Happier in Hollywood - podcast cover

Happier in Hollywood

The Onward Projectwww.happierinhollywood.com

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 over 20 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.

Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/  

Episodes

Ep. 73: Who's Your Professional Crush?

Liz and Sarah have crushes -- professional crushes! Who are they, and why do they try to emulate them? Then Sarah shares why being less concerned about punctuality helps decrease stress, especially as a parent. Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack: keep a full makeup bag at work! Links:Marti Noxon: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0637497/ Angel: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162065/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_20 Joss Whedon: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0923736/?ref_=nv_sr_1 Buffy The Vampire Slayer: https://ww...

Oct 04, 201828 minEp. 73

Ep. 72: How To Staff A Writers' Room

Liz and Sarah discuss the art and science of staffing their writers' room on The Fix . What are they looking for? How many pages of a sample script do they usually read? What makes a writer stand out? Then they talk to their assistant Mary about her very "woo-woo" trip to the Integratron sound bath in Joshua Tree. Finally, this week's tech-savvy transaction Hollywood Hack: Venmo! Kimonos: https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=kimonos&typein=kimono&position=1 The ...

Sep 27, 201829 minEp. 72

Ep. 71: Take An Obligation Vacation

Sparked by Roxane Gay's Nemesis Twitter, Liz and Sarah discuss nemeses and how they can serve as motivation. Then they talk about Sarah's recent "obligation vacation" and the many obligations we could all use a vacation from— order a meal service for a week so you don't have to cook, take a break from cleaning your house, or ignore the mail for a few days. Finally, Liz and Sarah reveal this week's Oprah-approved Hollywood Hack: the Abosu cold brew coffee maker. Links:RAICES: https://actionnetwor...

Sep 20, 201824 minEp. 71

Ep. 70: Make The Thing You Love To Make

Why do we ignore red flags? Prompted by Liz's recent read of the book Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou , she and Sarah discuss how and why people dismiss red flags in their professional and personal lives. Then they interview TV/comic book writer Ben Blacker about his podcast The Writers Panel and his upcoming comic book Hex Wives. Finally, Liz reveals a parent-friendly Hollywood Hack she recently discovered: work while your kid is falling asleep. Links:R...

Sep 13, 201840 minEp. 70

Ep. 69: Our Dream Guest! An Interview With ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey

Liz and Sarah's dream guest doesn't disappoint! They talk to ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey about everything from the benefits of compartmentalizing, diversity in Hollywood, the famous Roseanne decision, to television development and why her notes are so good. Then Liz and Sarah share this week's fitness Hollywood Hack: get your coworkers to do a plank with you every hour. Finally, Liz reveals this week's Celebrity Sighting at the doctor's office: Mindy Kaling! Links:Channing Dungey...

Sep 06, 201843 minEp. 69

Ep. 68: My Work Is Not My Worth -- A Happier Labor Day Episode

We want you to have a Happier Labor Day! This Labor Day, the Onward Project podcasts are all about improving your work life. (So be sure to listen to Episode 184 of Happier with Gretchen Rubin and Episode 611 of Side Hustle School!) Here on Happier In Hollywood we asked our listeners a question— does your job define you, and should it? And, wow, did you answer! We got tons of revealing responses— from Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers— and Liz and Sarah are going to share them in this epis...

Aug 30, 201837 minEp. 68

Ep. 67: A Day In The Life Of A Showrunner

It's all about the "bullet train!" Liz and Sarah discuss the notion of quiddity (the inherent essence of someone or something) and how "bullet train" is the quiddity of The Fix. Then they share their hectic schedule on the first day of shooting -- and it's not all writing -- a 7am call time, a notes call, and a check-in with the lead actors all before 10:30am! This week's Hollywood Hack is sweeping Los Angeles: Kimonos! Liz and Sarah have even started a "kimono klub." Finally, Liz and Sarah reve...

Aug 23, 201824 minEp. 67

Ep. 66: Perseverance Pays Off - The Story of The Fix 102

Liz and Sarah share the lessons they learned writing The Fix episode 102. It's a tale of perseverance and a little bit of panic. Then they discuss a listener question about the pros and cons of getting a dog. (Spoiler alert: Liz is getting a dog. Well, thinking about it.) This week's Hollywood Hack: the on-demand massage app, Soothe! Finally, Liz and Sarah reveal a vicarious celebrity sighting from the Christopher Robin premiere on the Disney lot: Ewan McGregor! Links:The Fix: https://www.imdb.c...

Aug 16, 201821 minEp. 66

Ep. 65: Be the Inevitable Choice: A Listener Questions Episode!

You have questions -- Liz and Sarah have answers! What advice does Sarah have for choice moms? Why does Liz feel so strongly about writers' assistant notes? How do you approach a supervisor when a job you want becomes available? How do the roles of directors and producers differ? They answer all these and more in this special listener questions episode! Links: Happier With Gretchen Rubin: https://gretchenrubin.com/podcasts/ Side Hustle School: https://sidehustleschool.com/ Shawn Ryan: https://ww...

Aug 09, 201834 minEp. 65

Ep. 64: Enneagrams And Fun, Fun Fridays!

Liz and Sarah discuss Fun, Fun Fridays — what they are and why they’re bringing The Fix team together. Then Liz and Sarah reveal their enneagram results and talk to world-renowned executive coach Michael Melcher about how personality type influences leadership style. This week’s fashionable Hollywood Hack: get a signature belt. Finally, Liz’s celebrity sighting this week is Rachel Lindsay from The Bachelorette. If only Liz had mustered the courage to ask for a selfie! Links: How To Start Knittin...

Aug 02, 201833 minEp. 64

Ep.63: From The Mailroom To Billion Dollar Blockbusters -- An Interview With Mega-Producer David Hoberman

Liz and Sarah are stressed out! During this insanely busy time for their ABC show, The Fix, they discuss their go-to tools for managing stress -- and whether or not they're working. Then they talk to their favorite mogul David Hoberman, founder and co-owner of Mandeville Films and Television, about being a producer, the #MeToo movement, and how to resolve conflict on the job. Finally, Liz and Sarah share the perfect gifting idea in this week's Hollywood Hack: BoxFox. Links: How to leave a review...

Jul 26, 201836 minEp. 63

Ep 62: SOS: It's Okay To Ask For Help!

Happier in Hollywood is getting a new logo! Prompted by the graphic designer search, Liz and Sarah talk about why it's so important to ask for help in both professional and personal life. Then Sarah shares her puttering-filled weekend, and reveals why puttering is surprisingly productive and meditative. Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack will help you stand out in the office: quotes of the day! Links: Why Steve Jobs Cried: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2011/11/why-steve-jobs-cried/ Actor Vs. ...

Jul 19, 201823 minEp. 62

Ep. 60: When In Doubt, Give An Out

Give people an out! Liz and Sarah talk about why it's important to let people save face -- at work and at home. Then they discuss the importance of living in an atmosphere of growth. One idea? Take a class! (Sarah's learning all about neoglucogenesis in her online nutrition class) Finally, as The Fix revs up, Liz and Sarah discover a Hollywood Hack to keep them active: Office yoga! Links:Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue: https://www.laguineapigrescue.com/ 10 Ways To Allow Others to Save Face: https...

Jul 05, 201829 minEp. 60

Ep. 59: The One Where Sarah Changes Her Mind About The Flemish Giant Rabbit (And Why Changing Your Mind Can Be A Good Career Move)

Liz and Sarah talk about why it's important to be open to changing your mind at work. And Sarah shares how she changed her mind at home. Instead of getting a Flemish Giant rabbit, she got her daughter, Violet two guinea pigs. Then they answer a listener question about crying at the office, and disclose the times they've burst into tears in the writers' room. In Hits and Bombs, Liz reveals her hit this week! She bought two "sexy-adjacent" swimsuits, and Sarah has a bullet-journal bomb. Finally, t...

Jun 28, 201827 minEp. 59

Ep. 58: How To Make The Most Of Your Big Break

All over Los Angeles, first-time Staff Writers are starting their new jobs in the writers’ room. Liz and Sarah talk to a first-time Staff Writer on their new show The Fix: Brook Turner, their former assistant! They encourage Brook— and everyone who’s landed a big break— to hit the ground running and not be afraid to make mistakes. Then they debate Sarah’s decision to get a Flemish Giant rabbit, which Liz thinks is a disaster in the making. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack is a screenwriting M...

Jun 21, 201830 minEp. 58

Ep. 57: Dress Up To Power Up!

Dress Up To Power Up! Can Liz and Sarah up their wardrobe game? As they prepare to run their new ABC show, The Fix, they’re determined to break out of their sweats and jeans rut and Dress Like A Boss. They also check in with their former assistant, Brook Turner, for some exciting news: Brook will be the writers' assistant on The Fix! Then, sparked by a listener question, Liz and Sarah talk about mom guilt and how to release yourself from it. Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack is... use a person...

Jun 14, 201825 minEp. 57

Ep. 56: #BossGoals

Liz and Sarah discuss their Boss Goals and how they plan to run The Fix. Their philosophy? Be respectful of other people's time, be decisive, and no "metaphoric" closed doors. Then they talk to film producer turned Montana cowgirl, Jeanne Allgood Gaisford about the 40 Bags in 40 Days Decluttering Challenge. Letting go of those fancy heels you'll never wear again can be tough. Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack comes from Liz and Sarah's assistant, Mary: all people are weird! Links:The Fix: http...

Jun 07, 201831 minEp. 56

Ep. 55: Chuck Reed’s Secret To Success: No Job Too Small

Meet Happier in Hollywood's new producer, Chuck Reed! After a long and successful career in the music industry (where he worked with artists like Sting, Bono, Eminem and Dr. Dre— Liz and Sarah are only slightly intimidated), Chuck has spot-on advice for people who want to work in the music biz... or any other competitive industry. Then Sarah explains what a heavy metal detox is, why she did one, and how it's changed her health for the better. This week's Hollywood Hack: eyebrows, a.k.a. the curt...

May 31, 201834 minEp. 55

Ep. 54: The Fix Is Going To Series!

Liz and Sarah's pilot The Fix has been picked up by ABC! After a trip to New York for Upfronts, Liz and Sarah discuss why it's so important to enjoy the moment. Then they talk to Happier in Hollywood's resident transformational psychic medium, Marla Frees, about her intuitive powers -- and how she predicted that The Fix would go to series! This week's Hollywood Hack: stay ten more minutes! Finally, Liz and Sarah share the many celebrity sightings they had in New York including Roseanne Barr, Ale...

May 24, 201833 minEp. 54

Ep. 53: Get Your Butt In The Chair

After an update on the "guys" debate, Liz and Sarah talk to authors and co hosts of the podcast #AmWriting KJ Dell'antonia and Jessica Lahey about the writer's life. It doesn't matter if you're in Hollywood or in the country as long as you get your butt in the chair and your head in the game. This week's Hollywood Hack will help you land any job: state the obvious! Finally, after the unexpected death of her father this week, Sarah shares a heartwarming memory. Links:Cambridge Dictionary Definiti...

May 17, 201834 minEp. 53

Ep. 52: Trust Your Instincts

Description: As Liz and Sarah finish their ABC pilot THE FIX, they take time out to discuss why it's so important to trust your gut. Then they answer a listener question about the financial burden of being a starving artist. Their advice? Get a day job, but keep working toward your goals in the meantime. In Hits and Bombs, Sarah has a crabby bomb, and Liz has a life-altering mantra hit courtesy of Safe for Work podcast's Liz Dolan: "Strong. Calm. Kind." Finally, Sarah shares a dirty and deliciou...

May 10, 201831 minEp. 52

Ep. 51: You're In Charge Of Your Own Career

Update: Happier in Hollywood has a resident psychic -- and Liz has her to thank for a new positive attitude. Liz and Sarah discuss how to be in control of your own career. Nobody cares more about your success than you do. Then Liz and Sarah talk to co-owner of Inform Fitness Toluca Lake, Sheila Melody about the Power of Ten Workout and starting your own business after 40. (Make sure to check out Sheila's podcast Sound, Mind, & Body) Finally, Liz and Sarah's assistant Mary shares a theater-re...

May 03, 201833 minEp. 51

Ep. 50: No One Knows Anything In Hollywood — A Listener Questions Episode

Today is all about you! It’s a listener question extravaganza! What do Liz and Sarah wish they’d known when they were starting out in Hollywood? Do Liz and Sarah have any all-time favorite TV shows? Are they aware of how much they use the word "guys?" And we have multiple Hollywood Hacks all from you : Hoopla, Dear Book Hoarder candles that smell like old books, and Vivian Lou insoles! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Lea...

Apr 26, 201831 min

Ep. 49: Lessons Learned From The Vibrant Life Of Suzanne Patmore Gibbs

Liz and Sarah pay tribute to Suzanne Patmore Gibbs, the head of TriStar television, and share the many lessons they learned from her vibrant life. Then Liz and Sarah discuss their self-care getaway weekends after pilot production... and how they were sort of successful, sort of not. This week we have two Hollywood Hacks to up your selfie game: have the tallest person in the group take the selfie and use a PopSocket grip. Finally, Sarah reveals her celebrity sighting at the pet store while prepar...

Apr 19, 201827 min

Ep. 48: Pick Your Battles With ABC Studios Exec Juan Alfonso

Liz and Sarah are in post production! They discuss the crazy schedule, how they're sitting around A LOT, and the excruciating focus group testing process. In Name That Hollywood Job, ABC Studios VP of Drama Development Juan Alfonso discusses the development process. His advice to writers working with a network or studio: Don't come in with an "us vs. them" attitude. Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack comes from The Fix hair stylists Dugg Kirkpatrick and Myo Lai: Osis powder and Oribe dry textur...

Apr 12, 201834 min

Ep. 47: "Live" From The Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Liz and Sarah are on location at Hollywood Forever Cemetery! They answer a listener question about how best to support a partner going through pilot production. Then they sit down with Marcia Clark to discuss the art of collaboration -- including how it can go oh so wrong. In Name That Hollywood Job, location manager Veronique Vowell shares the creative and logistical challenges of finding just the right spot to shoot a scene. Finally, this week's non-living celebrity sightings include Johnny Ra...

Apr 05, 201839 min

Ep. 46: Liz Hasn't Showered In Days

Liz and Sarah discuss the things they AREN'T doing while making their pilot: showering, flossing, exercising, and dropping their kids off at school. Then in a new segment called "Name That Hollywood Job," Liz and Sarah interview Warner Brothers story analyst Sherry Carnes. What does Sherry look for in a script or book? Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack is all over the set of The Fix: the Lucky Cat! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/pri...

Mar 29, 201833 min

Ep. 45: Swing Sets And Stunning Couture

Liz and Sarah report on the status of their New Year's Resolutions. So far, so good -- Sarah is living sugar-freely and Liz is weighing daily! Then they dive deep into the pilot production glossary: Swing sets, story conference, and design meeting. what are the key terms to know while doing a pilot? Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack helps you look fabulous for less: Rent the Runway! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Lear...

Mar 22, 201824 min

Ep. 44: Sugar Detox And Hankering For A Hotel Bar

Liz and Sarah examine the pros and cons of doing a pilot in LA vs. out of town. Shooting in LA means they can sleep in their own beds and drop their kids off at school, but there's no hotel bar. Then Liz and Sarah talk to Certified Nutrition Consultant and New York Times best-selling author Diane Sanfilippo about how to avoid hidden sugar, eat whole foods while socializing, and prepare meals ahead of time. Are you always late? This week's Hollywood Hack can help: the Timeglass app! Finally, Liz ...

Mar 15, 201837 min

Ep. 43: Slap Happy In Hollywood

As Sarah and Liz prepare to shoot their pilot, Sarah reveals everything that’s in her set bag: snacks, keys, glasses, and even rain pants! Then Liz and Sarah check in with their assistant and pilot virgin Mary to hear what she’s learned so far during the pilot process — be meticulous about everything you write, revise the script to fit within the budget, and be aware of clearances. This week’s meal-related Hollywood Hack is efficient and prevents stress: weekly work lunch planning. To learn more...

Mar 08, 201829 min
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