Let's talk about Verticals

Let's talk about Verticals

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Episoden

82 - Aidan Farren - Tropes, Towel Drops & Big Dreams in the Vertical World...
18.04.2026
1 Stunde 14 Minuten
A light European breeze runs through this episode, as American-Irish actor Aidan Farren joins me ️





We talk about his experiences shooting verticals in China , his ambition to break into European vertical productions, and what it’s really like to watch his own work on screen





Of course, we dive into the classic tropes—“Proposals” and “Towel Drops” —and explore what no vertical story can go without. Together, we even imagine the ultimate Vertical Bingo Card





Aidan also shares how working on verticals has helped him grow—not only as an actor, but as a person What he’s learned along the way and how it has shaped him makes for a truly insightful conversation.





When it comes to his dreams, he’s drawn to roles like a special agent à la James Bond ️ or a firefighter —characters with the “license” to help others. At the same time, he’s eager to explore a wide range of acting opportunities beyond verticals


Like many of us, he’s ready for more comedy and romcom in verticals —and hopes to see less violence against female leads, as he openly shares his discomfort with those roles.





And since Aidan is a big pizza lover , we couldn’t skip the ultimate debate: pineapple on pizza—yes or no? Plus, we talk about School of Rock and even end up discussing closed car windows





All that and so much more—honest, fun, and entertaining moments—await you in this episode. Enjoy listening!





Some Verticals with Aidan Farren:





Claiming His Angel in White (Kalos TV)


Return of the Hidden Chef Goddess (Playlet)


Goodbye After 99 Forgiveness (Flareflow)


Making of an Heiress (Kalos TV)


Reborn: Melody of Second Chances (Kalos TV)
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81 - Beneath Crimson Sails - The (first) Pirates are entering the Vertical Sea!
15.04.2026
1 Stunde 29 Minuten
It’s finally happening: the first pirate ship is setting sail into the rough Vertical seas! ️


I had the chance to speak exclusively in advance with four of the key people behind the project.  Julie Bruns Nic Westaway Steven Kammerer Rob Hunt Together, we dive into the filming process, look back at how it all began, and talk about what an incredible adventure it was to bring this Vertical to life.


Of course, I was especially curious about what you, the audience, can expect—especially since so many are asking for fresh stories instead of the usual Vertical tropes. And I can tell you: the first details sound absolutely amazing!


No banquette scenes Only ONE slap! No hospital scenes And no frustrating, unresolved cliffhangers


Instead, get ready for: Stunning nature & outdoor scenes A real ship ️ The raw, untamed sea Incredible outfits ️ Spectacular fight scenes


A Vertical full of adventure, tension, and dreams—enhanced by a completely original, specially composed soundtrack


Get ready to be just as fascinated and excited as the cast & crew were during filming!


Releasing on CandJar & Mauvipix – stay tuned!
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80 - Marcus Kelly Curtis - Verticals, Vibes & Very Good Food...
15.04.2026
1 Stunde 22 Minuten
Are you in the mood for a mix of Canada , verticals , and a full-on food tour —all combined with a generous portion of humor and fun? Then you’re absolutely in the right place with this conversation between Marcus Kelly Curtis and me





️ Small trigger warning: There’s a very high chance this episode will make you hungry—and might leave you with a strong urge to plan a food trip to Germany ️





Marcus and I dive into a relaxed and entertaining conversation about his original career plans as an ice hockey player , which then shifted toward studying neurology —until his mom encouraged him to give acting school a try … where he ultimately found his true passion.





Since he’s always loved stepping into different roles and entertaining people, it didn’t take long for Marcus to become very grateful for that life-changing advice





His lightness, humor, and genuine desire to entertain make acting his dream job  Always in a good mood—and known to improvise on set —Marcus has an impressive ability to remember scripts, even after a skull concussion


What he ate that day, though? That’s a different story…





What does he wish for his future in the vertical world?   More shoots outside of Canada


Better storylines


And more screen time to stay longer with the characters he grows to love ️





His must-have on set?  Good vibes and colleagues who can keep up with his energy





We’ve already (mostly ) planned his 2026 food trip across Germany and Switzerland —now I’m just waiting for his message about when he’s landing so we can kick off the adventure  Think: Carpool Karaoke, ABBA songs , and lots of amazing food ️





This episode is packed with humor, great stories, and even some deeper, thoughtful moments  Enjoy listening—and stay tuned for our upcoming food trip vlog





Some Verticals with Marcus Kelly Curtis:





Twisted Heart (Joyreels)


Rescued by the Rugged Mountain Man (Dramabox)


Mafia Forbidden Catch (Dramawave)


My Husband's Best Friend Claims Me (FlickReels)


Victorian Heiress Survival Guide (Kalos TV)
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79 - Shanna Sinow - From Ads to Addiction: The Vertical Story...
11.04.2026
1 Stunde 32 Minuten
It’s time for a new episode featuring another actress ️ (actors have been dominating a bit lately )


Shanna Sinow took the time to have a wonderful and fun conversation with me about verticals


 She knows exactly what it’s like to get hooked by vertical ads—and then suddenly needing to watch the full story, unable to stop So she truly understands the audience better than many others





By now, she’s become an essential part of the vertical world From vampires to rom-coms , from young adult to the spicy ones ️—there’s nothing she can’t bring to life.





Still on her acting wishlist? A mermaid , a pirate lady , or even a detective


Why hasn’t she played a villain yet? She thinks she looks “too nice”


 Would she like to change that? Because playing the bad side sounds exciting? — Hell yes


Getting kidnapped? She’s already got plenty of experience with that… at least on screen





And one iconic scene many people still remember instantly?  The legendary construction helmet scene with Robert Palmer Watkins in “Escaping the Bridezilla” Definitely a moment that made a lot of people smile!





We talk about all of this and so much more from her experiences in the vertical world   This is one episode you definitely don’t want to miss!





Some Verticals with Shanna Sinow:





First Love, First Sin with My Stepbrother (Drama TV)


Bound by My Ex's Dad (Dramapops)


Surrogate Bride of My of Ex's Uncle (Kalos TV)


Engraved on Your Heart (Dramabox)


Goodbye Husband, Don't Regret When I'm Gone (Dramawave)


Mehr
78 - Steinar Bakke - Chef, Coder, Actor - A Story of Bold Transitions...
08.04.2026
1 Stunde 23 Minuten
There are many paths that can lead to a vertical career — and today’s guest, Steinar Bakke, is the perfect example.





Born in Norway, Steinar started his journey in the army before moving to the United States to study Software Engineering. After successfully working as a software developer, he asked himself: why not try something completely new?


This mindset took him all the way to Australia , where he worked both as a head chef and an actor. When the pandemic hit, life pressed pause — and he returned to his roots in engineering back in Norway.





Today, Steinar has been living in South Korea for nearly three years, fully embracing the career that truly fulfills him: acting and modeling. He continues to travel the world for jobs ️ and hopes to bring his work to Europe in 2026.


His first experiences shooting verticals? Let’s just say… unforgettable





In this episode, we talk about:   His unconventional career journey   The evolution of the vertical industry   Life and work across different countries   Lessons learned along the way





And one surprising fact: Steinar once worked as a chef in a German restaurant — and is basically a pro when it comes to cooking Schweinshaxe





A conversation full of insights, humor, and inspiration — don’t miss it!





Some Verticals with Steinar Bakke:





Desire Under Our Uniforms (Kalos TV)


The God of Speed: the Legend Returns (Netshort)


Love's Second Chance (Kalos TV)


Jilted! Now Im Exs Stepmother (Kalos TV)


Return of That Banished Girl (ShortMax)


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Über diesen Podcast

A Podcast with people who are part in the vertical industry, whether actors, producers, directors, fans, streaming platforms, etc. Everyone is welcome to talk with me about the big, wide world of verticals. About life with and in this world, its bright and dark sides. Be excited for wonderful real talk paired with humor, charm but the necessary seriousness 🎙️
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