Why the Lack of Human Instincts Becomes a Problem

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dr. Laura Podcast
Episode: Why the Lack of Human Instincts Becomes a Problem
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Date: May 15, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode of The Dr. Laura Podcast explores the consequences of humans lacking strong primal instincts when it comes to parenting, relationships, and personal growth. Dr. Laura reads and reflects on listener correspondence about the natural behaviors observed in animals—particularly the use of sound to soothe babies and the methods birds use to encourage fledging. She draws parallels to human behavior, emphasizing the wisdom found in nature and how modern humans sometimes lose touch with these instinctual cues, often to their own detriment.

---

Key Discussion Points

The Power and Universality of “Shhh” (01:05–04:47)

• Listener Email Highlight: Dr. Laura reads an email from a listener who took anthropology in the 1980s. The email explains that the universal “shhh…” mothers use to quiet babies is primal—used by mothers across cultures, including remote tribes in Papua New Guinea.
  • “Sh is primal and universal. Mothers in the deepest, darkest tribes in Papua New Guinea use shh to quiet their babies, just as we do here in the West… It mimics the sound of blood rushing through the abdominal aorta in utero.” (Listener email, read at 02:10)
• Scientific Insight: The calming effect of “shhh” is believed to come from its mimicry of the intrauterine experience, soothing infants by reproducing the sound of blood flow that they heard before birth.
• Personal Anecdote: Dr. Laura recalls attending a screening of Mad Max while very pregnant. The movie’s noise startled her baby in utero, reinforcing the idea that babies respond directly to sounds and stimuli even before birth.
  • “I had to leave because the baby in utero was not hearing shh, shh, shh, but was hearing bang, slam. And he started flipping around, and I thought he was just going to, like, alien leap out of my body.” (Dr. Laura, 03:30)

---

Instinctive Parenting in the Animal Kingdom (04:47–10:30)

• Birds and Boundaries: The listener’s email continues with a description of how eagles build nests with inward-pointing sticks. As eaglets grow heavier and feathers compress, the sticks begin poking the young birds, motivating them to leave the nest at the correct time.
  • “Eagles go one step further. They build their nests with the sticks pointing inwards and then feather the nest. As the eaglets grow and get heavier, the sticks poke them more and more.” (Listener, read at 05:55)
• Parenting Metaphor: Dr. Laura draws a direct parallel to human parenting:
  • “The wisdom an eagle has that most human mothers don’t have: make home uncomfortable when they’re 18, okay? This encourages the chicks to leave the nest when appropriate.” (Dr. Laura, 08:40)
• Lack of Human Instincts: Dr. Laura laments that humans often override or ignore instinctual cues, enabling dependents to linger in comfort long after it’s appropriate, which can lead to stunted growth and delayed independence.
  • “That’s what’s wrong. Human beings don’t have enough instinct. That’s a problem. The birds run on instinct.” (Dr. Laura, 09:25)
  • “You should do that for your errant child who is 34.” (Dr. Laura, 09:55)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Shh. It’s often repeated. Sh, sh, sh. And rhythmic. It’s thought that the sound quiets babies because it mimics the sound of blood rushing through the abdominal aorta when they’re in utero.” (Listener, read at 02:15)
• “I know that’s true because … the baby in utero was not hearing shh, shh, shh, but was hearing bang, slam. And he started flipping around, and I thought he was just going to, like, alien leap out of my body.” (Dr. Laura, 03:35)
• “Eagles … build a nest, they put pokey things in there and then feathers. Now, when the eaglets come out of the eggs, they don’t weigh anything, so they just rest on top of the feathers. And then … the pokey stuff hurts.” (Dr. Laura, 08:50)
• “That’s what’s wrong. Human beings don’t have enough instinct. That’s a problem. The birds run on instinct.” (Dr. Laura, 09:25)
• “You should do that for your errant child who is 34.” (Dr. Laura, 09:55)

---

Important Timestamps

• 01:05 – Dr. Laura introduces the topic with a listener’s anthropology-inspired email about the “shh” sound.
• 02:15 – Explanation of how “shh” calms babies by mimicking in-utero sounds.
• 03:30 – Dr. Laura’s personal story about experiencing loud noise while pregnant.
• 05:55 – Description of eagle nesting habits and how they encourage fledging.
• 08:35 – Dr. Laura extends the eagle metaphor to human parenting.
• 09:25 – Reflection on the problem of lacking instinct in human social and familial behavior.

---

Tone & Style

Dr. Laura’s tone throughout is warm, humorous, and slightly exasperated when discussing modern parenting practices. There is a clear affection for science and instinctual wisdom, a love of drawing lessons from nature, and a practical, sometimes blunt, approach to life’s challenges. She gently chides parents for coddling adult children, urging them to learn from the animal kingdom’s direct approach.

---

Conclusion

This episode uses scientific anecdotes, personal stories, and animal metaphors to explore the theme that a lack of human instinct, especially in parenting, can lead to problems—namely, a failure to encourage independence at crucial turning points. Dr. Laura encourages listeners to appreciate natural wisdom and to apply it in their daily lives, especially when it comes to caring for children and letting them grow into self-sufficient adults.

Transcript

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

As people age, it's normal to ask what more they could be doing 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 Lilly the day begins at

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Advertiser]

the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the club at Boston Logan Airport. You get the clam chowder in San Diego. It's Tostadas New York Espresso Martini. It's 10am why not? It's the quiet before your next flight, the shower that resets your day, the menu that lets you know where you are. This is access to over 1300 airport lounges and every Sapphire Lounge by the club and one card that gets you in Chase Sapphire Reserve now even more rewarding.

Learn [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase bank and a member FDIC subject to credit approval.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

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 [e-mail] Protect Remember, you can hear my radio program daily on Sirius XM Triumph and connect with me 24 [e-mail] okay, listen to this. I just broke it. Remember that? Well, it's not screwed in, it's sort of just plugged in. And remember, woo hoo. Woo hoo. Woo hoo. Woo hoo. And I commented the other day that I didn't understand why people would say, oh, there's a lag. I had to listen to you bang 10 times. Oh, there's a lag in hearing this. And that's why you have to say woohoo.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Advertiser]

Woohoo.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Woohoo. Woo hoo. But I made the point quite accurately that when I go shh, the person stops talking instantly. Trust me, the lag Nonsense is nonsense, okay? However, one of you, a very bright person who took anthropology classes in the 80s, has the answer. And when I read it to you, you're going to be amazed. I was amazed at how sort of gently obvious it is. So here it goes. Good morning, Dr. Laura. I wanted to share with you something I learned way back in an anthropology course in the 80s. Okay, this is like almost 50 years ago, 40 something years ago. Sh is primal and universal. Mothers in the deepest, darkest tribes in Papua New guinea use Sh. To quiet their babies, just as we do here in the West. Sh. It's often repeated. Sh, sh, sh. And rhythmic. It's thought that the sound quiets babies because it mimics the sound of blood rushing through the abdominal aorta when they're in utero. And I'm sitting here reading this going, damn, that is so accurate. Shh, shh, shh. The pumping of the blood, that's what the baby's hearing, and it's calming. I know that's true because I was very, very, very pregnant and dumb enough to go see Mad Max, my husband at that time, he was alive. I don't know how else to say that. It's been so long. I am relaxed about it now. Said mad Max got good reviews. We should go see Mad Max. Okay. I had to leave because the baby in utero was not hearing shh, shh, shh. But was hearing bang, slam. And he started flipping around, and I thought he was just going to, like, alien leap out of my body. So I left the theater. I said, you know, they know what's going on. They hear it, they feel it. I have a reaction to it. Therefore, the hormones change the blood pressure. Not good to see a movie like that. No, but this is so good. Mimics the sound of blood rushing through the abdominal aorta and utero. Also, you frequently mention mother birds not bringing their babies back to the nest. Eagles go one step further. They build their nests with the sticks pointing inwards and then feather the nest. As the eaglets grow and get heavier, the sticks poke them more and more. I am so loving this. If you guys have more stories about all of this kind of stuff, please send them to me. I love science, okay? Especially when it pertains to what I do with here. This episode of the Dr. Laura podcast is brought to you by Alloy Health. Use the promo code DRLAURA for $20 off your first order at myalloy.com Many marriages hit the rocks when a woman's hormones start getting out of whack. Brain fog, sleep issues, changes in hair, skin, and sex drive are all connected to your hormones. Join the 95% of women who feel better in just two weeks. Go to myalloid.com, use the code DRLAURA today.

[Tremphya Advertiser]

For adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis symptoms, every choice matters. Tremphya offers self injection or intravenous infusion. From the start. Tremphya is administered as injections under the skin or infusions through a vein every four weeks, followed by injections under the skin every four or eight weeks. If your doctor decides that you can self inject tremphy, proper training is required. Tremphya is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease and adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Serious allergic reactions, increased risk of infections or lower ability to fight them, and liver problems may occur before treatment. Get checked for infections and tuberculosis. Tell your doctor if you have an infection, flu like symptoms or need a vaccine. Explore what's possible. Ask your doctor about tremphya today. Call 1-800-526-7736 to learn more or visit

[Amazon Health AI Advertiser]

tremphyaradio.com Amazon Health AI presents Painful Thoughts

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

I I can't stop scratching my downtown. Yeah, but I'm not itching to go downtown and tell a receptionist I'm here to talk about my downtown. Some things you'd rather type than and say out loud.

[Amazon Health AI Advertiser]

There's no question too embarrassing For Amazon

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Health AI chat your symptoms and get virtual care 24. 7 Healthcare just got less painful.

[Hershey's Advertiser]

One crunchy bite of a Hershey's cookies and cream bar and I'm taking right back to college. Move in day I was a little overwhelmed by the newness of it all. Boxes were everywhere. I needed a break from unpacking. But just as I was able to take a breath and open my Hershey's Cookies again cream bar, my new roommate Rachel walked in. I offered her a piece, but she said no. Then after a beat, she said, actually,

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Advertiser]

those are my favorite ones.

[Hershey's Advertiser]

We left, the ice was broken and we've been friends ever since.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Hershey's. It's your happy place.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Advertiser]

This is the Chase Sapphire Lounge of Boston. Logan, you got clam chowder in New York, dirty martini over 1300 airport lounges and one card that gets you in Chase Sapphire Reserve now even more rewarding.

Learn [e-mail] SapphireReserve cards issued by JP Morgan, Chase bank and a member FDIC subject to credit approval.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

The sticks pointing inwards. As the eaglets grow and get heavier, the sticks poke them more and more. The wisdom an eagle has that most human mothers don't have make home uncomfortable when they're 18. Okay? This encourages the chicks to leave the nest when appropriate. I thought you'd find that interesting. I always enjoy your program. Thank you. Tina M. Well, Tina M. Send more stuff like this. This is fascinating and I can use this a year from now. Some mother who is. Oh but you know, I just, I feel I have to take, you know, they're not ready. Okay, let me tell you about eagles. They build a nest, they put pokey things in there and then feathers. Now, when the eaglets come out of the eggs, they don't weigh anything, so they just rest on top of the feathers. And then mommy and daddy eagles feed them so they get fatter, bigger, heavier, and then the pokey stuff hurts. And it's all timed by nature somehow, which is amazing. That's what's wrong. Human beings don't have enough instinct. That's a problem. The birds run on instinct. They know how many pokey things, how many feathers, how thick the feathers should be. So at just the right time, when the eaglets, yes, can fly, they're the hell out of there. Because it hurts, it's uncomfortable. You should do that for your errant child who is 34. I'm going to love telling that story. And now I don't think I'm ready to retire. Woohoo. Woohoo. I don't think I'm ready to retire. It. It's been way too much fun. But from time to time I'll just do shh. Because it gets instant, instant reaction. Thank you, Tina. You so made my morning. Okay, let's get to you. 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. Of course, I'd love if you gave me five stars. And be sure to share this podcast with a friend on Facebook or your preferred social media platform,

[Amazon Health AI Advertiser]

SiriusXM. Triumph is life presenting you with challenges? Get real answers with Dr. Laurel. Call 1-800- Dr. Laura.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

No nonsense advice about relationships, marriage, kids, tough love. It happened is not a phrase anybody uses when they take responsibility.

[Amazon Health AI Advertiser]

Inspiration.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Every time you go to bed with a negative thought, you have to match it up with a positive one.

[Amazon Health AI Advertiser]

That's your new rule, Dr. Laura. Weekdays at 2pm east on Sirius XM Triumph 123 and on the Sirius XM app.

[Trimfya Advertiser]

Did you know about one in three people with plaque psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Does this sound like you? Listen to what it sounds like to be a million miles away. Trimfya Gusoquimab, taken by injection, is a prescription medicine for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections or pills or phototherapy. And for adults with active psoriatic arthritis, serious allergic reactions and increased risk of infections and liver problems may occur before treatment. Your doctor should check you for infections and tuberculosis. Tell your doctor if you have an infection, flu like symptoms or if you need a vaccine. Imagine being a million miles away. Explore what's possible. Ask your doctor about Trimfire. Tap this ad to learn more about Trimfire, including important safety information.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Advertiser]

This is the exclusive table with the view. This is your name on the list. This is three times points on dining with Chase Sapphire reserve and a $300 dining credit chase Sapphire Reserve now even more rewarding.

Learn [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan, Chase bank and a member FDIC, subject to credit approval.