Rerelease: Dax's Mom (Laura Labo)
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Deep Dive
Why did Laura LeBeau choose to be interviewed on the Armchair Expert?
Many people on the streets and on social media had requested to hear her story. She is also very close to her son Dax and wanted to share her experiences.
Why did Laura feel obligated to help her younger brothers?
She was the third eldest of six siblings and her mother needed her help, which limited her social activities in junior high and high school.
Why did Laura set her mobile home on fire with her baby inside?
She was not actually setting the mobile home on fire. The situation was that her husband Greg was abusive, and one evening he was passed out drunk while the house was on fire, and she had to get the kids out and put out the fire.
Why did Laura feel so strongly about not wanting to be a secretary?
She found the idea of being a secretary boring and felt it was a dead-end job. She wanted to pursue more exciting and meaningful work.
Why did Laura feel so ashamed about her multiple marriages?
She was raised in a super duper Catholic environment where divorce was considered sinful and a disappointment. She felt a lot of shame about her choices and their impact on her children.
Why did Laura attempt suicide again after retiring?
She was triggered by a comment that brought back memories of sexual abuse as a child, leading to severe depression. Despite her successful life, she felt suffocating and overwhelmed.
Why did Laura decide to build her own house?
She was inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s idea that building your own house is as fitting and proper as a bird building a nest. She also wanted to prove to herself that she could do it.
Why did Laura choose Dave Barton over her other relationships?
Dave Barton was different from her previous partners. He was supportive, honest, and provided a stable, loving environment. This was a significant change from the chaotic and abusive relationships she had before.
Why did Laura feel so lonely and depressed during her relationship with the first stepdad?
The stepdad was mentally abusive, often criticizing her and creating a hostile environment. Laura also felt isolated and overwhelmed, leading to a deep depression.
Why did Laura feel so grateful for the experience of losing Dave Barton?
Despite the pain, the experience of dealing with his illness and death brought her and Dave closer, fostering a deep, intimate bond. She feels this closeness and the lessons learned are valuable and worth being grateful for.
- Dax's deep love for his mother
- Laura's life as a single mother of five
- Laura's struggles with depression
- The impact of Laura's honesty and bravery on Dax's life
Shownotes Transcript