Happier In Hollywood

Liz and Sarah often talk about one of their favorite mottos — volunteers not recruits. Today they remind themselves that as pre-production of their reboot of Fantasy Island gets more and more intense, they want to BE volunteers themselves. Enthusiasm makes the job... dare they say... FUN! In The Craft (& Fain), they talk about how to uncover “the note behind the note” in order to get more out of your notes sessions. Then Sarah gives Liz a big Hit and announces some huge life news. She’s moving to Ojai! This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve the look of your pants: Skims. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!Skims:https://skims.com/collections/boy-shorts To learn mo

Liz and Sarah are celebrating the two hundredth episode of Happier In Hollywood! As they look back, they share some of the segments that have resonated most with listeners. Some favorites include “light a fire,” “volunteers not recruits,” and “choose a personal symbol.” Another stand out? “Remember the Mah Jongg card.” They also revisit their first ever Hollywood Hack — say “fuck” in a meeting. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Liz and Sarah write the pilot for their reboot of Fantasy Island, they’re also feeling the pressure of getting a show off the ground after a straight-to-series pick up. Their best coping mechanism? Focus on the task at hand at any given moment. In Mailroom, they answer a listener question about the many behind-the-scenes details of making a show. This week in Hits & Bombs, Liz and Sarah give two Hits. Liz gives a Hit to the HBO Max show, It’s A Sin, about a group of friends coping with the AIDS crisis in London. And Sarah gives a Hit to Violet for the sweet gesture of putting toothpaste on Sarah’s toothbrush. This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your home popcorn experience: I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter spray. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate B

Liz and Sarah discuss the art of doing extra at work. It’s not about putting in more hours willy-nilly — you’ve got to pick your moments to make an impact. In Amplify, they talk to their former assistant turned full-time TV writer, Brook Sitgraves Turner, about Pep Packs, the charity she started for people in Los Angeles County who are recovering from Covid. Then in Take Two, Liz and Sarah share how listeners followed our Episode 194 advice to “light a fire.” This week’s Hollywood Hack soothes the soul: Choose an audio book based on the reader’s voice. Hint: Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta is one to try. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!Pep Packs:www.peppacksla.comIG: htt

Liz and Sarah discuss why they compare the creative process to baking a layer cake. A script isn’t going to be rich and textured with just one layer. The goodness builds as all the different elements come together over time. And the same is true for work relationships. Give them time to develop layers. Then in The Mailroom, they answer a question from their Facebook Group about what to do when a colleague refers to a young woman as “dear.” In Hits & Bombs, Liz gives a Hit to Pretend It’s A City, the Netflix documentary series about Fran Lebowitz. And Liz and Sarah give a Bomb to Brooks Barnes for his New York Times piece about the late powerhouse producer and executive, Jame Tarses. This week’s Hollywood Hack is a must: wear sunscreen every day. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Eve

Now that Fantasy Island is ramping up, Liz and Sarah have been having LOTS of meetings. One revelation that’s come out of all these Zoom sessions? When there’s a potentially tricky issue or point of discussion, tackle it head on! You’re going to have to talk about whatever it is eventually, so take the opportunity to show you’re not scared of any challenge. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they discuss why it’s SO IMPORTANT to set aside ego and insecurities in order to be okay with other people’s good ideas. Next up is a Listener Question — but this time Sarah and Liz are the ones who are looking for answers from listeners. What should they wear on the Fantasy Island set in Puerto Rico? Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack is a tool to foster creativity: a set of cards called Oblique Strategies (by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt).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 p

Liz and Sarah talk about the benefits of being “yes people” at work. One advantage? When you almost always say “yes,” your “no” means more. In Take A Hike, they discuss their recent epiphany that sometimes it’s a good idea to add another cook in the kitchen. Then Liz and Sarah give a joint Hit to Fantasy Island writers’ assistant, Kira Bennett, who delivers consistently great notes. And they give themselves a Bomb for wasting so much time and energy over the past four years on chaotic, unpleasant news. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack is both cozy and stylish: Giant Hoodies!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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!Kira Bennett on Instagram:@kira_kenyaeGiant Hoodies:https:

As Liz and Sarah dive headfirst into the stress of running a show, they discuss how their motto “it’s a fun job, and we enjoy it” helps them stay sane. In Take A Hike, they talk about why we should all “light a fire” metaphorically and, in Sarah’s case, literally. Then they Amplify the novel The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett and the work of graphic novelist, Raina Telgemeier. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will help you maximize your work day: know when you’re most productive — down to the hour — and plan to do your most demanding work then. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!Amanda Gorman:https://www.theamandagorman.com/Employee of the Month with Catie Lazarus:h

Liz and Sarah have First Day of School Syndrome AND Zoom fatigue! They discuss the First Day of School challenges of adjusting to their Fantasy Island Zoom writers room— from new faces to new group dynamics to spending hours staring at a screen— and remind themselves that in a few weeks it will all feel totally normal. Then they share how they’re embracing an atmosphere of growth in a 2021 that still feels a LOT like 2020. SPOILER ALERT: Liz is committing to Dry January, and Sarah’s determined to get outside every day, no matter the weather. Having a huge new work project definitely gives 2021 an atmosphere of growth, too. Next, they revisit one of their all-time favorite mantras: volunteers, not recruits. As they staff up (not just writers, but all departments) it’s important to remember that working with people who really want to be there is always better than working with people who have to be convinced. This week’s Hollywood Hack: keep a lipstick/lip balm by your computer!If you want to order a Happier In

Liz and Sarah have just staffed their new show, the remake of the iconic series, Fantasy Island! They talk through the staffing process — from reading scripts to writer meetings to creating group chemistry. Their main message: If you don’t get the job, it’s not personal. In From The Outer Office, Liz and Sarah introduce their new assistant, Kimberly Chiang, who talks about what it’s like to work with people she’s never met in person. The short answer? It’s weird. This week’s Hollywood Hack has changed Liz and Sarah’s work life: the Nulaxy Laptop Stand.If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, p

As Liz and Sarah dive into their new project — a reboot of the iconic Fantasy Island — they discuss why it’s crucial to make your own relationships at work. Yes, it takes time and energy to get to know everyone, but relationships are often the key to success. In Take A Hike, they talk about the importance of committing to taking certain days off — and then following through. Pro tip? Relaxation leads to greater productivity. In Hits & Bombs, Liz and Sarah give a Hit to their former assistant, Mary Mehrkens, for offering to help their new assistant get acclimated to the job. They also give themselves a Bomb for not returning emails promptly. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help make your presentation more memorable: Go for the gimmick! If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your

Happy New Year! On the eve of 2021, Liz and Sarah reveal exciting news. They’re doing a reboot of the iconic 70’s show, Fantasy Island! They discuss the long, winding road to their straight-to-series pick up. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah share their Team Theme for 2021: Juicy Fruit! Then, in The Craft (& Fain) they talk about the (seemingly obvious) need for plot In spec scripts. This week’s Hollywood Hack will keep your spirits up through the end of the pandemic: plan a future weekend away.If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!Fa

In honor of Christmas Eve, Liz and Sarah give listeners the gift of an ALL Hollywood Hacks episode. Liz shares her favorite new solution to problem of a bad Zoom background — use a card table to create a desk wherever you want one. Sarah suggests buying a bird feeder to force yourself to experience peaceful moments throughout the day. Some of their favorite Hollywood Hacks from listeners? Put Zoom links in your calendar, buy cards for every occasion in advance, and be kind to your future self with “turn down service.” If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, a

Liz and Sarah tackle the problem of gifting in the workplace. Do you gift up or down or both? They think gifting down should involve cash or gift cards, and that gifting up isn’t necessary. But for all those who DO want to give their boss a holiday treat, Sarah and Liz suggest some affordable ideas. Their favorite? Personalized mugs or hats. In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question about moving to Hollywood from abroad. They also talk about why TV is taking over movies, and whether or not creating title sequences is an “actual job.” (It is!) This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you get through stressful moments: squeeze your toes. If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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, Side Hustle Sch

Liz and Sarah talk to powerhouse writing duo JaNeika and JaSheika James about their new book, Living Double: How Identical Twins Unlocked The Door To Success In Hollywood. They share what it was like to write for the mega hit show, Empire and explained why it’s important for aspiring writers to “declare themselves.” In Amplify, Liz spotlights K-Pod, a podcast about Korean American in arts and culture, hosted by her college roommate, Catherine Hong, and Juliana Sohn. This week’s Hollywood Hack will keep you from doing Zoom meetings in the dark: Use a ring-light!If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this e

Liz and Sarah can finally reveal their latest project — an adaptation of the gripping upcoming novel, The Final Girl Support Group, by Grady Hendrix. In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question about how and why projects with great auspicious and potential sometimes turn out badly. One pitfall? Too many cooks. Then in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah discuss why it’s important to talk about “why you, why now” when you’re pitching a new project. This week’s essential Hollywood Hack will help you stay safe during the pandemic: the GA Tech Covid 19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool. If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with K

Liz and Sarah discuss why it’s important to remember that nobody cares how much work you’ve put into something — the end result is all that matters. In Amplify, they shine a light on Black artists feared on the website Society6 and talk about the documentary On The Trail: Inside the 2020 Primaries, which features a diverse group of women covering the news. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah celebrate Thanksgiving by giving themselves and listeners a Gratitude Assignment: make a point of telling somebody you’re grateful for them — and why. This week’s Hollywood Hack makes mask wearing easier, safer and more fashionable: mask chains from CandiceBDesigns. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell

Quitting a job is hard, but it can be done without burning bridges. Liz and Sarah talk to Executive Coach and host of the podcast Career Stewardship, Michael Melcher, about how to quit. One tip? Imagine how the conversation will go in advance to help keep yourself calm and professional. In Hits & Bombs, Liz gives a Hit to everyone who’s decided to start decorating for the holidays early. And Sarah gives herself a Bomb for letting Violet sleep with her for weeks on end. This week’s Hollywood Hack is actually a Minnesota Hack: WinterGrips ice cleats. 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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!Michael Melcher’s Career Stewardship podcast:https://www.careerstewardship.com/Wint

Why doesn’t Liz cook? What has Sarah learned from parenting a Rebel child? How does a writer obtain IP for development? It’s the Autumn Listener Questions episode! Liz and Sarah cover everything from how to fuel creativity during a pandemic to what beverage they would each bring to a desert island (Diet Coke). We’ve entered the holiday season! If you’d like to buy a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup (with lid) for a loved one, email us at happierinhollywood@gmail.com. Cups are $25.00, including shipping.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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn

Liz and Sarah discuss why it’s so important to set a group agenda before a meeting. One piece of advice if you want your group to make a good impression? Assign one person to steer the conversation back on track if necessary. In The Craft (& Fain), they reveal one of their favorite tools for writing a good pitch (or any sales document): Tell them what you’re going to say. Say it. And then tell them you said it. This week’s Hollywood Hack will provide hours of cocktail party conversation: Take a deep dive into a subject by watching and listening to multiple TV shows and podcasts about it. Liz’s recent deep dive? Everything having to do with the Albany-based cult, Nxivm.If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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 wi