Happier in Hollywood
Happier in Hollywood
The Onward Project
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.
Ep. 365: The Power Of Partnership
Liz and Sarah are asked all the time about what it’s like to be part of a team. Today they discuss the power of partnership and why it’s even more crucial to have each other during the tough times. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about why she’s glad she took Liz’s advice and showed up to a friend’s wedding. Then, in Amplify, Liz suggests listening to the MeSsy podcast, co-hosted by Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler and watching The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show on MAX. Sarah has a travel Hollywood Hack: the Airplane Pocket. Finally, this week Sarah recommends subscribing to Ply Magazine (or the niche magazine of your choice).  Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @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,’ 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, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: MeSsy podcast: MeSsymessythepodcast.com The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show trailer: JERROD CARMICHAEL REALITY SHOW Official Trailer (2024) | HDyoutube.com Airplane Pocket: Airplane Pockets Airplane Tray Table Cover | Seat Back Organizer & Storage for Personal Items | Clean, Convenient, Expandable Pockets | Sanitary Airplane Travel Essentials | Media Pouchamazon.com Ply Magazine: That yarn isn't going to spin itselfplymagazine.com Photo by Lachlan Gowen on Unsplash To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 9
28 min
Ep. 364: Be A Joiner & A Pitch Hack Round Up
Liz and Sarah talk about the benefits of joining a professional group. They get so much wisdom and support from other female showrunners who deal with the same issues that they do. In Take A Hike, Sarah reveals why she’s decided to make self-care her latest hobby. Then they offer a Pitch Hack Round up — elevate your iPad, do a run through for lighting, reframe anxiety as excitement, and more! Finally, Liz has a new reality show recommendation: The Valley on Bravo. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @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,’ 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, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Nerdwax: MICROFIBER IN CLASSIC PATTERNS FEATURING SUBTLE NODS TO NERD CULTURE ICONSnerdwax.com The Valley:  The Valley | Bravo TV Official Sitebravotv.com Photo by __ drz __ on Unsplash To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 2
27 min
Ep. 363: Liz Friedman on The Good Doctor (And Other Stuff)
Liz and Sarah talk to The Good Doctor’s Co-Showrunner, Liz Friedman, about how she approached the end of the beloved series. In Take A Hike, they discuss the nature of friendship. What is the “one essential quality” that Liz and Sarah each value in the other? This week’s Hollywood Hack makes cleaning easy: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Finally, Sarah recommends a special episode of Bluey on Disney +. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @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,’ 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, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Liz Friedman: Liz Friedman | Producer, Writer, Additional Crewimdb.com The Good Doctor: The Good Doctor (TV Series 2017–2024)  8.0 | Dramaimdb.com Mr. Clean Magic Eraser: Mr Clean Magic Eraser Original Cleaning Pads – Durable Melamine Sponges with Moofin Hand Sanitizer Dispenser - 2 Pads Magic Eraser for Walls, Floors, Kitchen Stains & Tough Messes ~ [Pack of 3]amazon.com Bluey: Bluey Official Website | Play Games, Watch Videos & More!bluey.tv To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 25
32 min
Ep. 362: The Futility Of Attachment (Or Freedom From Fretting)
Liz and Sarah talk about a Hollywood phenomenon that can be seen as positive or negative — everything changes all the time. Depending on their state of mind they call this “the futility of attachment” or “freedom from fretting.” In Take Two, Liz and Sarah share listener thoughts on True Fun, and answer a question about whether working on their novel is true fun for them. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you look more polished on Zoom — Quince Mongolian Cashmere sweaters. Then Sarah has a bonus hair Hollywood Hack — the L’Ange Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer. Finally, Liz recommends the MAX documentary series Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @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,’ 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, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS:  Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater: The $50 Cashmere Crewneck Sweaterquince.com Le Volumelangehair.com QUIET ON SET: THE DARK SIDE OF KIDS TV | Official Trailer (2024) | DOCUMENTARY| Film Threat Trailersyoutube.com Photo by Alicja Gancarz on Unsplash To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 18
25 min
Ep. 361: Boundaries & (Orange) Theories
Liz and Sarah often talk about the importance of drawing boundaries. Today they pat themselves on the back for drawing a boundary at work — but can they maintain it in the future? In Take A Hike, inspired by Liz finally trying an Orange Theory Fitness class, they discuss the benefits of doing something you’ve been putting off. Then Liz and Sarah answer a Mailroom Question about how they stay (at least somewhat) upbeat on the podcast when they’re going through tough stuff. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you read more — the Kindle Paperwhite. Finally, Sarah has an old school recommendation: Smithsonian Magazine. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @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,’ 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, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Orange Theory Fitness: Group Fitness Classes & Heart –Rate-Based Interval Trainingorangetheory.com Kindle Paperwhite: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) – Now with a larger display, adjustable warm light, increased battery life, and faster page turns – Agave Greenamazon.com Smithsonian Magazine: Explore History, Science, Arts & Culturesmithsonianmag.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 11
27 min
Ep. 360: A Special Episode: How To Be On Set
In this special episode, Liz and Sarah talk about a TV writer/producer’s role on set. Why are you there? (To help execute the Showrunner’s vision.) What should you do to prepare? (Go to lots of meetings!) What should you do during shooting? (Communicate with the director.) They also have several set Hollywood Hacks — wear layers, bring rain pants, avoid Craft Services, get a brightly colored bag, and wear Hokas! Finally, Liz recommends (again) a book by veteran Showrunner Jeff Melvoin, Running The Show: Television From The Inside.  Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @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,’ 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, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Jeff Melvoin: Jeff Melvoinjeffmelvoin.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 4
32 min
Ep. 359: Big Boo To Bake Offs!
Liz and Sarah talk about bake offs — what are they, and why do TV writers hate them? So many reasons! In Take A Hike, they talk about the art of taking compliment. Just say “thank you.” Then they give a Hit to IATSE and the Teamsters, who are in the middle of contract negotiations with the AMPTP. And Sarah gives a Bomb to electric car infrastructure. We need more chargers! This week’s Hollywood Hack will make your brows beautiful: Elf Brow Mascara. Finally, Sarah recommends the decluttering episode of the podcast Ologies, and Liz recommends Kara Swisher’s new book — Burn Book: A Tech Love Story Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @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,’ 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, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Dabble:  Dabble | Craft your Storydabblewriter.com Jill Whelan: Jill Whelan | Actress, Writer, Producerimdb.com Elf Brow Mascara: e.l.f. Clear Lash & Brow Mascara 2-Pack, Conditioning Clear Brow & Lash Gel For Grooming, Defining & Separating, Long-Lasting, Vegan & Cruelty-Freeamazon.com Ologies podcast: Oikology (DECLUTTERING) Encore with Jamie & Filip Hord + Joe FerrariOlogies with Alie Ward · March 12, 2024 Burn Book: A Tech Love Story by Kara Swisher: Burn Booksimonandschuster.com Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 28
25 min
Ep. 358: Great Expectations & True Fun
Liz and Sarah are writing the second draft of their novel, and it’s getting so much better. But now that they feel the book has the potential to be great, the pressure is on! They just have to remember that writing is rewriting. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about True Fun as defined by Catherine Price’s book The Power of Fun. This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve the look of any room — add some unexpected red! Finally, Liz recommends Masters of the Air on Apple TV.  Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @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,’ 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, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: True Fun: The Power of Fun Hubcatherineprice.com Unexpected Red: Designers say ‘unexpected red’ really works. Here’s how to use it.washingtonpost.com Masters of the Air trailer: Masters of the Air — Official Trailer | Apple TV+youtube.com Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 21
29 min
Ep. 357: Sleeping In Seattle
Liz and Sarah are back from their trip to Seattle, where they were researching a new pilot project. They discuss the many benefits of immersing themselves in research, including having ideas they never would have had at home in their offices. Plus, they both slept GREAT. In Take A Hike, they reflect on No Spend February. Sarah’s main takeaway? She needs to “store it at the store.” In Hits & Bombs, Liz and Sarah give Seattle listeners a big Hit for showing up to the HIH meet up at The Polar Bar, and they give themselves a Bomb for not having started their newsletter yet. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you get organized: the Maple App. Finally, Sarah recommends Catherine Price’s substack, “How To Feel Alive.” Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @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,’ 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, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Julia Whelan: That Voice You’re Hearing? It Might Be Hers. (Published 2022)nytimes.com Seattle’s Underground Tour: UNDERGROUND TOURundergroundtour.com The Polar Bar: The Polar Bar Seattlearcticclubhotel.com The Maple App: Maple App | Helping you keep it togethergrowmaple.com Catherine Price: Bookscatherineprice.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 14
29 min
Ep. 356: Coping With “Priority Whiplash”
Liz and Sarah talk about how they’re coping with what they call “priority whiplash.” They have to be ready to jump off one work project and onto another when opportunity arises. Next, they interview author Chelsey Goodan about her new book, Underestimated: The Wisdom And Power Of Teenage Girls. What’s the best way to give a compliment? What is the Feelings Wheel? And how should we reframe worry to keep it from becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy? This week’s Hollywood Hack is for everyone whose eyeglass bother them during Zoom meetings: Nerdwax. Finally, Liz recommends the bestselling historical novels of Kristin Hannah.  Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @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,’ 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, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Underestimated: The Wisdom And Power Of Teenage Girls by Chelsey Goodan: Chelsey Goodanchelseygoodan.com Nerdwax: Nerdwax - Original Glasses Wax - Stop Slipping Glassesnerdwax.com Kristin Hannah: Authorkristinhannah.com Photo by Charlotte Harrison on Unsplash To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 7
29 min
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