Dr. Laura Schlessinger is 79 years old.
Yep, you read that right. Born on January 16, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, the woman who basically invented the "no-nonsense" advice genre has officially entered her late seventies. Honestly, it’s kinda wild when you think about the sheer volume of calls she’s taken over the last five decades. While most people her age are deep into a quiet retirement, Dr. Laura is still behind the mic, firing off sharp-tongued corrections to callers who are "shacking up" or failing their kids.
How Old Is Dr Laura and Why Does Everyone Still Care?
Most people asking about her age are trying to figure out how she still has the energy to do a daily show on SiriusXM. She’s been a fixture of American culture since the mid-70s. That’s a long time to stay relevant. To put it in perspective: when she started her radio career in 1975 at KABC, the disco era was just hitting its stride.
She isn't just "old school"—she’s the original blueprint for the tough-love therapist.
The Numbers Behind the Name
If you’re doing the math, here is the breakdown of her timeline:
👉 See also: Martha Stewart Young Modeling: What Most People Get Wrong
- Born: January 16, 1947.
- Current Age (as of 2026): 79.
- Radio Career Duration: Over 50 years.
- Ph.D. Earned: 1974 from Columbia University.
It’s easy to get confused because she looks and sounds remarkably similar to how she did twenty years ago. Part of that is likely her lifestyle. She’s famous for being a black belt in martial arts and having a pretty disciplined personal life. You don't get to 79 with that kind of vocal stamina without taking care of yourself.
From Physiology to Philanthropy
People often forget that Dr. Laura didn't start out as a "radio doctor." Her degree is actually a Ph.D. in Physiology from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. She later got her certification in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from USC, but that "Dr." in front of her name comes from the hard sciences.
She spent twelve years in private practice before the media world swallowed her up.
By the late 90s, she was pulling in millions of listeners. She was the first woman to win the Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year. But then, things got messy. There was the short-lived TV show in 2000 that got tanked by protests, and the infamous 2010 N-word controversy that led her to leave terrestrial radio for satellite.
✨ Don't miss: Ethan Slater and Frankie Grande: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Most people thought that was the end. It wasn't.
Where is she now?
She’s currently on SiriusXM’s Triumph Channel 111.
She’s also built a massive digital footprint. We’re talking over 100 million downloads for her "Call of the Day" podcast. She’s also a big-time glass artist and jeweler. She runs an online boutique called Dr. Laura Designs, where she sells handmade pieces to raise money for veterans through the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.
The Advice That Defined a Generation
Whether you love her or think she’s way too harsh, you can’t deny her influence. She basically told a generation of women to "stop being stupid" with her 1994 bestseller, Ten Stupid Things Women Do to Mess Up Their Lives. She’s written 13 New York Times bestsellers in total.
Her core philosophy hasn't changed much even as she’s aged. It’s always been about personal responsibility. She doesn't do "how does that make you feel?" therapy. She does "this is why you’re wrong and here’s how to fix it" coaching.
🔗 Read more: Leonardo DiCaprio Met Gala: What Really Happened with His Secret Debut
- Family First: She famously calls herself "her kid's mom" and advocates for stay-at-home parenting.
- Marriage: She’s big on the "proper care and feeding" of husbands (yes, she has a book with that exact title).
- Ethics: She leans heavily into traditional morality, often referencing her Jewish faith.
Why Her Age Matters for the Future of Radio
At 79, Dr. Laura represents the "old guard" of media that survived the transition from FM/AM to the internet. She didn't get "canceled" in the way people expected; she just moved to a platform where she could say whatever she wanted.
She’s basically the human equivalent of a legacy software system that still runs the whole office—older, maybe a bit rigid, but incredibly efficient at what it does.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Critics
If you're following her career or just curious about her longevity, here’s what you should know:
- Check the Podcast: If you don't have SiriusXM, the "Call of the Day" is the best way to see if her style still resonates with you. It’s short, punchy, and gives you a clear idea of her current headspace.
- Look Beyond the Radio: Her work with veterans' charities is actually a huge part of her daily life now. If you want to see a different side of her, check out her glass art.
- Expect More Books: She doesn't seem to be slowing down on the publishing front. Given her age and experience, she’s likely moved into a "legacy" phase of writing.
Honestly, 79 looks pretty active on her. While many of her contemporaries have faded into the background or retired to Florida, she’s still arguing with people about their life choices. Love her or hate her, that kind of consistency is rare.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into her current work, her official website remains the hub for her blog, her jewelry, and her show archives. She’s proof that in the world of media, if you have a loyal enough audience, age really is just a number.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to catch her live, tune in to SiriusXM Channel 111 during the weekdays. If you're more interested in her history, her older books like The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands are still widely available and give a clear look into the philosophy that made her famous—and controversial—in the first place.