Nathan FIllion and Alan Tudyk were once spacemen. Since co-starring on Firefly, they have also been aliens, mystery writers, veterinarians, superheroes, chickens, robots, and policemen. Now, they’re doing a podcast where they get to know their fellow creatives, learning about who they once were and what they’re up to now. This is that podcast.
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Alan drove a motorhome across America and arrived with lots of feelings about freedom, the open road, and the structural integrity of RV awnings. Nathan has 150 fidgets – organized by type in velvet-lined display cases – which honestly tracks. The guys catch up on new beginnings, old neighborhoods, and the kinds of stories that only happen in New York. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extended episodes a whole week early by joining our Patreon. Once We Were ...
Jon Huertas has lived a life that defies easy explanation. He'll try anyway. From the Bronx to the Air Force, from Castle's precinct to gold country, Jon has always found his way… usually by ignoring the obvious path. Nathan and Alan could listen to his stories forever. They almost did. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extended episodes a whole week early by joining our Patreon. Once We Were Spacemen is a Collision33 production.
Once, Alan Tudyk humped a national treasure. Tom Hanks, specifically. In jeans. Other business includes worst haircuts, surreal celebrity encounters, and the time Alan accidentally got stoned before a red carpet. Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's Maybelline… Actually, it's just Alan's dog. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extended episodes a whole week early by joining our Patreon. Once We Were Spacemen is a Collision33 production....
Very few people can trace a straight line from a small town in Bavaria to playing supervillains in Hollywood. Flula Borg is not one of them. His path involves an improbable mentor list, a trainer named Paolo, and a holiday tradition that only makes sense if you've seen all eleven seasons of Frasier. Tune in for the slowest lightning round in OWWSM history. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extended episodes a whole week early by joining our Patreon . Once We ...
Quicksand, rip currents, and falling windows… all ways the guys have narrowly avoided death. One of them happened before Alan was even an actor, let alone a Spaceman. Here's to hoping he doesn't see a pair of tiger sharks. Press play; your life may depend on it! **Listener Note: The segment from 35:30–37:52 includes a discussion of sexual coercion in duck mating behavior. Please skip ahead if the subject matter is difficult.** Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen t...
Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk are aging into senior discounts. They’re even wearing shoes with elastic laces. Yet, they STILL found the energy to record a live episode in front of an audience. While on stage, the guys swap stories about prosthetic makeup mishaps, commiserate over dog digestion, and open the floor to audience questions. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extended episodes a whole week early by joining our Patreon . Once We Were Spacemen is a Co...
Pro tip: if you ever find yourself living in a cramped hotel room without a fridge, store your bagels and cream cheese on the window sill. Just beware the pigeons. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extended episodes a whole week early by joining our Patreon . Once We Were Spacemen is a Collision33 production....
Molly Quinn left small town Texas with two goals: become an actor and travel the world. She has done just that. In this episode, the drawbridge comes down and we cross the moat into Castle . Molly and Nathan reflect on what it was like to build a TV family. Molly also shares insights about eating on camera, talks about her first impressions of Nathan, and explains how Alan inspired her as a fellow ginger in Hollywood. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extende...
Nathan, Alan, and the cast of Serenity just announced a brand-new Firefly animated series in development… set during the time between Firefly and Serenity. Whether it happens depends on YOU. The cast has a pilot script. They have showrunners. They have an animation house. They have permissions and blessings from the powers that be. What they need now is proof that the fanbase that kept this show alive for two decades wants more Firefly. Here's the mission: go to the Once We Were Spacemen Instagr...
What would your 10-year-old self think about your life today? That’s the question Nathan tries to get Alan to answer in this episode. It takes a few tangents, but the journey is worth it. From the joy of Saturday morning cartoons to the challenge of substitute teachers, this episode brings out our inner child. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extended episodes a whole week early by joining our Patreon . Once We Were Spacemen is a Collision33 production....
Felicia Day is a DIY goddess, an internet icon, and no tool to the industry. A homeschooled violin prodigy turned Hollywood self-starter, she was always intent on carving her own path. Fate connected her with Nathan Fillion, but as for Alan… Felicia doesn't even remember the first time they met. Felicia’s new graphic novel, The Lost Daughter of Sparta , comes out March 17... preorder now! Join her newsletter, Felicitations , to be the first to hear about her upcoming Kickstarter! Follow Once We ...
Once, Alan and Nathan were just two kids trying to earn a buck. For Nathan, that meant working at a trophy shop. For Alan, that meant tossing newspapers from his bike (and selling dead snakes in exchange for silver dollars). They’ve come a long way since. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extended episodes a whole week early by joining our Patreon . Once We Were Spacemen is a Collision33 production....
Summer Glau moved to LA with ballet training, one community theater credit, and a film education that mostly consisted of Jane Austen adaptations. Nonetheless, she believed that she could become an actor. She was right. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extended episodes a whole week early by joining our Patreon . Once We Were Spacemen is a Collision33 production.
Nathan and Alan left Firefly with more than memories… they walked away with actual souvenirs from the set. Alan's item involves quite a heartwarming story, but Nathan's? Let's just say he snagged a vital artifact. The guys also dive into forged autographs, getting duped by their own mom, and how to properly respond to a joke. Plus, they answer your listener questions. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extended episodes a whole week early by joining our Patreo...
The Doctor is in! Sean Maher made an impression on Alan and Nathan from the moment they first met. In this episode, the guys cover reparenting, piercings that Sean had during college, and Michigan pride. We also learn that Sean regularly texts Jewel Staite, but only to send her videos of people falling down. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extended episodes a whole week early by joining our Patreon . Once We Were Spacemen is a Collision33 production....
Have you ever ridden a motorcycle? According to Alan, it's a rush… of delicious smells. The guys reflect on some creative contributions, and Nathan has a ¿great idea. While they share many on-screen adventures, this episode is proof that Alan and Nathan are actual friends behind the scenes. Complete with the kind of stories you only tell people who really know you. Listener note: This episode includes a personal story involving hunting and the death of an animal. If this content may be difficult...
This episode features Seth Green discussing the evolution of short-form content, his personal journey through early fame with "Buffy" and "Austin Powers," and his surprising collaboration with George Lucas on "Robot Chicken Star Wars." He shares insights on navigating public life, the meaning of success, and the importance of mature relationships and fan connections, offering a blend of comedic and heartfelt reflections.
Once, the guys reminisced about a hungover hike, debated TV reboots, and discussed why dry wiping is downright unacceptable… even Will Smith and Matt Damon agree. And if you’re wanting to know about home improvement hijinks, you should head over to our Patreon. If you're looking to be educated, you're in the wrong place. But since you'll learn nothing, you're free to doom scroll after listening. Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to extended episodes a whole week...
Melissa O'Neil and Nathan Fillion delve into their experiences on "The Rookie," starting with Melissa's memorable audition that impressed Nathan with her unapologetic professionalism. They explore Melissa's unexpected past as a Canadian Idol winner and her journey from musical theater to television, highlighting the distinct demands of each. The conversation covers their shared Canadian roots, the importance of fostering a supportive set environment, and Melissa's meticulous approach to acting without rehearsals.
Hosts Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk delve into the world of television production with Alexi Hawley, creator and showrunner of The Rookie. Hawley demystifies the demanding role of a showrunner, balancing creative vision with business realities, and shares insights into his unique path from drummer to acclaimed writer/director. The episode also highlights The Rookie's unexpected success, its appeal across demographics, and Hawley's compassionate leadership in navigating industry crises like COVID and strikes.
Hosts Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk delve into their evolving acting careers, comparing experiences on shows like "Castle" and "The Rookie." They explore the existence of aliens, ancient civilizations, and ponder the Dunning-Kruger effect. The episode takes a humorous turn with Alan's past mushroom misadventures in Amsterdam and Nathan's unique "master punchlines." They also share quirky personal habits, such as Nathan's foot-tracing and Alan's affinity for wood Q-tips and "trans species" like butterflies and clownfish, all while reflecting on life's unexpected turns.
In this episode, acclaimed actor Mark Addy recounts his journey, detailing his transition from theatre to film and TV, including the unexpected global success of "The Full Monty." He shares candid memories from filming "A Knight's Tale" in Prague with Heath Ledger and reveals how he approached his iconic role as Robert Baratheon in "Game of Thrones." Addy also offers valuable advice for aspiring actors and reflects on his fulfilling career.
Nathan shares his experience receiving an honorary doctorate, prompting a deep dive into success and failure in the acting industry. Alan and Nathan discuss crucial steps like preparation, learning, the challenge of choosing roles, and the importance of gratitude amidst career volatility. They share personal audition stories, reflect on lessons from past failures, and offer advice to aspiring actors on finding joy and creating their own opportunities.
Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk welcome their friend and Firefly co-star, Gina Torres. They reminisce about their shared history, including Gina's unique path from New York's LaGuardia High School to sci-fi roles and her standout performance in Suits and Pearson. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of a long acting career, emphasizing the importance of passion and adaptability. They also playfully revisit Alan's unforgettable on-screen kiss with Gina during Firefly. The episode culminates in a reflection on the unexpected and profound impact their work had on fans.
This episode features Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk discussing their long and often challenging paths in Hollywood, from unconventional auditions like Alan's blind swordsman debacle and Nathan's dramatic walkout, to memorable roles such as Nathan's octopus in Resident Alien. They also delve into the inspiring journey of Alan's crowdfunded series "Con Man," the evolution of auditioning, and invaluable career advice received—or ignored—along the way. The conversation highlights their enduring friendship and their candid experiences navigating the ups and downs of show business.
Actress Jewel Staite reflects on her extensive career, from being a young, competent child actor to a lead on "Family Law," balancing her demanding professional life with motherhood. She shares insights into the industry's challenges, the importance of fostering a positive set environment, and her unique Canadian Métis heritage. Staite also highlights her popular YouTube cooking channel, showcasing her self-deprecating humor and passion outside of acting.
In their inaugural podcast episode, Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk dive into their shared history, starting with their early interactions on Firefly and reflecting on their acting journeys. They share humorous anecdotes about sci-fi conventions, Alan's surprising love for clowns, and Nathan's unconventional methods for quitting smoking. The duo also discusses the inspiration behind their podcast's name and reveal little-known personal quirks and professional secrets.
Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk were once spacemen. Since their time on Firefly, their friendship has been marked by comic-con panels and the occasional cameo. Now they're hosting a podcast where they connect with fellow creatives, exploring who they were and what they're up to now. It's highly entertaining… and if you're not interested, at least tell your mom about it. She definitely has a thing for Nathan.
Nov 04, 2025•3 min
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