Happier In Hollywood

Inspired by the CIA (yes, really), Liz and Sarah talk about the notion of a “failure to be compelling.” From now on, they’re going to put every pitch through the Compelling Machine. In Take A Hike, they suggest organizing an Ask An Expert session in your field. It benefits the asker AND the expert. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share why a question they were asked at lunch with one of their favorite executives is a good conversation starter — “Who do you admire in your business?” This week’s Hollywood Hack is extremely practical: Memorize at least two phone numbers. Finally, Liz recommends watching The Day of the Jackal on Peacock.  LINKS: The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA: Mundy, Liza: 9780593238172: Amazon.com: Books   The Day of the Jackal trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shsIx-ZVL0E   Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit ou

In a Happier In Hollywood Bonus Book Club Episode, Liz and Sarah dive into their discussion of Richard Osman’s new book, We Solve Murders. Does it qualify as a “cozy mystery?” Which character did HIH listeners like the most? And do most of us talk to loved ones who are no longer with us like one of the main characters, Steve, does? Plus so much more.  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:   We Solve Murders by Richard Osman: https://amzn.t

Liz and Sarah got notes on their latest pilot script — and they were knocked on their asses! But they’ve regrouped and are moving forward with a new structure. In Take A Hike, they talk about their new habit of hunting for disproportionate joy. Sarah never knew that a fresh journal could make her so elated! Next, in Take Two, Sarah shares her thoughts on Amazon’s Three Pines TV series, based on the Louise Penny books. Liz shares a Holiday Hollywood Hack — get ready for your holiday tablescape early! Finally, Sarah recommends a cookbook for anyone who wants to cook gluten free: How Can It Be Gluten Free by America’s Test Kitchen.    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/?   Elegant Red Plastic Dinner Plates: https://amzn.to/4iilvsb   Caspari

Happy Thanksgiving! Liz and Sarah reflect on the power of authenticity — and how women are often trained out of being authentic in the workplace. In Take A Hike, they discuss a recent revelation that having a bit of Mad Money makes life more fun. Liz and Sarah’s plan about what to do with their Mad Money? Spend a night at their favorite place, The Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai. Then Sarah shares a meal-planning Hollywood Hack: You know the full month section of your planner? Use it for meal planning! Finally, Liz recommends the adventure reality competition show, The Summit, on CBS. 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/ LINKS:   https://www.emeraldiguana.com/   Legend Planner:  Legend Planner PRO – Deluxe Weekly & Monthly Life Planner to Increase Productivity and Hit Your Goals. Time

Liz and Sarah will soon receive notes on their latest pilot script, and they know they’ll need to plan some recovery time before they dive into the rewrite. It’s their job to take criticism, but they need time to process. In Take A Hike, they talk about the benefit of remaking your social media feeds — and offer listener suggestions for feel-good accounts. Want to smile? Fill your feed with mini cows! This week Liz has a Holiday Hollywood Hack: As you decorate for the holidays, stow year-round decor in the holiday decoration boxes. Finally, Sarah recommends Heartfully Yours Christmas Ornaments from Christopher Radko.  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/ LINKS: Christopher Radko’s Heartfully Yours:  https://heartfullyyours.com/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a fam

It’s November, which means the annual Hollywood Holiday Shut Down has begun. Liz and Sarah have a pitch ready to sell, but they’ll likely wait until 2025 to take it out to networks. In Hits & Bombs, Sarah gives a Hit to her dog Jelly Bean’s canine ophthalmologist, and Liz gives a Hit to Patricia Arquette for her amazing performance in The Act on Hulu. Then, in The Happiness Project Revisited, Sarah shares what she’s planning to do for the November theme of “meaning.” This week’s Hollywood Hack is great for the environment: Eco Roots Zero Waste Laundry Detergent Sheets. Finally, Liz recommends the documentary Martha on Netflix.  Remember to listen to Liz & Sarah’s Happier In Hollywood Gift Guide Bonus Episode! https://happierinhollywood.com/bonus-episode-hih-2024-gift-guide/ Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join

In this Bonus Episode, Liz and Sarah share their 2024 Gift Guide! They recommend everything from a cute tape measure to personalized pencils to a Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit Game. Need a gift for a dog lover? Choose the Nambe Pet Collection Dog Treat Jar. Looking for something to wear? Sarah suggests Mismatched Socks from Solmate. They also have books on the list — including the super buzzy novel All Fours by Miranda July. And if you want to splurge on yourself, get an Oura Ring! Plus so much more… Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ LINKS:   ODDS & ENDS:   Milkshake Bath Soak - Hydrating & Moisturizing for Dry Skin   Amazon.com: 3m/120" Tape Measure Body Measuring Tape for Body Cloth Tape Measure for Sewing Fabric Tailors Medical Measurements Tape Dual Sided Leather Tape Measure Retractable (Black, 1 Pack)   Amazon.com: USAOPOLY Trivial Pursuit World of Harry Potter Ultimate

Liz and Sarah sit down with friend of the pod and Entertainment Career Coach, Carole Kirschner, to discuss the state of Hollywood and what the future might hold. Carole’s advice to struggling writers? Keep working on your craft and meet as many people as you can. The business WILL turn around — eventually. In Take a Hike, Liz talks about why sometimes it’s good to surround yourself with people who don’t do what you do — like she did at a recent high school reunion in Kansas City. This week’s Hollywood Hack is courtesy of a listener: Turn your hangers around to keep track of what you’ve worn. Finally, Sarah has a TV show recommendation — The Great British Baking Show on Netflix. LINKS: Hollywood Game Plan: How to Land a Job in Film, TV and Digital Entertainment: Kirschner, Carole M.: 9781615930869 The Great British Baking Show trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aceBovEmm3w   Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch

Liz and Sarah announce their HIH Book Club selection — We Solve Murders by Richard Osman. Then they dive into more listener questions! How do Liz and Sarah maintain their close friendship? What are Sarah’s favorite skincare products? Would Liz consider applying to be on Survivor? Is it possible to stay positive in Hollywood right now? They answer all of these burning questions — and more! 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:   W

Liz and Sarah are answering all of your burning questions! What are their biggest regrets — personally and professionally? Which episode of TV they’ve written are they most proud of? How do they feel about writers using text messages in TV shows? And is Liz seeing quantifiable results from her Orange Theory Fitness classes? And so much more! 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/ LINKS: Group Fitness Classes & Heart –Rate-Based Interval Trainingorangetheory.com 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 frien

As Liz and Sarah rewrite their latest pilot script, they’re reminded that some notes never go away. From story area to outline to script, there may be an issue that keeps bumping readers. Eventually, a solution will present itself— but it may take layers of work to get there. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about why her new Oura Ring is helping her be healthier. Then Liz and Sarah give themselves a joint Hit for writing a pitch while waiting for script notes. And Liz gives a Bomb to Real Housewives who overly produce themselves. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you shop your closet — take time to experiment with outfits. Finally, Liz recommends Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix.  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

Liz and Sarah are making progress on their pilot script — it’s gone to the producer. In this uncertain time in Hollywood, they’re making a point to celebrate all the small victories on the development path, and this is one of them! In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about why sometimes we all need to take a “sick” day — even if we’re not actually sick. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah talk about why they still ALWAYS print a script — nothing takes the place of actual paper. This week they Amplify the Netflix documentary Will & Harper, in which Will Ferrell takes a cross-country road trip with his longtime friend (and former SNL head writer) Harper Steele, who recently came out as a trans woman. The Hollywood Hack comes from an HIH listener: Roc Paper Straws. Finally, Sarah has a yummy recipe recommendation — GF Jules Gluten Free Apple Bread. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain &am

Right now Liz and Sarah are totally focused on writing their pilot script, and they’re loving that their time isn’t bifurcated or trifurcated (or even quadfurcated). In Take A Hike, Sarah shares how a recent visit from a repairman reminded her that sometimes a band-aid is good enough. At least for now. Then Liz and Sarah discuss the October theme of The Happiness Project Revisited — mindful investment. What does it mean and how are they going to embrace it? (Hint: It involves Move October.) This week’s Hollywood Hack will help heal your skin: Bio-Oil Skincare Oil. Finally, Liz recommends watching Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos on MAX.  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 Gre

As Liz and Sarah write the first draft of their new pilot script, they remember all over again how hard it is to face a blank page. Rewriting is so much easier than writing! In Take A Hike, they discuss why they enjoyed dressing up (and doing their hair and make up) for a recent night out together. Then, in The Mailroom, Liz and Sarah answer a question about how they became friends with a showrunner at the beginning of their career. Sarah swears this week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your nails: Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream. Finally, Sarah has a book recommendation — Lovely One: A Memoir by Ketanji Brown Jackson. 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 mak

It’s September, and Liz and Sarah are setting their fall work agenda. They plan to write a pilot, pitch at least one show, finish their novel, and more. Ambitious? Yes. Doable? They’ll report back! Then they interview Brooke Siffrin and Aricia Skidmore-Williams, the cohosts of the mega popular podcast, Even The Rich, about why they’re not mean, what makes people succeed, and how they’ve forged their own path in Hollywood. This week’s Hollywood Hack is perfect for a lunch out: get a purse hook hanger. Finally, Liz recommends the docuseries Chimp Crazy on MAX. 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 othe

Liz and Sarah talk about getting a “heads up” before a notes call, and why having notes in advance is so helpful to the development process. In Take A Hike, they share why they’ve decided to start every workday with a ten minute meditation. Next, Liz and Sarah share two productivity tips in The Craft (& Fain). One: Label the days of the week on the calendar. Two: Set the meeting (even if you’re not ready). This week’s Hollywood Hack is a free feature on your iPhone: background noise. Finally, Sarah recommends the NPR podcast Code Switch.Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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 th

Based on the level of productivity and flow they had during their recent time together in Ojai, Liz and Sarah are determined to spend more time in the same room — thus, they are starting Work Together Wednesdays. In HIH WFH (Happier In Hollywood Work From Home), they have a rant about wanting to return to an office. Liz is ready to wear real outfits, and Sarah is tired of sitting in her bedroom all day. Then Sarah gives herself and Violet a Hit for making the most of their summer. Liz gives herself a Bomb for letting various invites get lost in her inbox. This week’s Hollywood Hack is inspired by Sarah’s recent birthday — take advantage of birthday freebies! Finally, Liz recommends watching Love Is Blind UK on Netflix for some end-of-summer viewing fun. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Pr

Want to know how to deal with a toxic work environment? Curious about the best way to give feedback to a Gen Z staffer? Wondering if you should change jobs? This is the episode for you! Today Liz and Sarah talk to Kim Lessing and Kate Arend, the Co-Heads of Film and TV at Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions, about their funny, insightful podcast — Million Dollar Advice. This week’s Hollywood Hack is inspired by Sarah’s recent outing to see the original Footloose: Find out if your local movie theater has special releases. Finally, Sarah recommends watching Oprah Winfrey’s DNC speech.Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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 Rubi

Liz and Sarah recently met with a development executive who pointed out that no matter how chaotic Hollywood gets, the work we do is the same. They discuss how this notion helps them stay calm this time of anxiety. In a Take Two about Upward Spirals, Sarah reveals what she’s doing to get back into Upward Spiral mode. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they talk about skinny vs. fat IP. Which do they prefer, and why? This week’s Hollywood Hack is inspired by Sarah’s new interest in coffee: the Aromaster Burr Coffee Grinder. Finally, Liz recommends the book Cue The Sun! The Invention of Reality TV by Emily Nussbaum. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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 podca

Liz and Sarah use several criteria when choosing which TV projects they want to pursue — a world they love, interesting characters, stories with legs. Now they’re adding a new one… is the material consequential? And what does that mean to them? In Take A Hike, Sarah shares how her new Wellness Journal is helping on her health quest. In Hits & Bombs, Liz and Sarah give a Hit to the Olympics. And then Liz gives Sarah a Hit for organizing her bedroom closet, and Sarah gives Liz a Hit for making two trips to Ojai. This week’s Hollywood Hack is an inexpensive way to protect your privacy: a computer camera cover. Finally, Sarah recommends the TV show McDonald & Dodds on Britbox.Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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 h