Shay was raised in Alaska. He is an Instrument Rated pilot who has completed FAA Physiological Training at Edwards Air Force Base. His other adventures include skydiving and bungee jumping.

He is in his fourth year of studying German medieval combat and volunteers his time as an instructor for the German longsword class.

Shay has earned a Master's degree in Film, a BS in Biology and a BA in English. He worked for ten years at Glendale Community College where he taught computer classes and developed an internet curriculum.