From the NBA to Mental Health Advocate: A Conversation with James Donaldson

A Quest for Wholeness

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Key Takeaways

• The culture of professional sports often demands emotional performance and discourages vulnerability.
• James opens up about his own battle with depression and surviving a near-suicide experience.
• He shares the power of storytelling, identity loss after sports, and redefining success.
• James discusses what suicide prevention really means—and what young people actually need to hear.
• We reflect on legacy, connection, and how small, unexpected things can keep someone going.

This episode contains discussions about mental health challenges, including depression and suicide. If these topics are sensitive or triggering for you, please take care while listening. You're not alone—support is available. In Canada, call or text 988. In the U.S., dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Guest Bio

James Donaldson is a former NBA All-Star and professional basketball player whose career spanned 14 seasons, including time with the Seattle Supersonics and Dallas Mavericks. After playing internationally and touring with the Harlem Globetrotters, James faced a life-altering battle with depression. Today, he is, a suicide prevention nonprofit, and the author of Celebrating Your Gift of Life, a deeply personal memoir about surviving crisis and rediscovering purpose.

James now speaks globally on mental health and wellness, bringing powerful messages of hope, resilience, and human connection.

Connect with James:

• Website: https://yourgiftoflife.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: James Donaldson
• X (Twitter): @YourGiftofLife1

Host Bio

Lexi Burt is a passionate advocate for holistic health, dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their well-being. As a Fertility Advisor, Endometriosis Advocate, and Endometriosis Researcher, Lexi specializes in helping clients manage health challenges, restore fertility, and reclaim balance through personalized strategies in nutrition, movement, and mental wellness.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with Honours, Lexi brings a deep understanding of the mind-body connection to her coaching practice. Her love for nature and holistic living shines through in her approach, blending evidence-based methods with lifestyle philosophies like Hygge and the Blue Zones.

Based in British Columbia, Lexi finds inspiration in outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, cold-water swims, and rock climbing. She treasures time with her friends, family, her playful Corgi, and her supportive partner, drawing from these experiences to create a life rooted in joy and resilience.

Connect with Lexi:

• Instagram: @theendoadvocate | @questforwholenesspodcast
• YouTube: The Endo Advocate
• Website: zaap.bio/theendoadvocate

Cretits

💛 Intro music cred to @chrizpychriz

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