We recently had the chance to connect with Randall Kenneth Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Randall Kenneth, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
Almost 30 years ago, my then 66-year-old father, newly retired, called me with some essential advice. Knowing that I’m happiest when I’m involved in a project — when I’m “creating” something — he warned me, “This retirement thing is NOT going to work for you.”
Of course, I knew he was right. I will always feel the need to do something “meaningful.” But meaningful to whom? I assumed the answer was me.
Today, at 63, it’s all about making the best use of my non-retired time. And it’s not because I necessarily feel I’m running out of it. My father lived to 92, and my great-grandmother attended her one hundredth birthday party before moving on. Yes, I know the majority of my life is behind me, but I’m good because (repeat after me) there’s no expiration date on our ability to contribute.
Gen X, Y, Z & Millennials, don’t bail on me now, this is actually for you.
The reason I struggle so much with the use of time is that I have wasted so much of it trying to find what gives ME the most JOY. In that exhaustive search, I’ve always said “yes” to far too many projects. As a classic Virgo, yes, I am my own worst enemy.
What most people truly want for themselves is pretty easy, although there are a bunch of words to describe it. They want to “matter.” (Be respected, noticed, heard, appreciated, admired, valued, and/or loved. Different words, same basic outcome. ) Plus, age has nothing to do with this ongoing need; it simply intensifies it.
Thankfully, what I’ve finally come to learn is that what gives me the most JOY is YOU.
It’s not about ME. (And I’m fighting a whole lotta selfish instincts to say that, too!) Yes, that’s what took me decades to decipher, and you’re getting it now, hopefully before you qualify for a senior discount.
Of course, we all have to nurture ourselves first to be of any use to others. However, whether it’s hosting my podcast, writing another emotionally charged book, retaking the stage as a feel-good keynote, or supporting the storytelling needs of people and organizations I admire, I’m laser-focused on exploring my JOY—and I’m going to do so by giving it all away.
Please don’t think this is easy. It’s not. It’s a slippery slope from “joy” to “jaded,” and/or jaded’s first cousins, angry, judgmental, and rude. Life seems to be hellbent on creating roadblocks to happiness.
But I’d rather TRY to find—and spread—joy than surrender to a life that’s less than I deserve. Oops—change that—less than WE deserve.
The last time I felt true joy? Today. Writing this. For you.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Randall Kenneth Jones is a Missouri-born author, speaker, podcaster, and creative consultant known for his work in personal and professional development and storytelling.
A passionate arts education advocate, Jones’ career tracks back to his time spent acting, singing, dancing, public speaking, and, yes, marching across a football field with a saxophone in hand.
He is the author of two books. “Ruby” & “Show Me.” Plus, alongside his BFF, Susan (the original voice of Siri) Bennett, Jones hosts the ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones podcast.
The founder of the aptly named creative communications firm MindZoo, Jones’s work most often explores themes of creativity, communication, and human connection, aiming to inspire authenticity and positivity.
Though Jones wears many hats, the common thread connecting these noggin nests is storytelling—his ability to weave a compelling narrative with words and imagery. He’s helped high-profile professionals as well as healthcare, technology, non-profit, retail, publishing, and arts and entertainment organizations develop their most powerful stories for live presentations or the online/traditional media best suited to deliver their message.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
In my younger days, I didn’t know I had an entrepreneurial spirit. That changed in 1982 when recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Pat Benatar came to my hometown of Columbia, Missouri. As Ms. Benatar’s visit coincided with my college days as a singing telegram messenger, I devised a plan to send a telegram as a warm and welcoming display of Benatar worship. Naturally, I would personally deliver said musical message.
Dressed as “Prince Charming” and assisted by the wow factor of six-dozen balloons, I gave Patricia my musical heart and soul—as well as a personally penned adaptation of her song, “Hit Me with Your Best Shot.” Pat Benatar’s kindness and generosity of spirit changed my life that day. Without knowing it, she taught me that I could take my own creative notions and—through perseverance, hard work, and patience—forge a new reality inside or outside of Columbia’s city limits.
I left the venue in 1982 feeling as if I could accomplish anything. In fact, I felt invincible.
Thirty-three years later, I finally got to say “thank you” to Pat Benatar during an interview for my newspaper column. Having spent more than three decades wondering when and if a reunion would take place, her comment, “I don’t just remember the telegram, I remember you,” made my will-this-ever-happen heart go all Grinch: it grew three sizes that day.
“Thank you”—two syllables created by eight simple characters requiring only nine keystrokes to complete.
Two brief sounds that flow effortlessly off even the most discriminating tongue.
A verb and a pronoun that, when placed side-by-side, grow exponentially in stature, importance, and value.
Yes, Pat Benatar’s brilliant musical catalog shaped my musical tastes, even my character, but Patricia Giraldo’s friendship and support changed my life forever.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Not a thing. Nothing. Nada.
I’m who I am today because of him—his passions, commitment, fears, frustrations, decision-making, Virgo-infused annoying Type-A-ness, and even his occasional arrogance. He did it all.
On second thought, I’d tell him “thank you,” but I wouldn’t tell him why. So far, things have worked out for the best.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
In 2017, “Siri” and I did a thing.
“Siri” (a.k.a. Susan Bennett, the Original Voice of Siri) launched a podcast with Her Royal Voiceness, Susan, as the amiable announcer and me as the ever-hopeful and hospitable host.
The podcast was rebranded to ON THE KNOWS in 2024 to better reflect the show’s evolution. The new title reflected the show’s increasing focus on insights from a wide range of guests, including celebrities, thought leaders, and experts in various fields.
ON THE KNOWS was not just a spin on the phrase “in the know,” but also, well, my nose is pretty big—something my untouched photos consistently reveal. (Plus, www.ontheknows.com was available, and frankly, I was stunned).
With over 200 episodes and described by recurring guest Erin Brockovich as “The best podcast and host ever,” the program has been a podcast platform for Tanya Acker, Denise Austin, Pat Benatar, Bob Burg, Val Chmerkovskiy, Judge Patricia DiMango, Stedman Graham, Kevin Goetz, Dr. Judy Ho, Geri Jewell, Norman Lear, Jenifer Lewis, Cristina Mittermeier & Paul Nicklen, John Quiñones, Melissa Rivers, Rita Rudner, Suzanne Somers, Nischelle Turner, Rolonda Watts, Vanna White, Ginger Zee and many more.
Despite its success, I almost walked away from it. One word: burnout.
While completing only four episodes in Season 7, I thrust myself wholeheartedly into pursuing other “perceived” passions.
Four more words: I lost my way.
It took this rebellious period of exploring other interests for me to realize how much I missed the podcast—the connections, conversations, and the front row seat to excellence. To add to my inner conflict, I was in denial about my lack of fulfillment; plus, I was slowly losing sight of the person my beloved collection of coaches had created.
Again, it’s a slippery slope from “joy” to “jaded,” and/or jaded’s first cousins, angry, judgmental, rude, and worst of all, apathetic.
It’s equally easy to stop “thinking” and start simply existing—letting your days wash over you.
The saving grace is that I learned something important about myself—and the best use of my time. I discovered that my psyche requires intellectual and, yes, emotional stimulation. I need to think, consider, feel, care, evolve, and take action.
So, whether it’s my newfound respect for my own podcast, my speaking appearances, my books, or my storytelling on behalf of a client, I have reaffirmed my commitment to ME—so I can continue to be there for YOU.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
And we’re back to “nothing.”
Regret serves no purpose other than taking up time that could be better spent creating something new and wonderful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://randallkennethjones.com/
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