Olivia Taylor Dudley | Aliens & Nerdy Magic

Olivia Taylor Dudley | Aliens & Nerdy Magic

Author: Marc Preston Productions, LLC March 24, 2026 Duration: 53:56

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.


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


For over thirty years, Marc Preston has worked from both sides of the microphone, building a career as an actor and a nationally syndicated radio host. That unique perspective informs every conversation on Story and Craft with Marc Preston. This isn't a standard interview podcast; it's a series of deep, meandering, and genuinely connective dialogues. Marc's endless curiosity drives him to explore not just what his guests have done, but how and why they do it. He sits down with a compelling roster of creative minds-actors from film and television, voiceover artists, writers, musicians, and cultural influencers-to unpack the fascinating, often unseen work behind their public personas. Listeners are brought directly into a discussion that feels like eavesdropping on a great chat between old friends, one that naturally veers from technical craft to personal philosophy. The result is consistently entertaining and offers unexpected insights into the worlds of comedy, culture, and storytelling. Each episode of this podcast reveals the nuanced decisions, the years of practice, and the personal stories that shape art and performance. You'll hear about the awkward auditions, the breakthrough moments, and the simple love for the work that sustains a creative life. It’s that blend of professional insight and human experience that defines the podcast, making it a rewarding listen for anyone interested in the intersection of art, society, and the discipline required to excel.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 93

Story and Craft with Marc Preston
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