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 & @elizabethcraft Get in touch on Instagram: @ Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.co...
Jun 09, 2022•28 min•Ep. 265
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 ...
Jun 02, 2022•25 min•Ep. 264
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, ...
May 26, 2022•25 min•Ep. 263
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, thi...
May 19, 2022•26 min•Ep. 262
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/...
May 12, 2022•23 min•Ep. 261
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 Hi...
May 05, 2022•35 min•Ep. 260
What’s missing around your workspace? Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of having solid basics—Sarah needs a good chair, Liz needs pens! Then, in A Day In The Life, Liz and Sarah take listeners through a typical day of showrunning Season Two of Fantasy Island . From cut notes to COVID hurdles to delivering scripts on tight deadlines, this year has been all about staying nimble. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack is earth-friendly (and easy!): the Lomi Kitchen Composter. LINKS Happier Podcast...
Apr 28, 2022•25 min•Ep. 259
This week, Liz and Sarah share wisdom gleaned from Twitter—specifically, insights for lower level writers from TV writer Jeane Wong. One piece of advice? Think of the writers room as a dinner party. Next, in Take A Hike, they recommend a tried and true tactic to make a deadline more fun—have a work slumber party! Then, in Hits & Bombs, Liz and Sarah give a Hit to Fantasy Island composer Genevieve Vincent and a Bomb to there being no direct flights from Los Angeles to Puerto Rico. Finally, th...
Apr 21, 2022•26 min•Ep. 258
With three episodes left to break for Season Two of Fantasy Island , how do Liz and Sarah handle a morale killer? The short answer – they lean on their team and get to work. Then, in Take Two, Liz and Sarah revisit busy bragging. In Amplify, Liz shouts out the Netflix reality series, Deaf U , for both its unique look into Deaf culture and its soapy excellence. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will help you work smarter, not harder: use a mini leaf blower! Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain ...
Apr 14, 2022•23 min•Ep. 257
In the thick of double days and double deadlines, Liz and Sarah call in reinforcements! They’ve added their good friend and TV writer Karine Rosenthal to the Fantasy Island S2 Writers’ Room. Liz and Sarah discuss delegating writing tasks so they can branch off to deliver documents and cuts and how fresh eyes later in the season really help! Then, in L v S, are Liz and Sarah guilty of “busy bragging”? Next, in The Craft (and Fain), they discuss how cutting extra words from scripts always makes th...
Apr 07, 2022•25 min•Ep. 256
Liz and Sarah share strategies for making a lean TV budget work and discuss putting them into action on Fantasy Island . At every stage of the process, there are ways to make smart adjustments—from keeping above-the-line costs down, to writing to locations, to shooting double up days, to accepting they’ll never have a recognizable needle drop. Limitations foster creativity…right?! Then, in HIH WFH, Liz and Sarah share their favorite technique for staying sane during all-day Zooms: schedule break...
Mar 31, 2022•25 min•Ep. 255
What does it mean to be a professional? Liz and Sarah deep dive into what pros do differently. From how they communicate, to anticipating needs, to seeing the void and filling it—professionals make it easy to work with them. Then, in Hits & Bombs, Liz gives hits to two TV shows— The Dropout and Dopesick —and a bomb to herself for (a lack of) home office organization. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will keep your supplements a simple spin away: get a Lazy Susan! Get in touch on Twitter: ...
Mar 24, 2022•27 min•Ep. 254
Liz and Sarah embrace the fact that sometimes things just suck. Sarah moved last weekend—and, yep, it sucked. But acknowledging the suck and not trying to put a spin on it somehow made it easier. In Take Two, Liz and Sarah share a supersized list of travel hacks from a former flight attendant. Small things—a white noise machine, smoothies, a pre-written checklist—can make your next trip, well, not suck! Then, in the Mailroom, they answer a question about whether or not Hollywood writers ever buy...
Mar 17, 2022•24 min•Ep. 253
How do creative people budget? Creatively! Liz and Sarah talk MONEY—and how to manage it—with financial coach Dylan Snowden. Dylan shares how his background in the arts informs his work today, common mistakes, and how to set yourself up for financial success. Then, in Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah tackle the Sunday Night Blues. Listeners had lots of great suggestions—from planning a Sunday Spa, to meal prepping, to evening walks with friends. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your ne...
Mar 10, 2022•34 min•Ep. 252
Liz and Sarah are back from Puerto Rico! They discuss how being on location can be a (busy!) break from reality and how they’re tackling re-entry to their lives in Los Angeles and Ojai. Then, in Take A Hike, it’s crunch time on Fantasy Island . Liz and Sarah explain what double days are—two crews shooting two episodes at the same time—and how they’re managing the pressure with breathing techniques, meal kits, and Corgis! Next, from the Mailroom, Liz and Sarah answer a listener question about how...
Mar 03, 2022•27 min•Ep. 251
It’s the 250th episode of Happier In Hollywood! Liz and Sarah celebrate by recapping their twenty-five favorite topics featured on the podcast. From their very first Hollywood Hack—saying “fuck” in a meeting—to revelatory conversations with guests like Channing Dungey, Marcia Clark, Annie Duke, and more. Favorite pointers include “be an insulator,” the value of the “boulder pusher,” what to wear on Zoom, and asking: “Does this move the needle?” If you’ve been listening from the beginning, join L...
Feb 24, 2022•32 min•Ep. 250
Liz and Sarah discuss how taking a moment to add a personal touch to your work can make a big impact. One example? The necessities-filled beach bags that Fantasy Island production had waiting for them in their hotel rooms. Next, now that Liz and Sarah are back in Puerto Rico for Season Two, they assess what they REALLY need to WFH—Work From… Hotel! At the top of the list—free breakfast, a coffee maker, and good WiFi. Then, in The Craft (and Fain), they talk about Story vs. Moves—what the differe...
Feb 17, 2022•26 min•Ep. 249
TV writers wear many hats, and it’s important for writers of all levels to have the chance to wear them. Liz and Sarah share how getting to do ALL parts of the job early on in their career helped them learn how to run a show, and how offering the same opportunities they received makes the job more fulfilling for everyone. Next, in Take A Hike, Liz has some news of the four-legged variety—Nacho the Corgi now has a sister, Daisy! Liz and Sarah discuss how embracing a new identity is both freeing a...
Feb 10, 2022•24 min•Ep. 248
A kind word goes a long way! As Season Two of Fantasy Island takes shape, Liz and Sarah discuss how getting positive feedback on their work energizes them to work even harder – and it makes it easier to take criticism. In Hits & Bombs, Liz and Sarah give a mutual Hit to their assistant, Lauren, for her help with the podcast, and they give a mutual Bomb to meetings that should be emails. Sarah also gives a Hit to Liz for a recent morale boosting visit, and a Bomb to her time in Ojai. Liz give...
Feb 03, 2022•26 min•Ep. 247
Do you have a room in your home that’s reserved for guests? Liz and Sarah discuss the merits of staking a claim and taking up space. Then, in Hollywood Jobs, they talk with Fantasy Island ’s Music Supervisor Melany Mitchell about how she became a Music Supervisor, what the job entails, and how she transports audiences through music, all while working with a lean budget. Next, in Amplify, Sarah shares a new favorite cookbook — Nom Nom Paleo Let’s Go! Simple Feasts & Healthy Eats by Michelle T...
Jan 27, 2022•28 min•Ep. 246
Movie – and TV! – magic means making miracles happen each day, but sometimes those miracles aren’t enough. Liz and Sarah reflect on a remark from famed cinematographer Dante Spinotti that resonates with their current work on Fantasy Island . Then, in Take A Hike, they talk about the daily joy that’s sweeping the internet – Wordle! Next, in Amplify, Liz recommends a podcast that takes listeners on the twisty journey of one woman’s relationship with a conman – Imposters: The Commander hosted by Ab...
Jan 20, 2022•24 min•Ep. 245
Liz and Sarah have a confession to make — despite swearing Season Two of Fantasy Island will be different, they’re already working weekends. Arg! Then, in their new HIH WFH (Happier In Hollywood Work From Home) segment, they explain how the Writers’ Room is breaking story remotely using WritersRoom Pro®. Next, in Take A Hike, Sarah has an “ah ha” therapy moment about the difference between trying and doing. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack tackles time management: set aside ten minutes to do ...
Jan 13, 2022•28 min•Ep. 244
Liz and Sarah open the floor to listener questions! Hot topics include: parenting, chickens, Corgis, and more! How do Liz and Sarah know if a story has “legs”? What financial advice do they have for a career in Hollywood? And between it all, do Liz and Sarah actually sleep? Lastly, this week’s Hollywood Hack gives you ergonomic support in your car or home: BackJoy’s SitSmart Core Traction Back Support. Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft Get in touch on Instagram: @ Sfain ...
Jan 06, 2022•29 min•Ep. 243
Liz and Sarah reveal their team motto for the new year — What Would Dolly Do 2022! Their goal is to harness Dolly Parton’s spirit of strength, fun, and goodness. They also plan to wear more eye shadow. In Take A Hike, they each make a commitment to make one change for their mental health and one change for their physical health in 2022. Sarah is going to cut down on scrolling and increase how much she’s hiking each week. Liz is going to read more novels and lower her A1c. They’ve also got 2021 H...
Dec 30, 2021•29 min•Ep. 242
Liz and Sarah discuss the necessity of staying nimble as they write and produce Season Two of Fantasy Island . “Lean TV” requires a lot of juggling! Then, in Amplify, Liz talks about her new favorite show, The Sex Lives of College Girls . Next, they introduce a brand new segment – HIH WFH (Happier In Hollywood Work From Home) – and reveal a strategy to protect important work time when there’s a lot going on at home. This week’s Hollywood Hack will keep your feet warm this winter: Brooklinen sock...
Dec 23, 2021•23 min•Ep. 241
Let’s face it— sometimes things go wrong. Liz and Sarah discuss how when they had to manage a recent snafu, they took a lesson in leadership from Captain Lee on Bravo’s Below Deck: STAY CALM. Then, in Take A Hike, Nacho saves the day! Liz and Sarah share the mental health benefits of actively transitioning between Work and Not Work… and how a certain Corgi puppy helps. Next Liz and Sarah answer a Mailroom question about getting laid off. (Spoiler alert— it happens to everyone.) Finally, this wee...
Dec 16, 2021•26 min•Ep. 240
Now that we’re all (sort of) heading back to work after the pandemic, what does “the new normal” look like? Liz and Sarah discuss the pros and cons of a hybrid work environment. Pro: less snacking. Con: fewer jobs for support staff. Then Liz and Sarah respond to a Mailroom comment about how taking a leap into the unknown can lead one down unexpected paths… and to surprising success. Next, in Take A Hike, Sarah reveals she’s been talking to a therapist again and encourages Liz to do the same. Fin...
Dec 09, 2021•28 min•Ep. 239
In this C13Features podcast movie presentation of Ghostwriter, Kate Mara and Adam Scott star in a psychological thriller about a former journalist who reluctantly accepts a job ghostwriting a new murder mystery novel for an eccentric billionaire. Kate Michaels has been living a solitary life after a traumatic experience, but after pressure from her rational agent and candid best friend, she begrudgingly concedes that she needs the work. As she collaborates with the enigmatic James Webber on the ...
Dec 07, 2021•3 min
Liz shares that while both she and Sarah embraced gratitude over Thanksgiving, Liz also felt another “g” emotion… guilt! Turns out it’s hard to enjoy a few days off when so much work looms on the horizon. One solution? Remember that relaxing now leads to more productivity later. Then, in L v. S (Liz versus Sarah), they debate the merits of sound baths. Liz finds a sound bath more soothing than a massage — Sarah can’t stand the high-pitched tone of singing bowls. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Ha...
Dec 02, 2021•25 min•Ep. 238
As Liz and Sarah begin writing Season Two of Fantasy Island, they’re determined to maintain work boundaries — at least for as long as they possibly can. One strategy? Wait to answer non-urgent emails. In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question about how to transition from unscripted to scripted television. Then Liz and Sarah talk to their brand new assistant, Lauren Conoscenti, about how her attitude toward her job garnered Lauren the best recommendations from her former bosses that Liz an...
Nov 25, 2021•29 min•Ep. 237
