Happier in Hollywood

The Onward Project
Happier in Hollywood

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.

  1. Ep. 393: Plan Post-Notes Recovery Time

    6 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 393: Plan Post-Notes Recovery 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 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! Photo by Icons8 Team on Unsplash 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/adchoices

    31 min
  2. Ep. 392: Hollywood Holiday Shut Down

    14 NOV

    Ep. 392: Hollywood Holiday Shut Down

    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 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 Act trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_5fqDZCjQo Amazon.com: ECO ROOTS Laundry Detergent Sheets 64 loads Martha trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6blC6bsgZmc Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash 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/adchoices

    27 min
  3. 12 NOV

    Bonus Episode: HIH 2024 Gift Guide!

    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 Edition | Trivia Board Game Based On Harry Potter Films | Officially Licensed : Toys & Games Amazon.com: Surprise Gift Box Explosion for Money, Unique Folding Bouncing Red Envelope Gift Box with Confetti, Cash Explosion Luxury Gift Box for Birthday Anniversary Valentine Proposal (15 Bounces) (Pink Heart) Amazon.com: Clipa Bag Hanger - Matte Black PVD - The Ring That Opens Into a Hook and Hangs In Just 1/2" of Space, Holds 33 lbs., 3 yr. Warranty https://www.etsy.com/shop/MadronaPencils Amazon.com : L'ANGE HAIR Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Blow Dryer Brush | Hot Air Brush in One with Oval Barrel | Hair Styler for Smooth, Frizz-Free Results for All Hair Types (Black - 75 mm) : Beauty & Personal Care https://www.awaytravel.com/accessories/tech-case?color=jet_black https://cercanaojai.com/alpaca-blankets/ The Body Retinol. Retinol Repair Serum + Retinol Body Lotion In One. Crepey Skin Treatment. Wrinkle + Line Prevention. 0.1% Pure Retinol + 10% AHA. 5.1 oz PETS: https://www.barkbox.com/ https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/nambe-pet-collection-dog-treat-jar-prod243220179?childItemId=NMHEANS_&msid=4102431&position=3 TO WEAR: Amazon.com: Solmate Socks - Mismatched Crew Socks; Made in USA https://shop.lululemon.com/p/womens-t-shirts/Swiftly-Tech-SS-2/_/prod9750519?color=4780 BOOKS: Audible Books & Originals - The Women: A Novel All Fours: A Novel: July, Miranda: 9780593190265: Amazon.com: Books Lovely One: A Memoir: Jackson, Ketanji Brown - Books The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA: Mundy, Liza: 9780593238172: Amazon.com: Books FOR FOODIES: https://www.topsyspopcorn.com/ https://nuts.com/chocolatessweets/gummies/gummy-bears/milk-gummy-bears/1lb.html https://nomnompaleo.com/post/105333542218/magic-mushroom-powder-diy-holiday-gift https://ojaioliveoil.com/collections/shop-all Amazon.com: Aromaster Burr Coffee Grinder, Coffee Bean Grinder,Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder Electric,24 Grind Settings, Espresso/Pour Over/Cold Brew/French Press Coffee Maker Stanley The Camp Pour Over Set Amazon.com: Nature Made Vitamin D3 2000 IU (50 mcg), Dietary Supplement for Bone, Teeth, Muscle and Immune Health Support, 220 Tablets, 220 Day Supply From Happier with Gretchen Rubin: https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/journals/products/design-your-year-guide https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/journals/products/i-want-you-to-know https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/journals/products/one-sentence-journal GIFTS FOR YOURSELF: Smart Ring - Size First with Oura Ring Gen3 Sizing Kit - Sleep Tracking Wearable - Heart Rate - Fitness Tracker Amazon.com: Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional Flossing Toothbrush, Electric Toothbrush and Water Flosser Combo In One, White SF-04, Packaging May Vary Amazon.com: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro: Smooths Full Face Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Firms Skin, Prevents Acne Flare-Ups, and Reduces Redness and Irritation (White) To learn more about listener data and our privacy

    38 min
  4. 7 NOV

    Ep. 391: Hollywood Present & Future With Carole Kirschner

    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 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! 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/adchoices

    31 min
  5. Ep. 390: Fall 2024 Burning Listener Questions: Part Two

    31 OCT

    Ep. 390: Fall 2024 Burning Listener Questions: Part Two

    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: We Solve Murders: A Novelamazon.com Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen - SPF 40-1.7 fl oz - Invisible, Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen - Weightless, Scentless, and Oil Free - For All Skin Types and Skin Tonesamazon.com Nécessaire The Hand Retinol. Anti-Age Repair Serum. For Crepiness, Wrinkles, Spots, Brittle Cuticles. 0.25% Pure Retinol. 5% AHA. Dermatologist-Tested. Hypoallergenic. Non-Comedogenic.amazon.com CeraVe Anti-Aging Face Cream SPF 30 | Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides | 1.76 ozamazon.com Skin'ce.uticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum, Normal/Dry Skin, Anti-Aging 1 oz/30 mlamazon.com Biossance Rapid Radiance Setamazon.com Photo: Alexander Mils For Unsplash+ 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/adchoices

    33 min
  6. Ep. 388: Some Notes Never Go Away

    17 OCT

    Ep. 388: Some Notes Never Go Away

    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,’ 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: Shop Oura Ring 4: Stealthouraring.com Jon Bernthal | Actor, Producer, Additional Crewimdb.com ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ is Coming Soonnetflix.com Photo: Meg Aghamyan For Unsplash+ 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/adchoices

    30 min
  7. Ep. 387: Pilot Progress & Taking A “Sick” Day

    10 OCT

    Ep. 387: Pilot Progress & Taking A “Sick” Day

    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 & @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: Will & Harper | Official Trailer | Netflixyoutube.com New Home Pagerocpaperstraws.com Gluten Free Apple Bread Recipe made with #1-rated gfJules Flourgfjules.com Photo by: Allison Saeng 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/adchoices

    29 min

About

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.

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