After an update on the great how-to-pronounce “gif” (is it a hard “g” or a soft “g”) debate of 2019, Liz and Sarah discuss the back-to-school productivity boost that September brings. Then they do a listener inspired Take Two deep dive on how to get out of health lull. Some favorite ideas? Reconnect with your “why” and treat being healthy like it’s a job. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from Sarah’s recent obsession with Candy Crush Saga: what’s the goal? “Gif” Pronunciation: https://bits.blogs...
Sep 05, 2019•27 min•Ep. 121
The Onward Project is celebrating Labor Day with #HappierLaborDay! Liz and Sarah invite Sheri Salata (author of The Beautiful No , co-host of the podcast The Sheri & Nancy Show) to be their special Labor Day co-host! Sheri shares how a “beautiful no” led to her job as the powerhouse Executive Producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Then they discuss how we can all have a happier work life by reframing work as creativity and innovation. Sheri’s Hollywood Hack? Make a radical change! Finally, Sher...
Aug 29, 2019•34 min•Ep. 120
Liz and Sarah have an update on their new office space in Sarah’s house. It’s done! And they love it! In From The Treadmill Desks Of, they reveal that Liz recently hit the wall and declared they needed a break. Turns out, taking a few days off made them way more productive when they came back. Then Liz and Sarah debut a new segment, You’re The Boss, about how we can all be in charge of our own careers. Starting with our social media presence. Umpqua Oats Director of Marketing, Jessica Berberian,...
Aug 22, 2019•33 min•Ep. 119
Liz and Sarah share the details of their first Happier In Hollywood Q&A Cocktail Party. It was a huge success! Then they interview TV writers Jess Burkle and Ryan Knighton from the CW show “In the Dark” about how they navigate Hollywood while being blind, their superpower in the writers’ room, and why they hate being called “inspirational.” Then Liz and Sarah answer a listener question about whether we should all be wearing Mom Jeans/overalls to meetings. This week’s Hollywood Hack makes it ...
Aug 15, 2019•35 min•Ep. 118
Now that Liz and Sarah don’t have an official office, they’re creating “a room of their own” at Sarah’s house. While Sarah insists on following the feng shui guidelines in the book Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life, Liz just wants a functional, pleasant space to work in. Then they debut a new segment, The Craft (And Fain) on the craft of writing. Their first topic? Swim out. This week’s Hollywood Hack will make your legs red-carpet ready: Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs. Then Liz has a vicarious do...
Aug 08, 2019•23 min•Ep. 117
Liz and Sarah discuss a listener suggestion that they coordinate their meeting outfits. Are they up for the task? Then they talk about the difficulty of compartmentalizing when they need to work on several projects at once. Next, Liz and Sarah answer a listener question about whether they think a different network president would have kept The Fix on the air. In Take A Hike, Sarah shares her “health lull.” She was so motivated to keep improving her health for so long, but now she feels over it. ...
Aug 01, 2019•23 min•Ep. 116
Inspired by listener demand, Liz and Sarah announce their August 8th Happier In Hollywood Q & A Cocktail Party. (For more information email [email protected] .) Then Liz and Sarah talk to Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg, the cohosts of one of their favorite podcasts, By The Book, about being each other’s work wife. What IS a work wife? How is work marriage different from actual marriage? And what makes a work marriage successful? In Take Two, they revisit the subject of savi...
Jul 25, 2019•36 min•Ep. 115
Liz and Sarah discuss why they’ve recently decided NOT to take every meeting. Sometimes they need to go deep instead of going wide. Then Sarah’s recent bout of pneumonia is a reminder that we all need to listen to our bodies. In The Mailroom, Liz and Sarah tackle a listener question about whether they ever feel like the “weak link” in their partnership. Short answer? Yes! This week Sarah and Liz have a dual parenting bomb — failing to set up summer play dates. And they give a hit to their fellow...
Jul 18, 2019•28 min•Ep. 114
Liz and Sarah break down the experience of being a Staff Writer on a TV show with their former assistant turned TV writer, Brook Sitgraves Turner. Brook’s advice: show up prepared and stay late. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah discuss the concept of Swedish Death Cleaning and why we should all accumulate less stuff. Finally, Liz shares yet another Hollywood Hack that will help you achieve “meeting hair:” Dry Bar’s new 25 dollar 20 minute option! Brook Sitgraves Turner — https://www.imdb.com/name/n...
Jul 11, 2019•32 min•Ep. 113
Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of saving money in Hollywood’s perennially unstable gig economy. Hint: avoid mindless spending. And shop your closet! Then they share a listener question about fertility and the problem/dilemma of waiting to start a family. Have they come to terms with having only children? Liz offers two Hollywood Hacks from entertainment attorney Michael Donaldson’s WGA workshop on negotiating: make the first offer, and negotiate in the other person’s space. Finally, a Netf...
Jul 04, 2019•33 min•Ep. 112
Liz and Sarah talk to their mentor, the brilliant television writer/producer, Shawn Ryan (The Shield, S.W.A.T.), about how he picks projects. Spoiler alert: he actually needs to like the material. They also grill Shawn about his famous calm demeanor. Is he really as zen as he seems? In the Mailroom segment, Liz and Sarah answer a question about being a technical consultant for TV and movies. This week’s Hollywood Hack is an easy gift: a textable Starbuck’s gift card. Shawn Ryan: https://www.imdb...
Jun 27, 2019•32 min•Ep. 111
Liz and Sarah discuss the issue of doing free work in Hollywood. It’s necessary, but how much is too much? And how can they do free work without resenting it? Then they answer a Mailroom Question about passion. Is it fair to expect people to be passionate about their work ALL of the time? And what do you do when you’re not feelin’ it? In L v. S (Lis versus Sarah), Sarah tries to convince Liz to try roller skating. Finally, in this week’s Hollywood Hack, Liz shares two tools that are helping her ...
Jun 20, 2019•24 min•Ep. 110
Everyone gets knocked down once in awhile— the question is, what do you do AFTER you get knocked down? If you’re resilient, you get back up! Liz and Sarah discuss the brilliance of resilience and share how working in the entertainment business has helped them develop their own resilience muscles. Then in a very special Take A Hike, executive producer Chuck Reed’s mom, Michelene Reed Laski, reveals why June 13th is a cherished anniversary for her Hollywood family— and why every family should find...
Jun 13, 2019•22 min•Ep. 109
Liz and Sarah start with a poetic update— a reading of Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese.” Then in From The Treadmill Desks Of, they discuss the “cacophony of choice” they’re dealing with now that their overall at ABC Studios is over. It’s exciting that they’re free to do ANYTHING— but also overwhelming. As they analyze how to navigate their opportunities, they decide to stretch but also stay in their wheelhouse. One this is for sure— they’ll be Riding The Dragon, which they discuss in The Mailroom segm...
Jun 06, 2019•23 min•Ep. 108
The Fix has been cancelled! It’s not unexpected, but it still sucks. Liz and Sarah share what Season 2 would have been and how they’re moving on! Then they discuss all things negotiation with Michael Donaldson, renowned entertainment attorney and author of Fearless Negotiating: The Wish, Want, Walk Method to Negotiating Agreements That Work. Michael’s advice is crucial for everyone— but is particularly useful to Hollywood writers who have recently fired their agents. Finally, Liz and Sarah revea...
May 30, 2019•38 min•Ep. 107
Liz and Sarah discuss being calm versus acting calm — and how they were recently “Shawn Ryan Calm” during a tough conversation. Then in Take A Hike, Sarah shares why “not knowing if it’s going to snow in March” helped her stop anticipating the worst. Next, Liz and Sarah fess up to a Happier in Hollywood Retreat bomb, and Sarah gives a hit to her aunt for stepping up in a crisis. Sarah’s HOT Hollywood Hack has changed her life: a Sunlighten sauna! Finally, they reveal a listener’s British Celebri...
May 23, 2019•24 min•Ep. 106
Liz and Sarah reveal their 2019 Development Motto: Ride The Dragon (just like Daenerys, but with less crazy)! With the ever changing waves in their career, they recite a poem from Safire Rose called She Let Go. Then in this week’s Mailroom segment, Liz and Sarah answer a listener question about writing thank you notes to showrunners. This week’s selfie Hollywood Hack is perfect for events: a selfie remote. Finally, Liz shares her Sugar Ray Celebrity Sighting: Mark McGrath! Women in Film: https:/...
May 16, 2019•25 min•Ep. 105
You asked, Liz and Sarah answer! What’s the best book on writing? Do extras wear their own clothes? How does collaboration work? Why does Liz consider the Housewives a feminist franchise? Liz and Sarah answer these questions and more in this very special listener questions episode! The Fix: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EoVvpfVUqvA Brook Sitgraves Turner: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8223801/?ref_=nv_sr_1 On Writing: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10569.On_Writing Story: https://www.amazon.c...
May 09, 2019•26 min•Ep. 104
The hill is not as high as you think it is! Liz and Sarah discuss how they're conquering both literal and metaphorical "hills," including The Fix S eason 2 pitch, Fryman Canyon, and the prospect of writing a fiction podcast. Their advice? It's okay to take a break — just get right back to climbing! Then in Take Two, Liz and Sarah revisit office roles. This week's Hollywood Hack is an easy-to-use graphic design app: Canva. Finally, Liz reveals her New York City Celebrity Sighting: George Stephano...
May 02, 2019•22 min•Ep. 103
Liz and Sarah talk to Safe For Work podcast hosts Liz Dolan and Rico Gagliano about all things work — from dealing with assholes and vipers in the office to making a career change in your 30’s, 40’s, or 50’s. Then Liz and Sarah give a 2019 New Year’s Resolutions update! So far so good! Sarah’s been focusing on progress over perfection, and Liz is on her way to hitting her weight loss goal. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack elevates any event: personalized cocktail napkins! Safe For Work: https...
Apr 25, 2019•31 min•Ep. 102
Liz and Sarah discuss their recent Happier in Hollywood writers’ retreat in Ojai — How To Get (And Keep) A Job As A TV Writer — and why it’s essential to live in an atmosphere of growth. Then they answer not 1, but 2 listener questions: one from a writers’ assistant who’s trying to be good at his current job while still pushing to make it to the next level, and a second question about podcasting! In Hits and Bombs, Liz and Sarah hand out hits to Mary, Brook, and The Fix writers’ assistant Laura ...
Apr 18, 2019•25 min•Ep. 101
It’s the 100th episode of Happier in Hollywood! In television land, this would be the holy grail! To celebrate, special guest Gretchen Rubin declutters Liz and Sarah’s office on the Disney lot. Then in Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah (& Gretchen) read (the very few) negative reviews for The Fix and discuss how they deal with public opinion. Finally, this week’s foot-friendly Hollywood Hack is perfect for work: keep a pair of flip flops in your bag to minimize time in blister-inducing heels. Links...
Apr 11, 2019•34 min•Ep. 100
Liz and Sarah talk to Hollywood career coach Carole Kirschner about having a game plan. Her advice? Have it on the stage and on the page! Then in Take Two, they revisit being rewritten — it’s not just a TV writer thing! Lawyers and other professionals experience it, too. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from The Fix writers’ assistant, Laura Snow: widen the net to further your career when you’re feeling stuck in an overcrowded field. Finally, Sarah reveals her horse stables Celebrity Sighting: L...
Apr 04, 2019•36 min•Ep. 99
It happened! The Fix is on the air! Liz and Sarah discuss how they shook off the nerves of premiere night and enjoyed the moment. Then they discuss the various roles people play in a writers’ room including a Problem-solver, Amplifier, Builder, Analyzer, and more! Liz and Sarah talk to their assistant, Mary, about her upcoming first, big Hollywood meeting. Their advice? Go into the room with confidence! Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will up your photo-posing game: turn your head at an angl...
Mar 28, 2019•34 min•Ep. 98
Liz and Sarah share why it’s important to stay on your path — and how they’re staying on their path during an unpredictable time. Then they answer a Mailroom question about how TV ratings are determined. In Take a Hike, Liz and Sarah discuss digital decluttering — unsubscribing from annoying emails and deleting apps. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from TV writer extraordinaire Jane Espenson: writing sprints! Finally, Liz and Sarah reveal their Fryman Canyon Celebrity Sighting: Jenna Fischer an...
Mar 21, 2019•25 min•Ep. 97
Liz and Sarah talk to business owner and writer Crystal Ellefsen about working from home. Then they answer a Mailroom question about “beauty work” in Hollywood. Then Sarah discusses her recent solo trip to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. This week’s housing Hollywood Hack is affordable and great for making new friends: the Bungalow app! Finally, Liz and Sarah reveal their Kiwami Celebrity sighting: Nancy Carell! Links: The Fix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkJhX-ccM5k Consulting for Author...
Mar 14, 2019•30 min•Ep. 96
Liz and Sarah talk to Ola Shokunbi about his journey from representing pharmaceutical companies as a lawyer in D.C. to being a staff writer for The Fix . His advice on switching careers? Be all in! Then Sarah shares her airplane hit, and Liz has a post-surgery bomb. This week’s Hollywood Hack is all about self-pampering: invest in a paraffin wax bath. Finally, Mary shares her Big Little Lies Celebrity Sighting: Laura Dern! Links:Outer Order, Inner Calm: https://www.amazon.com/Outer-Order-Inner-C...
Mar 07, 2019•32 min•Ep. 95
Liz and Sarah discuss good (and bad) time management skills— for showrunners, and anyone else in a leadership position. A couple tips: give feedback instead of taking on the work yourself, and have an out time. Then, in Take Two, they revisit Sarah’s zen acceptance of L.A. traffic. This week’s business-savvy Hollywood Hack comes from Mandeville TV’s Director of Development, Lea Cuello: pre-Google the person you (or your boss) are meeting with! Finally, Liz shares her Fryman Canyon Celebrity Sigh...
Feb 28, 2019•29 min•Ep. 94
Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of doing press for their new show The Fix , and their recent Television Critics Association experience. Their advice? Be yourself... and Drybar! Also — know your talking points. Then they answer a listener question about building a social media presence. This week’s Hollywood Hack helps you find your favorite show online: JustWatch! Finally, Liz and Sarah (and Mary) share the many stars they saw at the Television Critics Association including Eva Longoria, Da...
Feb 21, 2019•31 min•Ep. 93
Liz and Sarah discuss how they pick their battles when they're running a TV show. Their two most important questions: Is this inevitable? Does this move the needle? Then they call their agent, WME partner Matt Solo, to ask him a question from a listener whose dream is to be an agent herself. This week's Hollywood Hack was inspired by an Eco-friendly gift Sarah received: felted dryer balls. And finally, Liz and Sarah reveal this week's 80's Celebrity Sighting: Alan Ruck! Links: The Fix: https://w...
Feb 14, 2019•35 min•Ep. 92
