

Once We Were Spacemen
Nathan Fillion & Alan Tudyk
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.
Listen to Once We Were Spacemen wherever your mom gets her podcasts. If you’d like to listen early, join our community on Patreon. Once We Were Spacemen is a Collision33 production.
Listen to Once We Were Spacemen wherever your mom gets her podcasts. If you’d like to listen early, join our community on Patreon. Once We Were Spacemen is a Collision33 production.
Episodes
Mentioned books

14 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 59min
Once We Were Low Huggers with Seth Green | Episode 11
Seth Green, an actor, writer, and co-creator of Robot Chicken, shares hilarious and heartfelt moments from his career. He reveals how he made George Lucas laugh and the stories behind his iconic roles in Buffy and Austin Powers. Delving into the creative process of Robot Chicken, Seth discusses balancing comedy and business while reflecting on the show's lasting impact. He also touches on his transition into fatherhood and how it reshapes his artistic choices, all wrapped in warm anecdotes and a genuine sense of humor.

24 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 57min
Once We Did Home Improvements | Episode 10
Join Alan and Nathan as they hilariously recount the calamity of converting a chlorine pool to saltwater. They reminisce about a hungover hiking adventure and exchange amusing stories about parties in Vancouver. The duo dives into a lively debate on TV reboots and the impact of streaming on production schedules. They tackle public phone etiquette and share quirky gadget habits, before getting into a cheeky discussion on portable bidets. It's a comical mix of nostalgia, opinions, and the absurdities of modern life!

22 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 8min
Once We Were Rookies with Melissa O'Neil | Episode 9
In this lively conversation, Melissa O'Neil shares her unique audition strategy for The Rookie—doing squats to warm up! The Canadian actress dives into her roots and the cultural impact of her upbringing. She talks about winning Canadian Idol and the unexpected career opportunities it created. The duo also explores the nuances of acting between theatre and television, including the importance of on-set professionalism. Plus, Melissa dishes on hilarious TikTok antics and unforgettable cast adventures, all while contemplating her future on the show.

9 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 60min
Once We Had Some Not-So-Horrible Bosses with Alexi Hawley | Episode 8
In this conversation with Alexi Hawley, creator of The Rookie, he shares his journey from drummer to television writer. Alexi demystifies showrunning, discussing the blend of creative and managerial skills required. He recounts early writing experiences and the lessons learned from his time on Castle. The chat dives into the challenges of production during the pandemic, plus the economics of TV work. Hobbies like drumming and softball help him unwind as he juggles multiple projects, including upcoming spinoffs and Hulu's The Envoy.

10 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 43min
Once We Had a Point | Episode 7
From handshakes to treacle tarts, this lively discussion covers everything whimsical! Listen in as two actors riff on typecasting as aliens and offer amusing takes on life's rituals. They dive into personal UFO anecdotes and the intriguing idea of ancient civilizations. Explore their reflections on aging, acting, and the peculiar blend of mushrooms and memory. The humor shines through with clever puns and a deep dive into handshake etiquette! This episode is a delightful mix of light-hearted fun and thought-provoking musings.

11 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 51min
Once We Were Jousters with Mark Addy | Episode 6
Mark Addy, an accomplished English actor known for his roles in The Full Monty and Game of Thrones, shares his colorful journey from theatre to film with hosts Nathan and Alan. He fondly recalls his time working with Heath Ledger, their escapades in Prague, and forming a treasured friendship with Alan. Mark reflects on the surprises of Hollywood, his first impressions of A Knight’s Tale, and how unexpected fame from The Full Monty launched his career. He offers sage advice for aspiring actors, emphasizing passion and perseverance.

7 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 45min
Once We Were Failures | Episode 5
Discover the humorous journey of two aspiring actors navigating success and failure in showbiz. One shares tales of receiving a dubious honorary doctorate and the perks it brings. They dive into the challenges of choosing roles, the importance of preparation, and the dynamics of auditions. With anecdotes of worst auditions and lessons learned from career lows, they illustrate how embracing flaws makes performances relatable. Finally, they encourage new actors to pursue joy and creativity, reminding us all that failure can shape a more fulfilling path.

Nov 26, 2025 • 41min
Once We Were Warrior Women with Gina Torres | Episode 4
Gina Torres, known for her powerful role as Jessica Pearson in Suits, shares her journey from stunt work to iconic performances in sci-fi classics like Firefly. She discusses how LaGuardia High School shaped her ambition and the thrill of early applause. Gina reveals how Firefly opened new avenues in her career, broadening her audience and marking a pivotal change. Reflecting on motherhood's influence and her various roles, she also reminisces about her on-screen marriage with Alan and the memorable kissing scene that fans adored.

17 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 39min
Once We Were Scrappers | Episode 3
Join Alan Tudyk, a versatile actor and voice performer renowned for his quirky roles and his hit series Con Man, as he shares hilarious and insightful anecdotes from his Hollywood journey. Alan recalls auditioning for 104 roles before landing significant parts, including casting Nathan as an octopus in Resident Alien. They discuss the challenges of creating Con Man, the power of crowdfunding, and the twists of fate that turned potential failures into blessings. With plenty of laughs, they weave through career struggles, near-misses, and their childhood TV inspirations.

30 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 2min
Once We Were beJeweled with Jewel Staite | Episode 2
Jewel Staite, the Canadian actress celebrated for her role as Kaylee in Firefly, shares insights from her acting journey and family life. She discusses starting her career at five, the challenges of balancing school with acting, and her perspective on auditioning as a mother. Jewel reflects on her time in sci-fi versus procedural roles and her desire for a supportive set culture in Family Law. Plus, she reveals how her YouTube cooking channel came to life, combining her love for food and fun in the kitchen!


