Mother By Day, Madam By Night: Daughter Says Mom Lived A Double Life

Emily says that growing up, her family looked normal from the outside when they were anything but. She says that’s because her mother, Linda, was living a double life. “I didn’t know at the time my mom was running a massage parlor. She was a madam,” says Emily. Linda acknowledges living a double life, but insists she never brought her business home. “That was separate and secretive,” she says. Then, after 20 years, Linda’s secret life was exposed. “When I lost everything – the business, my family – I just couldn’t take it anymore.” “My mom didn’t go to jail for prostitution, but she did get into drugs,” says Emily, noting that she was left to pick up the pieces. Emily says her life has been dedicated to taking care of her mother for years. She says she has nothing left to give, “yet I still never say ‘no’ to her.” Can Dr. Phil help Emily learn how to set boundaries with Linda? This episode, ‘“My Mother The Ex-Madam,’” airs Wednesday. Check your local listing to find out where to watch. Read more about Linda and Emily’s story in “Fallen Woman The True Story of Linda May Spencer: Madam, Maven, Mother,” Available wherever books are sold. WATCH: ‘Mom Would Have A 5 And 7-Year-Old In The Car To Buy Drugs And We Thought That Was Totally Normal’ TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Do you have a hopeless mother or daughter conflict?