logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
1h 1m

Ep 292 The Life-Changing Realization Tha...

Leslie M. Thornton
About this episode

Are you tired of feeling stuck—emotionally, physically, or in your relationship with food and your body? Do you sense that procrastination or self-doubt is holding you back from living the life you really want? What if the key to moving forward isn’t just another diet or goal, but a deeper decision about who you’re willing to be—for yourself?

In this episode, we’re joined by Cris Duvall, a dental hygienist, patient-health advocate, and wellness coach who knows firsthand the toll that being stuck can take. She opens up about how procrastination once froze her in place, slowly chipping away at her self-esteem, her health, and her relationships. Like many of us, Cris tried to push through on her own—until she realized that healing starts when we tell ourselves the truth and ask for help. She reflects on the ways we often look outside ourselves for answers, when the real power comes from becoming what she calls an “internal sorter”—someone who trusts their own voice again. Through her story, you'll hear how she moved from survival mode to what she now calls living on the “fun bus,” surrounded by people who support her joy, growth, and truth.

Cris’s journey is a powerful reminder that transformation begins with a single choice: to be fully present for your own life. By putting herself first, not out of selfishness but out of self-respect, she found new energy, purpose, and connection. Whether it's health, relationships, or simply feeling alive again, her story offers a path forward for anyone ready to stop settling and start showing up. If you've been wondering when it's time to change—this might be your moment. Let Chris inspire you to finally invest in yourself, and make decisions that honor who you are and who you’re becoming.

“After that breakthrough session, I am much more calm and at peace with what I get to do over here as opposed to what I was feeling like I'm going to be disappointing God or disappointing somebody if I decide to do something else with my life. And so now it's much easier to combine and enjoy my life and to be free of those inner struggles. So it was very powerful for me.” - Cris Duval

What you will learn from this episode:

04:09 - Breaking free from procrastination and negative self-talk leading to healing, freedom, and overcoming emotional eating

07:57 - A near-death experience and profound personal loss helped shape her lifelong mission to save lives and foster health, values, and meaningful connections.

15:25 - How facing the long-term consequences of poor health choices has deepened her belief in living intentionally and prioritizing well-being now

19:53 - Sharing how breaking free from food-related suffering allows people to rediscover their true purpose, potential, and inner voice

26:11 - What made her seek Leslie's coaching

28:58 - A turning point that freed her from judging others and empowered her to create a more purposeful and positive life

33:49 - How these three dynamics in her life created a desire to have an inner peace

37:02 - The most important highlight in her breakthrough session

40:47 - Talking about the conscious versus the unconscious mind

43:48 - The cost of being stuck

45:30 - Emphasizing the importance of seeking counsel only from those committed to telling the truth, not just what you want to hear

50:00 - Sharing about her 'Fun Bus' philosophy and  a heartwarming story about meeting Mel Robbins

56:19 - Cris' words of encouragement and wisdom

Connect with Cris Duval:

Valuable Resources:

Connect With Leslie Thornton:

If you enjoy the podcast, Would you please consider leaving a quick review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes in under 60 seconds? It brightens our day and helps us bring you incredible guests for top-notch content. Plus, I cherish reading every review! Click here to make a difference!





Up next
Oct 6
Ep 318 Why food noise exists
✨ Episode Description In this eye-opening episode, Leslie M. Thornton breaks down the true meaning of “food noise” — and why traditional dieting or mindset hacks don’t work long-term. She reveals how the mind’s constant chatter around food, body image, and control is actually a m ... Show More
35m 58s
Sep 29
Ep 317 How to Stop the Food Noise in 90 Seconds and Find Inner Peace
✨ Episode Description In this continuation of our “Food Noise” series, Leslie Thornton dives deeper into how unresolved emotions and hidden patterns fuel obsessive thoughts about food. You’ll learn how relationship dynamics, emotional triggers, and unmet needs play a direct role ... Show More
34m 24s
Sep 22
Ep 316 Forgiving the Past to Create A New Future
Do you ever feel like you’re waiting for the “right moment” before making a change? You want to feel safe, certain, and fully confident before you take the leap. But that hesitation keeps you stuck in the same old cycle. The longer you wait, the heavier the doubt grows. Fear, res ... Show More
46m 36s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
How to Break Free From Your Past with Mel Robbins
In this episode, I'm thrilled to bring you an incredible conversation with the one and only Mel Robbins. Her life took a complete 180 on a Tuesday morning in February 2008, thanks to a simple yet powerful strategy she calls the "5 Second Rule." Trust me, you don’t want to miss th ... Show More
1h 12m
Nov 2023
EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS WITHIN YOU – How to become more self aware, break free from limiting beliefs and love yourself wholeheartedly with Rebecca Leigh
Ep 97. This week I have a fun, conversational episode for you that feels like a night of girl talk on the couch sprinkled with deep wisdom. Rebecca Leigh is a nutritionist passionate about all things holistic health and wellness. Her health journey began with cycles of what she t ... Show More
1h 14m
Feb 2025
How To Transform Your Inner Chaos To Peace & Reclaim Your Power
I'm going on tour! Come see The School of Greatness LIVE in person!Get my new book Make Money Easy here!I was blown away by the raw vulnerability and transformative wisdom shared in this amazing episode. Mel Robbins revealed her groundbreaking "Let Them" theory, showing us how un ... Show More
1h 35m
Apr 2025
#359 - Admitting You’re Struggling Doesn’t Mean That You’re Failing
In today’s heartfelt episode of The Business of Happiness podcast, Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy speaks directly to high-achieving women—especially dental moms—who are tired of pretending they’re fine. She shares a powerful story that reminds us we don’t have to prove our strength by supp ... Show More
17m 10s
Jul 30
#374 - Avoiding It Isn’t Making It Easier—It’s Making You Miserable
In today’s episode of The Business of Happiness, Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy invites you to reclaim your well-being, not someday, but now. Through personal stories and honest reflection, she unpacks how your happiness isn’t just allowed, it’s essential. You’ll hear how giving yourself w ... Show More
26m 58s
Feb 2025
You're Not Stuck - You Just Haven't Healed Yet
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck, like no matter what you do, you can’t seem to move forward? The truth is, you’re not stuck—you just haven’t healed yet. In this episode, Brendon Burchard unpacks the power of emotional healing, optimism, and reconnecting with love to build a co ... Show More
13m 12s
Feb 2025
Why Acceptance is Freedom
Have you ever felt like life isn't going the way you want it to? In this episode, I reveal the surprising secret to finding peace and fulfillment—even when life feels out of control. It’s all about a simple shift in mindset that can radically change how you experience the world. ... Show More
18m 40s
Apr 2025
Comfort Is Killing Your Greatness (Here's the Wake-Up Call)
If you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or too comfortable, it’s a sign you’re ready to demand more from yourself and build the extraordinary life you deserve. In this powerful episode, Brendon Burchard dives deep into the truth about comfort—it’s not about staying still, it’s ... Show More
12m 49s
Dec 2024
The Science of Motivation: Insights on Goal Setting and Willpower with Ayelet Fishbach
Feeling overwhelmed by holiday stress or the pressure to make everything perfect? Or maybe it’s the loneliness this season can bring. Either way, you’re not alone—and this year can be different. Join us for a free online webinar on Sunday, December 10, at 12 PM Eastern to learn a ... Show More
59m 25s
Dec 2024
The Science of Biohacking: Unlocking Energy, Health, and Longevity | Ep64
What if you could turn back the clock on aging, heal emotional wounds, and unlock boundless energy—all through science? That’s what Dave Asprey, the Father of Biohacking, has dedicated his life to exploring. In this conversation, he shares how simple shifts in your body and mind ... Show More
57m 5s