Episode
Olivia Taylor Dudley | Aliens & Nerdy Magic
- Published
- Mar 24, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3236
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www.storyandcraftpod.com/
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Summary
On this episode of “Story and Craft,” Marc sits down with actor and producer Olivia Taylor Dudley to talk sci-fi, horror, and why aliens have been a lifelong fascination — so much so that all three of her rescue dogs are named after extraterrestrial-inspired references, including SETI. Olivia breaks down how she “fell into” producing through early YouTube-era work on “Five Second Films.” She shares her unconventional path into acting, dropping out of school due to anxiety, moving to LA at 17, and finding structure and comfort on set. They dive into her new film “Touch Me,” a weird sci-fi/horror/comedy about an alien, and mental health themes, plus her time on “The Magicians,” voiceover/audiobook work, and why horror can feel comforting. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 02:53 Rescue Dogs and Hairless Breeds 04:12 Producing and Wearing Many Hats 05:43 ADHD and Loving the Edit 07:45 Five Second Films Origins 10:35 Patton Oswalt Connection 11:32 Dropping Out and Moving to LA 12:59 The Exorcist and Finding Acting 15:29 Horror Sci Fi Upbringing 17:52 SETI Aliens and Disclosure Talk 21:12 Touch Me Alien Horror Comedy 24:42 Family Background Horses and Ranch 25:43 Grandma the Space Nerd 26:03 Ranch Stargazing Mysteries 27:46 Touch Me Origins 32:33 Inside The Magicians 35:24 Why Horror Works 37:06 Theatrical Versus Streaming 41:20 Upcoming Projects Update 42:07 The Seven Questions