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

podcast December 5, 2025

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.”