Liz and Sarah analyze different kinds of decision making. Do you follow your gut? Take the path of least resistance? Make decisions by committee? Then, in From The Outer Office, they talk to their former assistant and current Executive Story Editor on Season Two of Fantasy Island , Brook Sitgraves Turner, about what it’s like to climb the Writers Room ladder. Her advice? Take an improv class. Brook also provides this week’s Hollywood Hack: Keep a blanket in your car. Get in touch on Twitter: @sa...
Nov 18, 2021•24 min•Ep. 236
Liz and Sarah share HUGE news! There will be a Season Two of Fantasy Island ! Now that they’ve accomplished this major goal, what’s next? They’re setting their sights on making it to one hundred episodes. Or maybe seventy-five... In Hits & Bombs, they give a big Hit to two colleagues — Marie Jacobson and Ray Ricord of Sony Gemstone — for being such cheerleaders. They also give a Bomb to the bureaucratic hell that kept them from starting the writers room when they wanted to. This week, Liz an...
Nov 11, 2021•25 min•Ep. 235
Season One of Fantasy Island was a sprint that left Liz and Sarah flat on the ground. As they look ahead to a possible Season Two, they discuss how to have their work life resemble a hike instead. Yes, it will be arduous, but they also want to enjoy the view. Then Liz answers a Mailroom question about her name. In a special L v. S (Liz versus Sarah), Liz announces that she has a new puppy — a Corgi named Nacho! And she concedes that Sarah has been right all along. Pets do make a person happier! ...
Nov 04, 2021•24 min•Ep. 234
With Season Two of Fantasy Island still up in the air, Liz and Sarah have decided to embrace Hiatus Mode! What does that mean? Going to their favorite hiatus restaurants (including Benihana), taking short trips to see friends, and — for Sarah — getting out her spinning wheel. In Take Two, they have MORE great gifts ideas for this holiday season. Thanks, Listeners, for all the suggestions! One popular Item? Salt! Then Liz and Sarah amplify the new season of a podcast that anyone who aspires to be...
Oct 28, 2021•23 min•Ep. 233
Liz and Sarah discuss how their immediate future resembles the 1998 movie Sliding Doors. There’s one reality if Fantasy Island gets picked up for Season Two, and a totally different reality if it doesn’t. In Take A Hike, Sarah shares how she’s using meditation to help her get through this stressful time. Her favorite tool? The Ten Percent Happier app from Dan Harris. Plus, she got chickens! So Ojai. This week’s Hollywood Hack turns any gathering into a special event: rent a photo booth. Finally,...
Oct 21, 2021•25 min•Ep. 232
It’s not even Halloween yet, but Liz and Sarah are looking ahead to the holidays. Between supply chain problems and slow delivery, they’re shopping NOW! And they’ve got lots of great gift ideas. Need to buy for a colleague? They suggest a personalized Yeti rambler cup or a face mask chain from CandiceBDesigns on Etsy. Have a Happier lover in your life? Get a To Do Tackle Box from Gretchen Rubin. Liz and Sarah’s favorite gift this year? Smiley Face Slippers! Join our Facebook group: https://www.f...
Oct 14, 2021•33 min•Ep. 231
Liz and Sarah discuss a question put forth by their favorite author consultant, Crystal Ellefsen — what five things do they want to be known for? First on the list — writing interesting, complex female characters. Then they Amplify Dichos, an hilarious new web series from Fantasy Island Season One writer Mary Angelica Molina. This week’s Hollywood Hack is for the overbuyers out there: If you feel the need to buy something, buy a holiday gift. Finally, Sarah had her first Celebrity Sighting in Oj...
Oct 07, 2021•22 min•Ep. 230
Liz and Sarah are anxiously waiting to find out if there’s a future for Fantasy Island. They reveal one way they’re handling the stress — working on the network pitch for Season Two! In Hits & Bombs, Liz gives Sarah a Hit for how she’s dealing with the social slog in her new hometown of Ojai. And after watching the new Amazon docuseries LuLaRich, they both give a big Bomb to MLM’S — multilevel marketing companies. Liz even pledges to give up her beloved MLM skincare products. Then they answe...
Sep 30, 2021•26 min•Ep. 229
Liz and Sarah reveal what’s most pressing in their work psyches this week — nothing! As Season One of Fantasy Island comes to an end, they are making a conscious effort to take a mental break from the show. In Take Two, they revisit their post Puerto Rico reset plans. Did Sarah find good hiking trails in Ojai? Has Liz stopped eating after 10PM? Have they both managed to focus on their friendship? Then, in Take A Hike, Sarah discusses her recent decision to reframe certain big expenses — an insig...
Sep 23, 2021•27 min•Ep. 228
Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of having a point of view at work. Your boss might not always agree with you, but that’s ok! In Behind The Episode, they talk about two episodes of Fantasy Island: “The Big Five Oh” and “The Romance & The Bromance.” One exciting detail? The casting! These episodes feature a Melrose Place reunion and an appearance by Roselyn Sanchez’s husband — Eric Winter! Then, in Amplify, Liz shares a must-see documentary — LFG — about the US Women’s Soccer Team’s fight...
Sep 16, 2021•24 min•Ep. 227
As the school year begins, Liz and Sarah take a cue from Violet's first day at her new school: Expect the worst, prepare for the best. It’s the opposite of the conventional wisdom, but it works! Then they answer a question from a listener who wants to know if their motto — It’s a fun job, and we enjoy it — still applies when it’s NOT a fun job. The answer? Yes! Next, they go behind the scenes on this week's Fantasy Island episode, "Twice in a Lifetime." Finally, they share a Hollywood Hack inspi...
Sep 09, 2021•24 min•Ep. 226
Liz and Sarah aren’t just TV writers — they’re podcasters! This week they discuss how they make Happier In Hollywood, and what elements they think are necessary for a good podcast. One rule? No aimless banter! In Behind The Episode, they talk about the Fantasy Island episode, “Once Upon a Time in Havana.” Then, in The Mailroom, they answer a listener question related to their “fun job” motto. How can a job be fun and not fun at the same time? Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack applies to everyo...
Sep 02, 2021•29 min•Ep. 225
Liz and Sarah discuss what they call, "the in-between time—“ Fantasy Island has premiered, but will there be a second season? Or not? The numbers (overnights, L3s, L7s, etc.) trickle in, but what do they mean? When will the future be clearer? No idea! Then they discuss the importance of asking for what you need. Both Liz and Sarah had to do this recently… and it made a HUGE difference. They also debut a brand new segment: Behind the Episode, in which they go behind-the-scenes of the Fantasy Isla...
Aug 26, 2021•30 min•Ep. 224
After months of work (and stress) it happened — the premiere of Fantasy Island on FOX! Liz and Sarah discuss the press coverage, the presence of an Evil Donut Bringer in the pilot, and what Liz's sister-in-law, Olivia, thought about the character (loosely) inspired by her. Then it’s time for a Take a Hike double-feature! In the first, they talk about why writing is easier than... well, not writing. In the second, Sarah shares why her recent (very public) fall off of a piece of playground equipme...
Aug 19, 2021•27 min•Ep. 223
As Liz and Sarah gear up for the premiere of Fantasy Island, they‘re doing a lot of press — which can be daunting. But they have a plan of action! Knowing what they want to say and remembering to express their passion are key. In Take a Hike, they reveal how they’re mentally preparing for the Fantasy Island reviews. It’s never easy! In Hits and Bombs, they give BOTH to the same thing — the cancelation of the Fantasy Island premiere party. (Yes, Covid strikes again.) This week's Hollywood Hack wi...
Aug 12, 2021•27 min•Ep. 222
Liz and Sarah discuss their decision not to make work for themselves during their upcoming downtime. Instead, they’re going to focus on recuperating from an intense work schedule. Then, in Take A Hike, they reveal how they’re each commemorating Season One of Fantasy Island. Liz bought herself a necklace, and Sarah ordered her dream spinning wheel! Next, in their new Amplify segment, they talk about Deborah Copaken's new memoir, LADYPARTS. Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack will help you stand o...
Aug 05, 2021•27 min•Ep. 221
As they near the end of production, Liz and Sarah talk about their bad case of senioritis: the writing is done, shooting is almost done, but there’s still work left to do! How do they stay focused? In Take a Hike, they reveal how they’re challenging themselves to use this time of transition as a fresh start. Then Liz and Sarah give themselves a zip lining Hit and a behind-the-scenes photos Bomb. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will make your tasty treats a little bit healthier: the Breville ...
Jul 29, 2021•22 min•Ep. 220
Liz and Sarah talk about hitting the wall — and then climbing on top of it to enjoy the view. They’ve accomplished a lot in the last few months! In Take a Hike, Sarah allows herself a moment to focus on her mental health with words of wisdom from her friend and real estate agent, Victoria Massengale: “You’re allowed to have normal human emotions.” In The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share their philosophy when it comes to giving and receiving notes. The psychic burden is quite different bet...
Jul 22, 2021•19 min•Ep. 219
It's time for the Summer Listener Questions episode! Who does the music on a show? How did the current reboot of Fantasy Island come about? How does money work in a writing partnership? And most importantly, has Sarah made her Dole Whips yet? Liz and Sarah answer these and more burning questions! Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft Get in touch on Instagram: @ Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: htt...
Jul 15, 2021•30 min•Ep. 218
Liz and Sarah chat with Dawn Steinberg, EVP of Worldwide Talent and Casting at Sony Pictures Television, about her career, the advice she has for actors, and most importantly, her pet peeves. Then, in preparation for another trip to Puerto Rico, Liz and Sarah review the lessons they've learned about living on location and what they plan to do differently. For starters? Sarah is going to have a kitchen! Finally this week's Hollywood Hack is inspired by Liz's recent emotional release: Allow yourse...
Jul 08, 2021•32 min•Ep. 217
Liz and Sarah talk about how they’re trying to stay zen during endless Zoom meetings as they move into the post production phase of Fantasy Island. In theIr new segment A Day In The Life, they share exactly what a day of showrunning looks like — for Sarah the day started at 5:30am! Then In Take Hike, Liz and Sarah discuss how making little adjustments can have a big impact. One example? When Sarah and Violet share a bed, they each have their own comforter. This week’s Hollywood Hack is quite tas...
Jul 01, 2021•29 min•Ep. 216
As Liz and Sarah start to hand over cuts of Fantasy Island to the studio and network, they have to accept they don’t have control over how other people react. And that’s okay! In Hits & Bombs, Liz gives a Hit to Bravo for bringing Heather Dubrow back to the Real Housewives of Orange County. She also gives herself a Bomb for not succeeding with her post Puerto Rico clean slate. In The Mailroom, Liz and Sarah answer a question about their process of breaking story. Finally, this week’s Hollywo...
Jun 24, 2021•27 min•Ep. 215
Liz and Sarah discuss a great compliment they received from one of the Fantasy Island writers— they’re insulators as opposed to conductors when it comes to keeping show stress from infiltrating the Writers Room. Then, in their new Amplify segment, they share a fantastic new podcast from Liz's sister-in-law, Olivia Fierro: Olivia’s Book Club. Plus, now that they're back from Puerto Rico, they settle an important L v S: Is it better or worse to be working at a vacation destination? Finally, this w...
Jun 17, 2021•26 min•Ep. 214
Do you remember the first time you watched The Wizard of Oz? Those famous red ruby slippers are some of the most iconic objects in Hollywood history that still bring back nostalgic memories every time they’re seen. They became a rare collector’s item worth millions. In the summer of 2005, a pair was stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in the small town of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. In No Place Like Home, C13Originals, a Cadence13 Studio, teams up with journalist Ariel Ramchandani and editor Seywar...
Jun 15, 2021•4 min
Liz and Sarah have completed Phase One of Fantasy Island — all of their story areas for the season have been approved! There’s still LOTS of work to do, but they take a moment to savor this accomplishment. Next up? Finishing all the scripts and getting into post! In Take A Hike, they talk to friend of the pod, Dr. Melina Jampolis, about her fantastic new book, Spice Up, Live Long: A Guide to Using Herbs and Spices to Live a Longer, Healthier and More Vibrant Life. Dr. Melina says it’s not just a...
Jun 10, 2021•30 min•Ep. 213
Liz and Sarah discuss why, in a group setting, it’s important to be a person who pushes the boulder up the hill. And if you can’t push the boulder up the hill, then at least don’t be the one pushing it down the hill! Then, in Take A Hike, they talk about how one of the Fantasy Island writers has inspired them to try to be “at ease in muddy water.” In The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share some of their favorite lingo from the writers room. What is shoe leather? A house number? What does it ...
Jun 03, 2021•29 min•Ep. 212
Liz and Sarah discuss how, when working in a highly collaborative environment, everyone can be right at the same time, which can sometimes make things feel oh so wrong. Then, in The Mailroom, they answer two listener questions. How much thought is put into the way scenes look on television? And how can four women starting a business together successfully make group decisions? In The Craft (& Fain), they share a Tool of the Trade: jumbo neon dry erase whiteboard magnets. Finally, this week's ...
May 27, 2021•28 min•Ep. 211
Liz and Sarah share a listener’s suggestion about how to frame potentially difficult work conversations so that they stay light-hearted and productive — let everyone know at the outset that there will be plenty of “cussing and discussing.” In Hits & Bombs, they give a big hit to the Fantasy Island hair and makeup team, who gave up their lunch hour to make Liz and Sarah look good for a behind-the-scenes interview. They also give themselves a bomb for too much bitching and complaining! Clearly...
May 20, 2021•23 min•Ep. 210
Liz and Sarah are in the thick of production on Fantasy Island, and they discuss how sometimes it's not a fun job, and they don't enjoy it. But that’s ok! In Take A Hike, they talk about why it’s important that only one of them melts down at a time. Then, in Hits and Bombs, they give a hit to their amazing Fantasy Island cast and crew for coping so well with Covid restrictions in the tropical heat. And they give a bomb to ineffective bug sprays! Finally, Liz and Sarah share an important Hollywoo...
May 13, 2021•24 min•Ep. 209
As work on Fantasy Island continues to become more and more intense, Liz and Sarah discuss their gratitude for the gift of other people’s productivity. Without it, they’d never sleep! In their new segment, A Day In The Life, they take listeners through a typical day while running a show. It starts with Sarah waking up at 5:00 AM to finish writing an introduction to a network Show & Tell, and it ends with a story session on Sarah’s patio after Violet falls asleep. In The Craft (& Fain), L...
May 06, 2021•26 min•Ep. 208
