Let's talk about Verticals

Michaela Bergmann
59 - Jeff Violette - Hard Hats, Underwear & the Vertical Space

12.02.2026 77 min

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, acco...
58 - Nic Westaway - He sailed on the First Vertical Pirate Ship...

11.02.2026 93 min

In this episode, I sat down with Nic Westaway for an in-depth conversation. The Australian-born actor now lives in Canada and, after several years on the Australian TV series Home and Away, has found his way into the Canadian and vertical storytelling world. He talks about his very first encounter with the vertical space and how, almost like a snowball effect ❄️, more and more roles started to come his way. Whether as a caring father 👨‍👧, a somewhat malicious husband 😈, a president 🇺🇸, or a blue-collar worker 🛠️—Nic has appeared in a wide range of characters and brings them to life beautifully every time. Most recently, he was part of the very first Pirate Vertical 🏴‍☠️, which has already been filmed and is currently in post-production. We’re all eagerly waiting for it! He shares what it was like to portray a pirate, partially work as a co-director 🎬, and what made this pirate vertical shoot so special. A role he’d still love to play? A vampire 🧛‍♂️! Which clearly means—we need more productions in that genre (and honestly, I’d love to see that too 😍). Nic has also started writing vertical scripts himself and is always interested in what audiences want to see, what they can do without, and what truly resonates 📱🎥. Looking ahead, he’s aiming to secure a visa for the U.S., which would allow him to explore verticals and their potential in America 🇺🇸. Shoots in Europe? Absolutely—Nic is always open to that 🌍. Hopefully, 2026 will open up exciting and big new opportunities for him ✨. Want to know more about the Pirate Vertical and Nic Westaway? Then you definitely shouldn’t mi...
57 - Elijah van Zanten - Verticals. Villains. Cheeseburgers. 🍔😈🎬

10.02.2026 86 min

After chatting away for more than two hours before hitting record, Elijah van Zanten @elijahvanzanten and I still managed to sit down for a solid hour of mostly serious talk about Verticals and their role in his life 🎬😅 Elijah booked the lead role for his very first Vertical — even though he admittedly had no real idea on set what he was actually doing at the time 🙃. Apparently, he handled it pretty damn well, because otherwise he wouldn’t have gone on to book so many more leads and roles since then — and become a true fixture in the Vertical space ⭐️. Elijah now knows exactly what he loves about Verticals, which roles he enjoys most (and least), and we both immediately discover a shared villain connection 😈🤝. He also reveals why it’s best to leave him alone for a bit after waking up in the morning ☕️😴, and what he needs on set to really feel comfortable and in his zone 🎭 Where to find his karaoke-singing videos online remains a mystery 🎤👀 (I’ll have to investigate), but he did promise to show up chic and sharp in a suit for the next episode 🕴️✨. We also talk about how Elijah would prepare for a psychopath role, whether it’s sometimes hard for him to be nice 😏, what else the self-confessed cheeseburger junkie loves to eat 🍔❤️ — and so much more.This refreshingly honest and fun episode is one you definitely don’t want to miss 🎧🔥 Some verticals with Elijah van Zanten: Step aside Ex - she's the hidden Lycan Queen (@dreameshort)The perfect Play (@kalostvapp)Legally bound to love (@flextv_official_us)Lady Shark in Law (@mobo_reels)After Divorce the Billionaure crushed on me (...
56 - Ryan Larson - The one and only Alpha Mafia Dom of the Vertical Universe 😈✨

09.02.2026 75 min

Today’s conversation really has it all. From the mafia to BDSM, piracy, and deep psychological talks — plus even a few potential drinking games — Ryan Larson and I covered so many different topics. And what can I say? It was wonderful! ✨🎙️ Ryan, who describes himself as a “nice guy,” already appeared in one of the very first werewolf Verticals back in February 2022. In his own words, that makes him the original alpha among all werewolves 🐺👑. But his Vertical career has since grown far beyond that, including a wide range of characters he has brought to life. From various mafia leaders 💼🔫 and extraordinary blood-splattered scenes 🩸 to appearing multiple times as a Dom in BDSM Verticals 🔥⛓️ — Ryan has done it all. One question that had been on the tip of my tongue for a long time — “How do you actually prepare for something like that?” — was answered by Ryan, along with how he best mentally and emotionally wraps up a shoot, especially after intense or emotional scenes 🧠❤️.After years in modeling, Ryan has found his true fulfillment, joy, and passion in acting 🎭. He would love to add roles in genres like piracy 🏴‍☠️ or westerns 🤠 to his acting list in the future. Which of his Verticals would Ryan love to turn into an Instagram Live combined with a drinking game? 🍹📱 And what homework did Ryan give me to take away with me?All of this and so much more can be heard in this wonderfully refreshing conversation. Enjoy listening! 🎧✨ Some released Verticals with Ryan Larson: The Alpha’s kept woman (FlareFlow)Stitches of Regret, the mistaken Heartbeat (FlexTV)Drowning in the Past (Joy...
55 - JC Ann - Music, Verticals, and Pure Passion...

07.02.2026 83 min

What is it like to kick off an acting career at full speed with a vertical production? 🚀🎬 In today’s episode, the lovely actress and singer JC Ann answers this question—along with many others 🎙️✨As she says about herself, JC is someone who likes things fast, structured, and straight to the point. That’s exactly why the pace of vertical shoots suits her perfectly ⚡📋—to the point where feature film productions shooting only three to four pages a day can sometimes feel almost too slow for her 😅.  Alongside several lead roles, JC has often played the antagonist in verticals 😈. She loves the subtle wickedness of these characters and the flexibility that allows her to slip into many different personalities 🎭🔥. She also wishes more of her fellow actors had the same opportunity, instead of being constantly boxed into the same type of role. Through the sheer number of vertical shoots, JC has grown significantly as an actress. She even admits that she can now cry almost on command 😢. A friend of hers, Taylor, once shared the ultimate “how to cry instantly” tip—which JC reveals exclusively in this podcast episode 👀🎧. Thanks to Tess Dinerstein, music-loving JC also started creating playlists for her vertical characters 🎶🎬 to fully immerse herself in each role—and she calls it one of the best ideas she’s ever had. After living in Copenhagen, Denmark for six months 🇩🇰, JC confesses to having a soft spot for Danish mulled wine and German currywurst 🌭🍷 and says she would absolutely love to return to Europe—especially if she could combine it with a vertical shoot ✈️🎥. Her dream role? Sta...
54 - Corbin Timbrook - Forever the Billionaire Vertical Father...

04.02.2026 75 min

Today’s conversation takes me back to another true veteran of the vertical scene: Corbin Timbrook 🎬 Many know him for his numerous patriarch roles, where—as he likes to say himself—he often plays a wealthy father or grandfather trying to get one of his sons “settled down” 😉. Corbin openly admits that he enjoys playing the bad guy 😈. In his experience, those roles are usually written with more depth, offer greater creative freedom, and ultimately allow him to truly make the character his own—which makes them a lot more fun to play.Since the early 2000s, Corbin has expanded far beyond acting. He has also worked as a film producer, director, and screenwriter, primarily in the horror genre 🩸🎥.  Having seen the film industry from so many different angles, he knows just how tough the business can be. Along the way, he also finds it both funny and fascinating how dramatically vertical titles have evolved over the years 🤯. We chat about the little aches and pains that sometimes start to show up during shoots as the years go by 💪🦴, as well as the fact that storylines are often recycled—sometimes without even changing the characters or their names. His dream for a new vertical or genre? A trip to the Wild West 🤠🐎. Corbin would love to play a sheriff in an old-school Western vertical and dive into the rough, dusty world of saloons, horses, cowboys, and lassos 🌵🔥. 🎧✨ Enjoy listening! Some released Verticals with Corbin Timbrook: Verticals: Swan Queen Dancing Back into His Arms (Goodshorts)Marry Me By Christmas (Shorts)Dady Don’t Go, Please Save Mommy (Dramabox)Heartstrings and Lies ...
53 - Fantalk - January Recap - The 2026 Vertical start with a yo-yo effect...

02.02.2026 100 min

We’ve officially kicked off the Vertical year 2026, and of course we’ll be continuing our Monthly Recaps this year as well! 🎬📅 Once again, we openly and honestly discuss what really didn’t work for us during the month, what disappointed us, what were absolute no-gos, and who or what completely captivated us with an outstanding performance. 🔥😬Joining us this time are: Aline @i.love.verticalsDalia @verticalfilmsloverShikha Dia @verticalviewweeklyCaitlyn @verticaitWe all agree that the start of the new Vertical year came with a bit of a yo-yo effect 🎢 — bringing a wide range of Verticals, storylines, and very diverse opinions along with it. As always, we also covered our regular categories:🎭 Actor/Actress of the Month 🎬 Supporting Role of the Month 🏆 Vertical of the Month 💩 Crap Vertical of the Month This episode also comes with a historic milestone 🚨: Caitlyn experienced her very first DNF Vertical ever! 😱 Which Vertical it was — and which one led to an instant DNF for all three of us who watched it — is revealed in this episode, of course with open, honest feedback and clear reasons. 🗣️❌ What we enjoyed watching and listening to in January, and what we’re now hoping for and eagerly waiting on in February 👀✨ — you’ll find out all of that and so much more in our January 2026 Monthly Recap! 🎧 Tune in and enjoy listening! And don't forget to like and share!
52 - Fantalk - Angel (vertical.film.enthusiast) - A big vertical supporter since day one...

31.01.2026 72 min

🎙️ It’s time for a brand-new Fantalk episode! This time, I’m joined by the enchanting Angel ✨. Besides her Instagram profile, she also runs several fan pages. If it were up to her, she’d manage more than 300 fan pages – simply because she wants to give everyone the attention they truly deserve 💖.Angel, just like myself, has been part of the audience since the very beginning, so we’ve both watched a lot of verticals over the years 📱🎬. We agree on one thing: we’re not big fans of certain cliffhangers 😅 – and yes, she has also struggled more than once with watching Chinese-language verticals 😉.How much time does she spend every day on all her vertical Instagram activities? 👉 A lot! But her content is absolutely worth it 🙌. From her weekly “Weekend Watchlist”, to in-depth reviews, all the way to interviews she occasionally conducts with creatives – things never get boring with Angel ✨.Alongside a small love confession to Michael Vaccaro ❤️, she also shares her wish for more creative freedom for actors, especially when it comes to bringing scripts to life. We talk about that, too. We also dive into which verticals made her cry 😭 and why some stories are particularly triggering for her.And as if that wasn’t enough, we also decide to plan a joint visit to Europa-Park 🎢🎡. Anyone who’d like to join us is more than welcome! 😊
51 - Luke Brewer - The Helicopter Man of the Vertical Space....

28.01.2026 71 min

🎙️ New Podcast Episode – Goofy, Honest & a Little Bit Crazy 🤪✨In the latest episode of the podcast, I’m talking with actor Luke Brewer 🎭🔥 about Verticals, villains, and why taking creative risks really matters. After his very first Vertical shoot felt a bit weird 😅, Luke now does them regularly—and absolutely loves it 💥📱. He’s even written several Vertical scripts himself, just waiting to be brought to life 🎬✍️. Luke is eager to be booked for a sports vertical 🏀⚽ and is known for giving every role a special twist—nothing too classic, nothing too stiff. He enjoys playing crazy, edgy characters 🤡🖤, especially the ones the audience doesn’t necessarily like because… well, villains are fun 😈. We also bond over our shared frustration that the industry still clings to traditional storylines 📜 and rarely dares to take risks on new, bold stories 🚀. According to Luke, that needs to change—urgently. Why is Luke Brewer actually called Luke Brewer? 🍺💡  What’s the deal with being a light- and beer-bringer?  And why does he think we desperately need more dead people? 💀😳 All that—and a lot more—in this goofy, honest, and slightly unhinged podcast episode 😉🎧👉 Tune in now! Some Verticals with Luke Brewer: I Bore a Child for My Hubby's Mistress (iDrama)From Beaten Daughter to Badass Lawyer (KalosTV)The Final Goodbye to the Closest Kin (Goodshort)The Divorced Heiress Claims Her Crown (ShortMax)Big Bad Daddy Your Busted! (Dramabox)
50 - Ryan Watson Henderson - Twilight walked so that Verticals could run....

24.01.2026 83 min

😂🎙️ Humor, Fun Facts & Real Talk from the Vertical World
This episode is packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes fun facts, and also some serious conversations from the Vertical universe. I met Ryan Watson Henderson @ryguywatson for an online chat 💻✨. After almost two hours off the record talking and laughing about pretty much everything (with more insights shared later in the BTW on Instagram 📸), we also dove into the sometimes serious sides of life and work in the Vertical World. Ryan started his Vertical career at a relatively young age. After filming his very first show with the wonderfully crazy Vertical title “My Husband Killed Me and Then I Won the Megaball” 🤯🎰, he quickly plunged into the werewolf and vampire genre 🐺🧛‍♂️. Since then, he has appeared in numerous Verticals and shares plenty of memorable—and sometimes wild—on-set experiences 🎬🔥. We talk about his absolute script no-gos 🚫📄, the expectations placed on him in certain scenes, and why he’s occasionally been labeled a diva 💅—especially when he’s asked to do things he doesn’t feel comfortable with. His dream Vertical? A Vertical parody or a music Vertical 🎶🎭, where he could combine acting with his passion for music. Since dreams need budgets 💸, we also explore different ways to raise money for such projects. And then comes the ultimate question 🤔:
Why did Travis Harrington want to leave the county, the money, and the castles behind? 🏰💰 Whether we find an answer, which classic Vertical phrases we lovingly roast 😂, and an exclusive fun fact from a Vertical shoot—you’ll hear it all, only in this episode...
49 - Anthony Darvall - A little bit of wickedness never hurts in the Vertical World...

21.01.2026 66 min

🇦🇺✨ Down Under Again! In this episode, we head back to Australia to talk with Australian Vertical actor Anthony Darvall  🎭 @anthonydarvall  Anthony was already part of only the second Vertical ever filmed in Australia, and since then he has appeared in several Verticals as a regular cast member. He sees huge potential for Vertical filming locations Down Under 🌏🎬 and hopes the Vertical culture will continue to grow and evolve there. Originally planning to become a dinosaur researcher 🦖, everything changed thanks to Johnny Depp and Pirates of the Caribbean 🏴‍☠️. Inspired, Anthony graduated from the Actors College of Theatre and Television and began his career, among other things, on the theatre stage. He still occasionally misses the unique, direct connection with a live audience 🎟️❤️. His true passion lies in vampire Verticals 🧛‍♂️🩸 and the dark characters he gets to portray. He would love to see more Verticals of this genre return. And villains? He absolutely loves playing them 😈—because, in his opinion, a little bit of wickedness never hurts… even in real life 😉 A wonderful conversation about acting, life Down Under, and the dark personalities of the Vertical World 🌑🎥🎙️ Some Verticals with Anthony Darvall: I leashed a CEO (@reelshortapp) My Husband is an American Hero (Stardust TV) Midlife Flash Marriage: My Billionaire CEO (@reelshortapp) Cinderellas Royal Secret (@kalostvapp) Vampires Forbidden Kiss (@vigloo_official)
48 - Gabe Armentano - The Creative All-Rounder in the (Vertical) Film World...

17.01.2026 70 min

🎙️✨ After usually finding ourselves in completely different time zones — and with Gabe Armentano busy filming several projects — we finally managed to sit down for a truly wonderful conversation. Gabe first lived in New York to pursue acting, where he felt at home in a lovely shared apartment with the matriarch Catherine. After her passing, he moved on to Los Angeles, where — after some initial skepticism — he auditioned for his very first vertical casting call. 🎬 Since his first role in a werewolf vertical about 1.5 years ago, Gabe has stepped into many more verticals, portraying a wide range of characters. Beyond the United States, he has already filmed six verticals in China 🇨🇳 and shares his impressions of working there — especially when it comes to long on-set working hours. We also talk about script no-gos, his career dreams, his love for storytelling, and the European countries he’s still eager to visit — particularly because of his European roots 🌍 🎭 What genres he’s excited to explore or continue exploring in the vertical world, why he loves cycling 🚴‍♂️, and what the “Gabe’s Intimacy Guide” is all about — along with many other fascinating topics — can be heard in this episode. 🎧✨ Enjoy listening! Some Verticals with Gabe Armentano: Find me Mr. President (Dramawave)When broken hearts beat again (Dreameshort)Out of Prison, Out of Blood Ties (Flareflow)Fated to My Cursed Alpha (Kalos TV)Help! I Fell for My Billionaire Target (Shortswave)
47 - Eric Guilmette - The Vertical Legend who loves soul moments...

14.01.2026 49 min

🌟🎙️ You don’t meet legends every day — but I was lucky enough to welcome the officially crowned Vertical Legend, Eric Guilmette @erictaylorguilmette to my podcast. You could say Eric has been part of the vertical world from the very beginning. He found his way into verticals early on and later went on to “infect” other now well-known vertical actors like Kristine Kay Larsen and Fabian Arnold with the vertical bug. 🦠🎬 Eric talks about how his career has evolved since then, why 2025 has been an absolutely crazy year filled with endless opportunities, projects, and experiences, and how likely he thinks it is that he might ever grow tired of it all. 🚀✨ Not only does he shine as an actor in countless verticals, but he has also started producing himself — becoming the change he wants to see in the vertical world by creating better storylines and bringing his own dream roles to life. 🎥✍️ Beyond acting and producing, Eric also published his very first book, “Sex and Oatmeal,” in 2025 📚 — and as if that weren’t enough, his jewelry collection has already been making people happy all around the world. 💍🌍 A true all-rounder bursting with creativity and energy, who — thanks in part to his amazing community @eric_guilmette_fandom — never loses sight of himself or the many “soul moments,” as he calls them, even amidst all the work. 💫🧘‍♂️ 💬✨ A wonderful conversation you absolutely shouldn’t miss! Some Verticals with Eric Guilmette: My Ex becomes my Gynecologist (@dreameshort) I Slept with My Three Werewolf Stepsons (Tallflix) Goodbye After 99 Forgiveness (@flareflowapp) Love & Bl...
46 - Daniel Bateman - From Broadway to Vertical Drama...

10.01.2026 89 min

🎭✨ Who doesn’t dream of Broadway as an artist? My guest today no longer has to dream about it — he has already performed on Broadway before eventually diving into the world of verticals and film. 🎬 Daniel Bateman joined me for a conversation where we talk about what fascinates him about working in film and vertical productions, what he misses most from his time in theater, and — most importantly — what he pays close attention to when choosing casting calls.Having played both lead and lead antagonist roles, Daniel speaks openly and honestly about why he often finds the pay offered for antagonist roles unfair compared to lead roles. 💬⚖️ 👀 Daniel enjoys watching some of his verticals after they’re released — but like many of us, he’s occasionally disappointed by post-production choices that can unfortunately ruin otherwise great scenes. He also tries (much to my delight 😄) to bring humor and charm into certain roles, which he admits is often discouraged. Why that is — he explains here. ❤️ Why he loves acting so deeply, how it has shaped him as a person, the reason he somehow managed to lose all of his bonus points with me, and why he’ll be singing at the next recording 🎤 — you’ll find out all of that and much more in this podcast episode.🎧✨ Enjoy listening!
45 - Fantalk - Brittany (Drama Ink Diaries) - Drawn into the Vertical spell by a werewolf...

07.01.2026 70 min

🎙️ New Fantalk Episode✨ This time, I’m joined by the lovely Brittany @brittanynicoleanderson who is still fairly new to the Vertical world – she entered this universe in February 2025 🚪📱. On her Instagram @drama_ink_diaries you’ll find not only reviews, but also interviews with Vertical creatives and plenty of other exciting content 🎥💬. Brittany’s favorites? Werewolves 🐺, vampires 🧛‍♀️, and fantasy stories ✨, always with a touch of romance 💕.  In this episode, we talk about what makes her skip a Vertical, or even turn it off again ❌, and we laugh (and cringe 😅) about some of the absurd and over-the-top moments we’ve both encountered. We also make a strong case for a bit more realism in Verticals 🎭 – especially when it comes to specific roles actors are expected to portray. And while we both wouldn’t mind meeting a billionaire 💰😉, we agree that we don’t need one in every show. Sometimes, we’d much rather see normal, hardworking people taking the spotlight 👷‍♂️👩‍💼. The wish list is long 📜, the conversation flows effortlessly, and the vibes are just right 🌟. So press play, lean back, and enjoy this fun and honest Fantalk episode 🎧💖! And don't forget to like and share!
44 - Fantalk - December Recap and the Vertical Wishlist for 2026....

05.01.2026 109 min

A new Vertical year has officially begun, which made it the perfect moment for the ladies and myself to take a look back at the month of December. Together with Aline @i.love.verticals Dalia @verticalfilmslover Shikha Dia @verticalviewweekly and Caitlyn @verticait we revisited a month packed with Verticals — and plenty to talk about. December brought a wave of Christmas Verticals 🎄, though we couldn’t help but debate whether some of them truly deserved that label.  As always, we also discussed our regular categories: 🎭 Actor/Actress of the Month 🎬 Supporting Role of the Month 🏆 Vertical of the Month 💩 Crap Vertical of the Month On top of that, a recently released Vertical of a particularly hot and spicy nature 🔥🌶️ sparked even more discussion and entertainment. We also shared our thoughts on what changes and improvements we’d like to see in 2026 — especially when it comes to the audience — and talked openly about platform costs and the ever-growing number of subscriptions 💸📱. An episode full of honest and unfiltered opinions — engaging, entertaining, and definitely not one to miss. Enjoy listening! 🎧
43 - Hunter Kohl - From Kitchen Talk to the vertical Titanic Hand....

03.01.2026 79 min

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert! 🐶🍳🎬 For this episode, I met up online with Hunter Kohl @hunter.exp.edition , the New York–based actor who happens to be just as much of a dog lover as I am 🐕❤️. He shares the story of how he got his very first dog — and why, at the time, he was convinced it almost led to his parents’ divorce 😅. In his latest vertical cooking project, Hunter plays a top-tier chef 👨‍🍳✨ — which, of course, made me curious about his real-life cooking skills. Let’s just say: according to him, his oven has been used to store shoes, clothes, and various other non-edible items 👟👕🔥 (a claim I may still need to fact-check with Molly Anderson @mmactuj 😉). We also talk about his journey into acting 🎭, why a brief detour into architecture wasn’t quite his thing 📐, and how he nearly walked off set during his very first vertical shoot 😬. Ever wondered what the infamous “Titanic hand” is all about 🚢✋ — and why filming it is far less romantic than it sounds? Then you definitely don’t want to miss this episode.
42 - Abigail Stanton - The Vertical Kidnapping Queen...

31.12.2025 81 min

Today’s episode is enriched by the wonderful actress and producer Abigail Stanton @abigailstantonThanks to director Matt Macedo @mattmacedo she found her way into the world of Verticals — and with her very first role as a witch in a werewolf vertical, she instantly enchanted everyone. Since then, she’s become an indispensable part of the vertical scene. With her reddish hair, she’s often cast in slightly dark or villainous roles — which she actually enjoys tremendously 🖤✨ While male actors are happily dropping their towels or proposing marriage to their scene partners, her most common task in Verticals tends to be kidnapping people — preferably children 😉 She talks about what she urgently wishes for when it comes to Vertical storylines, what she sometimes finds downright disgusting, and what makes her turn down certain scripts and roles. As a passionate horror gamer (and viewer), she’d love to see much more horror and creepiness in the Vertical world — as well as crime stories or science fiction 👻🔪🚀 What else she’s enthusiastic about, and why she doesn’t just have one bird but several, you’ll find out in this podcast episode. And what does all of this have to do with my chicken Henni? 🐔 That’s a whole different story — one you’ll also get to hear right here. Enjoy listening to this episode 🎧✨
41 - Fantalk - Dalia (Verticalfilmslover) - The Vertical Drama critic who is still waiting for Luna...

27.12.2025 76 min

🎙️ One last Fantalk episode for this year is ready to go! 🎙️ Today’s episode features the wonderful Dalia from Verticalfilmslover ✨ @verticalfilmslover The Vertical Drama critic is both a member of the #verticalviewcrew and a regular guest on the monthly recap episodes. In this episode, the two of us sat down for an in-depth chat about how she found her way into the Vertical World 🌍 and how it ultimately led her to creating her own review platform. 📊 Dalia has already watched over 1,600 Verticals, keeps a meticulously organized list, and regularly publishes reviews on her Instagram profile. She’s developed her own rating system ⭐ and shares what makes her click on a Vertical in the first place, which actors she especially enjoys watching, and which genres she prefers. 🎟️ We also talk about her experience at Verticon 2025, what she thinks should change (and evolve) in the Vertical space in 2026, and which actors we’d love to see more often — both in nice roles 😇 and villain roles 😈, because we think it would suit them perfectly. 🔥 Curious why you may have already hated Zane Claudio @zaneclaudio a few times? 🎯 Why Danny Farber @sirdannyfarber was her first target? 💭 And why Jackson Tiller @jacksontiller__ and Grace Swanson @gracewswanson have a special place in her memory? This episode is a truly wonderful conversation — critical, insightful, and definitely entertaining 🎧✨  One you absolutely shouldn’t miss! 🚀 And don't forget to like and share!
40 - Paige Compton - Director's creativity at its finest in the vertical space...

26.12.2025 93 min

In this episode, we step back behind the camera and spotlight another outstanding female director: Paige Compton @dudette.director  From an early age, Paige knew she wanted to be part of the film world—and she pursued that goal without hesitation. Her path led her through the U.S. Army and film school, where she spent the last four years of her military service working as an Audio Visual Director for the White House, supporting former President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden 🇺🇸🎥 After earning her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film and Television, the film industry came to a near standstill due to the pandemic—until Verticals found their way to Hollywood 📱🎞️. Paige’s very first Vertical became an instant smash hit, and many more successful projects followed. We talk about where women are still disadvantaged in the Vertical world, what she would like to change or further develop in certain stories (whenever creative freedom from the customer allows), and what she hopes for the future to enable even more creative progress in Verticals 🚀💡 With a fan survey she designed herself, Paige aims to better understand the wishes and needs of the audience, allowing her to produce even stronger Vertical content independently in the future 📊❤️ For Paige, having a great time and enjoying the process on set is essential—but she also expects professionalism and a strong sense of teamwork from everyone involved 🤝🎬. She shares exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and talks about some of the unique, Vertical-specific creative work she has done with actors. This conversation is ...
39 - Kristine Kay Larsen - The Verticals-Made Bridal Expert 💍

25.12.2025 68 min

In this episode, I talk to the actress Kristine Kay Larsen @kristinekaylarsen , who was born and raised in Denmark before packing her bags right after finishing school and moving straight to Los Angeles 🇩🇰✈️🇺🇸. From an early age, she knew she wanted to live and work in the U.S. — preferably as an actress. Said and done 💥: within just 1.5 years, she built the foundation she needed at an acting school before first hearing about the world of “Verticals” in 2023 from Eric Guilmette @erictaylorguilmette  After her first role in a werewolf vertical, she initially felt exhausted 😴 — but when another vertical role came along, she was instantly on fire 🔥! Kristine shares what all those marriage proposals in Verticals do to her and why she’s slowly becoming an expert in bridal fashion 👰‍♀️💍. We also both agree that we urgently need a Witch Group Vertical 🧙‍♀️✨ and start putting together the dream cast already:  @kirby.ellwood @mmactuj @sarahmoliski @cailinpeluso  @emilygateley — and as the male witches 🧙‍♂️@stevenmorana @nick.puya and @theadamchisnall   Directed by Matt Macedo @mattmacedo 🎬. So get ready! All that’s missing now is the much-needed billionaire 💸😏 to finance the whole thing. But Kristine’s mission is clear: at her next filming location, she’ll definitely meet one again — and then firmly lock him in for funding our project 😎🤝. And how does a Danish girl feel about Christmas, snow, and Santa Claus? 🎄❄️🎅 Kristine has some very convincing arguments ready for her ongoing debate with Cayman Cardiff @caymancardiff with whom she btw would love to shoot a Vertical someday ❤️🎥...
38 - Cayman Cardiff - Christmas, Verticals, Actor's life and a lot of laughter...

24.12.2025 82 min

Some ⚠️ Irony & sarcasm warning! ⚠️ 😉 
This episode comes with a high risk of sore laughing muscles — seriously, I don’t remember the last time I laughed this hard during a recording. So please don’t take everything we talk about too seriously… a lot of it is very much intentional. 😏 I sat down with Cayman Cardiff @caymancardiff to discuss the truly important questions in life. Just in time for the holidays, we’re debating whether Santa Claus can (and does) visit countries without snow — and if so, how on earth he pulls that off 🎅🌍.  We also tackle the fundamental question of whether Michael Bublé secretly controls the weather and causes snowfall ❄️🎶. Naturally, a very scientific discussion was required — we consider it our educational duty. Of course, it’s not all nonsense. We also talk about Cayman’s vertical career, the wide range of roles he’s played over the years, what it’s like filming in various uniforms in sometimes very hot conditions 🥵🎬, and how he manages to maintain a solid work-life balance despite tightly packed shooting schedules. We also dive into what kinds of roles he’d still love to play in the future and his first steps as a producer on “House of Flies” 🎥✨. All of this — and much more — wrapped up with lots of wit, humor, and charm awaits you in this episode. 🎄 Happy Holidays, my loves, and enjoy listening! 🎧💫
37 - Patric Palkens - From professional ballet dancer to vertical mafia boss...

23.12.2025 43 min

🎬 Another Vertical actor joins me on the podcast!  This time, I’m talking to Patric Palkins, who took a very different career path before entering the Vertical world. For 17 years, Patric was a professional ballet dancer 🩰 — trained in classical ballet and performing on some of the world’s biggest stages 🌍✨. He shares how he got into classical ballet, what it felt like to dance on major international stages, and the very special feeling that ballet gave him as an artist and a person.We also talk about why he decided to hang up his ballet shoes and trade that professional career for a completely new one — acting 🎭. Along the way, we speculate why he keeps getting cast in roles with a slightly evil edge 😈 — usually in a suit (which, by the way, is not his thing 😄) — and where we hope the world of Verticals will head in the future 🚀. On top of that, Patric shares his personal tips on how to recharge your energy on a day off 🔋✨ and gives a surprisingly simple explanation of what makes tacos so special 🌮😉. All of that and more in this episode — have fun tuning in and listening! 🎧💫
36 - Mark Pontarelli - Will he set a new Vertical standard in Italy? 🇮🇹🎬✨

22.12.2025 81 min

🎄 Christmas is just around the corner! 
I sat down with Mark Pontarelli @markjpont for a cozy little pre-holiday chat, where we talk about when and how he celebrates Christmas 🎅, his acting goals for the new year 🎭, and we look back on everything the past few months had to offer. Since — aside from one shoot in the UK 🇬🇧 — Mark hasn’t had any other shoots in Europe yet, we start brainstorming together: what kind of shooting project would actually make sense, which Vertical title would be the perfect fit, and why Nick Ritacco @nick.ritacco and Michael Vaccaro @michaelvaccaro might want to start packing their suitcases for a trip to Italy 🇮🇹✈️.
And yes… the Pope may or may not play a role in this entire spectacle 🙏😇 — you’ll have to listen to find out. We also talk about which Verticals he especially enjoyed in 2025, which ones carried a deeper meaning for him, what he loves about this form of creativity and art 🎬✨, and what he’s hoping for when it comes to Verticals in 2026. A wonderful, funny, and slightly chaotic conversation about God (the Pope 😄) and the world — one you definitely don’t want to miss. 🎧 Happy listening & Merry Christmas vibes! 🎄💫
35 - Kasey Esser - The German-blooded vertical legend ✨

20.12.2025 61 min

It’s finally happening – and I couldn’t be happier to welcome a true Vertical legend as my guest: Kasey Esser 🎬✨ With his incredible versatility as a person (as we quickly discover, there’s a Business Kasey, an Acting Kasey, a Producing Kasey, a Fitness Kasey, and many more), he has already aimed high in life – and reached many of those goals. And trust me: the next big plans are already in motion 🚀 We chat about his journey, which actually started before acting, with the opening of a fitness studio in LA 💪🇺🇸, and how that eventually led him into the vertical space. When he landed his very first vertical, “Fated to My Forbidden Alpha”, he honestly thought not many people would watch it – turns out, he was very wrong 😄🔥Since then, things have only gone one way: up. Steeply up. 📈  Today, alongside acting, Kasey has stepped behind the camera as well. He has just written, produced, and starred in his very first own vertical – a huge milestone 🎥👏 How has this rapid development over the past few years shaped his personality and character? What would he, looking back, maybe change or do differently? And why does he think that, in some ways, he’s actually very German? 🇩🇪😉 All this – and so much more – awaits you in this episode and in this wonderful, open, and inspiring conversation between Kasey and me 💬👉 This is one you definitely don’t want to miss.  Tune in, press play, and enjoy 🎧✨
34 - Alina Averianova - No one understands the Vertical Script like she does...

17.12.2025 76 min

Scripts are a big deal in the vertical world 🎬 — and let’s be honest: from an audience point of view, some things in verticals just make us go “wait… what?” 🤨😂 That’s exactly why I’m extra excited to chat with Alina Averianova @alinavestory today! If anyone knows their way around scripts, it’s her — Alina is a Script Supervisor in the vertical space 📝✨. Is the job really as fancy as it sounds? And what does a script supervisor actually do all day? She spills all the tea in this episode ☕😉 And of course, I had to finally get answers to some long-standing mysteries, like: * Why does an outfit suddenly change even though it’s clearly the same scene? 👗🤔 * Why does spilled wine magically disappear from clothes? 🍷✨ * How is everyone’s hair already perfectly dry right after a shower scene?! 🚿💁‍♀️ * And why is the defibrillator almost always placed on top of clothing instead of bare skin? ⚡😳 In Alina, I finally found the long-lost detail manager of the vertical space (shoutout to episode 9 with Caitlyn @verticait 👀😉), giving us some very exciting behind-the-scenes insights into vertical productions 🎥✨ We also chat about her journey into becoming a script supervisor, the stress and challenges that come with the job 😮‍💨, and the little wishes and dreams she has for her future 🌈💭 A super fun, fast-paced and insightful conversation that gave me — as a vertical viewer — so many long-overdue answers 🙌 Trust me: you do not want to miss this episode 🎧🔥
33 - Fantalk - Ramona (Vertical Lessons) - The pure Italian Fan power...

13.12.2025 77 min

In this episode, we’re joined by pure Italian power 🇮🇹🔥 The wonderful Ramona from Vertical Lessons met up with me spontaneously for a conversation – and what a conversation it was!She’s also the creative force behind the intro of this podcast 🎶 and the background music for my Sneak Peek videos🎥✨. Ramona is still relatively new to the Vertical space – she’s been addicted to Verticals only since March 2025 📱💥. But don’t let that fool you: since then, she has watched over 500 Verticals 😱📈! Together with her brother, she runs the platform Vertical Lessons. Their mission? Not only to write reviews 📝, but also to highlight the lessons they believe certain Verticals are trying to teach us 🤔💡.True to her Italian roots 🇮🇹❤️, Ramona’s heart especially beats for mafia Verticals 🕶️🔫. She firmly believes these stories should be produced where the mafia is more or less “at home”: Italy. And yes – she openly offers herself as a point of contact for directors and production companies 🎬🤝. What else is she absolutely into? Fast cars, lots of horsepower, and pure adrenaline 🏎️💨⚡Crazy fact about Ramona? She will be taking part in the next Rally Dakar 🏜️🔥🏁 If that alone isn’t a Vertical-worthy story, what is?! 🎧 This episode is an absolute must-listen. Don’t miss out on this incredible burst of energy and passion! 💥✨
32 - Fantalk - Aline (i.love.verticals) - The Frenchie girl who enriches the Vertical Fan Space...

10.12.2025 79 min

🎉 @i.love.verticals just turned ONE! And that alone was the perfect reason to celebrate with a special fan episode featuring Aline. A Werewolf Vertical was her gateway into the industry — and since then, she’s become an essential part of the community. 🐺✨ On her page, she creates seasonal story-driven Verticals (currently her Advent Vertical 🎄) and shares open, honest reviews you can truly rely on. Thanks to her “Get to Know” category, the audience also gets to meet and understand many Vertical actors a little better. 🎬💬 Her AI-generated chibis give her page a unique, adorable signature style. And I’m especially happy she regularly joins our Monthly Recap episodes to share her thoughts on everything happening in the Vertical space. 🗣️💡 Another highlight is her format “Vertical You”: Fill out her questionnaire and Aline will craft a personalized, AI-generated Vertical description — often so good it could easily become a real Vertical. 🤖✨📜 Aline’s page is full of insights, entertainment, and fun — for both audiences and creatives. She’s a passionate yet critical Vertical watcher with clear no-gos that can make her switch off a Vertical early. But when it comes to certain casts or the works of her favorite directors Danny Farber @sirdannyfarber and Matt Macedo @mattmacedo , she’s always tuned in and ready to enjoy any genre. 🎧🔥 In our conversation, she also shares how a Frenchie girl ended up living in Canada 🇫🇷➡️🇨🇦, what her small but meaningful Vertical dream looks like, and why supporting smaller platforms matters so much to her. 💛 Check it out and tune in. And don...
31 - Fantalk - November Recap with Christmas glitter...

08.12.2025 83 min

November is behind us, and once again there were tons of Verticals to watch — which means there’s plenty to talk about in this month’s Monthly Recap! 🎬✨ Joining me are Dalia @verticalfilmslover , Caitlyn @verticaitand Brittany @drama_ink_diaries , and together we dive into who impressed us the most this month, who left us a bit disappointed, and which app delivered the best Verticals overall. 📱⭐ We’re also introducing a brand-new category to the recap: 🎭 The Side Role Actor/Actress of the Month! From now on, we want to shine a brighter spotlight on supporting actors — and soon we’ll also highlight the best on-screen chemistry between performers. 💫 And since Christmas is right around the corner and many apps are packed with festive Verticals, we wrap up by sharing our current favorite Christmas Verticals — perfect to get you into the holiday spirit. 🎄❤️ All in all, it’s another episode full of all things Verticals from the month of November. Definitely worth tuning in! You might even discover a Vertical you haven’t seen yet but absolutely should! 👀🔥 Enjoy listening, and an early Happy Holidays from the Recap Crew! ❄️🎁✨ And don't forget to like and share!
30 - Giovanni DeVal - Thanks to the dean, a successful (vertical) actor with a degree... 😉

06.12.2025 53 min

Giovanni DeVal joins me in this episode, bringing along a touch of Italian flair 🇮🇹 (even if only ancestrally 😉). We chat about his first experiences in film 🎬 and why, back then, he simply wasn’t “dead enough” for his brother’s project 😄.I also remind Gio that he owes his school principal a long-overdue thank-you 🍎 — after all, she indirectly helped set the stage for his acting career 🎭.He tells mewhat he loved doing as a child 👦✨,what he dreamed of becoming one day 💭,why he gets up so early every morning ⏰and what his typical start to the day looks like 🌅.We also talk about his breakfast preferences 🥐☕ — which, as he reveals, depend on one very specific factor. What factor? You’ll find out exclusively in this episode 🤫.Of course, we also dive into the allure of playing the villain 😈, his latest vertical video 📱, and why everyone should watch it and share their thoughts with him 💬🔥.👉 Tune in and enjoy! Have fun listening 🎧✨
29 - Tina Ann Brock - The world between Theater Stage and Vertical World...

03.12.2025 77 min

In this episode, I’m joined by Tina Ann Brock @tinaannbrock . The New York–based actress has spent many successful years shining in all kinds of acting fields. She’s an award-winning American stage, film, and television character actress, known for playing fun, eccentric, and powerful characters — always “poised, precise, with a dash of wacky.” ✨🎭 She brings this amazing versatility to her vertical roles as well: from the evil stepmother 👀, to a queen 👑, a loving and caring mom 🤱, or even a good witch 🧙‍♀️ — there’s truly no role she can’t embody perfectly. Tina shares how her mother sparked her love for dressing up and stepping into different characters early on, why that magic still captivates her both on stage and in verticals, and what goes through her mind when she reads certain scripts. 🎬💭 We dive into all that and so much more — and trust me, it’s definitely worth tuning in! 🎧💬
28 - Karie Donovan - Coordinated intimacy at the vertical set...

29.11.2025 66 min

Intimacy — a topic people rarely love to talk about in public 😅 …but my guest and I go all in for a full hour! 🎙️❤️ This week, I’m joined by Intimacy Coordinator Karie Donnovan. @valleyintimacypro Thanks to her work, actors feel safe and comfortable even in the most delicate and intimate scenes on set 😌🎬 And trust me — you wouldn’t believe all the things an intimacy coordinator is actually responsible for! 👀✨ Karie shares how she prepares for the many different “situations” that can come up during vertical shooting 📹😉, where boundaries and challenges around intimacy can appear, and what the emotional world on set really looks like. We unpack all that and so much more in this open and insightful conversation 💬💖 Tune in — you don’t want to miss this fascinating episode! 🎧✨
27 - Danny Farber - Bursting Creativity in the Vertical World...

26.11.2025 91 min

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with a super creative mind in the vertical world — Director and Actor Danny Farber. This episode is bursting with creativity! 🎨✨  We take the idea of the Criminal Vertical Series — a concept I originally developed with Kirby Ellwood @kirby.ellwood — and elevate it with some fantastic new twists. Plus, I give Danny a little tip on how he could hide his signature Easter Egg in a pirate-themed vertical. 🏴‍☠️🐣 We also talk about what makes filming in Europe — especially in Istanbul — so special for Danny, and what improvements he wishes to see for crews and especially for female actresses, as well as for storytelling overall. 🎬💡 Danny’s first steps into the vertical space in 2023 were like being thrown into cold water, but I’m so glad he feels completely at home in this world now. 🌊📱 We dive into different perspectives on verticals, storytelling, the big NO-GOs, the platforms, clients, and so much more. 🚫📲 A real highlight: Danny performs his brand-new song “Istanbul” live and unplugged — exclusively in this episode! 🎶🔥 And yes… we even set up a music gig for him here in Germany at “Michaela’s Soundgarden.” 🌿🎤 You don’t want to miss this creativity-packed episode — tune in and enjoy! 🎧💥 Also visit www.sirdannyfarber.com
26 - Buddy Caine - The Bachelor-Waffle-Vertical Talk...

22.11.2025 78 min

In this episode, you’ll hear a super fun and down-to-earth conversation between two Bachelor of Arts grads 🎓😄. No fancy academic talk here—just real talk about the vertical content world, packed with charm and humor 💬✨. During what I like to call a “waffle talk” 🧇 (okay… I was the only one actually eating waffles), Buddy shares how he’s been trying to bring more acting into his life alongside his full-time job 🎭💼. We also chat about which sport verticals he’d totally rock 🏋️‍♂️🤸‍♂️ and why he thinks he’s absolutely not the guy for a basketball vertical 🏀😂. He tells me what he’s grateful for on set 🎥🙏, what he’d love to see evolve in the vertical world 🌍📱, and what it’s like to know both sides of the production business 🎬🔄. Why his mom can’t watch some of his films/verticals 🙈, why Buddy feels like he’s in a real-life Forrest Gump moment in this episode 🏃‍♂️🍫, and what he expects when he plays my brother in a vertical 🤦‍♂️🎬 — you’ll hear all that and more exclusively in this episode!
25 - Kirby Ellwood - The Vertical Million Dollar Idea...

19.11.2025 77 min

In this new episode, I welcome the wonderful Kirby Ellwood @kirby.ellwood , with whom I was able to have a very refreshing and humorous conversation. 🤩 With an impressive 27 lead roles, she is a highly sought-after vertical actress. 🎬 She reveals to me that she has actually never starred in a werewolf vertical and has never filmed a vertical production in Europe. Why? We wonder… 🤔🌍 Since she’s a beer lover and would love to visit Munich for Oktoberfest one day, I give her a little crash course on it 🍺🎡, and we also talk about the things she considers essential for always spreading good vibes. ✨😄 Why do we urgently need to contact Matt Macedo @mattmacedo and Robert Palmer Watkins @robertpalmerwatkins , and what million-dollar idea did we come up with to solve, among other things, Kirby’s Europe “problem”? 💡💸 You’ll find out all of this and much more exclusively in this episode! So tune in! 🎧🔥
24 - Lukas Silva - My long-lost brother in the Vertical World 😉...

15.11.2025 92 min

In this new podcast episode, I finally meet—so it seems—the brother I’ve wished for my entire life. Lukas Silva and I discover so many similarities in all kinds of areas that we’re convinced we must be related. He tells me how, at the beginning of 2024, he took his first step into the Vertical World, how he then found himself in the right place at the right time to land a fantastic lead role, where he has been able to travel thanks to vertical shoots, and what his experiences have been like.Curious what kind of characters he likes to portray in verticals? You'll get the answers in this episode. With his Italian roots, his love for Italy remains unbroken—just like his wish to maybe live there one day. He also shares what he appreciates about Europe compared to America and what dreams he still has outside the Vertical World.I also learn quite a bit about his cooking skills, his favorite dishes, and what he finds so inspiring about Arnold Schwarzenegger. We also talk about how the Vertical World has evolved and changed since his very first shoot, what he thinks could still improve or develop further, and where we’d love to see new innovations.And what’s behind his sensitive aura and the so-called “comfort-movie”?  Tune in to find out.
23 - Bryan Mangam - How starting out with a creepy role has paid off...

12.11.2025 64 min

🎙️ New Episode Out Now! In this episode, I’m chatting with Bryan Mangam, a New York–based actor known for his edgy and eccentric rolesacross feature films, TV series, and commercial projects. Beyond his on-screen work, Bryan is also a writer and producer with plenty of creative stories to tell.We dive into the challenges of the vertical world, why it’s not always easy for audiences to navigate the platform jungle, and what kind of changes and innovations might be needed — especially when it comes to genres and storytelling formats.Curious to hear which role Bryan found the most weird and funny? What stories he’s dying to put on paper as a writer? And what was going through his mind at the very start of his acting career?Then you definitely don’t want to miss this one — tune in and join us as we explore the creative chaos of the vertical world! 🎬✨
22 - Carin Smolinski - The woman with Superpower in the Vertical World...

08.11.2025 68 min

In today’s episode I’m chatting with Carin @carinsmolinski — a creative powerhouse who’s seen a whole lot of the world. After spending some time living in Japan and exploring different corners of the globe, she eventually made her way back home to Canada — and that’s where she first discovered the world of Verticals. After being involved in more than 20 Verticals, Carin decided it was time to tell her own story. She picked up the pen, wrote her very first Vertical script with a fresh and exciting storyline, and then took things even further by directing it herself — alongside her son, Indiana Wilson @indiana_wilson_films , who stepped in as Director of Photography. Tides of desire was born! @tides_of_desire_vertical With what she calls her superpower, Carin is full of energy, motivation, and unstoppable drive to shake things up in the Vertical world. We also talk about why she’s actually at a triple disadvantage when shooting Verticals in Canada — and, of course, her future plans, her own Vertical project, and the many new stories already buzzing around in her head. Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
21 - Declan Clifford - The eternal runner-up in the Vertical World...

05.11.2025 67 min

I was so happy to have Declan Clifford as a guest on my podcast – in my opinion, he really deserves to be more in the spotlight 😉. In this episode, he doesn’t have to stand in anyone’s shadow, because the stage is all his today!We chat about how he feels being “the eternal runner-up,” and what it was like to finally play his first leading role in the Vertical “Pool Boy.”Declan has played a wide variety of characters over the years — including quite a few villains — and he tells me how he prepares for those roles (because, as we all know, that’s so not his real-life personality!).We also talk about what it was like for this Aussie to find his way around Los Angeles, how he deals with his natural accent in the Vertical world, and what helps him switch back into “private Declan” mode after long days on set or a big wrap and much more.Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
20 - Fantalk - Lisa (Vertical Drama Queen) - Royal visit from Down Under...

01.11.2025 67 min

In this episode, we’re heading to the other side of the world - all the way to Australia to meet Lisa! Many of you might know her as Vertical Drama Queen on Instagram, but she’s also the founder and driving force behind Team Cayman, the fan page dedicated to Cayman Cardiff and Daniel Jongma Fandom.  Lisa is also a bit of a “victim” of the platforms’ clever marketing strategies — that’s how she ended up in the world of verticals and has been more or less stuck there ever since (just like so many other fans!). We chat about what makes a good vertical in her eyes, which apps she loves to use to watch them, and how she ended up running fan pages for both Cayman and Daniel. She also tells me also about the three scripts she’s currently working on — hoping they’ll one day make it into vertical production and bring us, the audience, even better stories to enjoy. The reviews on her Vertical Drama Queen page are open and honest — just like the interviews she does. Entertainment is guaranteed! She’s also part of the Monthly Recap group for this podcast. How much time she spends on her fan pages every day, what her husband thinks about her constantly searching for shirtless pics of Cayman ;-) , and so much more — you’ll find out all about it in this podcast episode! Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
19 - Fantalk - The XXL October Recap with a Halloween touch...

31.10.2025 107 min

THE LADIES AND I ARE BACK 😎 in a XXL Version! With a fresh Recap for October and a special segment for Halloween where we tell you our Top 3 of werwolf/vampire ones 🧛‍♂️🐺 Do you want to hear the collective opinions of a few fans at once? Unvarnished, open, honest, and direct? Then this monthly review episode is just right for you! I'll be reviewing the month of October with five ladies who are active in the vertical world. @verticalviewweekly @verticalfilmslover @verticait @realreeldrama @i.love.verticals We talk about verticals, apps, actors and actresses, and much more. Also about the good and bad things that have occupied us this month, speak openly about what we as an audience no longer want and where we see room for improvement. We also decided to give @felix_merback a special award 😁 You wanna know for example the answers to the following questions? - Actress of the month? - Actor of the month? - Vertical of the month? - Why is @realreeldrama so worried about @kikifrags ? - Which vertical you shouldn't watch right before going to bed in @i.love.verticals opinion? - What makes @verticalviewweekly so obsessed? Then you should definitely tune in and listen! And don't forget to like and share!
18 - Fantalk - Sandi (Eric Guilmette Fandom) - Abba Mania and the Vertical Legend...

29.10.2025 63 min

Sandi, one of the admis of the Eric Guilmette Fandom, joins me for an episode to talk about, among other things, the officially crowned legend Eric Guilmette. We also discuss why she started this fandom, what her experiences with the audience crowd have been like, and what the day-to-day business of running such a fandom actually entails. She also tells me when and how she first encountered the vertical space, if she felt into also in the Marketing trap, as well as how these verticals occasionally help her in some way in her daily life. Are you wondering if, as an admin of the fandom, she only watches Eric's verticals or if others also find their way onto her phone display and why Sandi and I absolutely need to listen to Abba songs and crave shrimp after the episode, as well as much more, you can find out in this podcast episode. Enjoy! Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
17 - John Henry Richardson - The everlasting grandfather in the Vertical World...

25.10.2025 73 min

John Henry Richardson is a veteran in the vertical world. He's been involved in verticals as an actor almost from the very beginning, always playing a (grand)father role. He enriches the verticals with his sympathy, authenticity, and genuine wisdom, and our conversation today is just as humorous, diverse, and interesting. When he first becomes aware of verticals in Vietnam, he knows full well that this new format will sooner or later captivate the rest of the world.  Why does he love filming verticals so much? What he's experienced in his long acting career? And why he can't drink American beer anymore? You'll learn all this and much more in this entertaining episode with my dream grandfather for life. Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
16 - Cailin Peluso - The seemingly perpetually pregnant woman of the Vertical world, who can do so much more acting...

22.10.2025 67 min

Given her young age, Cailin Peluso is probably one of the most pregnant women in such a short time in the Vertical Space. After all, she now boasts a proud 22 children. :-) After her first role at the age of three, it became clear to her that her goals lay squarely in leading roles, ideally in Hollywood. So, she didn't hesitate for long and, after graduating from high school, moved to Hollywood on her own and without any concrete plans for her future acting career. After initially finding the whole thing a little weird when she entered the vertical space as a corpse, we can all be very grateful that she gave it another chance after a few months. Because now she's a successful lead in several verticals. However, she's been pigeonholed as a pregnant woman, which isn't exactly her favorite. It's time for producers to see the young, talented actress as more than just a dependent pregnant woman. We chat about what roles she'd like to take on (without being pregnant). She also tells me why Apple Boxes are often used when shooting her verticals, that her grandma is a big vertical fan and what she doesn't like about the role women are playing in most of the verticals.  Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
15 - Adam Chisnall - The (wannabe) Kim Kardashian in the Vertical Space...

18.10.2025 65 min

The best cure for a bad day? - Definitely Adam Chisnall! His Instagram Reels consistently delight countless people and bring a smile to their faces. The same goes for his appearances in various verticals. In countless supporting roles, he embodies everything from a serious assistant to a humorous supporter. He would be the perfect lead for a wonderful comedy or parody vertical. It's never boring with him, and this podcast episode is no exception. We chat about his journey through stand-up comedy, his career in acting, and other artistic experiences. Why is he the Kim Kardashian of the vertical world? Hear what he thinks is time for the vertical world, what he's sometimes fed up with, and why he sometimes doesn't have many kind words to say about the topic of "actor pay." Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
14 - Fantalk - Meagan - The Reeldrama is real in this Vertical World...

15.10.2025 86 min

It's time for the next episode of Fantalk and for some @realreeldrama in my Podcast 😁  There is no one better to do this than Meagan herself. She landed in this vertical world via a somewhat sad path and has now truly established herself, having seen more than a thousand verticals. Her manner, just like her reviews, is open and honest and that's what makes her so likeable. What we think about various things as an audience, what we sometimes find ridiculous and how Gio De Val @giodeval and Nick (F)Ritacco @nick.ritacco come to a personal declaration of love, you can find out, as well as so much more, in this podcast episode. Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
13 - Miah Green - The peanutbutter junkie in the Vertical world...

11.10.2025 50 min

In this episode I welcome the actress Miah Green, who, as we discover, could be my Vertical daughter 😉 The young artist tells me openly and honestly what she loves about this Vertical Space, how it is to find her way around in intimate scenes at such a young age and what exactly it is that makes her so addicted to verticals. She tells me how she feels about having to learn so much text and what other challenges she occasionally encounters in the Vertical World. A big point at our chat is the very important thing in life - Food :-) She loves peanutbutter/jelly sandwich and has a great tactic to get this in China.  Why we don't need men to survive? Or what are the thoughts about being a entagonist in a Vertical? The answers to this and much more you here in this episode.  Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
12 - Zane Claudio - Verticals' Heath Ledger from New York...

08.10.2025 66 min

Zane Claudio is known as the bad guy in the vertical scene. The super-likable and always-smiling actor has so far appeared in almost exclusively evil roles. This naturally means that he has almost perfected the character of the evil in verticals. What does Zane himself think about almost always playing the role of a villain? Wouldn't he prefer to play the highly sought-after and popular billionaire CEO in a romantic drama? And what's it like when you spend all day playing the villain on set and then have to learn the lines for the next day? Is it even possible to slip out of the villain's skin, or does it keep you trapped? We also chat about Zane's "to watch list" when it comes to movies, what music he likes to listen to privately, and how he manages this fast pace and large number of vertical shoots so well. And then, of course, there's the all-important question that might tip the scales in the conversation and ultimately the relationship: pineapple on pizza - yes or no? Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
11 - Fantalk - The September Recap you shouldn't miss...

05.10.2025 89 min

Do you want to hear the collective opinions of a few fans at once? Unvarnished, open, honest, and direct? Then this monthly review episode is just right for you! I'll be reviewing the month of September with six ladies who are active in the vertical world. @verticalviewweekly @verticalfilmslover @verticait @realreeldrama @verticaldramaqueen @i.love.verticals We talk about verticals, apps, actors and actresses, and much more. Also about the good and bad things that have occupied us this month, speak openly about what we as an audience no longer want and where we see room for improvement. You wanna know the answers to the following questions? - Actress of the month? - Actor of the month? - Vertical of the month? - Platform/App of the month? Then you should definitely tune in and listen! And don't forget to like and share!
10 - Dan Löwenstein - The Vertical visionary behind the camera...

04.10.2025 70 min

Dan Lowenstein is a multi - award winning Film director known for his dynamic and thought provoking style. Dan has worked with an eclectic group of creatives from well known comedians to chart topping pop stars. But Dan's real passion is in narrative story telling, he is drawn to moments of realism and is inspired by everyday naturalist events. He comes from a professional dance background and uses his physical knowledge to help tell stories in innovative ways using a selection of powerful cinematic tools. After initially being respectful of vertical filmmaking, he says he has settled into it after ten projects and enjoys constantly taking on new vertical challenges in a wide variety of countries. He's brimming with new, inspiring ideas and has wonderful location and genre visions that we chat about in this podcast episode. Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
09 - Fantalk - Caitlyn (Verticait) - We need a detail manager on Vertical Set....

01.10.2025 63 min

Caitlyn aka Verticait joins me as a guest. She's only been active in the vertical space since this year, but she's all the more intense for it. With her reviews, she openly and honestly evaluates verticals, and that's exactly what we do in this podcast episode too! We talk bluntly about what's going wrong in some verticals, where we definitely still see weaknesses in them, and what we sometimes find simply ridiculous. But we also discuss the serious side of the business, talk about absolute no-gos, and our secret favorites for "Vertical of the Year." How many platforms does she currently have installed on her phone? Where does she treat herself to an annual membership, and why we see an urgent need for a "detail manager" on set? We discuss all this and much more in this episode! Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
08 - Molly Anderson - Realtalk about the life of a Vertical actress...

27.09.2025 72 min

Actress Molly Anderson is one of the few in the Vertical World who plays both -  the kind, loving wife and the villain who can't be trusted in any way. A woman with many facets and stories. We talk completely honestly and unvarnished about life as an actress in the Vertical World. Whether life is truly Hollywood-like with glitz and glamour or sometimes deals more with real (unpleasant) facts. Would you like to know where Molly sees difficulties in producing and publishing verticals? What figures are important in this regard? - And as always, it’s all about money. 💰 She talks about why every beginning was difficult in the film industry, and why the occasional white lie was necessary and more. You'll find out exclusively in this episode. Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
07 - Thomas King - The worthy winner of a Vertical Oscar?...

24.09.2025 63 min

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Thomas King for a chat about the Vertical world. He immersed himself in this universe relatively early on and has, as a result, had a few experiences with it. We talk openly and honestly about, among other things, which stories we both find a bit superfluous and overused, and why we'd both like to see a Western Vertical. How many towel drops has he had in a Vertical career? And why does he see himself as a potential Oscar candidate? - You can find out all this and much more in this podcast episode. Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
06 - Matt Macedo - The path from tea eggs to a Vertical director...

20.09.2025 78 min

In today's episode, I'm joined by an award-winning director and producer - Matt Macedo! The official Bachelor of Fine Arts in Filmmaking knew early on that his place was behind the camera and that he could create wonderful things for entertainment with his self-described "daydreams." However, the director, considered by many to be a "werewolf producer," has already brought so many more wonderful stories in the vertical world from script to life and has even written a few scripts of his own that he dreams of bringing to life. He talks about his experiences on set, as well as his journey into the vertical industry. And where exactly does the Titanic fit into all his stories? - You'll hear all this and much more in this episode. Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
05 - Fantalk - Bianca - Why Verticals are important for her daily life...

17.09.2025 62 min

What would the verticals be without the audience and fans? - Exactly - Nothing! That's why I also conduct conversations with fans. First up is Bianca, founder of the ua_actors_and_actresses_fandom. A Fandom for all the actors from Ukraine. She has made it her mission to become a voice for the actors who, despite everything, produce verticals under the most difficult conditions during the war. She puts a lot of work into her daily life, which she does with love and passion, ensuring that the actors in Ukraine are seen and heard. What the verticals mean to her and her daily life, and why this work is so important to her? - Find out in today's episode. You can find and support Bianca's work on the following channels (like and share): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ua_actors_and_actresses_fandom Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ua_actors_and_actresses_fandom Discord: https://discord.com/invite/mH85TKv7WK Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
04 - Haylie Hansen - Why shooting Verticals is addictive...

13.09.2025 61 min

Today, my guest is the young actress Haylie Hansen from Vancouver, Canada. She's an actress in both - the horizontal and vertical worlds. In today's episode, she explains why she hasn't filmed a vertical since February, why she is currently not allowed to and why she's definitely hoping to return to those sets. We also talk about what it's like to film verticals with an actor as her partner and cope with this stressful time together. Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
03 - Michael Vaccaro - Pope blessed Italian Vibes in the Vertical Space...

10.09.2025 64 min

In this episode the fantastic actor and writer Michael Vaccaro joins me for a Talk. A talk about dreams, visions, lifetime goals and the future of the Verticals we assume. Also we are talking about the childhood dream to be a performer in the middle of New York City and why his mother played a key role in his career. Want to know which countries in Europe you should definitely visit? Michael Vaccaro has some exclusive travel tips in this podcast episode that you shouldn't miss ;-) Why I'm becoming his German PA? - That's a whole different story. Michael Vaccaro - born to perform Check it out and tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
02 - Roberta Sparta - From Star Wars to Verticals...

06.09.2025 50 min

Let's get started! And there couldn't be anyone better suited to start with than Roberta Sparta! Producer and owner of Sparta Productions (https://www.instagram.com/spartaproductions_/). She enlightens me about the people needed behind the camera to bring a vertical script to life. We also talk about what we think about so many platforms and a few scripts. Wishes for the future of Verticals? - Roberta tells me hers from the perspective of a producer. We're also making a deal in case I win the lottery. What's that? - Check it out and Tune in. And don't forget to like and share!
01 - Who is your host? And why this podcast?

04.09.2025 19 min

Welcome to my podcast "Let's talk about Verticals"  Before we begin with all the great conversations, and all the great guests, I wanted to introduce myself as the host, so you know who you're dealing with here. :-) You wanna know some (Fun)Facts about me and why I'm doing this Podcast? - You should definitely tune in!
Trailer

03.09.2025 1 min