Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Kurt Jones.

Purpose of the Interview

The conversation aims to highlight the importance of mental health and wellness, particularly in the Black community, elite sports, and entrepreneurial spaces. It focuses on mental resilience, confidence building, and strategies for handling stress and setbacks, while introducing Dr. Jones’ methodology and his mission through Play 21 Wellness Academy.

Key Takeaways


Mental Health in the Black Community
Historically stigmatized; seen as weakness or negativity.
Today, awareness is improving, but significant work remains.


Customized Approach
Dr. Jones does individualized analysis and treatment plans for athletes and business professionals.
Rejects “cookie-cutter” solutions—tailors strategies to personal circumstances.


The Shelving Method
A mental organization system with four shelves:

Immediate Shelf: Urgent tasks within 24 hours.
Active Shelf: Important but less urgent tasks.
Holding Shelf: Items to revisit later.
Elimination Shelf: Thoughts/tasks to discard permanently.
Helps clients focus on the present and avoid dwelling on past mistakes.


Confidence & Setbacks
Confidence can collapse after major losses or failures.
Strategy: Remind clients of their greatness, review past successes, and rebuild momentum.
Consistency and adaptability are key to sustaining success.


Play 21 Wellness Academy
Founded in memory of Ben Wilson, a top basketball player and Dr. Jones’ best friend.
Mission: Support youth athletes, address issues like parent/teacher abuse, and provide mental health resources.
Operates as both a nonprofit and for-profit entity.


Broader Client Base
Works with elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and high-level professionals.
Mental clarity and emotional control are critical for success in any field.


Health & Balance
Encourages regular medical checkups, stress management, and work-life balance.
Advocates for self-reward and stepping out of comfort zones while maintaining wellness.


Upcoming Projects
Book: Chi-Town Blueprints (personal story and mental resilience).
Workbook on the Shelving Method for schools, universities, and professionals.

Notable Quotes


On Mental Health Stigma:
“When people talked about mental health, the first thought was negative.”


On Focus:
“You can’t take the last play to the next play.”


On Success:
“Mental thinking is a huge part of success.”


On Confidence:
“Remind yourself of what got you to the point where you were winning.”


On Consistency:
“You’ve never seen a Brinks truck behind a funeral car—the graveyard is the richest place because people die with million-dollar dreams.”


On Purpose:
“Walk in your purpose. When you walk in your purpose, there’s no stopping you.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Kurt Jones.
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
The conversation aims to highlight the importance of mental health and wellness, particularly in the Black community, elite sports, and entrepreneurial spaces. It focuses on mental resilience, confidence building, and strategies for handling stress and setbacks, while introducing Dr. Jones&rsquo; methodology and his mission through Play 21 Wellness Academy.
<hr>
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>
Mental Health in the Black Community
<ul>
<li>Historically stigmatized; seen as weakness or negativity.</li>
<li>Today, awareness is improving, but significant work remains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Customized Approach
<ul>
<li>Dr. Jones does individualized analysis and treatment plans for athletes and business professionals.</li>
<li>Rejects &ldquo;cookie-cutter&rdquo; solutions&mdash;tailors strategies to personal circumstances.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
The Shelving Method
<ul>
<li>A mental organization system with four shelves:
<ul>
<li>Immediate Shelf: Urgent tasks within 24 hours.</li>
<li>Active Shelf: Important but less urgent tasks.</li>
<li>Holding Shelf: Items to revisit later.</li>
<li>Elimination Shelf: Thoughts/tasks to discard permanently.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Helps clients focus on the present and avoid dwelling on past mistakes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Confidence &amp; Setbacks
<ul>
<li>Confidence can collapse after major losses or failures.</li>
<li>Strategy: Remind clients of their greatness, review past successes, and rebuild momentum.</li>
<li>Consistency and adaptability are key to sustaining success.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Play 21 Wellness Academy
<ul>
<li>Founded in memory of Ben Wilson, a top basketball player and Dr. Jones&rsquo; best friend.</li>
<li>Mission: Support youth athletes, address issues like parent/teacher abuse, and provide mental health resources.</li>
<li>Operates as both a nonprofit and for-profit entity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Broader Client Base
<ul>
<li>Works with elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and high-level professionals.</li>
<li>Mental clarity and emotional control are critical for success in any field.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Health &amp; Balance
<ul>
<li>Encourages regular medical checkups, stress management, and work-life balance.</li>
<li>Advocates for self-reward and stepping out of comfort zones while maintaining wellness.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Upcoming Projects
<ul>
<li>Book: Chi-Town Blueprints (personal story and mental resilience).</li>
<li>Workbook on the Shelving Method for schools, universities, and professionals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>
On Mental Health Stigma: &ldquo;When people talked about mental health, the first thought was negative.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On Focus: &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t take the last play to the next play.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On Success: &ldquo;Mental thinking is a huge part of success.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On Confidence: &ldquo;Remind yourself of what got you to the point where you were winning.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On Consistency: &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve never seen a Brinks truck behind a funeral car&mdash;the graveyard is the richest place because people die with million-dollar dreams.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On Purpose: &ldquo;Walk in your purpose. When you walk in your purpose, there&rsquo;s no stopping you.&rdquo;
</li>
</ul>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!

https://www.moneymakingconversations.com

https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations

https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/

https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv

https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Money Making Conversations Master Class

Uplift: He highlights the importance of mental health and wellness, in elite sports, and entrepreneurial spaces.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a1044f8c-2285-45e7-b445-b3b600f63d27/transcript

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