Conversations with Zak Shaffer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zak Shaffer.

Hi Zak, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
A little over ten years ago, I made the pivot from full-time kindergarten teacher to full-time dad. Around that time, my wife encouraged me to pursue a career in voice acting. While chasing that dream, my friend Corey Stevenson invited me to co-host a movie podcast called “Podcasting After Dark.” The two mediums—voice acting and podcasting—blended together perfectly.

Before long, I launched a second show, “Two Dollar Late Fee,” with my friend and fellow voice actor Dustin Rubin. While “Podcasting After Dark” shines a light on cult movies, “Two Dollar Late Fee” focuses on the movies and soundtracks of the ’80s and early ’90s. Both shows feature interviews with the creative forces behind some of the world’s most beloved films.

Eight years later, both podcasts are still going strong. My network has also expanded to include two more spin-offs: “Territory Marks,” which dives into ’80s wrestling, and “80s Kids Unite,” a deep dive into ’80s pop culture.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In December of 2024, my “Two Dollar Late Fee” co-host, Dustin Rubin, decided to take a pause from the show. At this point, I became a full-time show-runner, producer, editor, and social media coordinator. While Dustin and other guests occasionally join me, I’ve grown into fully assuming creative direction of the series.

While producing quality, entertaining content is a true passion purpose, the hard work that goes on behind the scenes is incredibly rewarding. Aside from having the luxury of working with my friends, creating a little spot in the universe for nostalgia always with an overtone of positivity is important for me to give to the listeners. Not only a platform for guests to reminisce on their careers and promote new projects, but also highlight unique and unexpected aspects of their creative lives that aren’t often discussed.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My artistry takes many forms as a singer, storyteller, voice actor, podcast producer/host and illustrator. For over 2 decades, I’ve lent my voice to live performances and a wide variety of projects, including animated shorts, promos, and commercials.

Back to the aforementioned 80s and ’90s nostalgia podcast, “Two Dollar Late Fee” features captivating interviews with iconic actors from that era ranging from household names like Annabeth Gish and David Patrick Kelly to cult-favorites like Richard Chaves and Jill Schoelen. Meanwhile, “Podcasting After Dark” shines a spotlight on classic cult films like ‘Repo Man’ and ‘Tuff Turf,’ while also championing new genre cinema like Steven Kostanski’s ‘Deathstalker.’

The other podcast programs dive even further into more specific pop-culture genres. On “Territory Marks,” I team up with professional wrestler Paul London to talk old school wrestling and interview legends like Kevin Von Erich. Then there’s “80s Kids Unite,” which brings a cavalcade of friends together to celebrate 80’s fandom which has grown into a long-running featured panel at Los Angeles Comic Con.

Outside of the studio, I’m the frontman for the rock band “Sure Dude,” and we’re currently wrapping up our upcoming album, ‘It Is What It Is.’

Lastly, I’m incredibly proud of being an illustrator. Since my son started preschool, I’ve written and drawn custom ‘lunch notes’ for him every single day. He’s entering the seventh grade this August, and I’ve never missed one single solitary day—amounting to over 1,600 unique lunch notes. These aren’t just quick sketches; they are highly detailed, full page, color pieces of art. I’m actually currently working on a children’s book based on them, titled “Notes for Bodhi.”

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I’m incredibly grateful to live in a supportive community in Santa Monica, right at the edge of the continent by the shores of the Pacific Ocean. This city has a beautiful balance between a major metropolis and a sleepy beachside town.

If I had to pick one downside, it’s how far Santa Monica is from some of my other favorite spots in LA, like the Vista Theatre and Vidiots. The traffic can be a beast, but getting to live by the ocean makes the commute totally worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.twodollarlatefee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodollarlatefee?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twodollarlatefee?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Twitter: @2dollarlatefee
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@twodollarlatefee?ra=m&fbclid=IwVERDUAR_FgdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeItYax2xFbPeTR-yJh73ZuCXLjE_xewdfHUh-IhZCesSUx_mGjr6KJaYo5oQ_aem_y2y2RtO5SPb4K2QNUywqHw

Image Credits
Dustin Rubin, Zak Shaffer
Diane Franklin
Matt Adler, John Philbin
Dustin Rubin, Jeff Kober
Brendan Hay, Joe Dante
John Toma, Corey Stevenson, Grace Chan, Duckie Dale, Diallo Jackson, Max Boyle
Marc Lowrance, Paul London
Jill Schoelen
Richard Chaves