Happier in Hollywood

<p>Veteran TV writers Liz Craft and Sarah Fain demystify Hollywood by making career and personal struggles universal. Friends since high school and writing partners for over 20 years, Liz and Sarah have survived and thrived in Tinseltown’s male-dominated entertainment industry, guided by blind optimism and a Midwestern work ethic. Along the way they've learned a lot about kicking ass, kissing ass, and office yoga.</p> <p>Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media <a href="https://lemonadamedia.com/" data-stringify-link="https://lemonadamedia.com/" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://lemonadamedia.com/</a>  </p>

Ep 439: Pitch Prep & Define Your Eras

Liz and Sarah delve into one of the key aspects of prepping for a TV pitch— the questions and answers that follow your presentation. Pro tip? Be ready to drill down on tone. In Take A Hike, inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album, they talk about why it can be helpful to define your eras. What do you want your next era to be? Next, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share their favorite takeaways from their slow read of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. This week they have two Hollywood Hacks — try using a steering wheel desk and always wear the same outfit to travel. Finally, Sarah recommends Richard Osman’s new Thursday Murder Club book, The Impossible Fortune. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!   LINKS:   The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift: https://amzn.to/4o4E2dC Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: https://amzn.to/46L14k8   EcoNour steering wheel desk: https://amzn.to/3KCGUjD   The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman:  https://amzn.to/4pYQduaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10-09
33:26

Ep. 438: Convergence & The Control Your Algorithm Challenge

Liz and Sarah have been pingponging around on various projects for months. Now several of their projects are converging, and it’s controlled chaos! In Take A Hike, they issue the Control Your Algorithm October Challenge. Stop doomscrolling and get more good in your feed! Next, Liz and Sarah introduce their brand new segment — Disproportionate Joy. Sarah’s getting joy from Violet’s new swim meet times and Liz is giddy about certain members of her Survivor Fantasy League. This week’s Hollywood Hack will save you money AND is good for the environment: Shop your favorite brand’s secondhand section. Finally, Liz recommends Lena Dunham’s Substack newsletter, Good Thing Going.  Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Legend Planner: https://amzn.to/3KN9q1K   Clare V Le Resale: https://leresaleclarev.com   Patagonia Worn Wear:  https://wornwear.patagonia.com   Apiece Apart Archive: https://archive.apieceapart.com/   Lululemon: https://likenew.lululemon.com/   Eileen Fisher Renew:  https://www.eileenfisherrenew.com/   The North Face Renewed: https://www.thenorthfacerenewed.com   Levi’s Secondhand: https://www.secondhand.levi.com/   Lena Dunham’s Good Thing Going newsletter: https://goodthinggoing.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips   Photo by Lance Grandahl on UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10-02
29:05

Ep. 437: The Curse Of Hearing Good Things & Pivoting

Liz and Sarah are hearing a trickle of good things about their pilot script, which means… absolutely nothing. They discuss how to regulate their nervous systems and keep expectations low while the waiting continues. Then, in Career Lessons With Laverne, they talk to their favorite career coach, Laverne McKinnon, about how to know when it’s time to pivot in your career. One helpful tip? Recognize the difference between instinct and intuition. This week’s Hollywood Hack is for anyone getting professional photos taken: Bring the photographer examples of poses you like. Finally, Sarah recommends the books of British TV writer, Anthony Horowitz, including Magpie Murders and The Word is Murder. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at  https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com.Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Laverne McKinnon: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/   Allie Coyle Photography: http://alliecoylephotography.com/category/allie-coyle-photography/   Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz: https://amzn.to/4pvZauN   The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz:  https://amzn.to/4gximEk   Photo by Aserusainhuu on Unsplash  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-25
32:25

Ep. 436: Do Or Die Time

Liz and Sarah are waiting for a reaction to the latest draft of their Netflix pilot, and this is when the rubber hits the road. Either something good will happen… or the project will be dead. Wish them luck! In Take A Hike, Sarah shares Finch, a self-care app that’s been making her (and Violet) happier. Who doesn’t love to tend a virtual pet “birb?” Then in The Craft (& Fain), they discuss one of their favorite subjects — giving and getting notes. Remember— listen and be gentle! This week’s Hollywood Hack has transformed Sarah’s gardening experience: the GreenStalk Virtual Planter. Finally Liz recommends the memoir Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Finch: https://finchcare.com/   GreenStalk Vertical Planter: https://greenstalkgarden.com/products/inventors-bundle-blackberry-basic-texture   Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller https://amzn.to/4m5F5IK   Photo by RB H on UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-18
30:11

Ep. 435: TV Pitches & An Epic Mahjong Journey

Liz and Sarah discuss the process of writing a new TV pitch and explain why it takes so damn long to get one done. In Take A Hike, they share listener Brandy’s HIH inspired Mahjong journey which exemplifies choosing the bigger life and so many other happiness boosting principles. Then Liz and Sarah vent about their frustration with printers in HIH WFH (Work From Home). This week’s Hollywood Hack will make your house smell good: the Malin & Goetz leather candle. Finally Sarah recommends “Cooking for Levi” on Threads. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at  https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Brandy’s mahjong site: https://solomahj.com   Malin & Goetz leather candle: https://amzn.to/46nltez   Cooking for Levi: @cookingforlevi   Photo by Jing Bo Wang on UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-11
31:42

Ep. 434: AI Images & Living Vicariously

Liz and Sarah talk about how a recent survey from the WGA prompted them to try using AI to make images for their latest pitch deck. In Take A Hike, they recommend “living vicariously.” They are absolutely living vicariously through Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, and they are loving it! Next, Sarah and Liz give a Hit to the new NYT game, Pips, and a Bomb to the same game for being hard to figure out the first time. The solution? Sarah teaches Liz how to play live on the podcast! Liz wishes she’d had this week’s Hollywood Hack earlier in the summer: a self-tanning mitt. Finally, Liz recommends the fascinating new podcast Unicorn Girl. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below. https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/ LINKS: Mr. Seifert and Miss Barker get engaged: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfIYDqSvnb0   Self-Tanning Mitt:  https://amzn.to/4lTVDmW   Sally Hansen Body Makeup: https://amzn.to/47onrfN   Unicorn Girl podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unicorn-girl/id1813180252?i=1000721964497See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-04
32:29

Ep. 433: Batching & Birthday Celebrations

Inspired by recent conversations with other Content Creators, Liz and Sarah talk about their determination to start “batching,” especially when it comes to all of their non-TV work. In Take A Hike, Sarah reveals why planning a celebration for her recent birthday has made her happier. Spoiler alert: fondue is involved. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they share listener Kayla’s advice to drastically lower their daily goals as they work on their novel. This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your puzzling: The NYT Games app. Finally, Sarah recommends the memoir How To Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast   Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at  https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Stay In LA: https://www.stayinla.org/   The Melting Pot: https://www.meltingpot.com/thousand-oaks-ca/   How To Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast: https://amzn.to/4mwGmdd   Photo by Brooke Lark on UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-28
30:33

Ep. 432: Make A Laugh List & Councilman Nazarian on Bringing Back Production

Liz and Sarah talk to L.A. City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian about what he’s doing to bring production back to Los Angeles — including tax incentives, an easier permit process, and ending price gouging for crew parking. Then, in Take A Hike, Sarah shares why we should all make a Laugh List. This week Liz has a Hit for her recent experience getting blood drawn, and Sarah has a Bomb for the price of dry cleaning. This week’s Hollywood Hack is perfect for the end of summer: the Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker. Finally, Liz recommends two dating reality shows on Netflix — Perfect Match Season 3 and Love is Blind UK Season 2. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Councilmember Adrin Nazarian: https://cd2.lacity.gov/about/Adrin-Nazarian   Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker: https://amzn.to/3UzyFX9   Dash Heart Waffle Maker: https://amzn.to/4oYxPBt   Perfect Match Season 3 trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBjXB_l6GMo   Love is Blink UK Season 2 trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIHBRA4qoMASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-21
35:47

Ep. 431: Navigating New Hollywood With Tepper

Liz and Sarah talk to social media star Kristen Tepper about navigating Hollywood from the point of view of a writer who’s kicking ass and making a name for herself while working toward her first big break as a screenwriter. How did she get her current job as a Showrunner’s assistant? How should reluctant writers approach the use of social media? Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they talk about why you can’t game the system — no matter how much you’d like to. This week’s Hollywood Hack (inspired by Liz’s recent closet purge) comes from listener Laurie: try the clothing swap app Lucky Sweater. Finally, Sarah recommends the (very dark) podcast Root of Evil. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at  https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Tepper Talks on Substack: https://ktepper.substack.com/   Hollywood Hang podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hollywood-hang/id1805490059   Lucky Sweater: https://www.luckysweater.com/   Root of Evil podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/root-of-evil-the-true-story-of-the/id1450277129?i=1000429776640See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-14
37:46

Ep. 430: Feeling Invigorated & Oh Sh*t Moments

Liz and Sarah discuss feeling invigorated by the new slate of projects they’re working on. Right now they’re basking in a creative bubble — the hard part comes later. In The Craft (& Fain), they share wisdom from one of their favorite producers, Michael Goldstein — to make  a TV pitch land with executives, the Pilot and Season One should each have two or three “oh shit” moments. Next, Liz and Sarah announce The First Five, a new Substack offering in which they critique the First Five pages of scripts from annual subscribers. This week’s Hollywood Hack is inspired by Sarah’s journey into gardening — the Vigoro 3-tier stackable planter. Then Sarah shares a recent Celebrity Sighting. She and Violet saw Megan and Yoonchae from the group Katseye in the audience at the Blackpink concert. Finally, Liz recommends the book Wild West Village by Lola Kirke. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Michael Goldstein: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0326285/   The First Five: https://open.substack.com/pub/happierinhollywoodpod/p/introducing-the-first-five?r=23d20&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false   Vigoro Stackable Planter: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-6-in-W-x-17-in-H-3-Tier-Stackable-Black-Indoor-Outdoor-Plastic-Decorative-Pot-MT5100953/331433433   “Gnarly” video by Katseye: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2-yomhYAj4   Wild West Village by Lola Kirke: https://amzn.to/3ULA8K2See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08-07
26:55

Ep. 429: When Our Job Interferes With Our Career

Liz and Sarah talk about how lately their job has been interfering with their career. So many Zooms! They realize that the new Hollywood definitely has its own learning curve. In Take A Hike, they discuss how watching Brook do an amazing pitch made them appreciate the joy of mentorship. Then they Amplify late poet Andrea Gibson’s “Love Letter From the Afterlife.” This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you organize your closet: a foldable step stool. Plus, Liz had a WNBA Celebrity Sighting — Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova. Finally, Sarah recommends Homeschooling 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started.   Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at  https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Brook Sitgraves Turner: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8223801/   Andrea Gibson’s “Love Letter From the Afterlife”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmZHLvq-gDg   Closet Stool: https://amzn.to/4lTn4hM   Candace Parker: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candace_Parker   Anna Petrakova: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Petrakova   Homeschooling 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started:  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homeschool-101-EBook-13953504   Photo by Indrajeet Choudhary on UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-31
27:48

Ep. 428: Summer 2025 Listener Questions Episode!

Liz and Sarah are answering Listener Questions! How common are writing teams? If they weren’t writers, what other Hollywood job would they like to try? How do they deal with burnout? Has Liz been to Sarah’s house in Minnesota? They answer these questions and many more — Sarah even lists all of her twenty pets!  Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search   Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo Piazza: https://amzn.to/4kNAAC2See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-24
36:15

Ep. 427: Don’t Delete & More Crying At Work

Liz and Sarah talk about why it’s important never to delete anything substantial. They never know when they’re going to want to put something back into a document. It happens! In Take A Hike, Sarah shares why being at her lake house in Minnesota made her realize it’s important to “look down.” Next, Liz and Sarah revisit the topic of crying at work in Take Two. Listeners have so many observations and insights! This week’s Hollywood Hack is great for summer — try mini soda cans. Finally, Sarah recommends the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mystery book series.   Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at  https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below. https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/   LINKS: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: https://amzn.to/4lfLdi2   Diet Coke Mini-Can: https://amzn.to/4nzzEE0   The Murder of Mr. Wickham: https://amzn.to/4lDdoqX   Photo by See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-17
29:44

Ep. 426: Waiting For The Parade

Liz and Sarah discuss what their career has in common with the annual Ojai Fourth of July Parade. Then, in a Day In The Life segment, they share how they spent their Hive 25. There were many activities, including handing in a script and a trip to Sarah’s favorite stationary shop. In Hits & Bombs, they give two Hits — one to Jocelyn at the Blue Iguana Inn, and another to the people on Sarah’s flight from Los Angeles to Minneapolis. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from friend-of-the-pod Brook Sitgraves Turner: Google Doc Tabs. Finally, Liz recommends the Substack newsletter, Tepper Talks, for anyone who’s trying to make it in Hollywood.   Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below. https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/ LINKS: Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search   Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott:  https://amzn.to/3FJwgWc   Zaidee’s Bar & Grill: https://www.soulepark.com/facilities/restaurant   Poketo Concept Planner: https://www.poketo.com/products/concept-planner   Noted in Ojai: https://www.notedojai.com/   Blue Iguana Inn: https://www.blueiguanainn.com/   Waterpik Flossing Toothbrush https://amzn.to/4lC8Yk5   Brook Sitgraves Turner: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm8223801/   Tepper Talks on Substack: https://ktepper.substack.com/about   Photo by Nguyen Hoang Dieu Anh on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-10
31:25

Ep. 425: Novel July & Upside Of The Downslide

Liz and Sarah share their plan to spend all of July finishing a solid draft of their novel. It’s time to get it done! In Take A Hike, they talk about the upside of the downslide of Hollywood. When everything changes, new opportunities arise! In The Craft (& Fain), Sarah talks about the Poketo Concept Planner that’s helping her make headway on a creative project. This week’s Hollywood Hack is courtesy of Jessica Lahey from the #AmWriting podcast — set a UPS/FedEx alert so that you can preempt barking dogs. Finally, Sarah recommends the graphic novel Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at  https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Jessica Lahey of #AmWriting: https://www.jessicalahey.com/amwriting-podcast   The Gift of Failure: https://amzn.to/4kRej7b   The Addiction Inoculation: https://amzn.to/3FPiVvC   Poketo Concept Planner: https://www.poketo.com/products/concept-planner   Noted in Ojai: https://www.notedojai.com/   Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls: https://amzn.to/45Bz7ed   Photo by S. Tsuchiya on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-03
29:57

Ep. 424: Crying At Work & Transition Rituals

Liz and Sarah discuss whether or not it’s okay to cry at work. Does Gen Z feel crying is more acceptable? And what does it have to do with sexism? In their new segment, Career Lessons With Laverne, they talk to Career Coach Laverne McKinnon about the importance of career transition rituals. Laverne reveals why she turned one of her expensive suits into a puppet. This week’s Hollywood Hack will make your summer more fun— get a sea scooter for the pool. Finally, Liz recommends Stick, starring Owen Wilson, on Apple TV+. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search   Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott:  https://amzn.to/3FJwgWc   On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King: https://amzn.to/441n1sC   Laverne McKinnon: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/   Nautica Navigator: https://amzn.to/4466146   Stick trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72oB_zVF_6o   Photo by Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-26
25:49

Ep. 423: No Right Way & Revisiting Whimsy

Liz and Sarah discuss how writing the third draft of their pilot has made them realize there’s no right way to do something creative. There are MANY right ways. In Take Two, they revisit “whimsy” and share listener suggestions of whimsical items that bring joy. This week’s tip in The Craft (& Fain) makes a scene better AND shorter — lop off the first few lines and/or the last few lines. Then they share a summer travel Hollywood Hack: buy your airplane snacks before you go to the airport. Finally, Sarah recommends the Gardeners’ Question Time podcast from BBC Radio 4. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at  https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below. https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/ LINKS: Midori paper clips:  https://amzn.to/3FZBIEr   Potato Clips: https://amzn.to/4kTtHAg   Shreve, Crump, & Low Original Gurgling Cod https://shrevecrumpandlow.com/product/large-greige-gurgling-cod?srsltid=AfmBOoo72ZMQ0EGNLm6Ri31vzTtU8aq58tIa24Cai-JwRfndEQ1mXJGx   Rifle Paper Co. https://riflepaperco.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopT7dL2l8LH74MEpruph9iwSsI1uHQfkPL_XcofXDbpGv5BWXS8   Calliope Paperie: https://calliopepaperie.com/   DAISO: https://daisous.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop4KFVfceNijVQnSoOQsL4FRff-2UMwTgMaEYZwJK4fdyRQBsS6   Kawaii Pen Shop: https://kawaiipenshop.com/search?q=Toaster+light   Gardeners’ Question Time podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perton-staffs-used-compost-angry-peonies-and-ant-tics/id325945259?i=1000712751136   Photo by Unsplash+ on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-19
26:30

Ep. 422: The Downside Of Deadlines & Grow Something

Liz and Sarah discuss the downside of being deadline driven. They love a deadline, but sometimes creative projects need more room to breathe than a deadline allows. In Take A Hike, Sarah suggests growing something. She’s taken up gardening, and it’s making her happier, healthier, and more productive! Then Liz gives herself a Hit for being a connector, and Sarah gives a Bomb to the Ojai trash system. This week’s Hollywood Hack will add more fun to your life: get the whimsical version of something you need (like paper clips). Finally, Liz recommends the book  Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America by Bridget Read. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below. https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/ LINKS: Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search   Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott:  https://amzn.to/3FJwgWc   On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft: https://amzn.to/441n1sC   Navigating the Future of Entertainment Summit: https://members.thearnoldacademy.com/navigating-the-future-of-creative-work-live-summit   Drama Darling podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/drama-darling-a-real-housewives-comedy-podcast/id1684156555?i=1000710903737   Grosse Pointe Garden Society trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwJ8P6GZvkU   Midori paper clips: https://amzn.to/4jE4vMr   More cute paper clips: https://amzn.to/3FEtZvn   Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America: https://amzn.to/4mTKrIJ   Photo by Dan Cristian Pădureț on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-12
32:13

Ep. 421: Priority Lists & Slow Starts

Liz and Sarah talk about why it’s useful to make a list of priorities. They made a project priority list during their recent Hive ‘25, and it’s helped them make important decisions. In Take A Hike, they discuss embracing a slow start to the morning. Sarah’s slow start includes a daily tour of her garden, and Liz can’t get going until she’s done all the New York Times puzzles. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah talk about the value of tinkering. A small change can make a BIG difference. This week’s Hollywood Hack will save you money: directions on how to unsubscribe on your iPhone. Finally, Sarah recommends Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan.  Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at  https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan: https://amzn.to/4dQgxRI Photo by Frank Flores on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-05
31:18

Ep. 420: Spring 2025 Listener Questions Episode!

Liz and Sarah answer listener questions! If they could write a crossover of any two shows, what would they be? Have they ever hated their job or thought about quitting? How much time does Sarah spend homeschooling? And what was Liz’s mother-in-law’s reaction to the infamous PedEgg gift? They answer these questions and many more! (Note: Sarah and Liz answer additional listener questions live every Saturday at 9:30AM PT as part of their free Substack newsletter.) Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search   Laverne McKinnon — Moonshot Mentor: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/   Lizness School podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lizness-school/id1775855173   Lian Dolan’s new book Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding: https://amzn.to/44Mkc0p   PedEgg Classic Callus Remover: https://amzn.to/3Fp7Z7s   PedEgg Power Cordless Callus Remover: https://amzn.to/4mAGUPI   PHOTO:  Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05-29
36:14

Marylou Cate

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02-19 Reply

Stephanie Megan

I listen everyday and love you guys!! I have caught up on all the episodes so quickly that I’m having Sarah and Liz withdrawals

04-18 Reply

Tracey Issa

my second favourite podcast after happier with gretchin rubin. this is down to earth interesting and fun and enlightening. highly recommend

03-09 Reply

Melissa Widrick

This is one of my favorite podcasts! Liz and Sarah brighten my commute with their down to earth approach to life and practical wisdom with grit and humor. It feels like a special treat when I see a new episode!

01-04 Reply

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