By Paul Salfen, Christine Thompson for AMFM Magazine
In a candid and revealing conversation with AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen, actress-director Danielle Nicolet pulls back the curtain on Long Time Listener, her gripping directorial debut that blends stylish noir tension with deep character suspense. The crime-thriller, which premiered April 2 on AMC’s ALLBLK network as part of a multi-film distribution agreement with GreenApple Entertainment, marks a bold new chapter for the The Flash star.
Nicolet, who stars as Elle, a true-crime podcaster thrust into deadly danger from a mysterious “long time listener,” describes the project as one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of her career. “It was one of the hardest and most challenging things I’ve ever done… but hands down, most rewarding,” she shared. Balancing multiple hats as director, star, and storyteller, Nicolet crafted a multi-layered mystery that unfolds with twists worthy of Hitchcock or Double Indemnity.
A standout highlight from the set came during a scene with co-star Meagan Holder (Monarch, Pitch), who plays Genesis. The two previously starred as best friends on the TV comedy Born Again Virgin. Shooting the scene coincided with the 10-year anniversary of their pilot episode. “Here we are ten years later, back together,” Nicolet recalled warmly. “It doesn’t matter how challenging the circumstances are… as long as the two of us are in it together, it’s amazing.” Their natural comedic rhythm even forced Nicolet, in her first time directing, to gently rein in the laughs— a full-circle moment that blended nostalgia, friendship, and creative fulfillment.
The film’s ensemble shines with complex, trope-defying characters. Alongside Nicolet and Holder, the cast includes Lyriq Bent (She’s Gotta Have It, Tyler Perry’s Acrimony) as Carter, Cleo Berry as Max, Lisha Wheeler as Ruby, and a cameo by Torrei Hart (Atlanta Exes). Produced by Joe Narode (Shamed, Pardoned by Grace), Long Time Listener delivers a diverse cast where every character carries secrets and depth.
“I hope people come away from it… recognizing even subconsciously, ‘Oh, wait a second. That’s a diverse cast in this film,’” Nicolet explained. “None of those characters were reduced to tired old tropes… Each of the characters are deeply layered and complex.” The story follows Elle as fame from her podcast turns fatal, blurring lines between storyteller and victim in a web of buried truths. “Who’s really in control of the story?” becomes the central, terrifying question.
Beyond the film, Nicolet offered thoughtful insights for aspiring creatives. Drawing from her own start at age 16, she emphasized patience: “A career is a marathon, not a sprint… Life is long, dude. There’s so much opportunity to grow and change.” Her own “Hail Mary” moment—walking away from a stressful guaranteed job to guest-star on The Flash—paid off with over 100 episodes across seven-plus seasons. “I decided not to make a decision out of fear,” she said.
On navigating the creative mindset, especially amid social media scrutiny, Nicolet advised focusing on successes: “Look back at all of the successes that you’ve had… Let that define who you think you are.” She noted how easy it is to dwell on negativity while overlooking the overwhelming positivity and real-life validations.
Looking ahead, Nicolet has a sweet, family-friendly romance The Life of Me releasing this summer, plus an exciting new project she co-wrote with her Flash castmate Kayla Compton heading into production. “I’m just kind of really enjoying the ride,” she said with evident gratitude.
Long Time Listener is available now on ALLBLK (premiered April 2) and for rent on platforms like Amazon and Fandango At Home starting April 3. Nicolet invites audiences to watch, guess along with the twists, and revisit for the cleverly planted clues. “I laid out a rather elaborate puzzle… if you go back and watch it a second time, that’s when you’ll catch all of the clues.”
With its stylish suspense, rich performances, and fresh storytelling, Long Time Listener isn’t just a thriller—it’s proof that when talented artists like Danielle Nicolet step behind the camera with heart and vision, the results resonate on every level. Stream it, debate the twists, and celebrate a filmmaker who’s just getting started.
Interview conducted by Paul Salfen for AMFM Magazine.
