Once We Were Spacemen
Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk, known for co-starring on Firefly, host a podcast where they interview fellow creatives about their past and present projects. The show explores the diverse roles they've played, from spacemen to chickens, and delves into the lives of their guests. It's a Collision33 production.
Episodes
Once We Were Legends and Doctors | Episode 45
Alan Tudyk has been cemented as a Disney Legend, complete with a letter from a former Disney CEO… no, the other one. He wrote three acceptance speeches for the ceremony. The two that were cut for reasons of self-preservation get performed here instead.
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Once We Built Serenity with Loni Peristere | Episode 44
Before Nathan and Alan ever set foot on a spaceship, Loni Peristere had to build the thing… that thing being Serenity. As Firefly's visual effects supervisor and co-founder of Zoic Studios, Loni has spent years chasing the gap between a shot that looked cool and a shot audiences would actually believe. That instinct carried him into an Emmy-winning career that now has him serving as a director and
Once We Got Clipped | Episode 43
Once We Were Spacemen was only ever supposed to run sixteen episodes. Forty-something episodes later, Nathan and Alan finally cash in that long-threatened break with a highlight reel pulled from the archives. In this episode, they run back all the bits and segments that have gotten them to Episode 43.
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Once We Logged on with Colton Dunn | Episode 42
For twenty years, Nathan, Alan, and Colton Dunn have been gaming buddies. So much so that Nathan kept a sticky note handy during this recording so he wouldn't slip and call Colton by his gamer tag.
Even after two decades of friendship, there's apparently more to learn, like why Colton once learned to juggle, or how he spent a full year of his childhood reigning as actual royalty.
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Once We Were Committed Beyond Reason | Episode 41
Being interesting isn't enough – it's better to be interested, especially in things like overheard phone conversations and restaurant ordering systems. Nathan and Alan were once waiters who had to memorize the same brutal numeric code to input food orders. Recalling the digits for sour cream makes us want to say... all that for that?
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Once We Drank Open-Sore Coffee with Lisseth Chavez | Episode 40
Early in her run playing Officer Celina Juarez on The Rookie, Lisseth Chavez accidentally introduced herself as a famous pop star. Nobody has let her forget that.
By then she'd already spent years working steadily across television, though none of it stopped her from taking meticulous notes on set. Long before that, an agent called to ask how she'd feel about a drastic change to her look. She
Once We Got Farts in the Drapes | Episode 39
Once, Alan set off on a camping trip he called The Quest for Freedom, chasing wide-open spaces and total independence from anything resembling a girlfriend. What he found instead involved a borrowed truck and a night that took kaleidoscopic turns.
Nathan spent seasons of his childhood wishing for freedom from the Canadian winters, an impulse that turns out to run in the family. Long before him,
Once We Were Lunk Alarmed with Louis Jensen | Episode 38
Artist and creative catalyst, Louis Jensen, has been part of this show since before the first episode aired, just never in front of a microphone. Nathan makes the introduction, and Alan meets the man behind the name in the credits.
Some people tell good stories because they know how to tell a story. Louis tells good stories because he's lived an unreasonable number of them. By the end, Nathan a
Once We Used Dog Scissors | Episode 37
Nathan got a pet psychic reading for his cat. The psychic said something that he, a committed skeptic, immediately dismissed. But maybe he was wrong to do that…
Meanwhile, Alan needed a haircut while at a convention and solved the problem by asking the audience for a volunteer, mid panel, while still taking questions.
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Once We Made Uncharted with Allan Ungar | Episode 36
Allan Ungar is the filmmaker behind the Uncharted fan film that the internet went wild for… the one where Nathan played Nathan Drake. It all began with a soft float, which is apparently a Canadian thing, and a chain of events so unlikely it had to start with a con man.
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Once We Coveted Sharp Vision | Episode 35
Nathan cannot seem to visit Paris without ending up underground. Last time it was the basement of the Eiffel Tower; this time, the catacombs, where one prisoner's story pulled his attention off the other six million skeletons.
Back above ground, Nathan and Alan recount the laser eye surgery they both had years ago, and the small difference in results that one of them still refuses to forgive...
Once We Had A Tudyk Rash with Jim Rash | Episode 34
Jim Rash will insist the Groundlings is not a cult, and he is mostly right. The improv troupe turned him into a gifted actor, though he insists his deep well of characters is closer to a kiddie pool. He waves off his writing talents too, which is harder to pull off with an Oscar at home. The newest thing he is being modest about is Miss You, Love You, a film he wrote and directed, now on HBO Max.
Once We Were Robot #4 | Episode 33
Alan was once cast as Robot #4, but his trailer door now says Gary. The upgrade was not an accident. Checking in from the Atlanta set of the Superman sequel, Alan makes the case that a little conviction can turn a number into a name. Nathan knows a thing or two about conviction himself, having once taped a script page to his own forehead in service of a scene.
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Once We Were Fake Private Eyes with Eric Winter | Episode 32
Eric Winter spotted Nathan at a farmers market and assumed, with some certainty, that his career was over. Fortunately for fans of The Rookie, he was wrong.
Despite being told he was too nice to play mean, Eric landed the role of Tim Bradford. After eight seasons of playing television's crankiest cop, somehow none of the cynicism has rubbed off.
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Once We Scared Aunt Jeannie | Episode 31
Do you know how real cowboys earn their belt buckles? If you don't, Alan will tell you. And if you do, Alan will tell you anyway.
The guys wander from Texas to Paris, where most people visit the top of the Eiffel Tower. Nathan, however, visited the basement… which is probably for the best, as the wind makes it rather nippy up there.
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Once We Were Late Clowns with Edi Patterson | Episode 30
Edi Patterson is one of those performers who commits so fully you forget you're watching someone act. Righteous Gemstones and Vice Principals fans need no introduction.
Alan witnessed her brilliance firsthand on Resident Alien, where she played the tallest, most beautiful, most unhinged avian alien in the universe. Their characters’ scenes had a way of going places no one planned, including on
Once We Had A Nice Fist Fight | Episode 29
Alan just moved into a new place that may already be occupied. He's fine with some light haunting, as long as the ghost mostly stays out of his way. Nathan, however, thinks Alan should go full Ghostbuster.
Speaking of things hiding in plain sight… a soap opera veteran once gave Nathan a piece of advice that he's been slipping into his performances ever since. If you've watched The Rookie, you'v
Once We Were Knee-Deep in Chocolate with Bill Roe | Episode 28
Bill Roe was eleven years old when he rode a trolley to Bavaria Studios, waved to the guard, and went to work scooping foam out of the chocolate river on the set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Five decades later, he's the Supervising Director on The Rookie, and Nathan and Alan finally have a microphone in front of him. As it turns out, the man who was present for some of the most ic
Once We Drove Cross-Country | Episode 27
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.
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Once We Borrowed Kayaks with Jon Huertas | Episode 26
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.
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Once We Had Bad Haircuts | Episode 25
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
Once We Filled German Niches with Flula Borg | Episode 24
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
Once We Cheated Death | Episode 23
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 t
Once We Recorded Live | Episode 22
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.
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Once We Were Starving Artists | Episode 21
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.
Once We Were Gingers with Molly Quinn | Episode 20
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
Once We Set Out To Do The Impossible… Again? | LIVE Announcement | Episode 19
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
Once We Were Ten-Year Olds | Episode 18
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.
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Once We Subverted the System with Felicia Day | Episode 17
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 h
Once We Sold Dead Snakes | Episode 16
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.
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Once We Were Foolish Girls with Summer Glau | Episode 15
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 produc
Once We Were Allergic to Everything and Answered Your Burning Questions | Episode 14
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.
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Once We Had Tongue Rings with Sean Maher | Episode 13
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.
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Once We Came of Age | Episode 12
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
Once We Were Low Huggers with Seth Green | Episode 11
Seth Green has made George Lucas laugh.
He's also waged Nerf gun warfare with Nathan, matched Alan’s “yes, and” energy, and isn't afraid of the low hug. Nathan and Seth met at a party sometime between Austin Powers, Buffy, and co-creating Robot Chicken. This episode is proof that their friendship isn't coincidence… it’s inevitable.
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Once We Did Home Improvements | Episode 10
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 listenin
Once We Were Rookies with Melissa O'Neil | Episode 9
Melissa O'Neil walked into her audition for The Rookie with an unconventional warm-up strategy. Before starting the scene, she... squatted. As in, she dropped down and did squats. Right there in the audition room. Nathan has been impressed ever since.
In this delightful episode, Melissa and Nathan dive into Canadian accents, the timeless art of fart noises, the technicalities of acting, and the j
Once We Had Some Not-So-Horrible Bosses with Alexi Hawley | Episode 8
Nathan has had some incredible bosses – most recently Alexi Hawley, creator and showrunner of The Rookie. In this episode, Alexi shares stories from his drummer days, walks us through how The Rookie came to life, and demystifies the whole "how do you become a showrunner?" question. Also? Chickens.
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Once We Had a Point | Episode 7
Handshakes, treacle tarts, puns, aliens, mushrooms, French fries and butterflies! Even after hearing this episode, you still probably won’t know what it was about! Are we recording, yet?
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 We Were Jousters with Mark Addy | Episode 6
Once, Alan walked around the set of A Knight's Tale wearing a cowboy hat with the confidence of a true Texan. Despite his bold fashion choice, he struck up a close friendship with British actor Mark Addy. Both Alan and Mark regale Nathan with fond memories of working with Heath Ledger and exploring the Czech Republic. Mark also takes us through his storied career… from The Full Monty to his memora
Once We Were Failures | Episode 5
Is there a doctor on the spaceship?
There is now. Nathan received an honorary doctorate – a moment he may never have reached without learning to deploy his alter ego during auditions. Also, both Alan and Nathan speak fluent Czech… thanks to dubbing.
Follow Once We Were Spacemen wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to extended episodes a whole week early by joining our Patreon (https://www.pa
Once We Were Warrior Women with Gina Torres | Episode 4
Gina Torres is known for playing the formidable Jessica Pearson in Suits and its spinoff Pearson. But before she became a star, she attended New York's legendary Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School (remember Fame?). She also did stunt shows in rubber pants… because every career has its chapters. And once, Gina and Alan shared an on-screen kiss that Alan remembers in remarkable detail. He never mis
Once We Were Scrappers | Episode 3
Sure, Nathan and Alan have stellar careers now – they're number ones on their respective shows! (Have they mentioned that before?) But once upon a time, they were just starting out, hustling to make it in Hollywood. Alan was once the 104th actor to audition for a role because the casting director didn't want to call him. And another time, Nathan played an octopus named 42.
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Once We Were beJeweled with Jewel Staite | Episode 2
Now, Jewel Staite stars in Family Law and enjoys making cooking videos for her YouTube channel. But once, she was the youngest cast member on Firefly… despite the fact that she’d already been a working actor for years. She was also once Canadian and – actually – that one still stands. Find Jewel's cooking videos (and much more) on her YouTube channel: @JewelStaiteOfficial.
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Once We Were Spacemen with Nathan Fillion & Alan Tudyk | Episode 1
Once, Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk were spacemen… who played a lot of Halo in their downtime. They once did a photo shoot in the back of a Walmart, and this other time Nathan got revenge on an inconsiderate neighbor. And once… you know what, you should probably just listen to the episode.
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Introducing Once We Were Spacemen
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 fo
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