Cosplay tips, DIY costume ideas, and GalaxyCon judge secrets—AstraVoid reveals the self-taught path that took her from biology classes to the spotlight at GalaxyCon’s Nightmare Weekend Chicago. After mastering sewing, foam-smithing, wigs, LEDs (and winning major awards) Astra landed a guest contract at 21 and now mentors the next wave of creators. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning fandom into a full-time career, this episode of Conversations That Count is your roadmap. • 00:48 From forensics maj...
Jul 02, 2025•32 min•Ep. 50
Recorded on the show floor at AutoTech 2025, engineer-turned-entrepreneur Patrice Banks shares how a single bad repair experience inspired her to build Girls Auto Clinic—an all-women garage (with a built-in nail salon!) and a fast-growing media brand that demystifies car care for everyone who’s ever felt talked down to at the shop. Patrice’s story is proof that when you combine data, empathy, and grit, you can flip a century-old industry on its head. Tune in to hear her framework for education, ...
Jun 25, 2025•20 min•Ep. 49
What if your RV could think for itself, protect your pets, and keep you connected — even off the grid? In this exclusive Conversations That Count episode, recorded live at AutoTech 2025, I sit down with two of the visionaries behind Winnebago Connect™ — a groundbreaking smart RV platform changing the way we travel: 🚀 Marc Fecker, Co-Founder & CEO of Robo 📡 Steve Loving, Director of Business Development at KORE Wireless Alongside partners Winnebago and Ericsson, their teams created the most...
Jun 18, 2025•36 min•Ep. 48
“Original Halloween scream-queen Sandy Johnson—aka Judith Myers—isn’t just a horror legend. She’s a working indie actor, lifelong mentor, and unapologetic Texas gunslinger with a heart for rescue animals. In this candid sit-down she reveals the career comeback that’s keeping her busier than ever—and the life lessons that make every line worth the wait.” What You’ll Hear From Icon to Indie Powerhouse – How late-career roles in Paradolía, The Executioner, Black Sheep, and the upcoming Halloween Sh...
Jun 04, 2025•13 min•Ep. 47
What if the version of you that felt the most free was still inside you—waiting to be seen again? In this raw and inspiring episode of Conversations That Count, host David Shaft sits down with Ashton Blaise, a cosplayer, pinup model, and former political media figure who walked away from public influence to rediscover joy in the things she once loved—horror, cosplay, anime, and being fully herself. Recorded live at Nightmare Weekend Chicago, Ashton opens up about: Leaving a career in political m...
May 28, 2025•15 min•Ep. 46
From Fashion School to Full-Time Cosplay: Ashlynne Dae on Choosing Passion Over Stability (Recorded at Nightmare Weekend Chicago) In this episode of Conversations That Count, host David Shaft interviews cosplay icon Ashlynne Dae, live from Nightmare Weekend Chicago by GalaxyCon. Ashlynne shares how she went from graduating at the top of her fashion class to leaving the traditional industry behind — to pursue cosplay full-time. 🎭 What You’ll Hear: Ashlynne’s leap from fashion to full-time cospla...
May 21, 2025•10 min•Ep. 45
In this episode we talk with Corey and Katie about everything from stable business partnerships to holding ourselves accountable. These are both legends in the cosmetology industry. To learn more about Corey and Katie, please visit: www.instagram.com/hairdustry msha.ke/hairdustryhost www.gofundme.com/f/empowering-change-in-cambodia-help-me-make-it-happen www.presleypoeandfriends.com To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 44
In this episode we talk about the value of networking and how to do it while properly building long term connections. Cathey does a great job outlining the way to grow your network while sustaining it. THIS IS ALSO THE RETURN OF CATHEY who is a STAPLE in our show! To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft...
Apr 23, 2025•46 min•Ep. 43
In this episode we talk about finding our passion and not just a hobby. Oftentimes we never fully commit to anything because we are so afraid of failing that we never truly go all in. Candy has a superpower where when she does something she always commits to it fully. To learn more about Candy, please visit: @thebalaylama https://sunlightspro.com https://www.jamisonshaw.com To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionma...
Apr 16, 2025•35 min•Ep. 42
In this episode we talk about how important it is to understand where our time is going and how with a little bit of help we can make a lot of progress. Nicole does a great job helping her clients feel heard while still helping them understand where they can improve. We also talk about the 4 pillars of life; Health, Wealth, Relationship and Fulfillment. Nicole practices what she preaches so she's worth working with. Nicole is the backbone of Salon Cadence’s operations, bringing her passion for s...
Apr 09, 2025•32 min•Ep. 41
In this episode we discuss what it means to share your legacy in everything that you do. We also talk about how sometimes the biggest challenge is overcoming the fear of challenge. To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 40
In this episode we go over some of the best kept secrets by dating coaches around the world. The tips that we go over translate well into every industry. Jordan is a dating coach who helps men take meaningful control over their dating lives. He teaches men to become attractive, meet high quality women, and run healthy relationships. To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft...
Mar 26, 2025•46 min•Ep. 39
This episode is all about remembering that there are endless opportunities out there and the importance of reminding ourselves of it. This is the last week we will not have a guest on the show for quite a while so take it in while you can. To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft...
Mar 19, 2025•12 min•Ep. 38
In this episode we talk about the importance of the things we say to ourselves. We discuss how important talking to ourselves positively is. It is crucial that we are always speaking about life and love to ourselves no matter what. Always ask yourself, would I talk to the person I love the most like this? To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft...
Mar 05, 2025•11 min•Ep. 37
In this episode we define success based on our Season 2 episodes so far. This episode is a success recap of previous episodes and how we need to plan our life around who we want to be. The takeaways are to start a vision board and then describe a perfect day in what you would consider your perfect life. To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft...
Feb 26, 2025•14 min•Ep. 36
In this episode we talk about manifesting and growth. We go over challenging our belief systems as well as defining what is truly important to us in terms of success. Check out the Conversaytions Podcast as well! creators.spotify.com/pod/show/leon-jones19 To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft...
Feb 19, 2025•50 min•Ep. 35
In this episode we talk about how passions really do pay off. Stefano and his 2 partners are pursuing a passion that makes them truly happy while bringing car lovers from all around the world. We highlight the love of cars in Detroit outside of the major companies and instead what our cars mean to the people of our city. Stefano Troiani, owner of Modded Detroit. Stefano is one of the owners in the largest car club in Detroit. He has a passion for cars and community with the goal of building thei...
Feb 12, 2025•19 min•Ep. 34
In this episode we dive into the Detroit car scene and so much that it has to offer to everyone. Dustin talks about how his goal is to provide a space where the Detroit car community can come together in a safe and inclusive space. The plan is to open in May 2025 to kick off the summer! Dustin is opening a premier event space for racing cars in Detroit. His goal is to bring together the car community that he loves so much. All of his links are below and you can get involved as well! Instagram: g...
Feb 05, 2025•22 min•Ep. 33
In this episode we recap all of our takeaways from the Detroit Auto Show and how we found our interviewees. Savanna joins as a guest co-host sharing what her thoughts and takeaways were from the episode. To learn more about Savanna, please visit: Spotify Apple Music Instagram To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft/...
Jan 29, 2025•16 min•Ep. 32
Hey friends, it’s David Shaft! After some soul-searching and travels, I’m back with a fresh perspective. This year, we’re going deeper—beyond careers and business—to uncover what truly drives people: their passions, struggles, and authentic selves. To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft/...
Jan 22, 2025•13 min•Ep. 31
This is a quick episode where I just want to remind everyone how important it is that progress is often just staying the course. We don't need to always have some kind of crazy life event happening, if the course we are on is the one that leads to success then we need to stay on that path. To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft/...
Jul 03, 2024•10 min•Ep. 30
This episode is action packed as we go over being innovative and efficient. Judah Bergman, Co-Founder & President of Joobaby does a great job of discussing the early days and getting Joolbaby's first product off of the ground by finding an empty space in the market. We then go through the episode learning more about how he had a vision, built the vision, shipped the vision and where that long term vision needs to go. Judah Bergman, the visionary Founder and President of Jool Baby, embarked o...
Jun 19, 2024•51 min•Ep. 29
This is a shorter episode where I just want to remind everyone how important purpose is in everything we do. As the Cambridge dictionary defines it "an intention or aim; a reason for doing something or for allowing something to happen." It is so important that everything going on in our lives aligns with our purpose and who we want to be. To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft/...
Jun 05, 2024•8 min•Ep. 28
This episode we meet a gentleman on the course of Fox Hills. We talk about the area and I think it is a great example of how there is an opportunity to have awesome conversations all around us. Life is all about connecting with new and interesting people everyday. To learn more, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft/...
May 29, 2024•7 min•Ep. 27
In this episode we talk about how important it is to find a great mentor and to connect with those around us. It takes a village to build something great and achieve a dream. Cathy shares her 30 years of experience and how it began with others being kind enough to give to her as well as give her the flexibility to grow. Cathy Pedulla has more than 30 years’ experience in the professional beauty industry as a top colorist, stylist, make-up artist, salon owner, educator, business strategist and br...
May 22, 2024•35 min•Ep. 26
Robin talks product strategy as well as looking for the right time to pivot a product into a new look. He lets us into his thought process as he guides Nicki Clarke into a day and age with modern products and modern solutions for salon artists everywhere. The path of taking a classic brand and bringing it into the new age where it not only looks beautiful but it WORKS. Using a strategy where it is about the product being a quality that salon artists want to sell to their clients the product sell...
May 15, 2024•31 min•Ep. 25
In this episode we start by discussing a new product from Nicky Clarke that Drew loves to use for all of his clients. We met right in the event of getting a great interview on the spot at the American Beauty Show! We talk about the Airstyle Pro which is one of the newest products Nicki Clarke has made. We also talk about Drew's unique path into becoming such a renowned hair stylist. Sharing his path as well as how he found many different mentors on his path that poured into and allowed him to fi...
May 08, 2024•35 min•Ep. 24
In this episode we introduce this month's segment of the American Beauty Show (ABS) in Chicago giving a perspective of someone who was covering the event as press and working the event. Talking about the amazing people we met, the show's impact and how people can best take advantage of opportunities like this. Below you will find links to the ABS and Savanna's content. Savana is a Musician & Model at Midnight Records LLC. Savanna is from Michigan. She loves to write songs inspired by poetry ...
May 01, 2024•28 min•Ep. 23
In this episode we talk about the value of having loved ones to push you to take a chance on ourselves. This works best when we have a skillset to lean on and we just have to find the value in ourselves that we give to the rest of the world already. Mezar shows that before he was an "Auto-preneur" he was already building successful businesses. Mezar Chakwa is a serial auto-preneur and Fractional Marketing Executive. He leverages an AI workforce to automate 90% of his online businesses while work...
Feb 21, 2024•35 min•Ep. 22
In this week we go over the value of change and how important it is to push ourselves in our goals. We need to stretch ourselves and do things that we would normally never do but we don't want to stay doing things that don't align with us. Most will tell you that you should never quit something. Something we don't always talk about is how important it is to cut your losses rather than putting energy into something that doesn't align with your values. The challenge of trying new things is that no...
Feb 07, 2024•13 min•Ep. 21
