We were lucky to catch up with Donald Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Donald, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

As the student representative for a school of health and metaphysics called the Tree of Life. I wrote my doctoral thesis in metaphysical philosophy called the Philosophy of Divine Nutrition. Not having much money, I thought of ways to establish my program and myself. I decided to use my book to break a Guinness world record in public speaking. I was successful in this endeavor and working with other teachers, I decided to form a publishing and health company that would promote both my books as well as any nutritional supplements that I was recommending. In 1979, I established PDN Publishing and Health products.I used my second book The Way of PDN-The Ultimate Vegetarian Athletic Nutrition program to break two records in after dinner speaking.This helped in marketing my program on a world stage. The publicity that I garnered by doing those records proved to be greater than any that I could have bought .With the Guinness Book recognition, I was able to move my practice from Brooklyn New York to the state of Hawaii. I established my practice long before the internet and social media but I have learned and continue to learn how it can carry my expertise to the widest possible markets.My practice has seen a great jump in interests in the past 3 years.

Donald, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a life/wellness coach with over 39 years of experience. I am a graduate of Antioch University West, with a BA in Liberal Arts and Science with a concentration in holistic health.

I have authored 3 books on the subjects of motivation, fitness and vegetarianism that I have used to break Guinness World Records in public speaking.

I published my first book, “The Philosophy of Divine Nutrition”(in 1977) it was my doctoral thesis in Metaphysical Philosophy at the Tree of Life School, located in New York City. This book was also the text of my Guinness Book World Record for the “longest sermon” – 93 consecutive hours (September 18-22, 1978).The premise of this philosophy is that every religious text has instructions on health, longevity and nutrition and that an analysis and synthesis of this advice is the basis for my concept of Divine Nutrition.

The total PDN program is an internal martial art or mind/body fitness program based upon the concepts of Jeet Kune Do, developed by the late Bruce Lee.

In addition to my Sermon record I also hold two world records in after-dinner speaking, based upon my book on motivation, fitness and herbal sports nutrition, titled The Way of PDN- The Ultimate Vegetarian Athletic Nutrition Program(1986). I along with this book are pictured in the 1989 Guinness Book.

As a three times Guinness Book World Record holder in Public Speaking, I am one of the longest talkers in recorded human history!

After every world record I have given a jump rope demonstration!!!For over ten years I served as the celebrity chairperson for the Hawaii chapter of the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart campaign. In this capacity as both a Master Teacher and Master Performer, I have presented lectures on heart-healthy nutrition as well as jump rope skills training to over 60% of the entire Hawaii school system and Universities.

New Jump Swing is the jump rope cross training fitness program developed by me as a part of my rehabilitation from respiratory disease and knee disease, as well as knee surgery.

I am a former Choir/Altar Boy for the First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Brooklyn, New York, I am also an ordained minister (non-denominational, non-sectarian) and have devoted my life to the advancement of the disenfranchised, people with disabilities, as well as at-risk youth.

With this commitment to public service,I have been a Vice President of the NAACP of Hawaii, board of directors’ member of the Rotary Club of Waikiki(Paul Harris Fellow), member of the South Hilo Rotary Club as well as board President of the Hawaii Disability Rights Center (HDRC). The HDRC is the designated Hawaii Protection and Advocacy agency of the state of Hawaii.

I have also served as a Disability Rights Advocate and office manager for the East Hawaii branch of HDRC. After ten years of service, I have retired as a Social Security Disability Advocate/Para Legal for the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii.

Shortly after my first world record, I formed a company named PDN Publishing & Health products.This company not only carries my books but also a nutritional product called Flower Pollen. I worked with Dick Gregory in the 1980’s to promote a Swedish brand of flower pollen and after that company went out of business, I started and continue to carrying an American brand from the company Graminex. . I sell flower pollen exclusively to my clients.
Despite my multiple world record status, I continue to have challenges from both the Vegan and Vegetarian organizations regarding recognition as a pioneer in the field.
I have prevailed as a litigant in work place racial, sexual and age discrimination cases and bring to my clients a unique perspective as both an employee and administrator.

I provide the following services
Plant-based nutrition and herbs for health and fitness
New Jump Swing Jump rope fitness/cross-training techniques
Social security disability how to apply and win your case
Career planning, development, and advancement
How to protect yourself from workplace harassment
Overcoming Minority health disparities through diet, fitness, and self-actualization

My primary goal is the assist my clients in achieving their goals.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I used my books on the subjects of motivation, nutrition and fitness to break 3 Guinness book world records over a ten years period. My first world record put me in front of millions of people as it was covered by every television station in New York City. Moving to HAwaii, I served as a volunteer for the American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart campaign. With their support, I was able to travel to every island in the state and present my program to over 60% of the entire Hawaii school system.
Along with major television coverage, I have also been featured in leading Vegetarian magazines (Vegetarian Times) as well as martial arts magazines.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

As the author of books on health, I have included reports from clinical laboratories in Hawaii of my Blood Work. This helped me to be recognized as more than just an author who has a book.
Being an example of health and fitness that I promote has been the single most significant aspect of building my reputation and helping me to succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://newjumpswing.com/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxl24tU602I
• Other: https://newjumpswing.com/