Let's talk about Verticals

Michaela Bergmann

5.0 (1)
AFTER SHOWS
UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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 🎙️

7H AGO

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

1h 17m
1D AGO

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

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 miss this podcast episode! 🎧🔥 Some verticals with Nic Westaway: Breaking Chains for a new Life (Stardust) Wake up Daddy! Mommy is dying (Netshort) Mommy why does Daddy hate me? (Dramawave) Thanksgiving with Mom and Dad (Dramawave) The Divorced Navy Queen Awakens (Joyreels) And don't forget to like and share!

1h 33m
2D AGO

57 - Elijah van Zanten - Verticals. Villains. Cheeseburgers. 🍔😈🎬

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 (@flareflowapp) And don't forget to like and share!

1h 26m
3D AGO

56 - Ryan Larson - The one and only Alpha Mafia Dom of the Vertical Universe 😈✨

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 (Joyreels) The CEO’s Maid turned out to be the Heiress (Kalos TV) Mr. DIazs Deaf Bride (Shortmax) And don't forget to like and share! #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community

1h 15m
5D AGO

55 - JC Ann - Music, Verticals, and Pure Passion...

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? Starring as the lead in a film or vertical where she also gets to sing, and even better—write the music herself 🎤🎼. The perfect fusion of the two things she lives and breathes with passion: acting and music ❤️🎭🎵. Some released Verticals with JC Ann: Marry me by Christmas (Shorts) Bad Boy’s Tutor (Dramapops) They Love me too late (Dramabox) That Makes Two of Us (Dramabox) Matrimoney (Vigloo) And don't forget to like and share!

1h 23m
FEB 4

54 - Corbin Timbrook - Forever the Billionaire Vertical Father...

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 (Dramabox) Bound by Blood: The Mafia Kings Sweetheart (Dramabox) And don't forget to like and share! #vertical #podcast #new #verticals #community

1h 15m
FEB 2

53 - Fantalk - January Recap - The 2026 Vertical start with a yo-yo effect...

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!

1h 40m
JAN 31

52 - Fantalk - Angel (vertical.film.enthusiast) - A big vertical supporter since day one...

🎙️ 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! 😊

1h 12m

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 🎙️

Creator

Michaela Bergmann
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

60
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Michaela Bergmann
Show Website

Let's talk about Verticals