Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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-buster Landing Hocus Pocus at 16 & working with Disney icons Four-hug ritual for daily mental health Back-stage memories with Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy & SJP Kubrick’s life-changing advice on Eyes Wide Shut Listener challenge: go vegan for one week Rapid-fire fan Q&A & sign-off Links: Vinessa Shaw IMDb – imdb.com/VinessaShawVinessa…
Author: David Shaft
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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. •From forensics major to foam & fabric: the origin story •“We’d like to offer you a contract”—GalaxyCon moment 👀 •Beating age stigma: let the work speak 💥…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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, advocacy, and community that’s turning first-time oil-changers into confident SheCANics. ━━━━━━━━━ 🔑 WHAT YOU’LL HEAR • The moment…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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 intelligent, user-friendly RV system on the market — blending real-time diagnostics, remote access, smart automation, and customer-first design.…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify “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 Shark reignited Sandy’s acting fire. The Mentor’s Mindset – Why even “legends” hire coaches, plus Sandy’s method for spotting mentors who change your life.…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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 media to live authentically Why joy isn’t childish—it’s directional How horror fandom and D&D helped her reconnect…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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 cosplay The early days of making costumes without knowing what cosplay was How to push forward when family and friends don’t understand your path…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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/hairdustrymsha.ke/hairdustryhoswww.gofundme.com/f/empowering-change-in-cambodia-help-me-make-it-happenwww.presleypoeandfriends.com To learn more, visit:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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:@thebalaylamasunlightspro.comjamisonshaw.com To learn more, visit:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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 service and strategic problem-solving to the team. Nicole ensures seamless communication with…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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/