Conversations that Count

Hosted by David Shaft

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Mar 2026

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About the show

"Conversations That Count : Communication Strategies with Industry Leaders" is a podcast hosted by David Shaft, a director of banking and a passionate advocate of effective communication. In this podcast, David aims to explore the power of communication in various industries and walks of life. He interviews high-level executives, professionals, and individuals from different backgrounds, discussing how they have leveraged communication to succeed in their respective fields. The podcast delves into both personal and business communication, offering insights and tips for improving relationships, negotiations, and overall communication skills. David shares his own journey as a communicator, emphasizing the value of growth and caring in conversations. Listeners are invited to join him on this journey, learn from the experts, and develop their own communication abilities. To learn more, visit: http://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft/

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58 recent

March 11, 2026Episode 584 min

Plugged In Collection at Indy Fest: Detroit fashion, HBCU style, and Building on Woodward

In this special Indie Fest segment of Conversations That Count, host David Shaft sits down with Will Willingham, also known as Plugged In Will, founder of Plugged In Collection, to talk Detroit fashion, entrepreneurship, and building a brand with real energy behind it.Will shares the story behind Plugged In Collection, a Detroit based fashion brand with a brick and mortar store on Woodward, and explains the meaning behind the brand mission, which centers on energy, network, and access. We also talk about what it means to represent Detroit on bigger stages, how Indy Fest created the right environment for his brand, and why organized, high level creative spaces matter for designers.This episode also highlights what is next for Plugged In Collection, including the Blessed Collection, new fall releases, and an upcoming HBCU inspired collection for homecoming season. If you care about Detroit fashion, independent brands, and creative entrepreneurs building something real, this conversation is worth your time.Topics includeDetroit fashion and local retailIndie Fest and independent designersPlugged In Collection on WoodwardThe Blessed CollectionUpcoming HBCU collectionBuilding a fashion brand through energy and communityVisit Plugged In CollectionWebsite: https://pluggedincollection.com/Store location: 3939 Woodward, Detroit, MichiganFollow Conversations That Count on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more conversations with creators, founders, and community builders.About the GuestWill Willingham, also known as Plugged In Will, is the founder of Plugged In Collection, a Detroit based fashion brand with a brick and mortar location at 3939 Woodward next to the Garden Theater. His brand is rooted in the idea that life is about what you are plugged into, your energy, your network, and your access.In this episode, Will talks about bringing Plugged In Collection to Indy Fest, representing Detroit through fashion, and expanding his brand through major fashion events across the country including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Atlanta. He also shares what is next for the brand, including the Blessed Collection and an upcoming HBCU inspired collection for homecoming season.

March 4, 2026Episode 5741 min

Dom Lewis also known as Domitrick: Gymnastics, Flips, and Building a Real Community Online

Dominique Dom Lewis, known online as Domitrick, is a gymnast and acrobatics athlete who turned a lifelong passion into a career. Dom began teaching himself flips at just four years old, learning outdoors on grass and concrete before eventually entering a full gymnastics facility and realizing how much farther the craft could go with safe training environments.In this episode, Dom shares how growing up with a big family shaped his fearlessness, how he evolved from self taught movement to coaching and judging, and what it is like maintaining a high skill level in a sport where most people peak much younger. We also talk about the tricking world, the double layout, mentoring the next generation, and how Dom built a large online community by staying authentic, personable, and grounded in real life relationships.Business contactEmail: domitrick24@gmail.comInstagram: Domitrick on InstagramFollow Conversations That Count on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more interviews with artists, performers, and creators building their legacy.

February 25, 2026Episode 565 min

Nappi Devi at Detroit INDIEFEST: I Bet, Detroit music, and the October EP

Recorded outdoors on location at Detroit INDIEFEST, host David Shaft sits down with Detroit artist Nappi Devi for a fast paced conversation about live performance, new releases, and building real momentum as an independent artist.We start with a quick fit check and festival energy, then get into Nappi Devi’s newest release I Bet, also known as Aight Bet, plus the music video and what listeners can expect from his upcoming EP planned for October. Nappi Devi also shares why collaborating with Detroit musicians, producers, and videographers is part of his creative identity and how performing in his own city shapes the way he moves.Topics includeDetroit music and cultureDetroit INDIEFEST on location interviewNew single I Bet and music videoUpcoming EP in October with live instrumentationBuilding a live set and performance presenceConnecting with Detroit creativesListen and follow Nappi DeviApple Musichttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/nappi-devi/1475305936Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/61BB3hPh8PHMagEw1pftW4Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nappidevi/?hl=enDetroit INDIEFESTWebsitehttps://www.indiefest.live/Instagram@indiefest.liveFollow Conversations That Count on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more interviews with artists, performers, and creators building their legacy.

February 18, 2026Episode 556 min

Street Justice Reunion: Red on Detroit hip hop, Netflix Free Bird, and Indie Fest

In this episode of Conversations That Count, David Shaft sits down with Red of Street Justice to talk Detroit hip hop, creative evolution, and what it means to return to the stage after years away.Red shares how he transitioned from performing in the Detroit music scene to working in film and television production, including recent work on the Netflix series Free Bird and multiple upcoming feature films. We discuss creative pivots, falling in and out of love with music, and what brings an artist back to the stage.Street Justice will be performing at Indie Fest on August 24, bringing reunion energy and a performance Red boldly calls some of the best to come out of the city. This conversation explores confidence, growth, creative identity, and representing your roots wherever your career takes you.Topics includeDetroit hip hop cultureMusic to film career pivotWorking on Netflix productionsIndie Fest performanceCreative confidence and stage presenceFollow Conversations That Count on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more conversations with creators, performers, and entrepreneurs building their legacy.About the GuestRed is a founding member of Street Justice, a Detroit and Inkster based hip hop group known for high energy live performances and raw authenticity. After building a name in the Detroit music scene, Red transitioned into film and television production, recently wrapping work on the Netflix series Free Bird and several upcoming feature films including The Heathen, Savage Lands, and Regarding Shiloh.In this episode, Red shares his journey from Detroit hip hop to working in film and television, and what inspired him to bring Street Justice back together for Indie Fest. Known for powerful stage presence and unapologetic confidence, Street Justice continues to represent Inkster and Detroit culture through music and live performance.

February 11, 2026Episode 5412 min

The Other Side of Color Recap: Identity, Prejudice, and the Hedgehog Concept

In this recap episode of Conversations That Count, host David Shaft breaks down the key insights and takeaways from his conversation with author JL James, also known as Gene Belcher Jr, creator of the novel The Other Side of Color.This summary episode is designed for listeners who may not have had time to hear the full interview but still want the most important ideas, lessons, and reflections from the conversation. David walks through the emotional and practical themes that define The Other Side of Color, including identity, trauma, ambition, creativity, and the challenge of overcoming personal alleyways that are often internal rather than physical.Key topics covered in this recap include how early life experiences shape long term identity, why prejudice can exist within the same community, and how JL James turned a deeply personal story into a powerful novel while working a full time day job. David also explores the hedgehog concept discussed in the episode, which focuses on the intersection of skill, love, and money, and why fulfillment requires all three.This episode also revisits the weekly listener challenge from JL James, centered on setting one small goal with a clear deadline and committing to it daily. The recap reinforces the idea that legacy is built through consistent action and that progress comes from confronting what holds us back internally.If you enjoyed this summary, listen to the full episode with JL James to hear the complete conversation, follow Conversations That Count on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to move forward and win.

February 4, 2026Episode 5343 min

The Other Side of Color with JL James: Prejudice, Identity, and Resilience

Author Gene, writing under the name JL James, joins Conversations That Count to share the story behind his novel The Other Side of Color. This episode explores prejudice that can exist within the same community, the emotional impact of family estrangement, and the determination required to escape personal alleyways and create a different future.Gene walks through his creative journey from a short story to a full novel, the realities of self-publishing, and what it takes to promote meaningful work while balancing a day job. We also discuss his music project Soft Pillows, written as comfort for those who have experienced loss, and how creative expression can become medicine for the soul.Listeners will hear about identity, resilience, storytelling, and the go-getter mindset, along with a simple challenge to help anyone move one step closer to their own North Star.Follow Conversations That Count on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that they can win.About the GuestGene Belcher Jr. is an author and storyteller writing under the name JL James. His novel The Other Side of Color explores how prejudice can exist within the same community and how identity, family dynamics, and resilience shape a young man’s life. Raised in upstate New York, Gene draws from real experiences and emotional truth to tell stories about coming out of personal alleyways and crossing bridges toward a better future.His work has found its way into schools and libraries and is increasingly used to spark conversations around identity, belonging, and self belief. In addition to writing, Gene has spent decades in sales and marketing, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to creative work.Business contactEmail: jljames144@gmail.comPhone: 731 394 1914LinkedIn: Eugene F Belcher Jr on LinkedIn

July 23, 2025Episode 521 hr 16 min

Girls Just Wanna Have Fund$ – Savanna Smith on Cash, Confidence & Modern Love (w/ Hailey Alamo & Adrianna Stewart)

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 psychology of cheatingfirst-date economics (spoiler: 50/50 kills the vibe)the 10-point “become your own wish-list” challenge▶️ Watch every episode on YouTube:youtube.com/@ConversationsThatCount-CTC🎵 Stream the singleApple Music → music.apple.com/us/album/girls-just-wanna-have-fund🔗 Connect with today’s guestsSavanna Smith — IG: instagram.com/imsavannasLink-hub: linktr.ee/savanna.comHailey Alamo — IG: instagram.com/haileyalamoAdrianna Stewart — IG: instagram.com/follow_adrianna📲 Follow the showIG: https://www.instagram.com/conversationsthatcountpodcast/Loved the convo? Smash Follow, drop a ★★★★★ rating, and share a screenshot to your IG Stories—tag @imsavannas & @conversationsthatcountpodcast so we can shout you out!

July 16, 2025Episode 518 min

Hocus Pocus Star Vinessa Shaw on Magic, Buddhism & Vegan Week

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 & SJPKubrick’s life-changing advice on Eyes Wide ShutListener challenge: go vegan for one weekRapid-fire fan Q&A & sign-offLinks:Vinessa Shaw IMDb – imdb.com/VinessaShawVinessa Shaw Instagram – instagram.com/vinessaofficialSavanna Smith Linktree – linktr.ee/savanna.comLillianna Dow Instagram – instagram.com/lildow04Watch on YouTube – youtube.com/channel

July 2, 2025Episode 5032 min

Cosplay Tips with AstraVoid – DIY Mastery to GalaxyCon Judge

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 major to foam & fabric: the origin story• 04:22 “We’d like to offer you a contract”—GalaxyCon moment 👀• 08:35 Beating age stigma: let the work speak 💥• 13:18 Inside a 100-hour Hunger Games build (hand-painted corset)• 17:50 Judging philosophy: fairness, advocacy, zero con politics• 22:40 Streaming setup, PewDiePie chair & upcoming tutorials• 27:15 Creator safety 101: stalkers, the “lag rule” for posts• 30:30 Weekly challenge: spark one genuine 2-minute chat with a strangerLove practical creativity and real-talk inspiration? Follow, rate, and review—the support helps us bring on even bigger guests.Links:linktr.ee/AstraVoidCosplaygalaxycon.com ← GalaxyCon main site galaxycon.com/pages/nightmare-weekend-chicago ← Nightmare Weekend Chicago www.youtube.com/channel

June 25, 2025Episode 4920 min

Patrice Banks | Girls Auto Clinic — Driving Change, One SheCANic at a Time

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 Patrice walked away from a six-figure engineering job at DuPont• Why women control 95 % of car-buying decisions—yet still feel underserved• “Primary Care Technician” vs. random “shop-hopping”: the trust model every driver needs• How interactive workshops (13 yrs running) let guests pop their own hood, change a filter, and leave with mani-fresh nails• The Facebook tribe of 20 000 women who swap memes, victories, and repair receipts• Car chemistry decoded with emojis, kitchen metaphors… and a fearless vagina analogy━━━━━━━━━🔗 LINKSBook – Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide: amazon.com/Girls-Auto-Clinic-Glove-GuideWorkshops & services: girlsautoclinic.comInstagram: instagram.com/girlsautoclinicYouTube: youtube.com/@GirlsAutoClinicSheCANic FB group (women only): facebook.com/groups/SheCANic━━━━━━━━━🏆 CHOW (Challenge of the Week)Still quoting “3k or 5k miles” for an oil change? Both are relics.👉 ACTION: Look up the factory-recommended oil-change interval for your exact make + model, then post it with #SheCANicChallenge.━━━━━━━━━🎧 Love this convo? Hit Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and drop a review—every star helps us keep amplifying voices that drive change.