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

April 8 · 1 hr 23 min
78 - Steinar Bakke - Chef, Coder, Actor - A Story of Bold Transitions...
There are many paths that can lead to a vertical career — and today’s guest, Steinar Bakke, is the perfect example. Born in Norway, Steinar started his journey in the army before moving to the United States to study Software Engineering. After successfully working as a software developer, he asked himself: why not try something completely new?This mindset took him all the way to Australia 🌏, where he worked both as a head chef and an actor. When the pandemic hit, life pressed pause — and he returned to his roots in engineering back in Norway. Today, Steinar has been living in South Korea 🇰🇷 for nearly three years, fully embracing the career that truly fulfills him: acting and modeling. He continues to travel the world for jobs ✈️ and hopes to bring his work to Europe in 2026.His first experiences shooting verticals? Let’s just say… unforgettable 😄 In this episode, we talk about: ✨ His unconventional career journey 🎬 The evolution of the vertical industry 🌍 Life and work across different countries 🔥 Lessons learned along the way And one surprising fact: Steinar once worked as a chef in a German restaurant — and is basically a pro when it comes to cooking Schweinshaxe 🍖🇩🇪 A conversation full of insights, humor, and inspiration — don’t miss it! 🎧 Some Verticals with Steinar Bakke: Desire Under Our Uniforms (Kalos TV)The God of Speed: the Legend Returns (Netshort)Love's Second Chance (Kalos TV)Jilted! Now Im Exs Stepmother (Kalos TV)Return of That Banished Girl (ShortMax)
April 4 · 1 hr 28 min
77 - Douglas Jung - Half Asian, Fully Driven – Changing the Face of Verticals...
In today’s episode, I sit down with the talented actor Douglas Jung to talk about his journey and experiences in the world of vertical storytelling 🎬📱 Almost by chance, Douglas landed his first vertical role in 2023 through a friend—and he’s been hooked ever since. Fast forward to today, he’s already contributed his acting skills to over 40 verticals! 🚀 We also dive into a topic close to his heart: diversity in casting 🌍 As a half-Asian actor, Douglas shares his wish to see more opportunities for people with diverse cultural backgrounds to land leading roles. Right now, he sees promising progress especially on platforms like CandyJar 🎭 Music plays a huge role in his creative process 🎧🎶 From powerful soundtracks to carefully curated playlists, Douglas uses music to fully immerse himself in his characters and set the right emotional tone.We also talk dreams and ambitions 💭 Shooting in Europe is high on his list, and he’s excited about exploring Sci-Fi roles to push the boundaries of the vertical space 👽🚀And here’s a fun tip 😄 Want to leave Douglas completely speechless? Just tell him you’ve never seen Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, or James Bond… trust me, it works! A fun, honest, and inspiring conversation with a genuinely great person—this is one episode you don’t want to miss! 🎧💫 Some Verticals with Douglas Jung: Billionaire Daddy, You Have Sextuplets! (Flareflow)The Last Gambling God (Playlet)The Lost Heir: A Christmas Reckoning (Dramabox)Sweet Wild Bride of Mine (Reelshort)BillionHeir's Obsession
April 1 · 2 hr 19 min
76 - March Recap - Vertical Déjà Vu: Innovation or Imitation?...
The first quarter of the Vertical year 2026 is already behind us—and it really feels like things are picking up speed. There’s no shortage of exciting topics and developments across the verticals, and plenty to unpack and take a closer, more critical look at. Curious about what didn’t quite impress us this March—and what completely stole our hearts? Then you’re in exactly the right place for my monthly roundtable with the ladies! Joining the discussion: * Michaela (Host) @lets_talk_about_verticals * Aline @i.love.verticals * Dalia @verticalfilmslover * Shikha Dia @verticalviewweekly * Caitlyn @verticait * Meagan @realreeldrama In this episode, we talk about a trend that’s been hard to ignore: many major platforms have recently been introducing “new” verticals—features and formats that, in reality, we’ve already seen on other platforms for quite some time.We take a closer look at what’s currently happening in platform development, why this wave of “reinvention” feels so familiar, and where we’re starting to see potential challenges and limitations emerge. 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!
March 28 · 1 hr 10 min
75 - TJ Wilk - From Manny to Main Roles and Swimsuits to Spotlight...
This conversation is one I could have continued for hours — TJ Wilk @tjwilkofficial shared so many fascinating stories from his life that I was completely captivated and rarely felt this thoroughly entertained. 🎧✨ A born drummer, TJ has already released two music albums (including on Spotify). In 2023, he entered the Vertical World as an actor — but his journey there was anything but ordinary. From international modeling success to starring in a TV show, working as a “manny,” attending acting school, and so much more, his path has been incredibly diverse. 🌍🎬 Originally, TJ pursued Olympic ambitions in springboard diving during college. But thanks to Mark Wahlberg, he developed an interest in modeling and acting — eventually trading his swimsuit for underwear campaigns, a modeling career, and acting classes. 🩲🎭 At first, acting didn’t come easily. As he shares, memorizing lines for auditions was a real challenge. Only after learning new techniques — and realizing that his role in a long-running TV series no longer fulfilled him — did he decide in 2023 to fully commit to his acting dream. His very first audition? A vertical — without even knowing what that was. 😄🎥 Today, TJ has become a key figure in the vertical scene, captivating audiences daily with numerous lead roles. Drumming remains a big part of his life, just like his daily gym routine to stay “camera ready” at all times. 🥁💪 And what’s the story behind Kermit the Frog? 🐸 And why didn’t his Superman flannel pajamas impress a woman? 🦸‍♂️😅 All this — and many more fascinating, entertaining stories — await you in this episode. Enjoy listening! 🎧✨ Some Verticsls with TJ Wilk: Drowning his Restraint (@loveshots.app) Love Me Later, Pay Me Now! (@kalostvapp) My Scar, His Debt to Pay (@playletshort) Mafia Majesty (@goodshortdrama) Mafia Daddy Next Door (@kalostvapp)
March 25 · 1 hr 14 min
74 - Cyle Kolton - $10 Billion Poker Hands & Other Unrealistic Stories...
A brand-new episode is just around the corner, and this time I sat down with actor Kyle Colton @kyle_colton89 for a deep dive into the world of vertical storytelling. With 50+ verticals under his belt, Kyle has explored nearly every genre imaginable—earning himself a fully checked Vertical Bingo Card 🎬 🦹‍♂️ Often cast as the villain (or as he jokingly calls it, the “useless assistant”), Kyle shares why verticals offer him something traditional horizontal films often don’t: creative freedom in shaping his characters. 🌍 What’s still on his bucket list? Shooting outside of Los Angeles—and even outside the U.S. With a China visa already secured, he’s more than ready for his next international adventure ✈️ 🎞️ From dreaming about black-and-white 1940s-style verticals to exploring period pieces, the Wild West 🤠 or even outer space 🚀—nothing seems off-limits. 💸 And why are CEO storylines sometimes less believable than werewolves 🐺 or vampires 🧛? Because let’s be honest… who actually plays poker for $10 billion? Get ready for an entertaining conversation full of insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and experiences from over 50 productions—this is one episode you don’t want to miss! 🎧✨ Some Verticsls with Kyle Colton: Assemble My Avenging Billionaires (@goodshortdrama) Ms. CEO's Baby Daddy Is the Merchant of Death (@reelshortapp) Mafia Boss's Obsessed Love (@dramabox_official) Daddy I'm Your Lucky Star! (@reelshortapp) My Teenage Great-Grandma (@netshortdrama)
March 21 · 1 hr 27 min
73 - Michael J. Gwynn - From Vertical Father Figures to the Wild West 🤠
🎙️ From the very beginning, it was a perfect match – Michaela & Michael. Maybe it started with the name 😉… but in this episode, you’ll quickly realize there’s much more connecting us than just that. In this latest episode, I’m talking to Michael J. Gwynn @michaeljgwynn , a true Patriarch of the vertical space 🎬 He’s well known for portraying a wide range of father figures – from warm and caring to loud, intense, and intimidating. That versatility is exactly what makes him stand out. With years of experience in vertical storytelling, Michael shares his honest insights: ✨ What’s working in the vertical world ⚡ What still needs improvemen 🚀 And where the space is heading next One thing matters most to him on set: teamwork 🤝 Even when things get hectic, people meet for the first time, and chaos is part of the process – he firmly believes: Teamwork makes the dream work. And what’s still on his personal “vertical bingo card”? 🎯 🏒 As a passionate ice hockey player, he’d love to take on a role in a hockey-themed vertical ⏳ Plus, he dreams of shooting period pieces and even stepping into the Wild West As a bonus, you’ll also get a mini German lesson 🇩🇪 Michael used to live in Bavaria and still drops a few German words along the way. And how do we end up with him launching a billionaire search for me? 😄 Well… you’ll have to tune in to find out. 👉 Don’t miss this episode! 🎧✨ Some Verticals with Michael J. Gwynn: My Wedding, Your Biggest Regret (@playletshort) From Zero to Hero: My Super-Vision Husband (@dramawave_official) My Scar, His Debt to Pay (@reelshortapp) Napolitana for the Mafia Boss (SHRT) If Only You Loved Me More (@dramabox_us)
March 18 · 1 hr 12 min
72 - Fantalk - Amanda (amandas_verticalvibes) - Hospital Drama and Mafia pleasures...
It’s time for another Fan Talk 🎙️✨ to find out what the audience – the people actually watching verticals – really think 👀 In this episode, I sat down with Amanda 💬 We talked about her preferences when it comes to verticals, the genre she’s especially drawn to 🎭 and what she’s less likely to watch these days 🚫 Her reviews mainly focus on “older” verticals – although, as she points out, that term isn’t entirely accurate. It’s really just about shows that aren’t brand new releases 🕰️ As someone working in healthcare 🏥, we also had to dive into the sometimes questionable realism of hospital scenes 🤔 as well as the desire for more Part II follow-ups ➡️ and clearer trigger warnings ⚠️We also explored why kids in verticals aren’t exactly a “must tune in” for her 👶❌ and why interactive formats don’t really appeal to her either 🎮 And of course – who does get her to hit play when it comes to vampire 🧛‍♂️ and werewolf 🐺 verticals? A Fan Talk packed with honest audience insights 💡 that you definitely don’t want to miss 🔥🎧
March 14 · 1 hr
71 - Richard Sharrah - The Luke Skywalker for the Vertical World...
His life almost sounds like a fairytale ✨. He even married a real (Disney) princess 👑 and together they have three wonderful children. Richard Sharrah sat down with me for a conversation about his love for acting 🎭, his experiences on set 🎬, his life, and his plans for the future 🚀. He has taken the Vertical world and its audience by storm 🌍📱. His trademark in Vertical series? Father roles. As we discovered, not always the loving kind – for example in “Mommy Don’t Cry Daddy Is Sorry.” These roles perfectly showcase Richard’s incredible range as an actor 🎭✨. One of his personal highlights in 2025 was his first Vertical shoot together with his son Maverick 👦🎬 – a very special and meaningful experience for him. The actor and businessman with an MBA 🎓💼, who until recently was under an exclusive contract with ReelShort, ended that exclusivity in early 2026 to the delight of many fans 🙌. Now he’s ready to conquer the entire Vertical world – including international productions 🌎🎥. During our conversation, filled with laughter and humor, Richard and I also create a little “To Do / To Visit” list for 2026 📝. Besides filming in Europe 🇪🇺🎬, I invite the half-German actor to visit his homeland again 🇩🇪 – maybe for my Soundgarden or for another magical Christmas market tour in winter 🎄☕✨. Even before the recording started 🎙️, our conversation had already developed a wonderful depth and connection. We talked not only about career and projects, but also about life itself – about the importance of self-care 🧘‍♂️ and the beauty of living in the moment 🌅. Just to be clear: if Richard suddenly shows up with a new tattoo in the near future 🖊️😅, that idea was entirely his. Jessica @jessicasharrah , I take absolutely no responsibility for it. 😉 A wonderful conversation about life 💫, the love of living ❤️, and big visions 🚀. This is definitely an episode you don’t want to miss! 🎙️🔥 Some Verticals with Richard Sharrah My New Daddy is a Five-Star General (@goodshortdrama) Daddy I'm Your Lucky Star! (@reelshortapp) Someone Loved Is Never Lost (@reelshortapp) America's Favorite Ex-Husband (@reelshortapp) Daisy Tucker and Mr. NYC (@reelshortapp)
March 11 · 1 hr 33 min
70 - Harrison Keen - 2026 Harrison goes romantic (in Verticals)...
🌏 As we all know, Down Under has caught the Vertical fever too – which makes it the perfect time to sit down with another Australian Vertical actor: Harrison Keen. The 2025 Rising Star nominee and I talk about the many opportunities that Vertical series have opened up for actors. From working abroad in China and Istanbul to what it was like filming a Vertical production in Australia – complete with an authentic Australian accent. 🇦🇺🎬 Want to know which natural skills Harrison believes make him a perfect villain? He reveals them exclusively in this episode. 😈Even though he sees himself more as a villain-type actor, he’s now also trying to move into the romantic lane and establish himself as a heroic romantic lead. ❤️But how well does that work when you have a natural tendency toward darker characters? As I quickly learn during our conversation: not that easily 😂 Harrison also shares how he approaches every character he plays — trying to truly understand them and make them his own in order to portray them as authentically as possible. Sometimes that process can be quite challenging. And his ultimate dream role in a Vertical series? A serial killer. 🔪 How that fits together with “romantic” is something we try to figure out together in this episode. Did we find a solution? You’ll have to listen to find out. ✨ 2026 – Harrison Keen goes romantic! 🎧 Enjoy the episode! Some Verticals with Harrison Keen Flash Marriage to My Billionaire Hobo Hubby (Kalos TV)Runaway Prince Secret Vacation (Vigloo)The Summer I Turned Bad (Dramapops) The Mafias Unwanted Blind Savior (Minishort)Heiress Return: Boss's Defense & Love (Startdust TV)
March 7 · 1 hr 34 min
69 - Toby S Pruett - Stunts, Sets & Straight Talk...
Today, a supporting actor finally steps into the spotlight he has long deserved — Toby S. Pruett ✨🎬 With plenty of wit and charm, we dive into the many chapters of his journey before entering the Vertical Space. From playing a pirate in a theme park 🏴‍☠️ to working as a health manager on set 🩺, to performing as a stuntman in high-energy stunt shows 💥 — Toby’s career path is anything but ordinary. His very first steps in Verticals? Straight into the role of an Alpha in a werewolf world 🐺 — without having the slightest idea what this universe was even about at the time!Toby was also part of the Vertical that pulled thousands of fans into the space: The Double Life of My Billionaire Husband💍💼 — a project that helped shape the industry’s growing popularity. Since then, he has taken on numerous roles across different Verticals and shares fascinating insights into the unique experiences actors face in this fast-moving space. Of course, we also talk about the big topic everyone’s curious about — money 💰. Toby offers exclusive insights into where there’s still room for improvement and what changes he hopes to see in the future. With his extensive stunt background, Toby could easily step into a stunt coordinator role on a Vertical set 🎥🔥 — and who knows, maybe we’ll soon see him not only in front of the camera, but leading the action behind it as well. This episode is honest, entertaining, and full of behind-the-scenes stories you don’t want to miss 🎙️🚀 Some Verticals with Toby S Pruett: When we meet again (Dramawave)The Fake Debutante and the True Billionaire (reellvibe.com)The Heiress Rises from Ashes (Netshort)Big Bad Daddy Your Busted! (Dramabox)Mafia MAMAs Revenge (Joyreel)
March 4 · 1 hr 6 min
68 - Alexandria Watts - Titanic Dreams & Finding the Vertical Spotlight...
🎙️✨ Just before the New Year, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Alexandria Watts to talk about her journey as an actress, her work in Verticals, and her growing passion for writing. As a child, she was completely mesmerized by Titanic 🚢 — so much so that she even took classes about it! Her dream job back then? Oceanographer 🌊🔬. That dream lasted until her mother signed her up for a theater class… and everything changed. Despite insisting (and laughing about it!) that she absolutely cannot sing 🎶🚫 — especially not in front of an audience — the very first role she ever auditioned for was in musical theater. And to everyone’s surprise (especially her own!) she booked it. ✨👏 After spending several years in New York 🗽, she eventually made the move to Los Angeles 🌴🎬, where she immersed herself deeper and deeper into the world of Verticals and micro-dramas. Would she love to shoot in Europe or Asia? Absolutely. 🌍❤️ The only thing holding her back? Her fear of flying ✈️😅That’s why conquering that fear is officially on her 2026 bucket list — because she’s ready to explore the big, wide (Vertical) world beyond the U.S. Being quite tall, she also shares some funny on-set realities: it’s not uncommon for her to be taller than her male co-leads — especially in heels 👠 — which means the infamous Apple Box makes its regular appearance. 📦😄 Her creativity doesn’t stop at acting. She’s also stepped into writing, creating her own Vertical that was eventually produced with her in the lead role: Frozen Hearts and Fiery Love (ShortMax). ❤️🔥 Her biggest wish for the Vertical space? More rom-coms. More comedy. 🎭💕 “There’s enough drama in real life — it’s time for more fun and entertainment.”And trust me — you don’t want to miss what else the passionate hobby baker 🍰✨ and I talked about in this episode! 🎧 Tune in now! Some Verticals with Alexandria Watts Wild Silence (MyDrama) Daddy save me (FlareFlow) Blossom with Gun Taming a Mafia Puppy (Goodshort) Frozen Wife, Unfrozen Revenge (Moboreels)30 Years Frozen: Emergency Rescue (Netshort)
March 2 · 1 hr 22 min
67 - February Recap - Six Critics. One February. Endless Opinions. 🎙️
When six Vertical critics come together, it’s time to recap the past Vertical month – and this time, we’re diving into February 🗓️ Joining the discussion: * Michaela (Host) @lets_talk_about_verticals * Aline @i.love.verticals * Brittany @drama_ink_diaries * Shikha Dia @verticalviewweekly * Caitlyn @verticait * Meagan @realreeldrama Was the Valentine’s month really as cozy and emotional as the audience hoped? Or did some of the released Vertical content leave us disappointed — and if so, why? 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!
February 28 · 1 hr 13 min
66 - Bryce Tipple - ⚾🎭 From Baseball Dreams to Vertical Screens...
⚾ He once had his sights set on the Major League Baseball.�🎭 Today, he’s bringing characters to life on screen — and since 2024, he’s also adding his energy to the Vertical scene. My guest: Bryce Tipple @brycectipple Bryce’s journey took an unexpected turn when his grandmother suggested he try acting. He gave it a shot — and that was it. Baseball ambitions moved to the back burner, and a new passion took center stage. Now based in ☀️ Los Angeles, Bryce has already portrayed multiple lead roles and feels right at home in front of the camera. Through working in several Verticals, he’s gained a deep understanding of the format — what it demands, how it works, and why it connects so strongly with audiences. 🌍 A dream of his? Shooting a Vertical outside the U.S. — combining travel with storytelling. ⚾🎬 And if it’s a sports Vertical with a baseball theme? That would be the absolute jackpot. In this episode, we talk about: ✨ Letting go of one dream to fully embrace another ✨ The magic of stepping into different characters ✨ What makes Verticals such a unique storytelling format ✨ Why behind-the-camera talent deserves more credit — because teamwork truly makes the dream work 🤝 ✨ And a fun practical insight: How do you memorize scripts during a morning dog walk? 🐶🎧 An inspiring conversation about courage, creativity, collaboration — and staying open to where life takes you. Enjoy listening! 🎧 Some Verticals with Bryce Tipple: From Dumped Wife to Christmas Billionaire (@dramabox_official) She's the (Undercover) Boss (@watchcandyjar) Hidden Billionaire's Spicy Marriage (@shortmax_app) Secrets of Sin 2 (@watchcandyjar) Secrets of Sin (@watchcandyjar)
February 25 · 1 hr 21 min
65 - Austin Herring (Snow Story Productions) - The Fascination of bringing a Vertical to life...
Have you ever wondered what a production company actually does in the vertical space — the exciting opportunities 🎬, the creative wins ✨, and the real challenges behind the scenes? I had the chance to sit down with Austin Herring @austinherring , CEO of Snow Story Productions @snowstoryproductions , for an in-depth conversation. With more than 60 verticals produced to date — alongside numerous commercials and other projects — Snow Story Productions has become one of the most established companies in the U.S. when it comes to developing and producing vertical content 📱. We talk about the recurring challenges of vertical production ⚡, unpack the ever-important topic of scripts 📝, and explore what Austin considers to be a truly “sexy” character in the vertical space 💫. From creative development to on-set realities 🎥, we cover the many layers that go into bringing vertical stories to life. People need a vision in order to turn it into reality ✨ — and that’s exactly why Austin and I didn’t just talk ideas, we made a deal. Together, Austin Herring and I mapped out a true win-win scenario: shooting in Germany 🇩🇪, in one of its breathtaking castles 🏰, packed with a big dose of comedy 🎭 — and I’ve officially volunteered to take care of the catering 🍽️. Let’s just say… it sounds more than promising 😉 A bold vision, a creative collaboration, and maybe the start of something truly spectacular 🎬✨ This episode offers a behind-the-camera look at vertical production like never before on the podcast 🎙️ — packed with valuable insights, honest reflections, and an engaging, entertaining conversation. Enjoy listening! 🎧 Some Verticals produced by Snow Story Productions: The CEO and the Country Girl (Dramawave, Reelshort) The Sweetest Challenge (Dramashorts) Blind Heiress (Dramashorts) Good Girl Bad Biker (Dramshorts) Poolboy (Reelshort)
February 21 · 1 hr 41 min
64 - Jieun and Tiffany (Talk Drama to me) - Cultural differences in the Vertical Space...
🎊✨ It’s Lunar New Year — and we’re celebrating with a very special XXL episode! ✨🎊 In this multicultural deep dive, we explore the cultural differences and backgrounds between Eastern and Western verticals — in the best possible company: Jieun and Tiffany from the podcast "Talk Drama to Me" @talkdramatome 🎙️🌏 While Jieun has been part of the vertical space for quite some time, Tiffany is still fairly new to it — so new, in fact, that many actor names don’t ring a bell for her yet. 😄 But that’s exactly what makes it exciting: she approaches the storylines completely fresh, unbiased, and with a different perspective. We chat about C- and K-Dramas 🎬🇨🇳🇰🇷, how they’ve expanded into Western markets, how entirely new vertical formats have emerged from them — and why key differences still remain. We also dive into cultures, traditions, and how they shape vertical storytelling in ways that don’t always translate across markets. After Tiffany has to leave us a little early, Jieun and I continue the conversation, talking about what she personally loves about C- and K-Dramas, what she sees as the most significant differences, and where cultural nuances simply don’t transfer to Western audiences. And of course: ✨ What storylines would we love to see more of? 📱 Which apps are currently impressing us with their content 🚀 And where do we think the vertical industry is headed next? All this — and so much more — in this vibrant, cross-cultural XXL episode you definitely don’t want to miss! 🎧🌙
February 18 · 1 hr 25 min
63 - Evan Camacho -From first Disaster experience to a Vertical Mainstay 🎬✨
In today’s episode, it’s practically a conversation among eight eyes 👀👀👀👀 — because Evan Camacho @evancamachoofficial and I are each joined by our dogs, Nero and Dion 🐶🐶 Evan tells me that he was anything but thrilled about his very first vertical shoot 🎬🔥 Low pay 💸, incredibly hot weather ☀️, a wasp nest 🐝 and plenty more made it a challenging experience. Understandably, he didn’t feel like doing anything like that again for a while 😉😅 Nevertheless, he found his way back to verticals — and has since appeared in many of them in supporting roles 🎭 He would absolutely love to finally take on a lead role ⭐ and also shoot outside of LA 🌎 These goals are high on his “Vertical Wishlist 2026” ✨📝 His roots are in theater 🎭 and sometimes he misses the direct audience feedback 👏 and that very special stage atmosphere ✨ Still, for now, he happily remains committed to verticals because they offer such versatile opportunities to grow and work creatively 🎥 We also talk about some of the more challenging sides of the vertical space: packed schedules 📅, very little sleep at times 😴, external influences on castings 🎬 — and what still makes working in this space so exciting and rewarding ❤️ The advantages of smaller apps 📱 and what actors appreciate about them? Whether Evan ever puts pineapple on his favorite dish, pizza 🍕🍍? — you’ll hear all that and much more in today’s episode 🎧 Enjoy listening! 🎙️✨ Verticals with Evan Camacho: Daddy, Don't Hurt Mommy (@dramabox_official) My Scar, His Debt to Pay (@playletshort) The Last Gambling God (@playletshort) The Double Life of a Billionaire Sweet Ex-Wife (@shortmax_app) The spy fiancé who stole my soul (@kalostvapp)
February 15 · 1 hr 37 min
62 - Nick Ritacco - 🏴‍☠️ Pirate today, 🕵️‍♂️ Detective tomorrow...
Today’s episode is officially hijacked — by Vertical pirate Nick Ritacco @nick.ritacco 🏴‍☠️ Fresh off wrapping the second pirate vertical ever (after @beneathcrimsonsailsvertical), Nick joins me to talk about one of the most special experiences of his career so far. What little kid doesn’t dream of becoming a pirate at least once? Nick used to love dressing up as one — and now he’s managed to combine two things he truly loves: his job and his childhood dream. No surprise he already misses the role… and is secretly (not so secretly) hoping for Part II ⚔️ We talk about: 🌊 What it was like filming on a ship out at sea ⚔️ How he prepared for the sword-fighting scenes 🎬 How many classic Vertical tropes made it into the story 😎 And if there’s a traditional banquet scene or not But we don’t just stay on deck. We also dive into a more critical conversation about how the Vertical scene has evolved over the past two years, brainstorm new and better project ideas, and I promise Nick I’ll try to get him to Germany (or anywhere in Europe!) in 2026 so he can finally check that off his Vertical bingo card ✈️ And after playing a pirate? There’s another dream role waiting: detective 🕵️‍♂️ So Kirby Ellwood @kirby.ellwood and I might need to revive our million-dollar idea from Episode 25… This episode has adventure, ambition, industry talk — and just the right amount of pirate energy. 🏴‍☠️✨ Tune in and enjoy it! 🎧🎙️ Verticals with Nick Ritacco: The Golden Pear Affair (https://thegoldenpearaffair.com) Highs-Stakes Heartthrob (@mydrama.excitingseries) The True Heiress's Perfect Revenge (@app.shorts) Billionaire Alpha's Fated Mate (@flareflowapp) Love Again, My Adoptive Brother (@netshortdrama)
February 14 · 1 hr 22 min
61 - Teig Sãdhãna - A Heart Story Made for Vertical...
It’s time for new storylines in the Vertical Space — and my guest Teig Sãdhãna and I couldn’t agree more: My heart surgery story deserves a full cinematic Vertical adaptation. With everything. Included. This story has it all: ❤️ Drama 💞 RomCom 💔 Heartbreak (in the most literal way possible 😂)Teig immediately volunteered to play my cardiologist (casting = perfection). And we’ve already reserved a role for Zane Claudio as my caring, protective brother. Zane… are you in? 👀 The only things currently missing? A sponsor. Or a lottery win. Minor details, really. 😉 And speaking of lottery wins — should that future jackpot arrive, we already know one thing: We wouldn’t keep it to ourselves. We’d use it to create beautiful things, meaningful projects, and moments that truly matter. ✨ Beyond our shared vision, we also dive into Teig’s personal journey:🌍 What inspired him to move to New York 🎬 How unexpectedly his first (still unreleased!) Vertical found him 🎭 What different roles feel like from the inside His love for theater remains strong, and one day he dreams of producing a play in New York together with his friends. Until then, the award-winning rising superstar continues filming Verticals — even if he’s still not fully comfortable in a three-times-worn white suit that makes him feel more like a casino employee than a leading man 😄🤍 And one thing I still can’t comprehend: Who on earth left this wonderful human being standing at the altar three times? Shocked. One thing I know for sure — that would definitely not happen with me. After this episode, Teig and I are officially heart-connected. ❤️✨ Tune in, dream with us, and step into our visions, our humor, and our very big Vertical ambitions. 🎬🚀 Verticals with Teig Sadhana: Through Ashes Their Sorrow Awakens (Dramabox) My Escort Boy is a Billionaire (Flareflow)My Wife's Billion Dollar Secret (Dramawave)Bitchy BFF Its Your Turn to Pay (Goodshort)
February 13 · 1 hr 24 min
60 - Alex Pychtin - Crime, Cameras & Charisma...
We finally made it happen! 🎉 In this episode, I sit down for a morning chat (German time ☕) with the Australian/Canadian actor Alex Pychtin, @alexpychtin who’s currently in China 🇨🇳. This conversation is packed with humor, charm, and wit as Alex and I talk about what it’s really like to shoot Verticals in China, how things have changed from his very first Vertical shoot to today, and how some roles can leave a lasting impression on his private personality 😏🎭. Alex also shares the bigger goals he’s pursuing through his acting—and what he wants to give back to his audience. He opens up about his motivation to keep doing Verticals and what drives him creatively 🚀✨.Of course, not everything that glitters is gold on a Vertical set ✨➡️😬, so we also dive into challenges and absolute no-gos, discuss a potential Plan B in case he ever decides he’s done with acting, and why he’d much rather shoot in Europe when the temperatures are warmer 🌞😉. Alex would be an absolute perfect fit for my planned Criminal Vertical Series 🔪🖤—and whether he ends up being the murderer or whether we roam the world together as a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde… well, that remains to be seen 😈💥. According to Alex, my darkness is definitely strong enough to appreciate some very twisted (and cinematic) ideas 🎬🖤. By the end of this wonderful conversation, my laughing muscles are completely wrecked 😂, the inside of my lip is blessed with a bloody little cut 🤕, and one hour and 23 minutes of pure entertainment are safely recorded 🎙️🔥. Enjoy listening—and laughing along! 😄🎧 Verticals with Alex Pychtin: Call Me Stepmom, Fxxkboy (@kalostvapp)The Maid Is Actually an Heiress (@kalostvapp)The King Returns on Christmas Eve (@netshortdrama)The Homeless Fishmonger Is My Billionaire Husband (@shortmax_app)In Love with My Exs Father (@kalostvapp) #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community
February 12 · 1 hr 17 min
59 - Jeff Violette - Hard Hats, Underwear & the Vertical Space...
It finally happened: I had him all to myself for an extended podcast hangout — Jeff Violette. 🎧 The construction engineer and the business informatics graduate don’t talk about high-brow academic topics — instead, we talk Verticals 😉 After several years working in construction, Jeff was encouraged during his freshman year by his roommate Eric Guilmette @erictaylorguilmette to give modeling a try. He did — but kept it pretty low-key at first, since he didn’t really want his coworkers on the construction site teasing him about his underwear photos 😄🩲 His very first job in a Vertical? As Jeff tells it, he already knew when he arrived on set that it was just a background role — what he didn’t know was that he’d be dancing 💃 Since then, he’s appeared in numerous Verticals and has moved from the background into the spotlight. He’s played a wide range of lead and supporting roles, and as he admits himself, he doesn’t quite see himself in the over-the-top werewolf characters 🐺😅. CEOs, on the other hand, are roles he really enjoys — even if all those suits can sometimes be a bit much 🤵‍♂️ Jeff isn’t just a Vertical actor — he’s also a Vertical viewer. Especially when it comes to the Verticals of Felix Merback @felix_merback whom he openly admits he’s a huge fan of 🙌. Jeff knows all too well how often Instagram ads pop up promoting new shows, and there are Verticals that have almost made swooming him. I don’t know what you were doing in 1993, but Jeff and I watched Free Willy more than once 🐋 — and absolutely soaked up that feeling of freedom when Willy jumps over the rocks, accompanied by Michael Jackson’s “Will You Be There” 🎶. We drift into some shared childhood memories 💭✨ After this recording session, what would I personally love to do? A Carpool Karaoke ride with Jeff 🚗🎤 — that could be hilarious! Just like this entire episode. Some Verticals with Jeff Violette: Marry me by Christmas (@app.shorts)Shoot at my heart (@flareflowapp)Catch me, Love me (@flareflowapp)Destined for My Billionaire Soulmate (@app.shorts)Fired, Framed & Fierce (@playletshort)The Billionaire's Matchmaker (@app.shorts) #vertical #podcast #new #community #actor