When Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the sex counselor better known as Dr. Ruth, died on Friday at 96, she was remembered largely for her intelligent, candid and humorous views on taboo subjects.

Her radio show, “Sexually Speaking,” premiered on WYNY in 1980 and provided a springboard for decades of call-in shows, a column in Playgirl magazine, guidebooks on sexuality and even a board game.

The risqué subject matter, which was at its time revolutionary for the talk-show format, could be blunted by her frank responses and maternal tone.

On the “Late Show” with David Letterman in 1982, Dr. Westheimer told the host that she took phone calls on the air. About what? Mr. Letterman asked.

“About 20 phone calls,” she said, before Mr. Letterman steered her toward what he was driving at.

A beat, then a realization.