351 episodes

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 17 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.

Happier in Hollywood The Onward Project

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 2.4K Ratings

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 17 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.

    Ep. 343: Liz & Sarah’s 2024 Team Theme!

    Ep. 343: Liz & Sarah’s 2024 Team Theme!

    Liz and Sarah share their Team Theme for 2024 — Hear Us Roar 2024! They also reveal their personal words for the year. Sarah’s is “steps” and Liz’s is “book.” In Take Two, they revisit the topic of Sarah making salads, which has sparked a major discussion in the HIH FB group! This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you impress when entertaining: Don’t be afraid to prepare for an occasion early. Possibly years early. Finally, Sarah recommends watching the documentary series Beckham 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, Side Hustle School, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
    LINKS:
    The Satellite Sisters:
    The Satellite Sisters Podcast / A Pep Talk for Modern Womensatellitesisters.com
    Sarah’s 2024 word bracelet:
    Monica Vinader | Women’s Jewelry | Shop Christmas Nowmonicavinader.com
    Beckham trailer:
    'BECKHAM' Documentary Series | Official Trailer | Netflixyoutube.com
    Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

    To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

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    • 30 min
    Ep. 342: Novel Plans & An Unsubscribe Spree

    Ep. 342: Novel Plans & An Unsubscribe Spree

    Christmas is coming, and Liz and Sarah are determined to finish a first draft of their novel. But they’ve made a slight adjustment to their plan — since so much is changing, they’re going to leave the last third of the book in outline form until the next the draft. In Take A Hike, Sarah shares an idea that listener Laura discovered on TikTok — plan a 90 Day Dinner with friends when times are tough. In Hits & Bombs, Sarah gives listener Melissa a Hit for being Sarah’s salad tutor. And Liz gives herself a Bomb for not having finished Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help clean up your inbox: go on an unsubscribe spree! Finally, Liz recommends a limited series — Candy on Hulu.
    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, Side Hustle School, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
    LINKS:
    Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Dr. Peter Attia:
    Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity - New Book by Peter Attiapeterattiamd.com
    Candy — official trailer:
    Candy | Official Trailer | Disney+youtube.com
    Photo by Gülfer ERGİN 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

    • 28 min
    Ep. 341: Liz & Sarah’s 2023 Gift Guide!

    Ep. 341: Liz & Sarah’s 2023 Gift Guide!

    The Holiday Season is upon us! Liz and Sarah share their favorite gifts for 2023, including Cal Pak’s water bottle sling, puzzle sorting trays, dry erase wall dots, Oofos slides, and gift boxes from the Women’s Bean Project. 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, Side Hustle School, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!

    LINKS:    

    ECCOSOPHY large beach blanket :
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VFLRNL2?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

    CALPAK water bottle sling:

    https://www.calpaktravel.com

    Wanderful water bottle sling:
    https://www.amazon.com/WanderFull

    Cal Pak Luka Expandable Laptop Tote:
    https://www.calpaktravel.com/products/luka-expandable-laptop-tote/celery

    Yeti Go Box:
    https://www.yeti.com/cargo/storage/gobox-30.html

    The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin:
    https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Act-Way-Being/dp/0593652886/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1700505209&sr=8-1

    Outlive by Peter Attica, MD:
    https://www.amazon.com/Outlive-Longevity-Peter-Attia-MD/dp/0593236599/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1700505263&sr=8-1

    Audio books from independent bookstores:
    https://libro.fm/gift

    I’m Dead Now What?
    https://www.signals.com

    Gretchen’s The Happiness Project: Revisited course:
    happiercast.com/THPR2024

    Don’t Break The Chain Tracker, Five Senses Journal, and Tackle Box:
    https://the-happiness-project.com/?_gl=1*5t2ib0*_ga*MTMyODAzNTYyOC4xNzAwNTA2MTY4*_ga_7C83YBXZPT*MTcwMDUwNjE2OC4xLjAuMTcwMDUwNjE2OC42MC4wLjA.

    Wooden puzzle from Liberty Puzzles:
    https://libertypuzzles.com/

    Stackable puzzle sorting trays:
    https://www.amazon.com/Puzzle-Sorting-Tray

    Flirt Dry Erase Dots Wall Decal from Wayfair:
    https://www.wayfair.com/Ebern-Designs

    Reusable paper towels from Paloma Danger:
    https://palomadanger.com/collections/reusable-napkins

    Uniqlo Easy Cargo pants — black — 49.90
    https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E456106-000/00?colorDisplayCode=09&sizeDisplayCode=003

    Mother’s Hustler Ankle Fray Jeans (238.00)
    https://www.nordstrom.com/s/mother-the-hustler-fray-ankle-bootcut-jeans/4878878?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=405

    Oofos slides: 
    https://www.oofos.com/collections/trending-womens-styles/products/womens-oomega-ooahh-sandal-black?variant=40916917583987

    Retro Radio Farm:
    http://www.retroradiofarm.com/

    PMD Clean Pro — Smart Facial Cleansing Device:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PQ7Q26F?th=1

    Rose Quartz Roller:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087YPY5L5?th=1

    Women’s Bean Project gift box:
    https://www.womensbeanproject.com/product-category/gifts/premium-gift-boxes/

    Organize & Prioritize Planner:
    https://www.blazardesignstudio.com/shop/organize-prioritize-planner

    Hello Harlot:
    https://www.helloharlot.com/collections/the-housewives-collection

    Trapp Home Fragrance Mists:
    https://trappfragrances.com/collections/home-fragrance-mists?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjws9ipBhB1EiwAccEi1DQDUdRPEqRY1eR3mT1fttAzrtUzCa34a1P-ldni3XqE-17F_bDoWBoCUrYQAvD_BwE

    Notes To Self Socks:
    https://www.notestoself.com/

    Helen Jon Hooded Terry Cover-up:
    https://www.helenjon.com/products/hooded-terry-cover-up-paros?_pos=1&_sid=b8290be2e&_ss=r

    Topsy’s Popcorn:
    https://www.topsyspopcorn.com/item?size=3

    Cercana alpaca blanket:
    https://cercanaojai.com/

    Ojai Olive Oil:
    https://ojaioliveoil.com

    Photo by Larisa Birta on Unsplash

    To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

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    • 32 min
    Ep. 340: Julia Child & How To Get A Rep With Manager Todd Schulkin

    Ep. 340: Julia Child & How To Get A Rep With Manager Todd Schulkin

    Liz and Sarah talk to one of their oldest friends, Todd Schulkin, who is a manger, producer, and Executive Director of The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy. He’s also the guy who got them their first agent in Hollywood, and he has tips for pre-WGA writers about how to land an agent or manager. (Spoiler alert: A coherent logline is key.) Then they have a Hollywood Hack that will help you turn off the TV and go to sleep: When you’re binging a show, watch the teaser for the next episode, then turn it off. Next, Liz had a Celebrity Sighting — she saw Lisa Rinna THREE TIMES at Fryman Canyon. Finally, Liz has a Julia Child inspired recommendation: The Spot in Carpenteria, home to Julia Child’s favorite burger. (And stay tuned for a Julia Child related button with EP Chuck Reed’s sister, Chef Danielle Reed!)
    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, Side Hustle School, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
    LINKS:
    Todd Schulkin:
    About Schulkin Managementschulkinmanagement.com

    Julia Season Two trailer:
    Julia Season 2 | Official Trailer | Maxyoutube.com

    Lisa Rinna:
    L I S A R I N N A (@lisarinna) • Instagram photos and videosinstagram.com

    The Spot:
    The Spot | Carpinteria CAfacebook.com

    Chef Danielle Reed:
    Home | Sur l' Adoursurladour.square.site

    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

    • 37 min
    Ep. 339: Forging A Path Through Chaos

    Ep. 339: Forging A Path Through Chaos

    Liz and Sarah discuss their plan to forge a clear path amidst the post-WGA strike chaos. That includes committing to finishing a first draft of their novel before Christmas! In Take A Hike, they talk about the benefit of creating a discussion agenda. Then Liz and Sarah give themselves a Bomb for letting the HIH website falter, and listener Laura gets a Hit for reaching out about fixing it. This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your Zoom meetings: put parchment over your ring light to prevent a reflection in your glasses. Finally, this week Liz and Sarah have a joint recommendation — Mayim Bialik’s video about what it feels like to Jewish right now.
    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, Side Hustle School, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
    LINKS:
    Happier Ladies podcast:
    Happier LadiesAzizi Williams

    Kenzi Enright’s dad’s dIscussion agenda:
    Dad's incredible 'discussion' agenda for bar meetups goes viraldailymail.co.uk

    Mayim Bialik video:
    mayim bialik on Instagram: "I recorded this last night and have decided to post it a little bit before the West Coast starts preparing for Shabbat. Wishing you all a safe weekend."instagram.com

    Big Fat Positive Podcast: How 
    Big Fat Positive Podcastbigfatpositivepodcast.com

    Photo by Jan Kopřiva 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

    • 26 min
    Ep. 338: Creativity Begets Creativity

    Ep. 338: Creativity Begets Creativity

    When Liz and Sarah sat down to discuss ideas for their next HIH retreat, they realized having one idea made it easier to have another and another. Creativity begets creativity! In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about the benefit of knowing your neighbors. She even borrowed an actual cup of sugar from someone on her cul-de-sac! Liz and Sarah answer a question about how to know if your child might be a future writer in The Mailroom. (Note: Asking for a typewriter is a definite sign.) This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from HIH retreat attendee Jenn — sing bad news. Then Liz is on a Celebrity Sighting roll. She saw Maya Rudolph at a cross country meet. Finally, this week Liz recommends two books for people interested in the world of crypto — Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon by Michael Lewis and Number Go Up: Inside Crypto’s Wild Rise and Staggering Fall by Zeke Faux.
    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, Side Hustle School, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
    LINKS: 
    Maya Rudolph:
    Maya Rudolph - Biography - IMDbimdb.com

    Going Infinite by Michael Lewis:
    Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoonamazon.com

    Number Go Up by Zeke Faux:
    Number Go Up: Inside Crypto's Wild Rise and Staggering Fallamazon.com

    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

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
2.4K Ratings

2.4K Ratings

PDanfandall ,

Fun even if you aren’t in the business

I found this podcast from listening to Happier with Gretchen Rubin and I love Liz and Sarah’s relationship and how that plays out on the podcast. The episodes are always so interesting, even if you are not in Hollywood and aren’t involved in TV. I am an IT consultant and engineer in the South, so very far removed from their world but love to hear about it and their advice is so practical and grounded.

KWhappierfan ,

Love Liz!

Liz is my favorite podcaster! She is a wonderful cohost to both Gretchen and Sarah. I love that she has leaned some more into self confidence lately because she never ever comes across condescending or braggy. That is very unique to have authority, have something to say, without coming across like you have all the answers. She also adds a ton of relatable humor to both podcasts! I am nowhere adjacent to the entertainment industry and just show up because these ladies are good at their job :)

KAMCP23 ,

Not just for those in Hollywood

I heard about this show through the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast and was surprised at how much I enjoy it since I have nothing to do with the entertainment industry. I find it fascinating to learn about how TV shows are made and hope to read the co-hosts fiction book (that they are working on) sometime in the near future!

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