Welcome to Shadow of a Mercenary, a Docu-Podcast presentation, created & hosted, by Kevin E. West. Shadow of a Mercenary chronicles the dramatic true story that chronicles the life of Verlin Siefkes: a simple crop dusting adopted Kansas farm kid of the 40s/50s who served his country as a Marine, loved painting his daughter's toenails on the porch and survived 28 days of captivity by Escobar's Medellin cartel. Verlin is betrayed by family, screwed over by crooked bankers during the late 70s - 80s and finds himself trapped between providing for his family and the U.S. government. Very often in life, it can be our most simple decision that is the most fateful. Ultimately, Verlin is forced to become a double-agent by the DEA and eventually both shunned and dismissed, by the very government he served to protect in the Marines. Then again, it’s easy to be betrayed, when no one knows you exist.”

PROMO TRAILER: The Cliff Notes Pitch

Welcome to the Promo Trailer for the Docu-Podcast: Shadow of a Mercenary! Be sure to listen to all 22 episodes. This promo trailer, are the Cliff-Notes as it were to Shadow of a Mercenary, which chronicles the dramatic life story of one Verlin Siefkes: a simple crop dusting, ex-Marine, Kansas farm kid who was screwed over in the late 70s by crooked bankers in the Farm Aid era, forced to work for the U.S. government and eventually kidnapped by Escobar’s Cartel for 28 days during the ‘War On Drugs’. Verlin was ultimately betrayed ‘n dismissed by the very government, as a Marine, he’d served to protect. In this brief promo trailer you get a real sense of what kind of life story and experience all of the episodes will be as well, so be sure to Like-Subscribe-Share because we all want to see as Verlin’s story on the big screen.

NOTE: This presentation contains occasional language inappropriate for a younger audience. Additionally, due to COVID, there is a variation of sound level sources. No need to adjust your sound as the occasional fluctuation is not related to your equipment!

SUBSCRIBE / SHARE: Verlin's story, Shadow of a Mercenary, is going to make one hell of a Feature Film with sequels and/or a tremendous limited Series.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:
Story by: Kevin E. West, Verlin Siefkes
Written by, Kevin E. West
Life Rights: Kevin E. West
WGA#: 2124689
Library of Congress#: Pau2-963-342
©2021 ShutUp ‘n Play Productions
11684 Ventura Blvd. – 757, Studio City, CA 91604

Welcome to Shadow of a Mercenary, a Docu-Podcast presentation, created & hosted, by Kevin E. West. Shadow of a Mercenary chronicles the dramatic true story that chronicles the life of Verlin Siefkes: a simple crop dusting adopted Kansas farm kid of the 40s/50s who served his country as a Marine, loved painting his daughter's toenails on the porch and survived 28 days of captivity by Escobar's Medellin cartel. Verlin is betrayed by family, screwed over by crooked bankers during the late 70s - 80s and finds himself trapped between providing for his family and the U.S. government. Very often in life, it can be the most simple decision, that is the most fateful. Ultimately, Verlin is forced to become a double-agent by the DEA and eventually both shunned and dismissed, by the very government he served to protect in the Marines. Then again, it’s easy to be betrayed, when no one knows you exist.”

EPISODE 22: Funneling the Shadow to Sonya
‘Still crazy after all these years.’ Yes, Verlin still has his ‘Double-Agent Mercenary Life’ Little Black Book. Verlin talks about never fearing for his life, really, and we all marvel at the amazing fact that virtually everyone from his family and hometown still refuse to acknowledge or believe that any of this…really happened. Now we meet the woman in Velrin’s life today, Sonya, and how they evolved into the Funnel Cake business. Present day reality his son Eric w/Kathleen. And finally, the best/worst decision of his life…as well as the regrets.

NOTE: This presentation contains occasional language inappropriate for a younger audience. Additionally, due to COVID, there is a variation of sound level sources. No need to adjust your sound as the occasional fluctuation is not related to your equipment!

SUBSCRIBE / SHARE: Verlin's story, Shadow of a Mercenary, is going to make one hell of a Feature Film with sequels and/or a tremendous limited Series.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:
Story by: Kevin E. West, Verlin Siefkes
Written by, Kevin E. West
Life Rights: Kevin E. West
WGA#: 2124689
Library of Congress#: Pau2-963-342
©2021 ShutUp ‘n Play Productions
11684 Ventura Blvd. – 757, Studio City, CA 91604

Welcome to Shadow of a Mercenary, a Docu-Podcast presentation, created & hosted, by Kevin E. West. Shadow of a Mercenary chronicles the dramatic true story that chronicles the life of Verlin Siefkes: a simple crop dusting adopted Kansas farm kid of the 40s/50s who served his country as a Marine, loved painting his daughter's toenails on the porch and survived 28 days of captivity by Escobar's Medellin cartel. Verlin is betrayed by family, screwed over by crooked bankers during the late 70s - 80s and finds himself trapped between providing for his family and the U.S. government. Very often in life, it can be the most simple decision, that is the most fateful. Ultimately, Verlin is forced to become a double-agent by the DEA and eventually both shunned and dismissed, by the very government he served to protect in the Marines. Then again, it’s easy to be betrayed, when no one knows you exist.”

EPISODE 21: Divorcing a Cast of Characters
Time to wind down this cast of characters but first ensure we understand how the money laundering worked in Miami, on Brickle Ave. Velrin’s passport status is now clear and we say goodbye to, The Sheet - Peterson –Andrews & Mr. RedNose, John Pulley. Verlin chats about the final years with Glenn Stockwell, Carl London and his wife Madge as well as the official end of his trusted Panther Navajo plane. Patricia is in Wichita with Verlin but refuses to take her meds. Verlin’s Mother passes in ’92, MaryAnn has remarried and the Alabama attorney who needed more money to continue with the suit against the Federal Government for Verlin, DISAPPEARS! 

NOTE: This presentation contains occasional language inappropriate for a younger audience. Additionally, due to COVID, there is a variation of sound level sources. No need to adjust your sound as the occasional fluctuation is not related to your equipment!

SUBSCRIBE / SHARE: Verlin's story, Shadow of a Mercenary, is going to make one hell of a Feature Film with sequels and/or a tremendous limited Series.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:
Story by: Kevin E. West, Verlin Siefkes
Written by, Kevin E. West
Life Rights: Kevin E. West
WGA#: 2124689
Library of Congress#: Pau2-963-342
©2021 ShutUp ‘n Play Productions
11684 Ventura Blvd. – 757, Studio City, CA 91604

Welcome to Shadow of a Mercenary, a Docu-Podcast presentation, created & hosted, by Kevin E. West. Shadow of a Mercenary chronicles the dramatic true story that chronicles the life of Verlin Siefkes: a simple crop dusting adopted Kansas farm kid of the 40s/50s who served his country as a Marine, loved painting his daughter's toenails on the porch and survived 28 days of captivity by Escobar's Medellin cartel. Verlin is betrayed by family, screwed over by crooked bankers during the late 70s - 80s and finds himself trapped between providing for his family and the U.S. government. Very often in life, it can be the most simple decision, that is the most fateful. Ultimately, Verlin is forced to become a double-agent by the DEA and eventually both shunned and dismissed, by the very government he served to protect in the Marines. Then again, it’s easy to be betrayed, when no one knows you exist.”

EPISODE 20: The Sheet Has Breaking News…
John Sawyer, of the Post-Dispatch, investigates Verlin’s story which prompts a call from the FBI. How is Verlin’s sister Jan, through all of this and what an odd robbery @Verlin’s property years later in which all of his documents were taken. Verlin work to rebuild his relationship with Christy and then The Sheet calls and wants Verlin to ‘play the game’ with the Callie Cartel. But first, ole’ Tony Price tries to set Verlin up but he smells it out a mile away. Verlin goes down to Cartagena to try and gather info on the Callie Cartel and money laundering on Brickle Ave. Patricia gets a call, they’re on the way to kill Verlin, and she saves his life, again!

NOTE: This presentation contains occasional language inappropriate for a younger audience. Additionally, due to COVID, there is a variation of sound level sources. No need to adjust your sound as the occasional fluctuation is not related to your equipment 

SUBSCRIBE / SHARE: Verlin's story, Shadow of a Mercenary, is going to make one hell of a Feature Film with sequels and/or a tremendous limited Series.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:
Story by: Kevin E. West, Verlin Siefkes
Written by, Kevin E. West
Life Rights: Kevin E. West
WGA#: 2124689
Library of Congress#: Pau2-963-342
©2021 ShutUp ‘n Play Productions
11684 Ventura Blvd. – 757, Studio City, CA 91604

Welcome to Shadow of a Mercenary, a Docu-Podcast presentation, created & hosted, by Kevin E. West. Shadow of a Mercenary chronicles the dramatic true story that chronicles the life of Verlin Siefkes: a simple crop dusting adopted Kansas farm kid of the 40s/50s who served his country as a Marine, loved painting his daughter's toenails on the porch and survived 28 days of captivity by Escobar's Medellin cartel. Verlin is betrayed by family, screwed over by crooked bankers during the late 70s - 80s and finds himself trapped between providing for his family and the U.S. government. Very often in life, it can be the most simple decision, that is the most fateful. Ultimately, Verlin is forced to become a double-agent by the DEA and eventually both shunned and dismissed, by the very government he served to protect in the Marines. Then again, it’s easy to be betrayed, when no one knows you exist.”

EPISODE 19: Panther Poached in Vegas
Verlin’s supposed friend Max, during his captivity, sells the AG-Cat, steals the other equipment and uses his buddy Brock to file false docs to eventually steal the Navajo plane. Verlin briefly speaks to MaryAnn, then meets Christy & introduces Patricia. Verlin marries Patricia in Vegas. The U.S. Attorney informs Verlin the FEDS could get his plane back but they refuse. Verline delivers his tapes to St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Pulley gives jobs to Stockwell, but Verlin has to save Stockwell’s life because he just didn’t know what he was doing.

NOTE: This presentation contains occasional language inappropriate for a younger audience. Additionally, due to COVID, there is a variation of sound level sources. No need to adjust your sound as the occasional fluctuation is not related to your equipment!

SUBSCRIBE / SHARE: Verlin's story, Shadow of a Mercenary, is going to make one hell of a Feature Film with sequels and/or a tremendous limited Series.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:
Story by: Kevin E. West, Verlin Siefkes
Written by, Kevin E. West
Life Rights: Kevin E. West
WGA#: 2124689
Library of Congress#: Pau2-963-342
©2021 ShutUp ‘n Play Productions
11684 Ventura Blvd. – 757, Studio City, CA 91604

Welcome to Shadow of a Mercenary, a Docu-Podcast presentation, created & hosted, by Kevin E. West. Shadow of a Mercenary chronicles the dramatic true story that chronicles the life of Verlin Siefkes: a simple crop dusting adopted Kansas farm kid of the 40s/50s who served his country as a Marine, loved painting his daughter's toenails on the porch and survived 28 days of captivity by Escobar's Medellin cartel. Verlin is betrayed by family, screwed over by crooked bankers during the late 70s - 80s and finds himself trapped between providing for his family and the U.S. government. Very often in life, it can be the most simple decision, that is the most fateful. Ultimately, Verlin is forced to become a double-agent by the DEA and eventually both shunned and dismissed, by the very government he served to protect in the Marines. Then again, it’s easy to be betrayed, when no one knows you exist.”

EPISODE 18: The Final Gringo BBQ
In captivity, Stockwell gets progressively more sick and despite daily boredom Verlin stays frosty if they try to kill him. Verlin almost escapes on horseback but returns to stay with Stockwell. Patricia continues to warn the Cartel wives the problems they’ll face if they harm Verlin. NO the FEDS really do nothing to assist Verlin. Finall the Cartel agrees to let them go. Stockwell goes first, and Roberto is taking Verlin, accidentally, to a death BBQ a day before his departure but Verlin gets Roberto drunk to avoid it. Verlin uses his skill set to get through the airport & back home.  A FED debrief, indictment status, Judy steals from him and the Heflin meeting all ensues.

NOTE: This presentation contains occasional language inappropriate for a younger audience. Additionally, due to COVID, there is a variation of sound level sources. No need to adjust your sound as the occasional fluctuation is not related to your equipment!

SUBSCRIBE / SHARE: Verlin's story, Shadow of a Mercenary, is going to make one hell of a Feature Film with sequels and/or a tremendous limited Series.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:
Story by: Kevin E. West, Verlin Siefkes
Written by, Kevin E. West
Life Rights: Kevin E. West
WGA#: 2124689
Library of Congress#: Pau2-963-342
©2021 ShutUp ‘n Play Productions
11684 Ventura Blvd. – 757, Studio City, CA 91604

Welcome to Shadow of a Mercenary, a Docu-Podcast presentation, created & hosted, by Kevin E. West. Shadow of a Mercenary chronicles the dramatic true story that chronicles the life of Verlin Siefkes: a simple crop dusting adopted Kansas farm kid of the 40s/50s who served his country as a Marine, loved painting his daughter's toenails on the porch and survived 28 days of captivity by Escobar's Medellin cartel. Verlin is betrayed by family, screwed over by crooked bankers during the late 70s - 80s and finds himself trapped between providing for his family and the U.S. government. Very often in life, it can be the most simple decision, that is the most fateful. Ultimately, Verlin is forced to become a double-agent by the DEA and eventually both shunned and dismissed, by the very government he served to protect in the Marines. Then again, it’s easy to be betrayed, when no one knows you exist.”

EPISODE 17: Escobar Captivity & Caymans!
Verlin sits at the Cartel ranch house in Escobar captivity and warns Co-Pilot, Stockwell, to be careful to answer their questions consistently. Meanwhile island informant, Lil Red, contacts Patricia about Verlin’s situation. Patricia calls all of the Cartel wives and rails on them that Verlin did not steal their product. Patricia calls Pulley @the DEA but the FEDS are useless. Verlin and Glenn enjoy their guards Ramon & Osee and they even have a BBQ w/Escobar present. The FEDS tell Christy her father is probably dead while Verlin swims in a Cayman alligator infested pond to sink recorded government tapes from his duffle bag.

NOTE: This presentation contains occasional language inappropriate for a younger audience. Additionally, due to COVID, there is a variation of sound level sources. No need to adjust your sound as the occasional fluctuation is not related to your equipment!

SUBSCRIBE / SHARE: Verlin's story, Shadow of a Mercenary, is going to make one hell of a Feature Film with sequels and/or a tremendous limited Series.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:
Story by: Kevin E. West, Verlin Siefkes
Written by, Kevin E. West
Life Rights: Kevin E. West
WGA#: 2124689
Library of Congress#: Pau2-963-342
©2021 ShutUp ‘n Play Productions
11684 Ventura Blvd. – 757, Studio City, CA 91604

Welcome to Shadow of a Mercenary, a Docu-Podcast presentation, created & hosted, by Kevin E. West. Shadow of a Mercenary chronicles the dramatic true story that chronicles the life of Verlin Siefkes: a simple crop dusting adopted Kansas farm kid of the 40s/50s who served his country as a Marine, loved painting his daughter's toenails on the porch and survived 28 days of captivity by Escobar's Medellin cartel. Verlin is betrayed by family, screwed over by crooked bankers during the late 70s - 80s and finds himself trapped between providing for his family and the U.S. government. Very often in life, it can be the most simple decision, that is the most fateful. Ultimately, Verlin is forced to become a double-agent by the DEA and eventually both shunned and dismissed, by the very government he served to protect in the Marines. Then again, it’s easy to be betrayed, when no one knows you exist.”

EPISODE 16: Kidnapped In My Dreams
Just when you think it is safe to go to sleep Verlin wakes from one of his signature premonition dreams, which keeps him from taking a job, and a few days later he’s proven right. He’s now in Miami a lot and having an on-going engagement with Patricia. Verlin heads out on Run#4 w/Stockwell as his co-pilot and all goes horribly wrong and the shipment is lost. Concerned for his future, Patricia uses her D.C. contacts to set a meeting with Senator Heflin. Verlin and Glenn take off on Run#5 to make-up for the lost shipment and are kidnapped by Escobar’s cartel on the tarmac with two dozen AK-47’s at their head. That’s a bad day!

NOTE: This presentation contains occasional language inappropriate for a younger audience. Additionally, due to COVID, there is a variation of sound level sources. No need to adjust your sound as the occasional fluctuation is not related to your equipment!

SUBSCRIBE / SHARE: Verlin's story, Shadow of a Mercenary, is going to make one hell of a Feature Film with sequels and/or a tremendous limited Series.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:
Story by: Kevin E. West, Verlin Siefkes
Written by, Kevin E. West
Life Rights: Kevin E. West
WGA#: 2124689
Library of Congress#: Pau2-963-342
©2021 ShutUp ‘n Play Productions
11684 Ventura Blvd. – 757, Studio City, CA 91604

Welcome to Shadow of a Mercenary, a Docu-Podcast presentation, created & hosted, by Kevin E. West. Shadow of a Mercenary chronicles the dramatic true story that chronicles the life of Verlin Siefkes: a simple crop dusting adopted Kansas farm kid of the 40s/50s who served his country as a Marine, loved painting his daughter's toenails on the porch and survived 28 days of captivity by Escobar's Medellin cartel. Verlin is betrayed by family, screwed over by crooked bankers during the late 70s - 80s and finds himself trapped between providing for his family and the U.S. government. Very often in life, it can be the most simple decision, that is the most fateful. Ultimately, Verlin is forced to become a double-agent by the DEA and eventually both shunned and dismissed, by the very government he served to protect in the Marines. Then again, it’s easy to be betrayed, when no one knows you exist.”

EPISODE 15: Customs Jealousy Goes Bust
Verlin’s first bust was the largest in Puerto Rican history at the time and creates even more inter-agency Customs/D.E.A. jealousy. Peterson warns Verlin to beware of Pulley ‘back-dooring’ him on details ‘n specifics. Verlin feels good about the street justice he is involved, while crop-dusting, and making money. He goes back to Dothan, customs screws up and tags his plane as illegal, the FEDS have to resolve the issue quickly and Verlin visits Max in a Wichita bar to discuss the state of his loan and then meets, the little blonde, Judy Popiel.

NOTE: This presentation contains occasional language inappropriate for a younger audience. Additionally, due to COVID, there is a variation of sound level sources. No need to adjust your sound as the occasional fluctuation is not related to your equipment!

SUBSCRIBE / SHARE: Verlin's story, Shadow of a Mercenary, is going to make one hell of a Feature Film with sequels and/or a tremendous limited Series.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:
Story by: Kevin E. West, Verlin Siefkes
Written by, Kevin E. West
Life Rights: Kevin E. West
WGA#: 2124689
Library of Congress#: Pau2-963-342
©2021 ShutUp ‘n Play Productions
11684 Ventura Blvd. – 757, Studio City, CA 91604

Welcome to Shadow of a Mercenary, a Docu-Podcast presentation, created & hosted, by Kevin E. West. Shadow of a Mercenary chronicles the dramatic true story that chronicles the life of Verlin Siefkes: a simple crop dusting adopted Kansas farm kid of the 40s/50s who served his country as a Marine, loved painting his daughter's toenails on the porch and survived 28 days of captivity by Escobar's Medellin cartel. Verlin is betrayed by family, screwed over by crooked bankers during the late 70s - 80s and finds himself trapped between providing for his family and the U.S. government. Very often in life, it can be the most simple decision, that is the most fateful. Ultimately, Verlin is forced to become a double-agent by the DEA and eventually both shunned and dismissed, by the very government he served to protect in the Marines. Then again, it’s easy to be betrayed, when no one knows you exist.”

EPISODE 14: The Kansas Panther Takes Flight
Over the course of just 30-days Verlin gets smuggling level modifications made to the Navajo, while still playing father to Christy, having Colombian cartel set-up meetings at the iHop with agents undercover all around him taking pictures, recording devices on lamps and the whole nine yards. Ex-Army Ranger buddy, Jim Squires is his co-pilot on Run#2, which leads to a monster bust in the Everglades. Agency egos lead Verlin down to do a 3rd run in the Bahamas, for Pulley, which leads to another bust and meeting Patricia Boling.

NOTE: This presentation contains occasional language inappropriate for a younger audience. Additionally, due to COVID, there is a variation of sound level sources. No need to adjust your sound as the occasional fluctuation is not related to your equipment!

SUBSCRIBE / SHARE: Verlin's story, Shadow of a Mercenary, is going to make one hell of a Feature Film with sequels and/or a tremendous limited Series.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:
Story by: Kevin E. West, Verlin Siefkes
Written by, Kevin E. West
Life Rights: Kevin E. West
WGA#: 2124689
Library of Congress#: Pau2-963-342
©2021 ShutUp ‘n Play Productions
11684 Ventura Blvd. – 757, Studio City, CA 91604