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 with her purpose
• A challenge that could help you remember who you were before the world told you who to be
• If you’ve ever felt like you’re just “playing the role” of who you should be… this episode might be the permission you didn’t know you needed.

Follow Ashton Blaise:

Instagram: instagram.com/theashtonblaise
YouTube: youtube.com/@ashtonblaise
Twitter/X: x.com/theashtonblaise
OnlyFans: onlyfans.com/ashtonbirdie

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To learn more, visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shaft

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/david-shaft