EPISODE · Nov 17, 2025 · 49 MIN
123: Stop Lying to Yourself
from Unstuck with Jay Abbasi · host Jay Abbasi
Meet Trevor. It’s past midnight, and Trevor is still in his office, finishing charts under the dull glow of fluorescent lights. As an oncologist at one of the country’s top hospitals, he carries a heavy emotional load delivering devastating news to families, forcing a hopeful tone for others, and holding the weight of life-and-death decisions every day. On the outside, Trevor is accomplished and respected. On the inside, he feels exhausted, disconnected, and increasingly fraudulent. His routines have slipped. His confidence has taken a hit. And hours lost to social media leave him comparing his life to everyone else’s highlight reel. Despite his success, Trevor can’t shake the feeling that he’s failing himself. He wants balance, consistency, and clarity, but he isn’t sure how to begin. Today, Jay is joined by Leon Thurston Jr., founder of the University of Unstuck, speaker, author, and coach who helps people break free from self-deception and step into radical honesty. Through his own story of struggle and awakening, Leon has built a movement that empowers others to tell the truth, to themselves first and create transformation from the inside out. Together, Jay and Leon explore how self-honesty is the first step toward healing, why so many people hide behind false narratives, and what it really takes to face the truth with courage and compassion. Notable Quotes “You can’t be the principal, the janitor, and the student. At some point you’re going to hit burnout.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “Many of us lack confidence because you’re the only person who’s ever heard every lie you’ve ever told.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “If someone lied to you as much as you lie to yourself, would you trust them?” — Jay Abbasi “Sometimes a crisis is the only thing that forces us to change our behavior.” — Leon Thurston Jr. About Our Guest Leon Thurston Jr. is a speaker, author, and transformational coach dedicated to helping people confront limiting beliefs and rewrite their internal stories. As the founder of University of Unstuck, Leon has inspired thousands through his talks, online programs, and social content that blends humor, truth, and emotional depth. His work challenges people to stop running from themselves and start living from a place of integrity, purpose, and faith. Resources and Links Leon Thurston Jr. University of Unstuck Website – https://www.universityofunstuck.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-thurston-jr-2b635355/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@leejuniorunstuck Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lee.junior.50?ref=bookmarks Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/leejuniorunstuck/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will break down how to live intentionally rather than in constant reaction mode. Including a five-step process to interrupt that automatic pull toward distraction, retrain your mind to tolerate boredom, and build the capacity for deeper focus and steady progress. If you’ve been struggling with follow-through or constant distraction, this episode will help you shift your mindset and step fully into your potential. Until then, stay courageous, stay conscious, and stay Unstuck.
What this episode covers
Meet Trevor. It’s past midnight, and Trevor is still in his office, finishing charts under the dull glow of fluorescent lights. As an oncologist at one of the country’s top hospitals, he carries a heavy emotional load delivering devastating news to families, forcing a hopeful tone for others, and holding the weight of life-and-death decisions every day. On the outside, Trevor is accomplished and respected. On the inside, he feels exhausted, disconnected, and increasingly fraudulent. His routines have slipped. His confidence has taken a hit. And hours lost to social media leave him comparing his life to everyone else’s highlight reel. Despite his success, Trevor can’t shake the feeling that he’s failing himself. He wants balance, consistency, and clarity, but he isn’t sure how to begin. Today, Jay is joined by Leon Thurston Jr., founder of the University of Unstuck, speaker, author, and coach who helps people break free from self-deception and step into radical honesty. Through his own story of struggle and awakening, Leon has built a movement that empowers others to tell the truth, to themselves first and create transformation from the inside out. Together, Jay and Leon explore how self-honesty is the first step toward healing, why so many people hide behind false narratives, and what it really takes to face the truth with courage and compassion. Notable Quotes “You can’t be the principal, the janitor, and the student. At some point you’re going to hit burnout.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “Many of us lack confidence because you’re the only person who’s ever heard every lie you’ve ever told.” — Leon Thurston Jr. “If someone lied to you as much as you lie to yourself, would you trust them?” — Jay Abbasi “Sometimes a crisis is the only thing that forces us to change our behavior.” — Leon Thurston Jr. About Our Guest Leon Thurston Jr. is a speaker, author, and transformational coach dedicated to helping people confront limiting beliefs and rewrite their internal stories. As the founder of University of Unstuck, Leon has inspired thousands through his talks, online programs, and social content that blends humor, truth, and emotional depth. His work challenges people to stop running from themselves and start living from a place of integrity, purpose, and faith. Resources and Links Leon Thurston Jr. University of Unstuck Website – https://www.universityofunstuck.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-thurston-jr-2b635355/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@leejuniorunstuck Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lee.junior.50?ref=bookmarks Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/leejuniorunstuck/ Jay Abbasi Website – https://jayabbasi.me/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast Get Featured on “Unstuck” Want to have your story featured on “Unstuck”? Submit your story through the link below, and Jay may choose to highlight your story on a future episode and offer you personalized advice on how to overcome any challenge. Submit Your Story Join Us Next Time On Friday, Jay will break down how to live intentionally rather than in constant reaction mode. Including a five-step process to interrupt that automatic pull toward distraction, retrain your mind to tolerate boredom, and build the capacity for deeper focus and steady progress. If you’ve been struggling with follow-through or constant distraction, this episode will help you shift your mindset and step fully into your potential. Until then, stay courageous, stay conscious, and stay Unstuck.
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123: Stop Lying to Yourself
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