Talking it out is a healthy communication. Don't blame, don't stonewall and cut the personal attacks.
[05:16]
CBS / TV Commercial Announcer
Two iconic soap operas collide in a high stakes showdown. Beyond the Gates and Young and the Restless come together for a must see CBS crossover event. The drama reaches new heights as powerful families, long held secrets and unexpected alliances collide. Packed with love and betrayal, this crossover event changes everything. Don't miss the beyond the Gates and Young and the Restless crossover event all this week on CBS and streaming on Paramount.
[05:42]
Podcast Host / Narrator
Plus, as people age, it's normal to
[05:47]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
ask what more they could be doing
[05:49]
Podcast Host / Narrator
to take care of their health. It's important to be proactive, especially when it comes to your brain health. Don't wait for something to feel off before taking action. Make your next checkup count. Ask your doctor about your risk factors for dementia and a cognitive assessment. Visit brainhealthmatters.com for more information and resources provided by Lily.
[06:15]
VRBO Commercial Announcer
You know what they say. Early bird gets the ultimate vacation home. Book early and save over $120 with VRBO because early gets you closer to the action, whether it's waves lapping at the shore or snoozing in a hammock that overlooks. Well, whatever you want it to so you can all enjoy the payoff come summer with Vrbo's early booking deals. Rise and shine. Average savings $141 select homes only confidence.
[06:46]
CBS / TV Commercial Announcer
It's listening to your gut. It's moving forward, even when the path ahead is unclear. For nearly 160 years, Pacific Life has helped people keep their promises, building confidence for generations. Whether you're confident in your financial future or just beginning to envision it, we're here to help. Ask a financial professional how. Pacific Life the Power of a Promise Pacific Life Insurance Company, Omaha, Nebraska. And in New York, Pacific Life and Annuity, Phoenix, Arizona.
[07:13]
Podcast Host / Narrator
Here's some common sense advice. Your body needs support to function properly, including your vaginal health. And that includes maintaining a healthy PH balance. New Azo Vaginal Probiotic Mini choose helps keep that healthy bacterial balance, and that helps keep yeast and odor in check. It's great tasting, easy to take, and no pill means no water. That makes it simple to add to your daily routine. And simplicity is how good habits stick. Visit azoproducts.com for product details, usage instructions and safety information.
[07:57]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Number three. If you're in a marriage, your spouse will be your everything. Your best friend, your emotional support system, your cheerleader, your problem solver. Yeah, no. Nobody can do all that. Nobody can do all that. If you call me, I'm in a better position to do that. But your spouse is not going to be able to do all that. It's natural to lean on each other. To expect a person to fulfill all your needs is stupid, dumb, dangerous, destructive. And now I'll be nice. Unrealistic. Unrealistic. Everybody's a person. They're an individual. Everybody has a self outside of the marriage. Everybody can't be everything. I've told women he is not your girlfriend. You know the difference? Your whole life about talking to your mom and talking to your dad. Come on, don't act like you just learned this. Dad's going to solve the problem. Mom's going to sit there and lick your face. Okay,
[09:14]
Podcast Host / Narrator
Number four.
[09:15]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Many couples don't imagine that a marriage takes work. And once the so called honeymoon time is over, oh my gosh, things aren't working. We're not as horny on Thursdays. We ate the wrong food and now we're sick for five days. You know, Come on. Life has responsibilities. Work, kids, money, health. That's when the relationship shifts a little down. Got to be careful about that. So you need to, in a daily way, take care of your spouse in a daily. And it doesn't mean hours of things or big expenditures. Could be putting a cute note in her underwear drawer. Assuming she doesn't go commando. All right, anyway, sweet nothings I love you before going to work, something cup of coffee here, sweetie. Sweet, short tells each of you that the other one is thinking of you. I tell couples all the time the number one way to be married is to wake up every morning and before you pee or brush your teeth, unless you're desperate, look at your spouse. Just turn your head, look at your spouse and think, what can I do today to make him or her happy? They're alive, much less married to me. What thing can I do? Doesn't have to be big. Last but not least, I've gotten calls. Well, 25 years ago, he or she promised that da da da da da da. Come on, friends. You can't expect the person you marry at 25 to be the same person at 45. People evolve. Priorities shift. Like life's circumstances change. You got to embrace change instead of resisting it. So the most successful couples are the ones who adapt, grow together, while partners drift apart when they find new reasons to keep loving each other every day, it turns it around. Frankly, in spite of all the other things true love dash, commitment should be your priority, no matter what else is going on. Because frankly, just like buildings have foundations, when you're married, your life's foundation is the marriage.
[12:05]
Podcast Host / Narrator
My number 1-800-375-2872. If you like this podcast, be sure to rate it on Apple Podcasts or your favorite place to listen to my podcast.
[12:19]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Of course, I'd love if you gave me five stars.
[12:23]
Podcast Host / Narrator
And be sure to share this podcast
[12:25]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
with a friend on Facebook or your
[12:27]
Podcast Host / Narrator
preferred social media platform,
[12:31]
SiriusXM Triumph Announcer
SiriusXM Triumph is Life presenting you with challenges? Get real answers with Dr. Laurel. Call 1-800- Dr. Laura no nonsense advice
[12:41]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
about relationships, marriage, kids, tough love. It happened is not a phrase anybody uses when they take responsibility.
[12:48]
SiriusXM Triumph Announcer
Inspiration.
[12:48]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Every time you go to bed with a negative thought, you have to match
[12:51]
Podcast Host / Narrator
it up with a positive one.
[12:52]
SiriusXM Triumph Announcer
That's your new rule, Dr. Laura weekdays at 2pm east on SiriusXM Triumph 123 and on the SiriusXM app.
[13:00]
Podcast Host / Narrator
As people age, it's normal to ask
[13:03]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
what more they could be doing to
[13:05]
Podcast Host / Narrator
take care of their health. It's important to be proactive, especially when it comes to your brain health. Don't wait for something to feel off before taking action. Make your next checkup count. Ask your doctor about your risk factors for dementia and a cognitive assessment. Visit brainhealthmatters.com for more information and resources provided by Lily.
[13:30]
SiriusXM Triumph Announcer
Ever walk past a place for rent and wish you could just take a peek inside? Maybe even explore the layout. Envision the natural light streaming through the windows, or plan where your vinyl record collection would go. At apartments.com you can with tools like their 3D virtual tours, you can see the exact unit you could be living in. Really envision yourself in your new home. With apartments.com, the place to find a place.

Summary4 min read

Podcast Summary: The Dr. Laura Podcast

Episode: Truths About Marriage Most People Learn Too Late

Date: June 9, 2026
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Platform: SiriusXM, DrLaura.com, Podcast apps

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Laura Schlessinger unpacks the hard truths about marriage that many couples realize only after years of experience—or after facing challenges. Drawing from Mark Travers’ March 2025 article, personal experience, and wisdom gleaned from countless callers, Dr. Laura offers direct, no-nonsense advice aimed at helping both current and future spouses approach marriage with maturity, realism, and commitment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Love Is Not Enough

Timestamp: 01:43
Dr. Laura emphasizes that love, as people often describe it, is not sufficient for a lasting marriage.
Love is more than fleeting feelings: “Love is a bunch of adoration, respect, admiration... and that doesn't come and go.” (Dr. Laura, 02:30)
What sustains a marriage is commitment and the daily willingness to adapt and care for each other.

Notable Quote

“Shacking up is not commitment… What sustains a marriage is commitment and the willingness to adapt.”
— Dr. Laura (03:15)

2. Healthy Conflict Is Essential

Timestamp: 04:30
A common misconception: “A good match means no arguments.”
Dr. Laura debunks this: Conflict is inevitable and even necessary. Avoiding disagreements often means underlying issues are being ignored.
Healthy conflict allows couples to have deep, meaningful conversations that can bring them closer—provided the interaction stays respectful.

Notable Quote

“It’s how people choose to handle the disagreements. Healthy conflict can bring people closer together... Not wars.”
— Dr. Laura (04:50)

3. Your Spouse Can’t Be Your Everything

Timestamp: 07:57
Expecting your spouse to fill every role—best friend, therapist, cheerleader—is unrealistic and potentially destructive.
Dr. Laura notes the importance of individual identity and external support systems:

“To expect a person to fulfill all your needs is stupid, dumb, dangerous, destructive... and now I'll be nice. Unrealistic.”
— Dr. Laura (08:14)

She humorously distinguishes between the different types of support received from moms and dads, as an analogy for why spouses can’t be all things.

4. Marriage Takes Daily Work

Timestamp: 09:15
After the honeymoon phase, real life (work, kids, health) sets in, and maintaining the relationship becomes less effortless.
Dr. Laura advises daily acts of kindness—simple gestures, notes, verbal affirmations—to keep the bond strong.
She gives practical advice:

“The number one way to be married is to wake up every morning and before you pee or brush your teeth... look at your spouse and think, ‘What can I do today to make him or her happy?’”
— Dr. Laura (10:45)

5. People Change—Embrace Growth

Timestamp: 11:20
Dr. Laura warns against holding spouses to promises or traits from decades earlier.
Change is inevitable; adapting together is key to longevity.
The most successful couples “find new reasons to keep loving each other every day.”

Notable Quote

“You can’t expect the person you marry at 25 to be the same person at 45. People evolve. Priorities shift... The most successful couples are the ones who adapt, grow together.”
— Dr. Laura (11:35)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

“Shacking up... your chance of divorcing after a marriage goes up. It's not a commitment mentality.”
(03:10)
"Don't blame, don't stonewall and cut the personal attacks."
(05:00)
“He is not your girlfriend... your whole life about talking to your mom and talking to your dad. Don't act like you just learned this.”
(08:27)

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps)

01:43 - 05:15: Dr. Laura discusses the principal five truths about marriage, starting with "love is not enough," the need for commitment, and why shacking up doesn't count as such.
07:57 - 09:14: She breaks down the myth of the "all-in-one" spouse and underlines the importance of individual social support.
09:15 - 11:20: Practical advice on daily efforts to nurture a marriage, including the importance of intent and thoughtfulness.
11:20 - 12:05: The necessity of accepting and growing with changes in marriage—don’t cling to an old version of your spouse.

Tone and Language

Dr. Laura is candid, direct, and uses humor and analogies related to family and daily life. She balances tough love with practical suggestions, retaining a no-nonsense but caring tone throughout.

For listeners seeking grounded, actionable marriage advice, this episode is filled with Dr. Laura’s trademark blend of realism and encouragement.

Loading summary

Transcript28 lines

[00:00]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Ladies.
[00:01]
Podcast Host / Narrator
If you're in that phase where your body's just doing new things, sleep's weird, energy's weird, cravings also weird, you're not alone. It's totally normal. Menopause and perimenopause just means your body needs a little support. And sprouts makes that support easier so you can start feeling more like you. Tons of fresh organic produce for fiber, sprouts, protein and creatine to keep your muscles and bones strong and your energy up, and supplements that that can help you manage mood shifts. So whether it's perimenopause, menopause or any other health journey, it's easier at Sprouts Farmer's Market. Here's some common sense advice. Your body needs support to function properly, including your vaginal health, and that includes maintaining a healthy pH balance. New Azo Vaginal Probiotic Mini Chews helps keep that healthy bacterial balance, and that helps keep yeast and odor in check. It's great tasting, easy to take, and no pill means no water. That makes it simple to add to your daily routine. And simplicity is how good habits stick. Visit azoproducts.com for product details, usage instructions and safety information. Thank you for listening to my morning monologue brought to you by Golden Crest Metals, helping everyday investors protect what they've worked so hard to build by adding gold and silver to retirement portfolios. Learn more@goldencrestmetals.com Protect Remember, you can hear my radio program daily on Sirius XM Triumph and connect with me 24.7@drlaura.com all
[01:43]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
right, found a great article published March 23, 2025. Mark Travers he talks about five hard truths about marriage. Most people learn too late. That's why I like people to get premarital counseling with an expert in premarital counseling so that you don't learn the hard truths the hard way. You're prepared so you're not frustrated and angry and shocked and surprised and annoyed. You know how to face the truths and lies. Okay, so number one, and I've said this a zillion times, love is not enough. It isn't. That's a peculiar feeling that people describe in different ways and mostly don't understand it. It's not really a feeling that comes and goes. And if it's coming and going with you, then it's not love. Because love is a bunch of adoration, respect, admiration. And that doesn't excuse me, that doesn't come and go. All right? Many people think that as long as they feel this emotion, everything will fall into into place. But love does not automatically solve differences in communication, personal values, long term goals know how to deal with, let's just say moods, challenges, illnesses. What really sustains a marriage is commitment. So shacking up is not commitment. And that's why those breakups are not only more than marriages. If you shack up your chance of divorcing after a marriage goes up. It's not a commitment mentality. You women are silly when you settle for that. You guys, I understand you want to keep your safe edge financially and everything else, right? I get it. What sustains a marriage is commitment and the willingness to adapt. Love is part of, I don't know, the spark, but it's the daily choices of what you're going to do and say that make a difference. Another big misconception about marriage is that really a good match means no argument, nonsense, conflict inevitable. It's essential. Sometimes the absence of conflict likely means that important issues are being swept under the carpet. It's how people choose to handle the disagreements. Healthy conflict can bring people closer together by opening the door to deep, meaningful conversations, not wars. If it turns into emotional and verbal fisticuffs, that's not a healthy communication. Talking it out is a healthy communication. Don't blame, don't stonewall and cut the personal attacks.
[05:16]
CBS / TV Commercial Announcer
Two iconic soap operas collide in a high stakes showdown. Beyond the Gates and Young and the Restless come together for a must see CBS crossover event. The drama reaches new heights as powerful families, long held secrets and unexpected alliances collide. Packed with love and betrayal, this crossover event changes everything. Don't miss the beyond the Gates and Young and the Restless crossover event all this week on CBS and streaming on Paramount.
[05:42]
Podcast Host / Narrator
Plus, as people age, it's normal to
[05:47]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
ask what more they could be doing
[05:49]
Podcast Host / Narrator
to take care of their health. It's important to be proactive, especially when it comes to your brain health. Don't wait for something to feel off before taking action. Make your next checkup count. Ask your doctor about your risk factors for dementia and a cognitive assessment. Visit brainhealthmatters.com for more information and resources provided by Lily.
[06:15]
VRBO Commercial Announcer
You know what they say. Early bird gets the ultimate vacation home. Book early and save over $120 with VRBO because early gets you closer to the action, whether it's waves lapping at the shore or snoozing in a hammock that overlooks. Well, whatever you want it to so you can all enjoy the payoff come summer with Vrbo's early booking deals. Rise and shine. Average savings $141 select homes only confidence.
[06:46]
CBS / TV Commercial Announcer
It's listening to your gut. It's moving forward, even when the path ahead is unclear. For nearly 160 years, Pacific Life has helped people keep their promises, building confidence for generations. Whether you're confident in your financial future or just beginning to envision it, we're here to help. Ask a financial professional how. Pacific Life the Power of a Promise Pacific Life Insurance Company, Omaha, Nebraska. And in New York, Pacific Life and Annuity, Phoenix, Arizona.
[07:13]
Podcast Host / Narrator
Here's some common sense advice. Your body needs support to function properly, including your vaginal health. And that includes maintaining a healthy PH balance. New Azo Vaginal Probiotic Mini choose helps keep that healthy bacterial balance, and that helps keep yeast and odor in check. It's great tasting, easy to take, and no pill means no water. That makes it simple to add to your daily routine. And simplicity is how good habits stick. Visit azoproducts.com for product details, usage instructions and safety information.
[07:57]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Number three. If you're in a marriage, your spouse will be your everything. Your best friend, your emotional support system, your cheerleader, your problem solver. Yeah, no. Nobody can do all that. Nobody can do all that. If you call me, I'm in a better position to do that. But your spouse is not going to be able to do all that. It's natural to lean on each other. To expect a person to fulfill all your needs is stupid, dumb, dangerous, destructive. And now I'll be nice. Unrealistic. Unrealistic. Everybody's a person. They're an individual. Everybody has a self outside of the marriage. Everybody can't be everything. I've told women he is not your girlfriend. You know the difference? Your whole life about talking to your mom and talking to your dad. Come on, don't act like you just learned this. Dad's going to solve the problem. Mom's going to sit there and lick your face. Okay,
[09:14]
Podcast Host / Narrator
Number four.
[09:15]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Many couples don't imagine that a marriage takes work. And once the so called honeymoon time is over, oh my gosh, things aren't working. We're not as horny on Thursdays. We ate the wrong food and now we're sick for five days. You know, Come on. Life has responsibilities. Work, kids, money, health. That's when the relationship shifts a little down. Got to be careful about that. So you need to, in a daily way, take care of your spouse in a daily. And it doesn't mean hours of things or big expenditures. Could be putting a cute note in her underwear drawer. Assuming she doesn't go commando. All right, anyway, sweet nothings I love you before going to work, something cup of coffee here, sweetie. Sweet, short tells each of you that the other one is thinking of you. I tell couples all the time the number one way to be married is to wake up every morning and before you pee or brush your teeth, unless you're desperate, look at your spouse. Just turn your head, look at your spouse and think, what can I do today to make him or her happy? They're alive, much less married to me. What thing can I do? Doesn't have to be big. Last but not least, I've gotten calls. Well, 25 years ago, he or she promised that da da da da da da. Come on, friends. You can't expect the person you marry at 25 to be the same person at 45. People evolve. Priorities shift. Like life's circumstances change. You got to embrace change instead of resisting it. So the most successful couples are the ones who adapt, grow together, while partners drift apart when they find new reasons to keep loving each other every day, it turns it around. Frankly, in spite of all the other things true love dash, commitment should be your priority, no matter what else is going on. Because frankly, just like buildings have foundations, when you're married, your life's foundation is the marriage.
[12:05]
Podcast Host / Narrator
My number 1-800-375-2872. If you like this podcast, be sure to rate it on Apple Podcasts or your favorite place to listen to my podcast.
[12:19]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Of course, I'd love if you gave me five stars.
[12:23]
Podcast Host / Narrator
And be sure to share this podcast
[12:25]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
with a friend on Facebook or your
[12:27]
Podcast Host / Narrator
preferred social media platform,
[12:31]
SiriusXM Triumph Announcer
SiriusXM Triumph is Life presenting you with challenges? Get real answers with Dr. Laurel. Call 1-800- Dr. Laura no nonsense advice
[12:41]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
about relationships, marriage, kids, tough love. It happened is not a phrase anybody uses when they take responsibility.
[12:48]
SiriusXM Triumph Announcer
Inspiration.
[12:48]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Every time you go to bed with a negative thought, you have to match
[12:51]
Podcast Host / Narrator
it up with a positive one.
[12:52]
SiriusXM Triumph Announcer
That's your new rule, Dr. Laura weekdays at 2pm east on SiriusXM Triumph 123 and on the SiriusXM app.
[13:00]
Podcast Host / Narrator
As people age, it's normal to ask
[13:03]
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
what more they could be doing to
[13:05]
Podcast Host / Narrator
take care of their health. It's important to be proactive, especially when it comes to your brain health. Don't wait for something to feel off before taking action. Make your next checkup count. Ask your doctor about your risk factors for dementia and a cognitive assessment. Visit brainhealthmatters.com for more information and resources provided by Lily.
[13:30]
SiriusXM Triumph Announcer
Ever walk past a place for rent and wish you could just take a peek inside? Maybe even explore the layout. Envision the natural light streaming through the windows, or plan where your vinyl record collection would go. At apartments.com you can with tools like their 3D virtual tours, you can see the exact unit you could be living in. Really envision yourself in your new home. With apartments.com, the place to find a place.