Liz and Sarah discuss what makes them feel like they’re back to work after a long break. For Liz, it’s getting on her treadmill desk. For Sarah, it’s setting an alarm. Then they go Behind The Scenes of Episode 201 of Fantasy Island. The rain on screen was fake, the real rain was a real problem. This week’s Hollywood Hack is helping Liz listen to more books: the Libby app! It takes less than a minute to set up, and it’s so worth it. Finally, Sarah recommends Wednesday on Netflix for the whole fam...
Jan 12, 2023•29 min•Ep. 296
Liz and Sarah pay tribute to the legendary Barbara Walters, whose career was an inspiration to both of them. Then they reveal their 2023 New Year’s resolutions. Liz is going to weigh herself every day. Sarah is making a 23 for 23 list focused entirely on herself. In Take Two, they revisit the idea of a clothing swap party. And finally this week’s Hollywood Hack will help if you have any final holiday presents to get: give a theme gift. Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft G...
Jan 05, 2023•29 min•Ep. 295
Liz and Sarah reveal (and explain) their Team Motto for 2023 — “Alt Ending Thelma & Louise!” They’re anticipating a difficult year but they’re in it together, just like ride or die pals Thelma and Louise. Then they revisit 2022 in a special Take Two. In The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah discuss how they use visuals when they pitch a new show. The process has changed — for the better — since before pandemic times. Finally this week’s Hollywood Hack got Sarah to finally read The Joy Luck C...
Dec 29, 2022•31 min•Ep. 294
Recently, Liz and Sarah talked about how they were “all dressed up with no place to go” when a pitch meeting was cancelled last minute. Well, they got dressed and they went! Did they sell their pitch in the Zoom Room? Listen to find out. In Take Two, they share stories from listeners in other careers who have also experienced very frustrating last minute cancellations. Then, in Take A Hike, Liz talks about “the joy of getting into it,” even if “it” is out of your comfort zone. Warning: the segme...
Dec 22, 2022•24 min•Ep. 293
As Liz and Sarah wait for news of a Season Three pickup of Fantasy Island , they discuss how in Hollywood there’s ALWAYS a wait. In HIH WFH (Happier In Hollywood Work From Home) they talk about why it’s a good idea to stop treating the permanent like it’s temporary. Chances are you WILL be working at home at least part time forever. Then they Amplify a new memoir from child star Jennette McCurdy — I’m Glad My Mom Died. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will impress your Zoom co-workers: Make y...
Dec 15, 2022•25 min•Ep. 292
Liz and Sarah discuss how they were all psyched up for a pitch meeting — and then it didn’t happen. The only consolation? Liz hadn’t paid for a blow out. In Take A Hike, they talk about the opposite of schadenfreude — freudenfraude. Especially now, when Hollywood is so chaotic, it’s helpful to take pleasure in others’ good fortune. Then Sarah revisits the Bomb she gave Elon Musk in Take Two. Finally, this week Liz and Sarah have a holiday Hollywood Hack: When someone asks for a gift, get them th...
Dec 08, 2022•23 min•Ep. 291
As Sarah and Liz hone a new pitch they realize that the note they often get is the same one that they always give — MORE EMOTION. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about how doing jigsaw puzzles is keeping her calm (and might be key to figuring out story problems). Next, Liz and Sarah give a Bomb to Elon Musk. And Liz gives a Hit to “things going wrong.” Finally, Sarah discovered this week’s Hollywood Hack over her Thanksgiving break: find a refill store near you. Get in touch on Instagram: @ Sfain &a...
Dec 01, 2022•25 min•Ep. 290
Liz and Sarah discuss what they’re grateful for— Sarah’s Ojai life is looking up, Liz has taken charge of her health, and their Fantasy Island cast is… well, a fantasy. In Take a Hike, Sarah shares her decision NOT to set an alarm. Then Liz and Sarah answer a Mailroom question about Bad Sisters . Spoiler Alert: Liz still can’t make herself watch it. Finally, a listener from Berlin shares a Hollywood Hack: throw a clothes swap party with your friends! Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @e...
Nov 24, 2022•22 min•Ep. 289
Liz and Sarah talk about how often they rush to meet a deadline — and then realize there was no rush at all. Then, in Take A Hike, they discuss how the realization that accepting can be easier than rejecting led to Sarah owning a hissing cockroach. Next, Liz and Sarah offer even MORE great holiday gift ideas in Take Two. Finally, Sarah is passionate about this week’s Hollywood Hack: the reMarkable 2 Tablet. Get in touch on Instagram: @ Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinho...
Nov 17, 2022•26 min•Ep. 288
This week Liz and Sarah share their favorite holiday gift ideas for 2022 — cute AirPod cases, the Fermob Balad Lamp, the Click and Grow Smart Garden, a personalized vinyl record, Corkcicle coolers, and SO MANY MORE!!! 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.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,...
Nov 10, 2022•31 min•Ep. 287
Liz and Sarah mention “the war of attrition that is life in Los Angeles” every week in the Happier In Hollywood opener. This week they discuss why combating attrition feels harder than ever — and tactics for winning the battle. Then, in Take A Hike, they share lessons learned from the late character actor and Instagram star Leslie Jordan. In this week’s HIH WFH, Liz suggests reading for fun at lunch. Finally, Sarah has a climate-friendly Hollywood Hack: Worn Wear Patagonia. Get in touch on Twitt...
Nov 03, 2022•27 min•Ep. 286
After a recent meeting, Liz and Sarah discuss the concept of transparency. How much is too much? And when do you know if it’s safe to be transparent at work? In Take A Hike, they examine the difference between “managing” expectations people and “creating” expectations people. Both types have advantages and disadvantages. Next, in Amplify, Liz and Sarah share a new two part documentary from actor Evan Rachel Wood — PHOENIX RISING. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will make your life more organ...
Oct 27, 2022•26 min•Ep. 285
Liz and Sarah discuss their recent realization that they should reframe work “politics” as work “diplomacy.” In Take A Hike, they share insight from a member of the HIH Facebook group — sometimes you have to stand still and do nothing until it feels okay. Then, in Hits & Bombs, Liz responds to listeners concern that she always gives herself Bombs by giving herself two Hits — one for taking her health seriously and the other for being a good friend. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will he...
Oct 20, 2022•24 min•Ep. 284
Liz and Sarah discuss why sharing their expertise helped them hone in on their strengths and weaknesses as Showrunners. Then — do you love the Fantasy Island theme music as much as Liz and Sarah do? In Hollywood Jobs, they talk to Fantasy Island composer, Genevieve Vincent, about how she captures the magic of the island in her score every episode. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack is inspired by a fantastic gift Liz and Sarah received from FI assistant extraordinaire, Lauren Conoscenti: create...
Oct 13, 2022•28 min•Ep. 283
Liz and Sarah are back in work mode, and they went on an overnight retreat at the Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai to brainstorm in person. The result? A hugely productive twenty-four hours and a new Team Talisman — the iguana. In Take A Hike, they discuss their decision to wear comfortable shoes at the first work party they’ve gone to in three years. Good thing too — they ended up walking three miles. Then Liz and Sarah share a a writing tip in The Craft (& Fain): Be a sponge. Finally, this week’...
Oct 06, 2022•23 min•Ep. 282
Vacation is officially over. Sarah and Liz are clearing their white boards and diving into a new project (or maybe two) while they wait for Fantasy Island Season Three to get the green light. How are they getting into the right mindset? And do they feel ready to tackle something new? In Take A Hike, Sarah discusses the hypnotherapy she’s been doing to improve her mood. Then Sarah has a Hit for her step mother, and Liz gives herself a Bomb. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your Zo...
Sep 29, 2022•25 min•Ep. 281
Liz and Sarah discuss what they should be doing during their downtime. Coming up with TV show ideas? Writing a novel? Working on a new podcast? Or maybe... nothing at all? Then they Amplify a new TV show starring Roselyn Sanchez — ‘Til Jail Do Us Part. In The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share a tip they learned from an essay on writing by Ann Patchett — don’t let yourself start a new novel until you’ve finished the one you’re writing. (This happens to apply to ALL creative projects.) Final...
Sep 22, 2022•25 min•Ep. 280
Liz and Sarah talk to TV writer Niceole Levy about her fantastic new book, The Writers’ Room Survival Guide. Practical tips about topics like what to do before the job even starts, how to navigate a toxic environment, and what to expect when you’re writing your first script make this book essential for anyone interested in a TV career. Then, in Take A Hike, Sarah shares that she’s been using Gretchen’s One-Sentence Journal and Don’t Break The Chain Habit Tracker to boost her health and well-bein...
Sep 15, 2022•33 min•Ep. 279
Stepping OFF The Treadmill Desk & A Call With Our Manager Dianne Fraser Liz and Sarah discuss the anxiety of stepping OFF the treadmill desk during their vacation. Then they share their vacation Hits and Bombs. Sarah gives Violet a Hit for trying escargot in Paris and a Bomb to the guy who smelled really bad on the plane ride home. Liz gives Jack a hit for going snorkeling, and she gives herself a Bomb for not trying paddle boarding. Then, in Call Your Manager, they talk to Dianne Fraser abo...
Sep 08, 2022•28 min•Ep. 278
Liz and Sarah received so many great questions from listeners that they decided to devote another episode to answering them. What does Liz have to say about Survivor? Why didn’t Liz and Sarah have an office for Season Two of Fantasy Island ? Now that Sarah is catching up on recent pop culture, what are some of her favorite current TV shows? They also explain why everyone should watch The Shield, talk about whether they’ve been impacted by the Great Resignation, and so much more! Finally, this we...
Sep 01, 2022•29 min•Ep. 277
Liz and Sarah answer listener questions! Is being a showrunner what they expected? How do they come up with fantasies for Fantasy Island? Has Sarah ever considered taking up quilting? What is Liz’s favorite Real Housewives franchise? And so many more! 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.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywo...
Aug 25, 2022•27 min•Ep. 276
This week, Liz and Sarah reveal what they’ve learned about themselves when they’re not buried in work. Then they talk with showrunner and author Rasheed Newson about his new novel, My Government Means to Kill Me . How did he write a book while running a show? What advice does he have for aspiring writers? Finally, Rasheed provides this week’s Hollywood Hack: on Zoom, minimize your screen and put yourself on mute! Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft Get in touch on Instagra...
Aug 18, 2022•29 min•Ep. 275
Liz and Sarah share some key takeaways from the excellent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging training they recently attended, including how their personal identifiers impact their leadership styles — in both positive and negative ways. They also discuss the concept of STUFF, which stands for Stress, Time, Uncertainty, Fear, & Fatigue. When we experience STUFF it can be harder to effectively process opinions different from our own — but there ARE ways to make sure everyone still gets...
Aug 11, 2022•27 min•Ep. 274
Liz and Sarah discuss the upcoming Apple TV+ show, Bad Sisters. They developed the same show (based on a Flemish series) twice for ABC, but it (rightly) never got past the script stage. Now they’re excited to see how Sharon Horgan brings it to life. In Take A Hike, they offer three strategies for dealing with “crazy.” Then, in Hits & Bombs, Liz gives Sarah a hit for using her alone time well when Violet was at camp. And together they give a Bomb to the Supreme Court for overturning Roe v. Wa...
Aug 04, 2022•25 min•Ep. 273
This week, Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of spending time with their TV writer friends! Then, in Amplify, Liz and Sarah recommend fellow showrunner and author Rasheed Newson’s new book, My Government Means to Kill Me . In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question on how books become movies or shows. Finally, their assistant Lauren is back with this week’s Hollywood Hack: be an inviter! Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft Get in touch on Instagram: @ Sfain & ...
Jul 28, 2022•25 min•Ep. 272
This week, Liz and Sarah are passing off their worry to the experts! They share how trusting your team can take the weight off. Then—one, two, three—in Take A Hike, they talk about how keeping a daily count can help mark each day with gratitude. Next, in The Craft (& Fain), they discuss the difference between big bullseyes and small bullseyes, and how shows like Barry and Yellowjackets hit their targets. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack from a listener is sticky business: the power of the...
Jul 21, 2022•21 min•Ep. 271
This week, Liz and Sarah have an update on their company, Fun Job Productions—after two years, did they decide to keep their fiction podcast company going? Then, Liz and Sarah are joined by author and fellow podcaster Lian Dolan! They talk about Lian’s latest novel, Lost and Found in Paris , her writing process, and how to dive into that book project you’ve been wanting to start. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your social life: have friends of all ages! Get in touch on Twitter:...
Jul 14, 2022•36 min•Ep. 270
This week, Liz and Sarah have a reality check for aspiring TV writers. From making less money to doing free work, the business has gotten even more brutal. Their advice? Follow your dreams, but know what you’re in for. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah talk about the importance of work traditions—how they mark milestones, help them bond, and make hard work more fun. Next, in The Craft (& Fain), they answer a listener question about the writing process on Fantasy Island . Finally, this week’s Hol...
Jul 07, 2022•29 min•Ep. 268
Even though Liz and Sarah are still in the middle of post production for Season 2 of Fantasy Island , they discuss how they feel like they’re on vacation! In Take A Hike, they reveal their summer themes: Liz is planning a Summer of Health, and Sarah is looking forward to a Summer of Settling (in a good way). Next, in Amplify, they spotlight the delightful Gordita Chronicles , a new show on HBOMax that’s fun for the whole family. In The Mailroom, Liz and Sarah tackle email etiquette. Finally, thi...
Jun 30, 2022•26 min•Ep. 268
Liz and Sarah celebrate wrapping production on Season Two of Fantasy Island ! They discuss the Season Two “production curse” and how knowing even The Godfather faced challenges was a comfort. In The Mailroom, Liz and Sarah answer TWO listener questions—how they approach being career-oriented moms and how to give great notes. Then, in Hits & Bombs, Sarah has a Bomb for the guy in the NRA T-shirt at the Disneyland Hotel pool, and Liz has Hits for two new shows— The Deep End and I Love That For...
Jun 23, 2022•28 min•Ep. 267
