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
Liz and Sarah pride themselves on making decisions quickly — it’s a big part of being a showrunner. But sometimes it’s better NOT to make a decision until more information is available. How do they know when to be or not to be indecisive? In From The Outer Office, Liz and Sarah talk to Fantasy Island writers assistant, Kira Bennett, about her experience in the room and what it’s like to go from Zoom to IRL. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will save you money and time: nail wraps. Happier in ...
Apr 29, 2021•26 min•Ep. 207
Liz and Sarah discuss how being in a great location can impact the experience of work. Can't go to a tropical island? Try sitting in front of a window. Then in The Mailroom, they answer a question from a listener who's been this close to staffing for the last four years, but just can't get his break. In Take Two, they revisit the concept of awfulizing after they recently spent an entire dinner speculating about an upcoming call from the studio. This week's waterproof Hollywood Hack is an afforda...
Apr 22, 2021•22 min•Ep. 206
Liz and Sarah are in Puerto Rico to shoot Fantasy Island! And all of their good intentions to sleep, exercise, and eat right have gone by the wayside. Right now, they're just doing their best to keep their heads above water. In Take a Hike, they talk about the importance of taking the time to laugh -- even when there is no time. Then they face off with an L v. S-- staying in a hotel vs. an apartment while shooting on location. Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack makes working together so much ea...
Apr 15, 2021•26 min•Ep. 205
When will Fantasy Island air? What's so great about Ojai? If Liz and Sarah could change careers, what would they pick? And most importantly, what pants did Liz buy for Puerto Rico? Liz and Sarah answer these and more burning questions! Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better . Check out the other Onward Project podcasts— Happier with Gretchen Rubin , Side Hustle School , Do The Thing , an...
Apr 08, 2021•31 min•Ep. 204
Liz and Sarah discuss their recent realization that eight months ago, Fantasy Island wasn’t even on their project list— and now it’s their whole lives! If there’s one thing all of us have learned this past year it’s that we just never know what’s around the corner. Then Liz shares why “embracing the hate” has made her a better Showrunner. In Hits and Bombs, Liz gives a hit to the new book Just Work: Get Shit Done Fast & Fair , and Sarah gives herself a bomb for being scattered. This week’s H...
Apr 01, 2021•21 min•Ep. 203
Prompted by a recent unpleasant email (and Taylor Swift), Liz and Sarah discuss the fact that “haters gonna hate.” Anytime they put themselves out there — creatively or on the podcast — they’re inviting criticism. And that’s OK! In Take A Hike, they talk about why “using your team” leads to greater mental and physical health. Then they debut a brand new segment — A Day In The Life — in which they explore the daily duties of running a show. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your mo...
Mar 25, 2021•22 min•Ep. 202
Liz and Sarah often talk about one of their favorite mottos — volunteers not recruits. Today they remind themselves that as pre-production of their reboot of Fantasy Island gets more and more intense, they want to BE volunteers themselves. Enthusiasm makes the job... dare they say... FUN! In The Craft (& Fain), they talk about how to uncover “the note behind the note” in order to get more out of your notes sessions. Then Sarah gives Liz a big Hit and announces some huge life news. She’s movi...
Mar 18, 2021•22 min•Ep. 201
Liz and Sarah are celebrating the two hundredth episode of Happier In Hollywood! As they look back, they share some of the segments that have resonated most with listeners. Some favorites include “light a fire,” “volunteers not recruits,” and “choose a personal symbol.” Another stand out? “Remember the Mah Jongg card.” They also revisit their first ever Hollywood Hack — say “fuck” in a meeting. Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretche...
Mar 11, 2021•29 min•Ep. 200
As Liz and Sarah write the pilot for their reboot of Fantasy Island, they’re also feeling the pressure of getting a show off the ground after a straight-to-series pick up. Their best coping mechanism? Focus on the task at hand at any given moment. In Mailroom, they answer a listener question about the many behind-the-scenes details of making a show. This week in Hits & Bombs, Liz and Sarah give two Hits. Liz gives a Hit to the HBO Max show, It’s A Sin, about a group of friends coping with th...
Mar 04, 2021•24 min•Ep. 199
Liz and Sarah discuss the art of doing extra at work. It’s not about putting in more hours willy-nilly — you’ve got to pick your moments to make an impact. In Amplify, they talk to their former assistant turned full-time TV writer, Brook Sitgraves Turner, about Pep Packs, the charity she started for people in Los Angeles County who are recovering from Covid. Then in Take Two, Liz and Sarah share how listeners followed our Episode 194 advice to “light a fire.” This week’s Hollywood Hack soothes t...
Feb 25, 2021•28 min•Ep. 198
Liz and Sarah discuss why they compare the creative process to baking a layer cake. A script isn’t going to be rich and textured with just one layer. The goodness builds as all the different elements come together over time. And the same is true for work relationships. Give them time to develop layers. Then in The Mailroom, they answer a question from their Facebook Group about what to do when a colleague refers to a young woman as “dear.” In Hits & Bombs, Liz gives a Hit to Pretend It’s A C...
Feb 18, 2021•27 min•Ep. 197
Now that Fantasy Island is ramping up, Liz and Sarah have been having LOTS of meetings. One revelation that’s come out of all these Zoom sessions? When there’s a potentially tricky issue or point of discussion, tackle it head on! You’re going to have to talk about whatever it is eventually, so take the opportunity to show you’re not scared of any challenge. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they discuss why it’s SO IMPORTANT to set aside ego and insecurities in order to be okay with other people’...
Feb 11, 2021•27 min•Ep. 196
Liz and Sarah talk about the benefits of being “yes people” at work. One advantage? When you almost always say “yes,” your “no” means more. In Take A Hike, they discuss their recent epiphany that sometimes it’s a good idea to add another cook in the kitchen. Then Liz and Sarah give a joint Hit to Fantasy Island writers’ assistant, Kira Bennett, who delivers consistently great notes. And they give themselves a Bomb for wasting so much time and energy over the past four years on chaotic, unpleasan...
Feb 04, 2021•25 min•Ep. 195
As Liz and Sarah dive headfirst into the stress of running a show, they discuss how their motto “it’s a fun job, and we enjoy it” helps them stay sane. In Take A Hike, they talk about why we should all “light a fire” metaphorically and, in Sarah’s case, literally. Then they Amplify the novel The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett and the work of graphic novelist, Raina Telgemeier. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will help you maximize your work day: know when you’re most productive — down to the...
Jan 28, 2021•27 min•Ep. 194
Liz and Sarah have First Day of School Syndrome AND Zoom fatigue! They discuss the First Day of School challenges of adjusting to their Fantasy Island Zoom writers room— from new faces to new group dynamics to spending hours staring at a screen— and remind themselves that in a few weeks it will all feel totally normal. Then they share how they’re embracing an atmosphere of growth in a 2021 that still feels a LOT like 2020. SPOILER ALERT: Liz is committing to Dry January, and Sarah’s determined t...
Jan 21, 2021•24 min•Ep. 193
Liz and Sarah have just staffed their new show, the remake of the iconic series, Fantasy Island! They talk through the staffing process — from reading scripts to writer meetings to creating group chemistry. Their main message: If you don’t get the job, it’s not personal. In From The Outer Office, Liz and Sarah introduce their new assistant, Kimberly Chiang, who talks about what it’s like to work with people she’s never met in person. The short answer? It’s weird. This week’s Hollywood Hack has c...
Jan 14, 2021•29 min•Ep. 192
As Liz and Sarah dive into their new project — a reboot of the iconic Fantasy Island — they discuss why it’s crucial to make your own relationships at work. Yes, it takes time and energy to get to know everyone, but relationships are often the key to success. In Take A Hike, they talk about the importance of committing to taking certain days off — and then following through. Pro tip? Relaxation leads to greater productivity. In Hits & Bombs, Liz and Sarah give a Hit to their former assistant...
Jan 07, 2021•23 min•Ep. 191
Happy New Year! On the eve of 2021, Liz and Sarah reveal exciting news. They’re doing a reboot of the iconic 70’s show, Fantasy Island! They discuss the long, winding road to their straight-to-series pick up. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah share their Team Theme for 2021: Juicy Fruit! Then, in The Craft (& Fain) they talk about the (seemingly obvious) need for plot In spec scripts. This week’s Hollywood Hack will keep your spirits up through the end of the pandemic: plan a future weekend away...
Dec 31, 2020•24 min•Ep. 190
In honor of Christmas Eve, Liz and Sarah give listeners the gift of an ALL Hollywood Hacks episode. Liz shares her favorite new solution to problem of a bad Zoom background — use a card table to create a desk wherever you want one. Sarah suggests buying a bird feeder to force yourself to experience peaceful moments throughout the day. Some of their favorite Hollywood Hacks from listeners? Put Zoom links in your calendar, buy cards for every occasion in advance, and be kind to your future self wi...
Dec 24, 2020•28 min•Ep. 189
Liz and Sarah tackle the problem of gifting in the workplace. Do you gift up or down or both? They think gifting down should involve cash or gift cards, and that gifting up isn’t necessary. But for all those who DO want to give their boss a holiday treat, Sarah and Liz suggest some affordable ideas. Their favorite? Personalized mugs or hats. In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question about moving to Hollywood from abroad. They also talk about why TV is taking over movies, and whether or no...
Dec 17, 2020•28 min•Ep. 188
Liz and Sarah talk to powerhouse writing duo JaNeika and JaSheika James about their new book, Living Double: How Identical Twins Unlocked The Door To Success In Hollywood. They share what it was like to write for the mega hit show, Empire and explained why it’s important for aspiring writers to “declare themselves.” In Amplify, Liz spotlights K-Pod, a podcast about Korean American in arts and culture, hosted by her college roommate, Catherine Hong, and Juliana Sohn. This week’s Hollywood Hack wi...
Dec 10, 2020•31 min•Ep. 187
Liz and Sarah can finally reveal their latest project — an adaptation of the gripping upcoming novel, The Final Girl Support Group, by Grady Hendrix. In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question about how and why projects with great auspicious and potential sometimes turn out badly. One pitfall? Too many cooks. Then in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah discuss why it’s important to talk about “why you, why now” when you’re pitching a new project. This week’s essential Hollywood Hack will...
Dec 03, 2020•28 min•Ep. 186
Liz and Sarah discuss why it’s important to remember that nobody cares how much work you’ve put into something — the end result is all that matters. In Amplify, they shine a light on Black artists feared on the website Society6 and talk about the documentary On The Trail: Inside the 2020 Primaries, which features a diverse group of women covering the news. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah celebrate Thanksgiving by giving themselves and listeners a Gratitude Assignment: make a point of telling someb...
Nov 26, 2020•21 min•Ep. 185
Quitting a job is hard, but it can be done without burning bridges. Liz and Sarah talk to Executive Coach and host of the podcast Career Stewardship, Michael Melcher, about how to quit. One tip? Imagine how the conversation will go in advance to help keep yourself calm and professional. In Hits & Bombs, Liz gives a Hit to everyone who’s decided to start decorating for the holidays early. And Sarah gives herself a Bomb for letting Violet sleep with her for weeks on end. This week’s Hollywood ...
Nov 19, 2020•29 min•Ep. 184
Why doesn’t Liz cook? What has Sarah learned from parenting a Rebel child? How does a writer obtain IP for development? It’s the Autumn Listener Questions episode! Liz and Sarah cover everything from how to fuel creativity during a pandemic to what beverage they would each bring to a desert island (Diet Coke). We’ve entered the holiday season! If you’d like to buy a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup (with lid) for a loved one, email us at [email protected] . Cups are $2...
Nov 12, 2020•30 min•Ep. 183
Liz and Sarah discuss why it’s so important to set a group agenda before a meeting. One piece of advice if you want your group to make a good impression? Assign one person to steer the conversation back on track if necessary. In The Craft (& Fain), they reveal one of their favorite tools for writing a good pitch (or any sales document): Tell them what you’re going to say. Say it. And then tell them you said it. This week’s Hollywood Hack will provide hours of cocktail party conversation: Tak...
Nov 05, 2020•24 min•Ep. 182
Liz and Sarah share suggestions from their Facebook group about dressing up for Zoom Halloween. Their favorite idea? Be a floating head! Then they discuss a key negotiating insight they learned from Michael Melcher’s podcast, Career Stewardship — many of us accept an inferior deal because we have a dire need for closure. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah talk about how “reinstituting one thing” can help fight pandemic fatigue. Sarah is back to not eating carbs before 11am, and Liz is weighing hersel...
Oct 29, 2020•22 min•Ep. 181
Liz and Sarah discuss why they should resist the urge to create unnecessary work for themselves when they have downtime. In Mailroom, they answer a question about the behind-the-scenes of producing Happier In Hollywood. Big ups to their Executive Producer, Chuck Reed — the audio montage he cut together of their verbal bobbles shows just how needed he is! In Take Two, Liz and Sarah revisit the subject of “dissent collars” inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Turns out LOTS of listeners have their own...
Oct 22, 2020•28 min•Ep. 180
Liz and Sarah discuss how to rekindle their creative fire after stepping away from a project for over four months. Then they talk to former professional poker player and decision making expert, Annie Duke, about how to make better choices. Their favorite take away? Stop resulting! This week’s Hollywood Hack makes it easy to share expenses with friends: Splitwise! A listener wrote it to tell us it works seamlessly with another recent Hollywood Hack — Venmo. If you want to order a Happier In Holly...
Oct 15, 2020•31 min•Ep. 179
