Let's talk about Verticals Archiv

From a questionable first impression to a wish list full of Vertical possibilities — let’s talk with Sam Morgan! @thesammorgan ️

So, how did he find his way into Verticals — and why did he initially wonder whether he was signing up for some kind of porn? Sam shares the story behind that first impression, what he’s come to love about the format, and why his fellow actors’ performances keep leaving him impressed. And yes, he names some favorites!

We also talk about his love of music, his wish to work with CandyJar, and why a musical Vertical would be right up his street. Plus, Sam shares his favorite banquet scene — a topic my regular listeners know I have some opinions about!

But this time, I don’t get to ask all the questions! Sam turns the tables and wants to know MY all-time favorite Verticals and which actresses and actors have particularly impressed me. So you’ll learn a few things about your host along the way, too.

From professors to mafia, musical dreams to memorable performances, this conversation takes plenty of turns and comes with a whole lot of appreciation for the talent in the Vertical world.

Join us for a lively episode full of favorites, unexpected topics, and plenty of reasons to keep watching Verticals! And, as you’d expect from me as a professor, Sam gets a grade for his performance at the end of the episode! How well did he do? You’ll have to listen to find out!

Who are YOUR all-time favorite Vertical actors, and which story would you recommend to someone discovering the format?

Verticals with Sam Morgan:

Wet Paint (@torix.tv)

My Secret Affair with Ex's Brother (@tiktok)

Lion Bride (@netshortdrama)

No Mercy for the Cuckoo (@netshortdrama)

Oops, I Married My Bestie's Brother! (@flareflowapp)

What happens when two German-born women sit down for a podcast chat? Naturally, we spend quite a bit of time talking about Germany… and food!

I sat down with actress Rosa Singerman @rosa_singerman for a lovely conversation about her German roots, her journey into acting, and her introduction to the world of Verticals.

A little warning: you might want to grab something to eat before listening! We talk about good German food and the things Rosa misses about Germany’s food culture. So if this episode leaves you hungry, consider yourself warned!

Born in Germany, Rosa spent much of her childhood and teenage years here before moving to the United States with her family. There, she pursued her dream of becoming an actress with plenty of enthusiasm and determination.

And her first experience in the Vertical Space? Straight into a banquet scene spanning almost 50 pages of script. Quite the introduction to the format we all know and love! Welcome to the Vertical World, Rosa!

We also talk about the role that has challenged her the most so far and what’s still waiting to be ticked off on her Vertical Bingo Card. What would she love to explore next?

Beyond the roles, we get to know the person behind them: how acting has shaped Rosa’s personality and helped her grow, what she loves so much about her craft, and what “creative peace” means to her.

Join us for a warm, relaxed conversation about German roots, pursuing a dream, and how the characters you play can help shape the person you become. ️

Verticals with Rosa Singerman:

The Captain's Redline (@dramawave_official)

This Time Daddy Won't Fail (@goodshortdrama)

Rose in Chains (@reelshortapp)

My Bestie is the Superstar Queen (@shortical)

Mafia Heiress Forbidden Obession (@dramawave_official)

#podcast #bts #new #vertical #community

October is a wrap — and it’s time for our Monthly Recap!

With work, life, and illness getting in the way for several of the ladies, this month it’s just Aline and me — but we certainly have plenty to talk about!

We’re closing the book on the Halloween season and already speculating about the upcoming Christmas Verticals. What festive stories might be heading our way? There’s also movement on some of the platforms, giving us even more to discuss as we look at what’s happening across the Vertical world.

Which performances made our hearts beat faster? Which pairings had that special spark? And which Verticals kept us hooked — or left us frustrated and disappointed?

Join us for a lively conversation full of laughter, recommendations, and honest criticism, all driven by our shared love for great stories and the people who bring them to life.

Joining the discussion: ️ Michaela (Host) — @lets_talk_about_verticals Aline — @i.love.verticals

Our Monthly Recap gives you direct insight into the audience’s perspective: what truly stood out — and what definitely didn’t.

And of course, we’re talking through our usual 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 the discussion open, honest, and unfiltered — celebrating what we love about the Vertical industry while highlighting where there’s room for improvement.

Grab a coffee, get comfortable, and join us as we swap Halloween chills for Christmas anticipation!

Enjoy listening!

I sat down with Chris Quartuccio @chris.quartuccio for a lovely chat about his journey into acting, his love of music and Christmas, and the roles he’d love to explore next. And of course, we had plenty to talk about when it comes to the world of verticals! ️

You might know Chris Quartuccio as the sweet, lovey-dovey romantic lead — but he would love the chance to show you what else he can do! Having enjoyed stepping into a villain role, Chris shares why he’d like to move beyond being typecast and explore a wider range of characters.

So, casting directors and filmmakers: let’s give this lovely man a few more opportunities to surprise us! More villains, different personalities, and roles that let him show his acting range.

This music-loving actor found his passion for acting through a role in Grease and hasn’t looked back since. We talk about that journey, why he’d happily welcome more action into the vertical world, and the proper Christmas vertical still waiting to be ticked off his Vertical Bingo Card.

Speaking of Christmas… Chris unfortunately won’t be able to join Richard Sharrah @richardsharrah and me in Germany for our special event in early December. But he definitely wants to stop by our planned TikTok Live — even if it means staying awake especially for us! Richard, I guess that settles it: now we HAVE to go live!

Who would Chris love to share a set with? Who would he like to sit down and have a conversation with — and about what? What keeps him busy beyond acting? And how does he feel about a second part of The Quarterback Next Door?

All that and much more in a warm, fun conversation with the wonderfully lovely Chris Quartuccio. Grab your coffee and join us!

Verticals with Chris Quartuccio:

I Don't Need No Alpha Brothers (@reelshortapp)

He Finally Loves Me When I'm Gone (@goodshortdrama)

My Ex's Brother Teaches Me to Puck (@dramabox_official)

Charmed to Meet You, Too (@reelshortapp)

Your Love Broke My Heart (@reelshortapp)

#podcast #bts #new #vertical #community

️ Werewolves, writing, and a little murder mystery… Griffin Blazi @griffin.blazi joins me for this episode! Griffin takes a break from the screen to sit down with me and explore the world of verticals, the writing behind them, and the fresh storylines we’d love to see next! ️

I’m starting to think Griffin might have played more werewolves than anyone else in the vertical space! But why does he keep getting cast in these roles? Naturally, we have a few theories…

And what exactly is this werewolf Western all about? Maybe you can help me wrap my head around Griffin’s vision. Werewolves and the Wild West? There’s definitely a conversation to be had here…

Of course, we also tackle one of the biggest topics right now: AI. Does Griffin feel threatened by it? And why does he think audiences are craving—and need—more verticals with real human performances? We talk about the place of actors and human connection in an increasingly AI-driven industry.

From vertical sets to Cannes, Griffin shares his experiences at the film festival and explains why he’s eager to explore more of what happens behind the camera. What draws him to that side of storytelling, and what would he like to learn next?

Of course, we also get into my planned murder mystery vertical! Jeff @jeffviolette once told me he’d love to play the murderer, and Jeff… I think I’ve found your potential victim. Although Griffin and I aren’t entirely convinced you’ll make it out alive yourself. The plot is still open for discussion!

Can Griffin actually sing? ️ What’s his favorite food? And what words of wisdom does he leave us with at the end of the episode?

Join us for a conversation full of curiosity, laughs, and a few fictional murder plans. Tune in—you don’t want to miss this one!

Verticals with Griffin Blazi:

Alpha Daddy, Make Me Yours (@reelshortapp)

99 Ways to Kill My Heart (@shortmax_app)

Cure Me, Consume Me, My Dominant Nurse (@goodshortdrama)

Traded to the Shadow Heir (@dramawave_official)

Too Late to Love Me, Mafia King (@shortmax_app)

#podcast #bts #new

You might know him from his cosplay creations or as “Lucifer” on Instagram — but how did Jennings Brower go from studying finance and cheerleading to acting?

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Verticals, Jennings shares his journey and how, shortly after graduating, he realised the world of finance wasn’t really where he belonged.

He also explains why he considers himself a “superhero in training” and what, to him, makes someone a true superhero. A costume and impressive moves are only the beginning of that conversation.

Speaking of impressive moves: his Joker Card and special skill? At 6'2" (1.88 m), Jennings can do flips! And when it comes to bringing his cosplay characters to life, his creativity seems to have no limits.

We also dive into his experiences on his very first vertical set, the roles he loves playing and the characters that challenge him as an actor. What draws him to a role, and what pushes him outside his comfort zone?

Meanwhile, someone else was quietly winning him over: Dion! Jennings absolutely fell in love with my dog and couldn’t resist reacting whenever Dion popped up on screen to check in on us. Apparently, my four-legged co-host knows how to make an entrance.

Acting, creativity, unexpected career turns and a few very welcome dog interruptions — all this and so much more in this wonderful conversation with Jennings!

Verticals with Jennings Brower:

Mother's Heart Never Lies (MyDrama)

Daddy Pay Attention! She is My Real Mommy! (Momeshort)

Verticals: The Movie (CandyJar)

The Billionaire's Casino Rose (TikTok)

Fairy Fae Kingdom (Flareflow)

#podcast #bts #new #vertical #community

What makes a strong supporting character so memorable? And why can playing a supporting role sometimes be even more fun than being the lead?

In this episode of Let's Talk About Verticals, I'm joined by the wonderful Sean McHugh @seanstar75 for a fun conversation about acting, set experiences, unexpected friendships, and life in the vertical drama world! ️

Sean often plays strong supporting roles – and he absolutely loves it! Why? Because it gives him the chance to work with different actors and spend more time connecting with people on set. That's actually how his friendship with Richard Sharrah @richardsharrah started – within just FIVE minutes of meeting!

️ And speaking of supporting roles... one of Sean's Mafia characters was actually my Side Role of the Month during a Monthly Recap with the ladies!

We're both absolutely speechless about the INSANE number of vertical drama apps out there! Seriously... how many more can there possibly be?!

We also talk about where Sean enjoys filming the most, what he'd love to see more of in vertical dramas, and why he keeps getting cast as the villain. His personal theory? His infamous "resting asshole face"!

️ And what's on his acting bucket list? Filming in Europe or Canada! Sean would love to expand his "location portfolio" – and since traveling is another passion of his, why not combine the two?

From Mafia roles and villainous expressions to set friendships, favorite filming locations, and future acting dreams – this conversation is filled with laughter, personal stories, and a look behind the scenes of vertical dramas!

Tune in and enjoy my conversation with Sean McHugh! ️

Verticals with Sean McHugh

The School for Bad Boys (@reelshortapp)

Strangers, A Plane and A Deadly Game (@atwistofficial)

I'll Marry Your Brother (@webtoonofficial)

Amnesia Wife Ace Sniper (@tiktok)

Do Not Mess with the Pampered Mom (@kalostvapp)

#podcast #bts #new #vertical #community

After talking about Nate W. Smith @natewsmith_ and several of his verticals in our Monthly Recaps, I finally get to sit down with him for a conversation of our own!

We talk about Call Me Your Boy - the music, Nate’s singing performance, his musical background, and what he enjoyed most about stepping into that role.

Nate’s first experiences in the vertical world were full of fantasy. The first projects he booked were all about werewolves and vampires! It wasn’t until he landed a role in a more “classic” vertical that he realized just how much this world has to offer beyond supernatural stories.

We also chat about his body swap vertical, a very different kind of role that he had an absolute blast playing. Nate shares what it was like working with Dylan Vox @officialdylanvox and Scotty Mullen @scottymullen - and how that collaboration led to another project with them, where he got to explore his first role with a bit of a villainous edge.

And Nate already has an idea for a vertical of his own! So, Nick Ritacco @nick.ritacco consider this your official advance notice: you’re playing the big brother and the spy. Keep yourself on call! ️

Plus, we find out who Nate would invite to dinner for a great conversation and which songs he can’t help singing along to at full volume while driving.

From fantasy creatures to body swaps, music, memorable characters, and future vertical ideas, there’s plenty to talk about in this episode. Tune in for a fun conversation with Nate W. Smith!

Verticals with Nate W. Smith

Step Aside, I'm the A+ Heiress (@dramabox_us)

The Summer in Between (@my_drama_series)

Call Me Your Boy (@dramawave_official)

Too Late, My Ex-Campus King (@dramabox_official)

Swapped Bodies with My Secret Crush (@my_drama_series)

#podcast #bts #new #vertical #community

Welcome on Let’s Talk About Verticals: Moriah Boone @moriahnboone

From dogs to dream filming locations, cultural differences to on-screen chemistry—Moriah and I have plenty to talk about, and quite a few things in common!

Moriah shares her experiences filming Verticals in China and how working across cultures made her realise there are things she needs to be particularly mindful of as a woman. We talk about navigating those differences and looking out for yourself along the way.

Filming in Europe? It hasn’t happened for her yet, but she would absolutely love to! Naturally, I suggest getting a little more familiar with German… and perhaps even learning the language. Why wait? We jump straight into her first German lesson during the episode!

We also discuss what can frustrate her on set: when people don’t bring the same level of motivation to the job, or don’t treat everyone with respect. Making a production work takes a team—and everyone contributes to the atmosphere.

And, of course, we have a few casting ideas and chemistry questions to explore: How would we feel about seeing Richard Trotter @rlrtrotter in a Western? Why do we think real-life couples sometimes have less chemistry on screen than you might expect? And what exactly do Moriah and I have in common?

A conversation full of shared experiences, laughter, and a little language practice—with much more waiting for you in the full episode!

Tune in to Let’s Talk About Verticals with Moriah Boone you shouldn’t miss it.

Verticals with Moriah Boone

Something Is Alive in My Attic (@atwistofficial)

Verticals: The Movie (@inkittcandyjar) On Your Knees for My Silent Ex-Wife (@kalostvapp) When I Stopped Loving You (Stardust) The Voice tha lied (@kalostvapp )

#podcast #bts #new #vertical #community

️ What happens when a job you almost turned down becomes an experience you’re grateful for? In this episode of Let’s Talk About Verticals, I sit down with Noah Andre @noahandre_ to talk about acting, music, faith, and the routines that help him prepare for a day on set.

Noah shares why he initially had little interest in filming Verticals—and how his new representation led him to accept his first role partly because he felt too polite to say no. Today, he’s grateful he said yes. He opens up about what Verticals have taught him and how those experiences have helped him grow, both as an actor and as a person.

We also explore what matters to him in a script: good dialogue and characters with depth, whose journeys give them room to develop throughout the story.

And, of course, I ask the classic questions: how many towel drops and marriage proposals has he filmed? Apparently, declarations of love are even more common on Noah’s list!

Along the way, Noah and I also make two very special agreements: he’ll come to Germany next year to share his wonderful music at a concert I’ll host—and he’ll play my little brother in my very own Vertical! Now that’s something to look forward to!

Want to know who he’d love to have dinner with—and what unexpected joker card he has up his sleeve? You’ll have to listen to find out!

Verticals Noah Andre:

Just one kiss (@reelshortapp)

The Arranged Marriage (@inkittcandyjar)

Rules for Dating Trash (@webtoonofficial)

Study Buddy (@inkittcandyjar)

Roommate Benefits (@dramabox_official)

#podcast #bts #new #vertical #community

Action, Stunts & Safety — with Eric Van Arsdale

What does it take to make action look convincing while keeping the people performing it safe? And why does even an on-screen slap need practice?

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Verticals, I’m joined by Stunt & Safety Coordinator Eric Van Arsdale, whose experience includes stunt work on Captain Marvel, Thor: Love and Thunder, Westworld and Barry.

Together, we explore why a stunt coordinator is needed on set and how much planning, choreography and communication goes into the moments we watch on screen. We also talk about the particular challenges of coordinating action and maintaining safety in Vertical productions.

And yes — we get into slapping! Something that might look simple on camera takes technique, timing and rehearsal to get right.

Eric also shares his journey into the world of film and television production, what drew him to stunt work, and the action sequences and stunts he would still love to choreograph.

A conversation about creativity, responsibility and the work behind the action — from a single slap to a much bigger stunt.

Join us for a look behind the scenes with Eric Van Arsdale!

Verticals where Eric Van Arsdale worked on:

Keily: Homecoming Dweeb

How (Not) to Date Your Neighbor (CandyJar)

Mason (CandyJar)

Stillwell Cowboys (CandyJar)

Her Posessive Guard (Candy Jar)

#podcast #bts #new #vertical #community

With our September recap, we’re officially wrapping up the Vertical Summer 2026! ️ 

This month, we also talk a lot about the new app aTwist @atwistofficial , the new genres we’ve seen, and our excitement for the Christmas Vertical productions we’re hoping will soon get underway for this year!

Which performances made our hearts beat faster? Which pairings had that special spark? And which Verticals kept us hooked — or left us frustrated and disappointed?

Join us for a lively conversation full of different opinions, laughter, recommendations, and honest criticism, all driven by our shared love for great stories and the people who bring them to life.

Joining the discussion:

 ️ Michaela (Host) — @lets_talk_about_verticals

Aline — @i.love.verticals

Dalia — @verticalfilmslover

Meagan — @realreeldrama

Caitlyn — @verticait

Our Monthly Recap gives you direct insight into the audience’s perspective: 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 the discussion open, honest, and unfiltered — celebrating what we love about the Vertical industry while highlighting where there’s room for improvement.

Grab a coffee, get comfortable, and join us as we say goodbye to the Vertical Summer and look ahead to what’s next!

Enjoy listening!

Actress Christine Havens @christinemariehavens joins me to talk about her journey into acting, the wonderfully unpredictable world of vertical dramas, and the stories she hopes to tell next.

Christine’s introduction to verticals happened in 2023, when she arrived on set for a banquet scene and noticed something unusual: the camera was turned sideways. One conversation with a fellow actress later, she was discovering an entirely new corner of the industry.

Since then, she’s learned the rhythm of vertical storytelling from both sides of the camera. We talk about what it’s like to perform with cliffhangers and episode breaks in mind—and how her experience as an actress is now helping her write a vertical script of her own. ️

Christine also shares the roles she’d love to play, including a mafia boss who actually gets to do the stunts. We chat about emotional scenes, her favorite project Blind Date with My Boss, and what she makes of the growing use of AI in verticals and the reactions she’s seeing from fans.

And, naturally, we end up wondering where one might find a hidden billionaire to fund a trip to Europe. If only vertical drama logic worked in real life… ️

Come join us for an honest, funny conversation about acting, ambition, and finding new ways to shape your own future in verticals. ️

What kind of role would you love to see Christine play next? Let me know in the comments—and if you enjoy the episode, please like, share, and subscribe!

Verticals with Christine Havens:

The Wife He Never Touched (@playletshort)

XXL Wife and Her Tycoon Husband (@dramawave_official)

My Hidden Mafia Dad Ends It All (@goodshortdrama)

The XXL Diva Queen's Revenge (@vigloo_official)

Love at Divorce (@goodshortdrama)

#podcast #bts #new #vertical #community

Faith Orta has been part of the vertical world for quite some time and has already had the chance to step into many very different characters. But some roles have stayed with her longer than she ever expected.

In this episode, Faith opens up about her first experiences playing villains – characters whose behavior and sometimes incredibly hurtful words were so far removed from who Faith is as a person that leaving them behind after filming wasn’t always easy. In fact, those experiences affected her enough that she decided not to accept another villain role for more than a year.

That leads us into a very honest conversation about some of the things Faith believes the vertical industry can still do better. We talk about missing trigger warnings, uncomfortable situations on set and why actors need to feel that their boundaries and concerns are heard and respected.

But we also talk about the opposite experience. Faith shares why she genuinely loves working with GoodShort and CandyJar, where she feels comfortable, respected and – most importantly – seen and understood as an artist.

For Faith, acting is ultimately about telling stories – and telling good stories. Stories that give her the opportunity to really understand a character, step into their world and fully embody them. We talk about the roles she has enjoyed the most so far, what challenges her as an actress and the kinds of characters she hopes to explore in the future.

And Faith doesn’t stop learning when the cameras stop rolling. Whenever she has the time and opportunity, she loves adding new skills to her repertoire – including, most recently, sword fighting. ️

Faith also gives us a glimpse into her currently released projects and what’s coming next.

An open and thoughtful conversation about acting, boundaries, challenging characters, constantly growing as an artist – and the difference it makes when an actor feels truly seen. ️

Verticals with Faith Orta:

My CEO's Private Terms (Cherry Short)

One Night in Vegas (CandyJar)

Plaything of the Mafia King (Shorts)

The Ranch King's Forbidden Sweetheart (iQIYI)

Imprisoned Love, My Mafia Don (TikTok)

#podcast #bts #new #vertical #community