Need a money mantra for 2025? Pop-model Savanna Smith turns a rough modeling gig into a bankroll anthem with her new single “Girls Just Wanna Have Fund$.” Host David Shaft welcomes Savanna and day-one besties Hailey Alamo (future therapist) & Adrianna Stewart (fashion entrepreneur) for a candid, rapid-fire chat about: going from “model-apartment blues” to writing a global girl-boss bopwhy women’s rising earning power has some men in panic moderoster culture, loyalty tests & the psycho...

Real magic exists! Hocus Pocus star Vinessa Shaw shares Buddhist mindfulness, Disney set secrets & a 7-day vegan challenge that’ll change your life. Stanley Kubrick’s pep talk, four-hug mornings, and more—this interview is pure enchantment. Highlights: Opening: “Do you believe in magic?”Chanting at 12: Buddhism as a stress-busterLanding Hocus Pocus at 16 & working with Disney iconsFour-hug ritual for daily mental healthBack-stage memories with Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy & SJPKubri...

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 ...

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 educatio...

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 mos...

“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...

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 politica...

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 cosp...

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:...

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

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://missio...

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 fo...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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! Insta...