Let's talk about Verticals

Michaela Bergmann

A Podcast with people who are part in the vertical industry, whether actors, producers, directors, fans, streaming platforms, etc.

Everyone is welcome to talk with me about the big, wide world of verticals. About life with and in this world, its bright and dark sides.

Be excited for wonderful real talk paired with humor, charm but the necessary seriousness 🎙️

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119 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes119

Newest first

May 30 · 1 hr 10 min
98 - Brooke Moltrum - From Vampire Romance to Vertical Stardom...
At the beginning of my personal Vertical-watch journey, I actually avoided werewolf and vampire Verticals because they felt a little too fancy for me 😅🧛‍♀️🐺 Until my today’s podcast guest Brooke Moltrum — together with Nick Ritacco — completely pulled me in with Fated to My Forbidden Vampire ✨ I’m really excited to talk with Brooke about her very first steps into the Vertical space, how she even ended up becoming part of this industry, and what turned out to be one of the biggest learning curves for her in the beginning 🎬 Brooke also loves looking behind the camera and diving into the entire production process of a Vertical. So we also talk about topics like the buzz around click numbers 📈, storylines ✍️, post-production 🎞️ and where we personally see weaknesses and room for improvement in the current Vertical world. And when it comes to characters? Brooke is incredibly versatile 👏 Thankfully, she’s not being boxed into just one type of role — she can play the sweet and lovable female lead just as convincingly as the calculating and manipulative antagonist 😈✨ Besides her time in musical theater — where she also performed in 2025 🎭🎶 — Brooke would absolutely love to show off her singing skills in a Vertical one day. (Although, according to her, the extra super-professional dancing could probably be skipped 😂)And trust me… you’ll definitely want to hear who she thinks would be PERFECT for the male lead role 👀🔥 After appearing in so many Verticals, Brooke has gained a huge amount of experience, learned a lot, and changed many things along the way.Ever wondered why Brooke almost always crosses her legs when sitting in a Vertical scene? 🤔 Or why she sometimes intentionally covers parts of her face during filming? 🎥You’ll hear all of that — and so much more — in this wonderful, relaxed and super fun conversation 💫 Enjoy listening! 🎧❤️ Some Verticals with Brooke Moltrum: 99 Chances of Love (Kalos TV)Alpha's Love Captive (MyDrama)Torn Between the Cole Brothers (Shorts)Boss, Your Executive Secretary Has Resigned (Dramabox)I Love You More Than Life (Reelshort) #podcast #bts #new #community #vertical
May 27 · 52 min
97 - Fantalk - Sanne (Vertical World Girl) - Reviews, Interviews & Vertical Obsessions...
🎙️ It’s time for a new episode featuring someone from the audience side of the Vertical world! This time, I sat down with Sanne from Vertical World Girl. ✨ Many of you probably already know Sanne and have watched one or two of her interviews with people from the Vertical space. But today, it’s finally her turn to be interviewed 😄 Just like me, Sanne entered the Vertical world in 2023 and — like so many of us — got hooked after watching a ReelShort show. She first started out creating reviews before later launching her own interview series. Since then, her work has become an essential part of the Vertical community. 🎬 Of course, we also talk about the kinds of Vertical storylines and genres that instantly make her tune out 👀, which actors and actresses she especially enjoys watching, and whether she prefers subscriptions or spending coins on Verticals 💸 Over time, Sanne has spoken with many actors and actresses, mainly to learn more about the Vertical industry, behind-the-scenes insights, and what it’s really like working on these productions. Does she still have dream guests for her interview format? She reveals it in this episode 👀✨ We also discuss how much time she invests daily into her Vertical page, what can sometimes feel exhausting or demotivating, and why the whole experience is still so incredibly fun and rewarding ❤️ You should definitely tune into this episode if you want another audience perspective on all things Verticals and some exclusive BTS stories from the lives of two Vertical interviewers 🎧✨ Have fun listening! 💫
May 23 · 1 hr 17 min
96 - Robert Keefe - The Vertical James Bond with the License to Create 🎬
If you don’t always get offered the roles you truly want to play, then sometimes you simply start writing your own Vertical Scripts — and that’s exactly what Robert Keefe decided to do. 🎬✨I had the chance to sit down with the actor, writer, and producer to talk about creativity in all its different forms. Among other things, Robert has already been offered elder roles before (which honestly makes absolutely no sense to me 😄), even though he would much rather bring realistic and emotionally grounded Vertical stories to life together with his friends. That’s why last summer he decided to write his very first own Vertical Script — and if everything goes according to plan, it should be released before the end of the year. We’re definitely excited to see it. 👀 Besides writing, Robert has portrayed many different kinds of characters and has made a strong impression both as a villain 😈 and as the nice guy ✨. What helps him maintain a healthy work-life balance no matter what role he’s playing? He shares it with you in this episode. 🎧 Robert also immediately loved my idea of funding my own Verticals one day with a lottery win. 😄 And when I asked him whether I could cast him in multiple projects someday — maybe even with a small discount 😉 — he definitely didn’t say no. One of his biggest dreams would be to shoot in Europe and ideally even play a British character. And if all of that could happen in a James Bond-style story? That would be the ultimate jackpot for him. 🎥🇬🇧🍸 Happiness and mental balance are incredibly important to Robert, and he truly doesn’t take many things in life for granted. ❤️“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” — Kurt Vonnegut ✨ With that being said — enjoy today’s episode! :-) Some Verticals with Robert Keefe Prison Break: Don't Mess with My Daughter (Dramawave)Plus Size Plus Love (Dramabox)Stole Your Alpha for Revenge (Kalos TV)Oops! Reborn Heiress Runs Wild (Momeshort)Falling for a Superstar 2 (Alta TV) #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community
May 20 · 1 hr 6 min
95 - Rachel Beth Jackson - Confidence, Creativity & Balance...
You’ll find pure female empowerment in this episode, because I’m joined by the wonderful actress Rachel Beth Jackson. ✨🎙️ I had the opportunity to talk with her about the many XXL storylines in Verticals, since those are unfortunately the kinds of roles the plus-size actress has been cast in most often. Rachel gives exclusive insights into what it feels like to dive into stories like these, what can sometimes be difficult for her as a confident woman, and what both of us hope to see from future storylines of this kind. 🎬 Rachel comes from theater, still loves teaching acting classes to children 🎭, and has now also started writing her own Vertical Scripts — stories where it doesn’t matter whether the role is played by a plus-size actress or someone with a slimmer body type, because there are so many more stories to tell than constantly focusing on appearance alone. What does she want to see more of in Verticals? Powerful female roles 💥, strong female friendships 👯‍♀️ with a little bit of RomCom energy 💕, and hopefully someday filming in Europe as well. There’s still so much left to discover in the Vertical space. When she’s not on set, she loves starting her day with journaling ✍️, squeezing in a gym session if there’s time 💪, and most importantly enjoying long walks with her dog 🐶. Rainy weather? No problem at all — for Rachel, that’s actually the perfect atmosphere to switch off, breathe fresh air, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 🌧️🍃 This conversation is filled with positive energy, thoughtful discussions about certain Vertical storylines, and genuinely interesting perspectives. You should definitely give it a listen. 🎧✨ Some Verticals with Rachel Beth Jackson XL Stands for Xtra Love (Reelshort)Love Again, My Hockey Superstar (ShortMax)When Memory Refuses to Let Her Go (Goodshort)Sexy Principals bloody game (Momeshort)When Love Returns (Flickreels) #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community
May 16 · 1 hr 3 min
94 - Marc Cotter - Creative Sparks & Vertical Dreams...
Want to know what it really means to have a “Creative Conversation”? Then this podcast episode with Marc Cotter @marccotter is exactly for you. 🎙️✨ This episode is overflowing with creative ideas — although I’ll probably still need a lottery win to actually produce all of them. 😄 Since Marc also writes Vertical Scripts and has already sold three of them, I immediately put him to work on turning Teig’s and my idea for “Dr. Heartbeat, please help me!” into actual words. 😉 So @teig.sadhana I'm on it 😎 What would someone change about their appearance for the perfect Vertical role? Marc, for example, would dye his hair black or even shave it off completely. After he showed me two photos from his “long hair era,” I honestly have zero doubts anymore. 😂 We talk about his must-haves on set 🎬, why I should absolutely cast him in one of the Verticals I discovered myself, where certain storylines have major weaknesses, and why some roles and stories aren’t always that fulfilling for actors. Besides acting and writing, Marc is also passionate about music 🎶 and is about to release an EP — so of course I couldn’t resist testing the waters a little for “Michaela’s Soundgarden.” 🌿🎵 And first impressions? Just as important in the Vertical world as they are during recording sessions. 🎧 Since that first impression worked so naturally and effortlessly between us, it only makes sense that such a harmonious episode came out of it.Enjoy listening! 💫 Some Verticals with Marc Cotter I Don't Want Any of You Three (@dramabox_us)No Mercy for the Cuckoo (@netshortdrama)Raised by the Thief Who Stole My Life (@flareflowapp)Fake Princess Diary (@dramabox_official)After His Affair I Slept with His Best Friend (@flareflowapp) #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community
May 13 · 1 hr 18 min
93 - Kerttu Karon - Villains, Verticals & Yoga Flow...
🎙️ Today’s podcast episode gets a little furry! While my dog Dion quietly makes himself known in the background, my guest Kerttu Karon gets a surprise visit from her cat right in the middle of our recording. 🐶🐱 Born and raised in Estonia, Kerttu brings a lovely European flair to this episode as we talk about her journey into acting and how it eventually led her to Los Angeles ten years ago. Her very first role in a vertical series? A banquet scene right away — so she immediately knew what kind of industry she was stepping into. 😉 To balance out the stress and fast pace of filming, the certified yoga teacher teaches yoga classes whenever her schedule allows. 🧘🏼‍♀️✨Kerttu is incredibly grateful for every opportunity she gets as an actress. From playing villains to portraying the complete opposite, she has already explored many different characters. Why does she often get cast as the villain? She believes her slightly cooler European accent may have something to do with it. Still, she would absolutely love to play more warm-hearted and lovable characters in the future. 🎭 As a true family person, she would also love to shoot more projects in Europe to stay closer to her loved ones — and ideally combine that with deeper storylines and stronger character development. ❤️ We talk about all of this and so much more from the vertical space in today’s episode.Enjoy listening! 🎧 Some Verticals with Kerttu Karon: Mr.Walker, You're Out (Honey Reels)Divorced Commissioner Strikes Back (Dramawave)My Scar, His Debt to Pay (Reelshort)The Last Gambling God (Playlet)She Took My Daughter, I Watched in Silence (Kalos TV) #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community
May 9 · 35 min
92 - Shayne Davis - Strength Beyond the Screen...
🎙️ In today’s episode, Shayne Davis @thefakeshaynedavis takes us along on his journey through the Vertical space so far. Although he’s still relatively new to the industry, he made an impressive start right away — after filming his very first Vertical, he immediately received offers for five more projects. 🚀 What matters most to him despite the growing success? Staying authentic and never losing sight of what truly matters. Because of his own life experiences, Shayne is also deeply passionate about helping others, especially through his work with recovering addicts and at-risk youth ❤️ What’s it like filming with kids? According to Shayne: multitasking at its finest 😂 From playing the “Daddy role” on camera to stepping into a “Big Brother role” between scenes. One thing he would love to see more of in Verticals? Stronger villains 😈 He feels antagonist characters often lose too quickly to the hero and lack real depth. More complexity could make the stories even more engaging. He’d also love to see more variety in genres — especially comedy 🎭 and a truly great western 🤠 Like many viewers, Shayne is also tired of repetitive banquet scenes 🍷 and characters constantly being portrayed as weak until the very end. He believes audiences want to see confidence, growth, and real strength 💪 Horror movies for breakfast? Absolutely 🍿👻�And as a true pizza lover 🍕 (pineapple NOT allowed 😅), Shayne also refuses to take on roles in storylines that already exist on the market. His goal is to bring more originality, variety, and entertainment to his fans. A fun, honest, and inspiring conversation with someone who truly understands what it means to fight against being labeled as “weak” — and who passionately stands for strength, change, and new beginnings ✨ Some Verticals with Shayne Davis: Baby Wants Her Hockey Daddy (@dramabox_official) Emily in Her Glow-Up Era After Ex's Out (@goodshortdrama) Tell Me What You Want (@dramawave_official) Villains Beware Mommy Punches Hard (@goodshortdrama) From Dumped Wife to Christmas Billionaire (@dramabox_official)
May 7 · 1 hr 19 min
91 - Dylan Vox - Creating Cinematic Magic...
It’s time to talk to the man who has been pulling the strings behind the camera on so many verticals: Dylan Vox 🎬🏴‍☠️ For “Kiss of the Pirate King,” (Release on May 8 on MyDrama) Dylan went all out when it came to location scouting after Scotty playfully teased him with the pitch and brought him into the production for MyDrama. From not just one but two pirate ships to dungeons and even a castle — this production has it all. And Dylan wouldn’t be Dylan if he couldn’t turn even the most impossible situations into something truly cinematic ✨ Productions are always passion projects for him, and you can feel that dedication in every detail. Backed by an amazing production team and a strong creative vision, Dylan knows how to create something unforgettable. His own acting experience also gives him a unique perspective behind the camera 🎭 We talk about why Emma and Nick were the perfect lead casting choices, the challenges the team faced during the shooting of “Kiss of the Pirate King,” and whether Dylan would be ready for a second pirate vertical… - Hell yes ⚓🔥 Dylan also shares how his collaboration with MyDrama started, what he loves most about the platform and the team behind it, and which verticals they’ve already created together. And of course, I couldn’t resist asking the important question: how much money would I actually need for a vertical pilot based on my own vision with a European shooting location so Dylan could turn it into something magical? (Without a banquet scene, obviously 😂)So after my future lottery win, discovering a hidden billionaire, or winning a quiz show… you all better be ready for what’s coming next. One episode full of creativity, big visions, behind-the-scenes stories, and lots of laughter you definitely don’t want to miss 🎙️✨ Some Verticals Dylan Vox directed: Kiss of the Pirate King (MyDrama) Romancing the Star (MyDrama)Swapped Bodies with My Secret Crush (MyDrama)Highs-Stakes Heartthrob (MyDrama)Love, Lies and a Dead Tycoon (MyDrama) #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community
May 6 · 1 hr 12 min
90 - Emma Reinagel - Rum, Fights & a Little Clumsiness...
A true Vertical Queen is my guest today: Emma Reinagel 👑✨ The action, adventure, and fighting enthusiast shines not only in werewolf verticals but also in “Kiss of the Pirate King”— and she’s nothing short of a queen in these stories. Her performances are genuinely captivating, and what makes her stand out even more is how often she portrays characters who evolve into powerful, unstoppable women. And honestly… we love that 💥🔥 Like many actors, Emma initially found the world of verticals a bit unfamiliar. After her first shoot, she even came across some werewolf ads and thought they were kind of… weird 😄 — until she ended up starring in one herself and fully stepping into that space. Beyond acting, Emma is also a producer, which gives her a unique perspective on both sides of the camera 🎬 She actively watches her own verticals to reflect on her performance, learn from them, and understand the post-production process better — always striving to grow and improve. While filming “Romancing the Star” with Dylan Vox, she first heard about plans for a pirate vertical. So when she was eventually cast as the lead in “Kiss of the Pirate King,” her excitement was huge ⚓🏴‍☠️ At the same time, she admits she had a few concerns — mainly because, as she puts it, there have been a couple of… clumsy moments on set before 😅 If there’s ever a sequel, the wishes are already clear: Nick Ritacco wants more rum 🥃, and Emma definitely wants more weapons and fight scenes ⚔️🔥 Scotty, you might want to add that to your notes! Maybe even plan a deliberate “falling overboard” moment for Emma — just to prevent any accidental ones 😂🌊 This was such a fun and insightful conversation, full of behind-the-scenes stories from “Kiss of the Pirate King” and Emma’s journey in verticals. Definitely worth a listen — enjoy! 🎧✨ Some Verticals with Emma Reinagel: Kiss of the Pirate King (MyDrama) Taming My Stepbrother (Netshort)Life is not a Game (CandyJar)Romancing the Star (MyDrama)Step Aside Ex, She's the Hidden Lycan Queen! (DreameShort) #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community
May 5 · 1 hr 2 min
89 - Scotty Mullen - Writing, Acting & Building Worlds 🎭✍️
A great Vertical lives and dies by its story and script 🎬✨ And when you’re bringing an entirely new genre to life, creativity becomes everything.In today’s episode, I’m joined by someone who truly embodies creativity – Scotty Mullen 🎭🔥 Actor, writer, and casting director, Scotty talks to me about his latest project “Kiss of the Pirate King” (releasing May 8 on MyDrama) ⚓🏴‍☠️We dive into where he finds his inspiration, how he playfully teased director and producer Dylan Vox with his ideas, and how the pirate world ultimately came to life 🌊 From leads like Nick and Emma to a pirate ship, a castle, and even a dungeon – Scotty brings it all together into a rich period piece story with ease. His creative process? Headphones on 🎧, music playing 🎶, a quick power nap… and suddenly his fingers are flying across the keyboard ✍️💥 With over 12 years of experience as a writer and deep insight as an actor on set, Scotty knows Verticals from every angle. Interestingly, he feels like he often ends up playing versions of his own brother (whom he very clearly loves 🤭). His biggest challenge? Playing… himself. We also talk about how he got into writing, what still challenges him today, and the long-term goals he’s working toward 🚀 Plus – creatives can look forward to a valuable piece of advice from Scotty, and yes… there might even be a few subtle spoilers about “Kiss of the Pirate King” 👀 A refreshing, creative, and genuinely fun conversation – including some spontaneous plans involving a love for Europe 🇪🇺✨So grab your headphones and join us on a journey between storytelling and the camera 🎧🎥 Some Verticals Scotty worked on: Kiss of the Pirate King (MyDrama) - Screenwriter/ActorDaddy, Don't Hurt Mommy (Dramabox)Alpha of Shadows: The Queen Returns (Dreamehort)Swapped Bodies with My Secret Crush (MyDrama) Screenwriter/Actor #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community
May 4 · 1 hr 14 min
88 - Amy Casazza - Transforming Actors into Legends: The Art Behind the Look...
Today, we’re once again going behind the scenes 🎬 – shining a light on the people who truly bring a Vertical to life. This time, I sat down with Amy Casazza ✨ And what can I say? Someone who is Head of Hair, Makeup & Special Effects definitely has a lot of stories to tell 💄🎨😉Originally, Amy started out in the bridal industry 👰‍♀️ before finding her way into film almost by accident – and eventually into the world of Verticals. But like so many others, she quickly got hooked… and hasn’t been able to let go ever since 🎥🔥 Thanks to talents like Amy, actors don’t just look amazing on screen – they feel authentic in every scene ⚔️🏴‍☠️ For the pirate vertical “Kiss of the Pirate King”, Amy and her team created stunning, detailed looks that truly transport us into a pirate world full of atmosphere and adventure 🌊 In our conversation, she shares what made the research for this project so special, what it was like filming on a ship at sea 🚢, and the unique challenges that came with it 🌬️ Was she able to transform Nick, Emma, and the entire pirate crew into authentic characters of that era? And what was her very first thought when she got asked to join this project? 🤔 Dive into a world of costumes, pirates, and behind-the-scenes magic together with Amy and me ⚓✨ And get ready for “Kiss of the Pirate King” – releasing May 8 on MyDrama 🎉 Some Verticals Amy Casazza worked on: Kiss of the Pirate King (MyDrama)Romancing the Star (MyDrama)Swapped Bodies with My Secret Crush (MyDrama)All I Want for Christmas Is My Quarterback Husband (Dramabox)Highs-Stakes Heartthrob (MyDrama) #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community
May 3 · 2 hr 5 min
87 - April Recap - AI, New Players & Shifting Power in Verticals
We’ve wrapped up Easter and already moved past the fourth month of the (vertical) year — and April definitely delivered a lot to unpack 📊 Beyond our usual categories, this month calls for a broader, more critical perspective. One of the most defining trends right now is the growing impact of AI on the vertical ecosystem 🤖 From content production to storytelling structures and scaling capabilities, AI is increasingly reshaping the rules of the game — and challenging existing success models. At the same time, there’s notable movement on the talent side 🎭 A well-known actor is no longer ReelShort-exclusive and is now appearing in new contexts. This highlights just how dynamic and competitive the space has become. On the platform front, we’re also seeing fresh momentum 🚀 A newly launched, heavily promoted app has entered the market, aiming to establish itself through strong positioning and aggressive marketing. Whether it can sustain that momentum remains to be seen — but it has already captured attention.All in all, April once again shows how fast-paced and multifaceted the vertical universe is ⚡ Between technological disruption, rising competition, and new entrants, it’s more important than ever not just to track developments — but to actively interpret them. Joining the discussion: * Michaela (Host) @lets_talk_about_verticals * Aline @i.love.verticals * Dalia @verticalfilmslover * Shikha Dia @verticalviewweekly * Caitlyn @verticait * Meagan @realreeldrama Our Monthly Recap gives you direct insight from the audience perspective on what truly stood out… and what definitely didn’t. This month’s categories: 🎭 Actor/Actress of the Month 🎬 Supporting Role of the Month 💫 Chemistry of the Month 🏆 Vertical of the Month 💩 Crap/Disappointment of the Month As always, we keep it open, honest, and unfiltered — celebrating what we love about the Vertical industry while also calling out where there’s clear room for improvement. A refreshingly entertaining yet critically reflective conversation you don’t want to miss 🎙️✨ Enjoy listening!
May 2 · 1 hr 31 min
86 - Volodymyr Pielikh - Vision, Humor & the Reality of Acting...
🎙️ In today’s episode, I’m joined by model and actor Volodymyr Pielikh—thanks to Bianca from UAFandom for making this conversation happen 🙌 We dive into his journey into the vertical world after years of modeling and appearing in TV commercials, his very first shoot, and his first werewolf vertical 🐺 With refreshing honesty, we talk about the acting challenges behind verticals—what can make them difficult to shoot or even ruin them afterward. I also share my perspective as a viewer 👀—why I stopped watching some of his projects and how a lack of chemistry between leads can impact the experience, while Volodymyr explains why this happens so often. We also explore his goals and dreams ✨: shooting outside the US & Canada (ideally in Europe 🌍), learning sword fighting ⚔️, and bringing those skills into future verticals. And yes—he already has the perfect helmet for a Troy-inspired time-piece 🏛️ And do you want to know what became his favorite food after his time in the jungle—but something he sadly hasn’t had again since? 👀(Spoiler alert: it’s definitely not something common… and I’m not sure who else, like me, feels slightly grossed out by it 😅) An open, honest, and entertaining conversation full of humor, charm, and vision. Enjoy listening! 🎧 Some Verticals with Volodymyr Pielikh: The Summer I Turned My Sexiest (Gammatime)Seducing My Sisters Ruthless CEO Husband (Moboreels)My Wife Never Knew Who I Was (Joyreels)Ballerina Reborn for Revenge (Dramabox)Baby Daddy That Not Your Kid! (Goodshort) #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community
April 29 · 1 hr 8 min
85 - Mary Foster - Roles, Reality & Self-Care...
🎙️✨ In today’s episode, actress Mary Foster @mary_jacqq joins me as we dive into her journey in the vertical space, her broader acting career, and everything that comes with it. Many of you might know her from her iconic villain roles 😈 — but thanks to the wide variety within vertical storytelling, she’s also taken on the role of the best friend 💕 more than once. She truly enjoys both sides and is excited to keep expanding her vertical portfolio. Shooting abroad 🌍 is definitely high on her wishlist! We also talk about the importance of mental balance 🧘‍♀️ and self-care in such a fast-paced industry. Mary finds peace in gardening 🌱 and makes sure to take intentional breaks to avoid burnout. A healthy work-life balance ⚖️ is essential — and often underestimated. How does Mary prepare for her roles? 🎭 What does it really take to step into a character? And how has playing strong, confident villains impacted her personally? All this and so much more in our wonderful girl talk 💬💖 Tune in — it’s definitely worth a listen! 🎧✨ Some Verticals with Mary Foster: Brave New Beginning with My Fire Captain (@dramawave_official)My Poor Husband Is the Real Boss (@dramabox_official)His Love Was A Lie (@dramabox_official)Dont Mess with the XXL Heiress (@dramabox_official)Taming the Football Bad Boy (@dramabox_official) #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community
April 25 · 1 hr 17 min
84 - Max Shusterman - From the Ice to the Screen – A New Path Forward...
A bucket list for 2026 is a beautiful thing – and it truly comes alive when you keep adding new goals to it. ✨ Max Shusterman is my guest, and together we’re adding fresh items to his bucket list. One we can already check off: recording a podcast episode together. ✔️🎙️ When his dream of becoming a professional ice hockey player didn’t work out, Max decided after college to fully focus on acting and modeling – and moved to New York. 🗽 After many acting classes, he took his first steps into the vertical space and has been moving from role to role ever since. An important support early on was Hunter Kohl, who stood by his side as a lead actor and colleague in his first two vertical productions. 🤝 From lovey-dovey good guy to assistant, bully, or total a**hole – Max embraces the full range of characters and truly loves that diversity. 🎭 One small thing still on his bucket list: he hasn’t had the chance to shoot outside of New York City or New Jersey yet – but that’s high on his list to change soon. 🌍 Over the years, acting has taught him not to take things for granted and to appreciate life more deeply. He values a great atmosphere on set and still carries one big dream from childhood: playing the lead in an ice hockey vertical – combining two of his greatest passions. 🏒✨ What kind of stories he wants to tell next, how his singing journey is going, and what else we added to his bucket list – you’ll hear it all in this episode.Enjoy listening! 🎧💫 Some Verticals with Max Shusterman: Bitchy BFF It's Your Turn to Pay (Goodshort)Victory Is in Hand (Goodshort)Code of the Heiress (Goodshort)Dare to Harm the Billionaire's Wife? (Goodshort)Lion's Dawn (Dramabox) #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community
April 22 · 1 hr 8 min
83 - Fantalk - Vicky (verti.verse) - Verticals, Databases & Dream Casts 🎬💡
🎙️ New Fan Episode – featuring Vicky from Verti.Verse What would the vertical industry be without its audience? That’s exactly what I dive into in this new episode with Vicky from Verti.Verse – and so much more. Vicky entered the vertical space quite early – like many others: she saw an ad, just wanted to take a quick look… and that was it, she was hooked. Since then, she has watched countless verticals and become a true pillar of the fan community. One of her biggest contributions: a self-built database that gives you a clear overview of many actors’ filmographies – including exactly which platforms their verticals can be found on. And if that’s not enough, she also maintains a birthday list so you never miss an important date 🎂 In this episode, we talk about: ✨ her favorite genres – and what really annoys or even triggers her ✨ the kinds of stories she’s still hoping to see ✨ why “Verticals made in Germany” are long overdue (hello Autobahn 👀) We also get a peek into her “actor wishlist”: 🎬 Who she’d love to see in lead roles – including Adam Chisnall and Evan Camacho 🚀 The perfect role she has in mind for Nick Ritacco 🧘‍♀️ And why verticals featuring Teig Sadhana have a surprisingly calming effect on her A packed episode full of fan insights, passion, and unique perspectives from the community.👉 Definitely worth tuning in!
April 18 · 1 hr 14 min
82 - Aidan Farren - Tropes, Towel Drops & Big Dreams in the Vertical World...
A light European breeze runs through this episode, as American-Irish actor Aidan Farren joins me 🎙️🇪🇺 We talk about his experiences shooting verticals in China 🇨🇳, his ambition to break into European vertical productions, and what it’s really like to watch his own work on screen 🎬 Of course, we dive into the classic tropes—“Proposals” 💍 and “Towel Drops” 😏—and explore what no vertical story can go without. Together, we even imagine the ultimate Vertical Bingo Card 🎯 Aidan also shares how working on verticals has helped him grow—not only as an actor, but as a person 🌱 What he’s learned along the way and how it has shaped him makes for a truly insightful conversation. When it comes to his dreams, he’s drawn to roles like a special agent à la James Bond 🕶️ or a firefighter 🚒—characters with the “license” to help others. At the same time, he’s eager to explore a wide range of acting opportunities beyond verticals 🎭Like many of us, he’s ready for more comedy and romcom in verticals 💕😂—and hopes to see less violence against female leads, as he openly shares his discomfort with those roles. And since Aidan is a big pizza lover 🍕, we couldn’t skip the ultimate debate: pineapple on pizza—yes or no? 🍍 Plus, we talk about School of Rock and even end up discussing closed car windows 🚗💨 All that and so much more—honest, fun, and entertaining moments—await you in this episode. Enjoy listening! 🎧✨ Some Verticals with Aidan Farren: Claiming His Angel in White (Kalos TV)Return of the Hidden Chef Goddess (Playlet)Goodbye After 99 Forgiveness (Flareflow)Making of an Heiress (Kalos TV)Reborn: Melody of Second Chances (Kalos TV)
April 15 · 1 hr 29 min
81 - Beneath Crimson Sails - The (first) Pirates are entering the Vertical Sea!
It’s finally happening: the first pirate ship is setting sail into the rough Vertical seas! ⚓️🌊I had the chance to speak exclusively in advance with four of the key people behind the project. Julie Bruns Nic Westaway Steven Kammerer Rob Hunt Together, we dive into the filming process, look back at how it all began, and talk about what an incredible adventure it was to bring this Vertical to life. Of course, I was especially curious about what you, the audience, can expect—especially since so many are asking for fresh stories instead of the usual Vertical tropes. And I can tell you: the first details sound absolutely amazing!✨ No banquette scenes ✨ Only ONE slap! ✨ No hospital scenes ✨ And no frustrating, unresolved cliffhangers Instead, get ready for: 🌿 Stunning nature & outdoor scenes 🚢 A real ship 🌬️ The raw, untamed sea 👗 Incredible outfits ⚔️ Spectacular fight scenes A Vertical full of adventure, tension, and dreams—enhanced by a completely original, specially composed soundtrack 🎶 Get ready to be just as fascinated and excited as the cast & crew were during filming!Releasing on CandJar & Mauvipix – stay tuned! 🎬🔥
April 15 · 1 hr 22 min
80 - Marcus Kelly Curtis - Verticals, Vibes & Very Good Food...
Are you in the mood for a mix of Canada 🇨🇦, verticals 📱🎬, and a full-on food tour 🍔🍕🌭—all combined with a generous portion of humor and fun? Then you’re absolutely in the right place with this conversation between Marcus Kelly Curtis and me 😄 ⚠️ Small trigger warning: There’s a very high chance this episode will make you hungry—and might leave you with a strong urge to plan a food trip to Germany 🇩🇪✈️ Marcus and I dive into a relaxed and entertaining conversation about his original career plans as an ice hockey player 🏒, which then shifted toward studying neurology 🧠—until his mom encouraged him to give acting school a try 🎭… where he ultimately found his true passion. Since he’s always loved stepping into different roles and entertaining people, it didn’t take long for Marcus to become very grateful for that life-changing advice 🙌 His lightness, humor, and genuine desire to entertain make acting his dream job 🌟 Always in a good mood—and known to improvise on set 😄—Marcus has an impressive ability to remember scripts, even after a skull concussion 🤯What he ate that day, though? That’s a different story… 😅 What does he wish for his future in the vertical world? 👉 More shoots outside of Canada 🌍👉 Better storylines 📖👉 And more screen time to stay longer with the characters he grows to love ❤️ His must-have on set? Good vibes ✨ and colleagues who can keep up with his energy 😄🔥 We’ve already (mostly 😉) planned his 2026 food trip across Germany and Switzerland 🇩🇪🇨🇭—now I’m just waiting for his message about when he’s landing so we can kick off the adventure 🚗🎤 Think: Carpool Karaoke, ABBA songs 🎶, and lots of amazing food 🍽️ This episode is packed with humor, great stories, and even some deeper, thoughtful moments 💬 Enjoy listening—and stay tuned for our upcoming food trip vlog 🎥✨ Some Verticals with Marcus Kelly Curtis: Twisted Heart (Joyreels)Rescued by the Rugged Mountain Man (Dramabox)Mafia Forbidden Catch (Dramawave)My Husband's Best Friend Claims Me (FlickReels)Victorian Heiress Survival Guide (Kalos TV)
April 11 · 1 hr 32 min
79 - Shanna Sinow - From Ads to Addiction: The Vertical Story...
It’s time for a new episode featuring another actress 🎙️✨ (actors have been dominating a bit lately 😉)Shanna Sinow took the time to have a wonderful and fun conversation with me about verticals 🎬📱 She knows exactly what it’s like to get hooked by vertical ads—and then suddenly needing to watch the full story, unable to stop 😄 So she truly understands the audience better than many others 👀 By now, she’s become an essential part of the vertical world 🌟 From vampires 🧛‍♀️ to rom-coms 💕, from young adult 📚 to the spicy ones 🌶️—there’s nothing she can’t bring to life. Still on her acting wishlist? A mermaid 🧜‍♀️, a pirate lady 🏴‍☠️, or even a detective 🕵️‍♀️Why hasn’t she played a villain yet? She thinks she looks “too nice” 😇 Would she like to change that? Because playing the bad side sounds exciting? — Hell yes 😈Getting kidnapped? She’s already got plenty of experience with that… at least on screen 😅 And one iconic scene many people still remember instantly? The legendary construction helmet scene with Robert Palmer Watkins in “Escaping the Bridezilla” 🎭😂 Definitely a moment that made a lot of people smile! We talk about all of this and so much more from her experiences in the vertical world 🎧 👉 This is one episode you definitely don’t want to miss! Some Verticals with Shanna Sinow: First Love, First Sin with My Stepbrother (Drama TV)Bound by My Ex's Dad (Dramapops)Surrogate Bride of My of Ex's Uncle (Kalos TV)Engraved on Your Heart (Dramabox)Goodbye Husband, Don't Regret When I'm Gone (Dramawave)