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

Olivia Taylor Dudley | Aliens & Nerdy Magic