Happier In Hollywood

Liz and Sarah talk to TV writer Niceole Levy about her fantastic new book, The Writers’ Room Survival Guide. Practical tips about topics like what to do before the job even starts, how to navigate a toxic environment, and what to expect when you’re writing your first script make this book essential for anyone interested in a TV career. Then, in Take A Hike, Sarah shares that she’s been using Gretchen’s One-Sentence Journal and Don’t Break The Chain Habit Tracker to boost her health and well-being. This week’s Hollywood Hack is a must during the heat wave: the Comlife Bladeless Neck Fan.Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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

Stepping OFF The Treadmill Desk & A Call With Our Manager Dianne FraserLiz and Sarah discuss the anxiety of stepping OFF the treadmill desk during their vacation. Then they share their vacation Hits and Bombs. Sarah gives Violet a Hit for trying escargot in Paris and a Bomb to the guy who smelled really bad on the plane ride home. Liz gives Jack a hit for going snorkeling, and she gives herself a Bomb for not trying paddle boarding. Then, in Call Your Manager, they talk to Dianne Fraser about the differences between managers, agents, and lawyers. Finally, Dianne has a Hollywood Hack: buy $35.00 box seats at the Ahmanson Theatre. Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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 ou

Liz and Sarah received so many great questions from listeners that they decided to devote another episode to answering them. What does Liz have to say about Survivor? Why didn’t Liz and Sarah have an office for Season Two of Fantasy Island? Now that Sarah is catching up on recent pop culture, what are some of her favorite current TV shows? They also explain why everyone should watch The Shield, talk about whether they’ve been impacted by the Great Resignation, and so much more! Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack makes travel easier: Make a QR code photo album on your phone.LINKS: Survivor: https://www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/The Shield Season One trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm6ZQjIupn0Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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 b

Liz and Sarah answer listener questions! Is being a showrunner what they expected? How do they come up with fantasies for Fantasy Island? Has Sarah ever considered taking up quilting? What is Liz’s favorite Real Housewives franchise? And so many more! Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, 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!LINKS:Episode 141: A Very Personal Episode: Sarah’s Mom Story & Liz’s Voice Challenge https://happierinhollywood.com/episode141/ To learn more about listener d

This week, Liz and Sarah reveal what they’ve learned about themselves when they’re not buried in work. Then they talk with showrunner and author Rasheed Newson about his new novel, My Government Means to Kill Me. How did he write a book while running a show? What advice does he have for aspiring writers? Finally, Rasheed provides this week’s Hollywood Hack: on Zoom, minimize your screen and put yourself on mute!Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, 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!LI

Liz and Sarah share some key takeaways from the excellent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging training they recently attended, including how their personal identifiers impact their leadership styles — in both positive and negative ways. They also discuss the concept of STUFF, which stands for Stress, Time, Uncertainty, Fear, & Fatigue. When we experience STUFF it can be harder to effectively process opinions different from our own — but there ARE ways to make sure everyone still gets heard. In The Mailroom, Liz and Sarah answer a question about the TV trend of rebooting shows that have been off the air for less than a decade. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack applies to everyone everywhere: Remember to be a tourist in your own hometown. Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The O

Liz and Sarah discuss the upcoming Apple TV+ show, Bad Sisters. They developed the same show (based on a Flemish series) twice for ABC, but it (rightly)never got past the script stage. Now they’re excited to see how Sharon Horgan brings it to life. In Take A Hike, they offer three strategies for dealing with “crazy.” Then, in Hits & Bombs, Liz gives Sarah a hit for using her alone time well when Violet was at camp. And together they give a Bomb to the Supreme Court for overturning Roe v. Wade. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack offers an affordable source of trendy but well-made clothes: Universal Thread at Target. Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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 O

This week, Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of spending time with their TV writer friends! Then, in Amplify, Liz and Sarah recommend fellow showrunner and author Rasheed Newson’s new book, My Government Means to Kill Me. In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question on how books become movies or shows. Finally, their assistant Lauren is back with this week’s Hollywood Hack: be an inviter!Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, 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!LINKSFOX | Fantasy

This week, Liz and Sarah are passing off their worry to the experts! They share how trusting your team can take the weight off. Then—one, two, three—in Take A Hike, they talk about how keeping a daily count can help mark each day with gratitude. Next, in The Craft (& Fain), they discuss the difference between big bullseyes and small bullseyes, and how shows likeBarryandYellowjacketshit their targets. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack from a listener is sticky business: the power of the Post-it note!Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate

This week, Liz and Sarah have an update on their company, Fun Job Productions—after two years, did they decide to keep their fiction podcast company going? Then, Liz and Sarah are joined by author and fellow podcaster Lian Dolan! They talk about Lian’s latest novel, Lost and Found in Paris, her writing process, and how to dive into that book project you’ve been wanting to start. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your social life: have friends of all ages!Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode,

This week, Liz and Sarah have a reality check for aspiring TV writers. From making less money to doing free work, the business has gotten even more brutal. Their advice? Follow your dreams, but know what you’re in for. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah talk about the importance of work traditions—how they mark milestones, help them bond, and make hard work more fun. Next, in The Craft (& Fain), they answer a listener question about the writing process on Fantasy Island. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will elevate your summer adventures—challenge yourself on vacation! Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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

Even though Liz and Sarah are still in the middle of post production for Season 2 of Fantasy Island, they discuss how they feel like they’re on vacation! In Take A Hike, they reveal their summer themes: Liz is planning a Summer of Health, and Sarah is looking forward to a Summer of Settling (in a good way). Next, in Amplify, they spotlight the delightful Gordita Chronicles, a new show on HBOMax that’s fun for the whole family. In The Mailroom, Liz and Sarah tackle email etiquette. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will help you quick-change into your favorite necklaces—the Locking Magnetic Jewelry Clasp!Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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 p

Liz and Sarah celebrate wrapping production on Season Two of Fantasy Island! They discuss the Season Two “production curse” and how knowing even The Godfather faced challenges was a comfort. In The Mailroom, Liz and Sarah answer TWO listener questions—how they approach being career-oriented moms and how to give great notes. Then, in Hits & Bombs, Sarah has a Bomb for the guy in the NRA T-shirt at the Disneyland Hotel pool, and Liz has Hits for two new shows—The Deep End and I Love That For You. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will help you on set and beyond: get shoes that are right for your feet!Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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 po

It’s time for Spring Listener Questions: Part 2! What do Liz and Sarah wish they knew about life—and Hollywood—when they graduated high school? Did they ever have a crush on the same person? Get the scoop on everything from insider details on working with a lean budget to bunnies and Corgis to where they’re shopping for clothes!Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, 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!LINKSFOX | Fantasy Islandhttps://www.fox.com/fantasy-island/Happy Campershttps://sunshi

It’s time for Spring Listener Questions: Part 1! Besides the writing, what parts of showrunning do Liz and Sarah particularly enjoy? Why do TV shows today show so… much… vomit?! Liz and Sarah answer your burning questions on all things from Fantasy Island to reality TV to “practical pants.” Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, 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!LINKSSide Hustle Schoolhttps://sidehustleschool.com/Episode 123: How To Be A Happy Camper At Work With Audrey Monkehttps://ha

Liz and Sarah have a new strategy: You Ain’t Gonna Need It! YAGNI—a tip from a listener—is helping Liz and Sarah think about work differently. One example? Not spending energy on projects before they’re done deals. In Take Two, listeners share times in their lives that give them the same feeling of euphoria that Liz and Sarah get from handing in the last script of the season. Then in HIH WFH they discuss the decision NOT to return to Puerto Rico and how working from home allows them to get MORE work done. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack is a handy gadget for summer adventures: the Heroclip® Mini.Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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 podcast

Liz and Sarah have—knock on wood—finished writing Season Two of Fantasy Island! They discuss the euphoria they felt after turning in the last Studio/Network draft and share how they celebrated. What compares? Finishing a trial, the last day of school, giving birth… Next, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah dub themselves The Queens of Cutting! They reveal the tricks—removing couplets, focusing on concise thoughts—that helped them cut nineteen pages from the Season Two finale script. Then, in Take Two, more writers’ room lingo! What’s “first thought theater”? Does your writing have “a hat”? Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack is a versatile way to carry your essentials: the Sherpani Soleil AT in Sterling.Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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 brough

Liz and Sarah have news—the Big Summer Fun of Fantasy Island is now Big Fall (Or Winter) Fun on FOX! They discuss getting the call and what the move to in-season means for the show. Spoiler alert—it’s good! Then, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah have acquired new writers’ room lingo! What’s a front porch? Back porch? How about funneling? Then, in HIH WFH, they share a wellness concern—the lack of the loop—and consider options to replace their former walks around studio lots. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack helps take the pressure off: you don’t HAVE to have the answer.Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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 Gretc

This week, Liz and Sarah discuss wrapping the Writers’ Room for Season Two of Fantasy Island! Now they have Senioritis, but there’s still so much to do... They also announce that Season Two premieres Tuesday, May 31st at 9/8c on FOX—save the date! Then, in Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah discuss strategies for getting good sleep while stressed—L-Theanine pills, a muslin blanket, bamboo sleep pants, podcasts, and more! Next, in The Mailroom, Liz and Sarah answer a listener question about industries/disciplines that serve them as TV writers and showrunners. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will safeguard your valuables: a fireproof document box!Get in touch on Instagram: @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 G

This week, Liz and Sarah have a special guest co-host, friend of the pod and camp owner extraordinaire, Audrey Monke! The three deep dive into grit—how grit helps at work, growing your grit, and why stepping out of your comfort zone is key to gritty resilience. Then, in Take A Hike, EVERYTHING has been going wrong on Season Two of Fantasy Island. Liz and Sarah run through the problems—rain, COVID, food poisoning, no plane (no plane!)—and discuss how they look for the silver linings. Next, in Hits & Bombs, Audrey has a Hit for health checks and a Bomb for burning time and energy. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will help kids and adults articulate their emotions: use the phrases “red zone” and “blue zone” to indicate you need a break from a conversation.Get in touch on Instagram: @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 tog