Explore every episode of the podcast Happier in Hollywood
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 466: 10 Things We Don’t Feel Bad About Anymore | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:30:23 | |
Liz and Sarah are entering Phase Two of working on their novel, Bad Trip. Next up? They have a plan to be done tracking each character through the story by the end of May. In Take A Hike, they each share a list of ten things they don’t feel bad about anymore. Sarah doesn’t feel bad about not being married, and Liz doesn’t feel bad about the gap between her front teeth. This week’s Hollywood Hack will make it easier to dance at weddings this summer — bring along a pair of crocs that match your outfit to fancy parties. Finally, Sarah recommends Serial’s latest podcast, The Idiot.
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com and Sarah’s Chickening Out Substack at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. They’ll come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, ’S please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS: Paramount Writers Mentoring Program: https://www.paramount.com/writers-mentoring-program
The Idiot podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chapter-1/id1884735227?i=1000757399130 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 465: Help! We Need Book Therapy! | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:26:37 | |
Liz and Sarah talk to their thriller writing mentor and book therapist, best-selling author Greer Hendricks, about how to approach tense and point of view in their work-in-progress novel, Bad Trip. Their biggest takeaway? There’s no one right answer. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help with those high gas prices: the Gas Buddy app. Plus, Liz had a major celebrity sighting at the iconic Mexican restaurant Casa Vega — rock star John Mellencamp. Finally, Liz recommends the Oscar-winning short film, The Singers, on Netflix.
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It’ll come right to your inbox!
Sign up for Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter Chickening Out at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. It’ll come right to your inbox!
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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. If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS: Greer Hendricks:
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen:
Greer’s Substack — Sincerely, Greer: https://substack.com/@sincerelygreer
Gas Buddy:
John Mellencamp’s Pink Houses video; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOfkpu6749w
The Singers trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHkfy0GIwTE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 464: Meet Our Pitch Coach! | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:33:23 | |
Liz and Sarah sit down with their amazing pitch coach, Jordana Oberman, to talk about how to create and deliver a pitch that will actually sell. One piece of advice? Lead with theme and emotion. Save plot for later. Also — practice, practice, practice. This week Sarah has a Hollywood Adjacent/Ojai Hack for her fellow gardeners — use Vego Garden seed trays and Happy Frog potting soil. Finally Sarah recommends the delightful novel, The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion, by Fannie Flagg.
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com and Sarah’s Chickening Out Substack at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. They’ll come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, ’S please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS: Jordana Oberman: https://www.jordanaoberman.com/
Vego Garden Germination Cell Bundle: https://www.vegogarden.com/products/standard-1020-germination-cell-bundle
Happy Frog potting soil:
The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion:
Fannie Flagg: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fannie_Flagg
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 463: Doubling Down On Our Novel Deadline! | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:27:03 | |
Liz and Sarah finally have some momentum on their novel, Bad Trip, about a group of friends who travel to Peru to do ayahuasca. And they’re vowing to finish the new break by April 1. In Take A Hike, Sarah shares why using social media comparisons has made her happier. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they talk about why it’s such a good idea to think up scenes you want to see. This week’s Hollywood Hack will get you to use that massage gift certificate you’ve held onto for years — don’t hoard self-care. Finally, Liz recommends the movie Is This Thing On?
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It’ll come right to your inbox!
Sign up for Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter Chickening Out at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. It’ll come right to your inbox!
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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: Is This Thing On? trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4jx0Xgc_Pc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 462: Begone Inner Censor! | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:27:19 | |
Liz and Sarah have decided to confront their inner censors! One way to free their minds? Natalie’s Goldberg’s daily ten minute writing practice. In Take A Hike, Liz explains why her recent visit to New York City made her realize everyone should take a solo trip — even if it’s just a day trip. In Take Two, they revisit the subject of Verticals. There are many opinions! This week’s Hollywood Hack is a mind shift that’s good for the environment and not accumulating clutter: Add the word “refuse” to “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Finally, Sarah recommends So Far Gone by Jess Walter.
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com and Sarah’s Chickening Out Substack at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. They’ll come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, ’S please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS: Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg:
Writing Down the Bones: 60 Cards to Free the Writer Within
Nome Schoolhouse:
So Far Gone by Jess Walter: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 461: Ebbs, Flows, & “Sheetography” | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:32:55 | |
Liz and Sarah discuss the ebb and flow of Hollywood. Careers here can die and then come back to life bigger than ever. Then they talk to Intimacy Coordinators Ariel Leigh Cohen and Morgan Smith about what an intimacy coordinator does, how it saves money for production, and the definition of “sheetography.” This week’s Hollywood Hack is a must for uncomfortable shoes — ZenToes. Finally, Liz recommends the new HBO show DTF St. Louis, starring Jason Bateman and Linda Cardellini. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It’ll come right to your inbox!
Sign up for Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter Chickening Out at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. It’ll come right to your inbox!
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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: Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg:
Faking It with Ariel and Morgan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faking-it-with-ariel-and-morgan/id1840746869?i=1000751371933
ZenToes:
Foot Glide:
DTF St. Louis trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1XHd5rIvmY See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 460: The Inside Board Is Everything | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:27:10 | |
Liz and Sarah recently learned the concept of an “Inside Board.” From now on, whenever they run a show they’ll be forming one. In Take A Hike, they share how a listener turning Sarah on to a fiber center in North Dakota made them realize the value of leaning into Niche Nirvana. A recent visit with American writer Fannie Flagg led to this week’s The Craft (& Fain) — ask yourself “who are you writing for?” Fannie Flagg is also the source of the Hollywood Hack: To figure out structure, clip scenes to a clothesline and move them around. Finally, Sarah recommends the book Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy by Mary Roach.
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com and Sarah’s Chickening Out Substack at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. They’ll come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, ’S please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS: Nome Schoolhouse:
Fannie Flagg: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fannie_Flagg
Fried Green Tomatoes by Fannie Flagg:
Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy by Mary Roach: https://amzn.to/4r5ngvU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 459: The Cat Is Dead, But Verticals Are Alive! | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:37:13 | |
Liz and Sarah got news that their Netflix pilot isn’t moving forward, and they expected to be devastated… but they’re totally and completely fine. Why??? Next they talk to writer Shelby Farrell about Verticals, the newish form of entertainment that’s exploding all over the world. What are they, who makes them, and what do you do if you want to write one? This week’s Hollywood Hack will give you back many hours of your life: The Brick. Finally, Liz recommends a powerful and compelling new book — Unspeakable Things: Silence, Shame, and the Stories We Choose to Believe by Brooke Nevils.
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It’ll come right to your inbox!
Sign up for Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter Chickening Out at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. It’ll come right to your inbox!
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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:
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg:
Shelby Farrell’s Flipping the Screen: Intro to Vertical Scripts: https://forms.gle/a8Sj9xWDRWvt7yqE6
The Brick: https://getbrick.app/products/the-brick
Unspeakable Things: Silence, Shame, and the Stories We Choose to Believe by Brooke Nevils: https://amzn.to/4tZCyVZ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 458: Find The Fun & The 80% Promise Method | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:38:26 | |
Lately, Liz and Sarah are finding the fun in their work, and today they break down the reasons why — setting priorities, taking ownership, embracing adventure, and more. In Career Lessons With Laverne, they talk to Career Coach Laverne McKinnon about The 80% Promise Method, and how it helps build the confidence you need to get something done. This week’s Hollywood Hack falls under the subheading of “Ojai Hack” — the Knitpatch. Finally, Sarah recommends the podcast Beth’s Dead.
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com and Sarah’s Chickening Out Substack at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. They’ll come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, ’S please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS: Laverne McKinnon: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/
Laverne’s Moonshot Lab: https://laverne-mckinnon.mykajabi.com/the-moonshot-lab
Knitpatch:
Beth’s Dead podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beths-dead/id1842968648?i=1000734116361
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 457: Community V. Engagement & Working Outside | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:28:36 | |
Lately, Liz and Sarah have been loving their work community! From the HIH Facebook Group to the Killer Bee Zoom Work Hours and Live BTS: Working Lunches on Substack, they feel buoyed by being around other people — even if it’s virtual. In HIH WFH, they discuss the value of creating an outdoor workspace. Then they give a joint Hit to the WGA Moms Facebook Group, and a joint Bomb to the latest Apple iOS update. This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your email communication — break up your paragraphs to make them easier for the reader to digest. Finally, Liz recommends Half His Age by Jenette McCurdy.
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It’ll come right to your inbox!
Sign up for Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter Chickening Out at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. It’ll come right to your inbox!
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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: The Nature Fix by Florence Williams:
Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 456: Don’t Water Dead Roses | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:29:51 | |
Liz and Sarah have turned in another draft of their pilot to Netflix, which means once again they’re in a suspended “Schroedinger’s Cat” state. For now, they’re going to assume the cat is alive and well! In Take A Hike, they discuss their new favorite aphorism — Don’t water dead roses. It reminds them to put their energy where it can actually make a difference. They also answer a fun Mailroom question about their favorite duos. Liz’s is Laverne and Shirley. Sarah’s is cheese and crackers because of her dogs Cheesy Feet and Crackers. This week’s Hollywood Hack smells delightful — the Veuve Cliquot candle. Finally, Sarah recommends the app DramaBox. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com and Sarah’s Chickening Out Substack at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. They’ll come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, ’S please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS: Denitra Letrice on Threads: @denitraletrice
Veuve Cliquot candle:
Tequila Corrido: https://ilovetequilacorrido.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorhL8_yxp5wzt54x1vBrSPE1UIf0T7ScprkQ5PZKx4ygACLxXCn
DramaBox: https://www.dramaboxdb.com/movie/42000003486/kissing-the-wrong-brother
Reel Short:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 455: Remix ‘26 & Zen Gardening | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:25:02 | |
Liz and Sarah are happy to report that a feeling of positivity (at least regarding their life in Hollywood) has descended upon them in 2026. So far the evidence is just anecdotal, but it feels like things are getting better! And in a recent meeting, actor Joy Bryant offered a perfect 2026 slogan — Remix ‘26! In The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share their inclination to protect characters and how it (negatively) impacts storytelling. Don’t do it! Then, in Take A Hike, Sarah explains how she realized that gardening is her meditation practice. (Is Liz’s listening to Real Housewives podcasts?) This week’s Hollywood Hack is so obvious and yet many of us didn’t know about it — schedule your texts. Finally, Liz recommends the comedy special Robby Hoffman: Wake Up on Netflix.
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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: Joy Bryant: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0117146/
Robby Hoffman: Wake Up trailer: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lTpP-tU_p7c
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 454: Hollywood Hack Jackpot! | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:26:50 | |
Hacks, hacks, and more hacks! Liz and Sarah have been saving up Hollywood Hacks, and today they reveal them all! Looking for an inexpensive Chardonnay? Tired of carrying around your laptop? From Sarah’s new food dehydrator to the personalized candle holders Liz is lusting after, there’s something for everyone. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, ’S please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS: Sous vide immersion circulator:
Food dehydrator Psiidan:
Kirkwood Signature Chardonnay at Costco:
Rhode Pocket Blush:
Il Makiage Power Camo Redness Defense Primer Treatment:
Bandolier: https://www.bandolierstyle.com/products/remi-magnet-wallet-crossbody-phone-case-black-gold
Bandolier AirPod Case:
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad:
Effing Candle Co:
Personalized Candle Holders:
Curifurn Collapsible Rain Barrel:
Marley’s Monsters Bowl Covers:
Honeycomb Luxury Bamboo Toilet Paper: honeycombluxury.com/products/honeycomb-eco-friendly-toilet-tissue-24-rolls-box
Hydro Flask Micro Bottle:
Miss Mary of Sweden Bras:
Forme Power Bra:
Vibration Plate:
Weighted Vest:
Sarah’s Chickening Out Substack: https://happierinhollywood.substack.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 453: Go Behind The Scenes With Liz & Sarah! | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:26:27 | |
Liz and Sarah discuss their recent ChexMix ‘26 at the Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai. They covered everything from how to tackle getting a draft of their novel finished to prioritizing their 2026 slate to the possibility of getting into microdramas. Next: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to collaborate on a creative project? Now you can find out! In The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah reveal a new feature they’re offering on Substack — BTS: Working Lunch. Every week, they’ll go live to let viewers drop in while they work on various projects. It may not be pretty, but it’s real! Next, in the Mailroom, they answer a question about why it seems like fewer shows are being greenlit. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from Liz and Sarah’s amazing manager, Dianne Fraser: Easy Plant. Finally, Liz recommends the hotel bar and restaurant at the new El Roblar in Ojai.
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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!
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
LINKS: Emerald Iguana Inn: https://www.emeraldiguana.com/
Easy Plant:
El Roblar: https://theroblar.com/dining-experiences/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 452: Buying In & Chickening Out | 08 Jan 2026 | 00:29:54 | |
Liz and Sarah discuss what they learned about New Hollywood in 2025 and how those lessons are impacting their approach to 2026. The key? Buy in! In Take Two, Liz grills Sarah about her Year of No Buying. How did it go? Is she still an overbuyer? In Hits & Bombs, Liz gives a Hit to Sarah for introducing her to the wonders of Legend Planner, and Sarah gives a Hit to Violet for her skill at gift-giving. This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your shower experience — Kitsch shampoo and conditioner bags. Finally, Sarah has an exciting recommendation related to her plan to roast a chicken every week in 2026 — her new Substack newsletter Chickening Out.
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS: Legend Planner: https://amzn.to/4ssHNww
Kitsch Bar Shampoo & Conditioner: https://amzn.to/4pqAB1c
Kitsch Bar Soap Saver Bags: https://amzn.to/4sqJNW5
Chickening Out Substack: https://happierinhollywood.substack.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 451: ChexMix ‘26 — Looking Back & Looking Forward | 01 Jan 2026 | 00:27:51 | |
Liz and Sarah are continuing their tradition of Roar ‘24 and Hive ‘25 with ChexMix ‘26. In a few days, they’ll spend the night at the Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai and plot the next year of their career. Also? They’ll drink wine. In Take A Hike, they each share a new practice for 2026. Inspired by the book I Remember by Joe Brainard, Liz is going to record memories about her beloved dad. Sarah is going to roast a chicken every week — and use items from her own garden to season it! Next, in Take Two, Sarah shares what she’s learned about her algorithm after their recent Alter Your Algorithm Challenge. This week’s Hollywood Hack is pure whimsy: Hinge Heads. Finally Liz recommends the new season of Vanderpump Rules on Bravo.
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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: Emerald Iguana Inn: https://www.emeraldiguana.com/
I Remember by Joe Brainard:
Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell:
Unraveling by Peggy Orenstein:
Hinge Heads: Mushrooms: https://amzn.to/4pXnwh4 Chickens:https://amzn.to/4983t8c
Vanderpump Rules Season 12 trailer: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oKgvwAFpHTE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 450: Celebrating 450 Episodes! | 25 Dec 2025 | 00:30:26 | |
Liz and Sarah are celebrating 450 episodes of Happier In Hollywood by sharing listeners’ favorite takeaways (and a few of their own). Some winners? Volunteers not recruits. People succeed in groups. Show up as yourself. And everyone’s favorite “get to steppin’” story from friend-of-the-pod Nichelle Tramble Spellman. Also Liz manages to squeeze in a bonus recommendation — Heated Rivalry on HBO Max.
Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS: Lizness School podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lizness-school/id1775855173?i=1000724051123
Hard As Hoof: https://amzn.to/3MNqE0c
Giftful: https://giftful.com/
Ojai Olive Oil Company: https://ojaioliveoil.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqbhG3DkQfiymLw1jcSSBpV9fH5oOg0hxWjQ37jq7JFiRuH0yn9
Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil:
Fearless Negotiating: The Wish-Want-Walk Method to Reaching Solutions That Work by Michael Donaldson:
Heated Rivalry trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKO26odltss See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 449: Winter 2025 Listener Questions! | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:32:09 | |
Liz and Sarah dive into the Mailroom with an all listener questions episode! What are their top tips for making sure your voice is heard in a meeting? Would Liz rather be a Traitor or a Faithful? Where in the world does Sarah most want to shoot a show? What do they think about the sale of WBD? They answer all these questions and many more! Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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: A Man on the Inside Season Two trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6UXdDbuNFc The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman: Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller: How to Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast: Squid Game: The Challenge Season Two trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ4D7HA7Ov4 War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy: Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel: Simon Haisell’s Footnotes and Tangents: https://footnotesandtangents.substack.com We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade by Elyse Arons: https://amzn.to/4j2mxtl Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/hollywood/ #rulapod #ad See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 448: Be The Killer Bee | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:37:42 | |
Before Liz and Sarah dive into the episode, Liz shares the sad news of her dad’s recent death and thanks listeners for the outpouring of love and support. Then they talk about their Team Theme for 2026 and how they want it to relate to this year’s theme but also be more aggressive. They land on “Be the Bee,” and their symbol is the Killer Bee. In The Mailroom, they answer a layered question about whether or not too much pressure is put on new writers to deliver stellar spec pilot scripts. This week’s Hollywood Hack is to have multiples of certain items — including phone chargers, scissors, and reading glasses. Finally Liz recommends I Love LA on HBO Max. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Jack Craft obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansascity/name/jack-craft-obituary?id=60219609
I Love LA trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnBAmvw_Yow See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 447: Networking Up: It’s Scary! (Do It Anyway) | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:29:36 | |
Executive Coach and Friend of the Pod Michael Melcher joins Sarah to discuss the benefits of networking up. Making connections with higher ups is intimidating but worth it! Michael stays on as Guest Host to discuss the idea of an Admin Night— which is, essentially, a group Power Hour. Then, in Take Two, they discuss their current personal canaries in a coal mine. This week’s Hollywood Hack is Slidelock Carabiners! Finally, Sarah recommends the novel Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel and Simon Haisell’s accompanying Slow Read. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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: Michael Melcher: https://m2leaders.com/team/michael-melcher/
Your Invisible Network, by Michael Melcher:
Slidelock Carabiners:
Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel:
Simon Haisell’s Footnotes and Tangents: https://footnotesandtangents.substack.com
Photo by Thomas Le on Unsplash
https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 446: Thanksgiving Listener Hacks Bonanza! | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:30:20 | |
Happy Thanksgiving! Liz and Sarah share a veritable cornucopia of practical hacks from listeners. Some faves? Use a hotel room pants hanger to clip the curtains closed. Put whitening mouthwash in your water flosser. Attach a house key to your dog’s leash. And so many more!
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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
Luggage Strap: https://amzn.to/4r8kxD8
Plug-in Night Light: https://amzn.to/49rzIRM
Expo Markers: https://amzn.to/4icUQO2
Contact Lenses Cases: https://amzn.to/47Zo4uP
Satin Pillow Case: https://amzn.to/43D7LCH
Asobu Cold Brew Maker: https://amzn.to/47FiAqm
Cold Brew Pitcher: https://amzn.to/4iaZj3B
Rolling Cart: https://amzn.to/49JE9HR
Whimsical Binder Clips: https://amzn.to/4r4s2uY
Dryer Sheets: https://amzn.to/3JEDNYo
Roomba: https://amzn.to/3LNLFY4
Tackle Box: https://amzn.to/43yHghN
Whitening Moutwash: https://amzn.to/3LEDygB
Grooming Kit (for the car): https://amzn.to/4roSEar
VFM No Show Footie Sock: https://amzn.to/49Ps43G
Hulken Bag: https://amzn.to/4r1HiIY
Universal Fit Car Gap Filler: https://amzn.to/4oKSTKS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 445: Fighting The War Of Attrition | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:32:20 | |
Every episode, Liz and Sarah refer to winning the “war of attrition.” Today they discuss concrete ways to get IN that war — you can’t win if you’re not in the fight! In Career Lessons With Laverne, they talk to career coach extraordinaire, Laverne McKinnon, about how to handle someone being incredibly rude. This week’s Hollywood Hack is for pet owners — Paw Inspired reusable crate liners/pee pads. Finally, Sarah recommends Burn It Down by Maureen Ryan. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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! Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
LINKS: Jen Grisanti:
Carole Kirschner: https://www.carolekirschner.com/
Jordana Oberman: https://www.jordanaoberman.com/
Moonshot Mentor: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/
Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood by Maureen Ryan: https://amzn.to/3LUIiyx See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 444: HIH 2025 Gift Guide! | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:26:12 | |
‘Tis the season for gift giving! Liz and Sarah share their favorite gifts of 2025 — everything from a Hori Hori Knife to a Hot Potato Shock Game to Sarah’s new favorite hair product. Also? Here’s a special link for anyone who wants to give the gift of an Annual Happier In Hollywood Substack subscription — it includes 10% off and a free “It’s a Fun Job” tote bag! https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/4153e071
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS: Happier In Hollywood Annual Subscription & “It’s a Fun Job” tote bag (Available until Jan. 5, 2026): https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/4153e071
Roadom Portable CD Player:
Shiatsu Back, Shoulder, and Neck Massager:
LitONES: https://amzn.to/43XXvF4
Aura Frame: https://amzn.to/47QYRTt
Hot Potato Shock Game: https://amzn.to/488FdCH
Left Right Center Game: https://amzn.to/3Xj4pRE
Ice Breaker Jenga Game: https://amzn.to/49HRUGJ
Juliska Isabella Acrylic Small Tumbler — https://amzn.to/3WGhjJk Juliska Amalia Acrylic Wine Glass — https://amzn.to/43XWPzw
Malin+Goetz Candle (Leather): https://amzn.to/3Lv3hYF
HiLife Portable Steamer: https://amzn.to/3JQFrWH
Crocs Slides: https://amzn.to/488J16X
Northface Women’s Aconcagua Park:
Greenstalk Inventor’s Bundle
Personalized Harvest Basket https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/gardeners-harvest-basket?_br_psugg_q=harvest%2Bbasket
Cook’s Illustrated https://www.americastestkitchen.com/cooksillustrated
Good Things, by Samin Nosrat
Hori hori knife:
Swiss Army knife:
Feeding Ghosts, by Tessa Hulls: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Memoir
Colored Television by Danzy Senna:
Elsa Peretti Heart Bookmark from Tiffany: (80 dollars)
Hair towel: https://amzn.to/3LlK8bF
Speks geode magnetic fidget toy:
Color WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray:
Jisulife Hand Held Minifan:
Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer:
KIVA: https://www.kiva.org/
HIH 2024 Gift Guide: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happier-in-hollywood/id1236845161?i=1000676607073 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 443: How To Be Pitch Perfect | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:26:29 | |
Liz and Sarah have SO MANY pitches coming up! They decided to hire Pitch Coach, Jordana Oberman, to help them up their game. And they’re so glad they did. In Take A Hike, Sarah shares why a recent L.A. Zoo outing with Violet reminded her to talk to strangers. Then Sarah gives Violet a Hit for getting Sarah to go to concerts, and Liz gives herself a Bomb for bailing on an event last minute. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from Liz’s ongoing search for the perfect Zoom lighting — LitONES Model F630 desk lamps. Finally, Sarah recommends the new Louise Penny book, The Black Wolf. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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! Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you athttps://www.rula.com/hollywood #rulapod LINKS: Jordana Oberman: https://www.jordanaoberman.com/
Eloise the Orangutan: Https://youtu.be/0xdY3Fzu5vo?si=px4XIBg6kRkbOHPy
All the Way to the River: Love, Loss and Liberation by Elizabeth Gilbert:
LitONES Model 630 desk lamps:
The Black Wolf by Louise Penny: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 442: Sucking It Up | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:27:56 | |
After a recent rude encounter related to one of their projects, Liz and Sarah talk about how sometimes you just have to suck it up. (Being able to see your own facial expression on Zoom helps!) In honor of Halloween, they share their personal horror stories and discuss why it’s good to laugh at yourself. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they explore what you want your sample script to show about your skills as a TV writer. This week’s Hollywood Hack is affordable and comfortable — H & M Wide-Leg Joggers. Finally, Liz recommends the documentary series The Last Wright: Building the Final Home Design of America’s Greatest Architect on HBO Max. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS: H & M Wide-Leg Joggers: https://www2.hm.com/en_us/search-results.html?q=women%27s%20wide-leg%20joggers
The Last Wright trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMsHoavzs8Y See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 441: More Notes & Celebrating Steps Along The Way | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:28:06 | |
Recently Liz and Sarah discussed how the rubber was meeting the road on their Netflix pilot. They were sure they were done with the notes process and were now awaiting some kind of yay or nay on the project. But they were wrong! They’re getting more notes, a reminder that predicting the future in Hollywood is impossible. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about how making a meal from her garden made her realize it’s important to celebrate steps along the way. Next they answer a Mailroom Question from a listener who does NOT enjoy being inundated by Substack newsletters. This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your pictures — use the Clean Up feature in Apple photos. Finally, Sarah recommends An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace by Tamar Adler. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra 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: GreenStalk Garden:
Orange Theory Fitness: https://www.orangetheory.com/en-us
An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 440: Pitch Decks & Meeting IRL | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:31:09 | |
Liz and Sarah talk about how they approach constructing pitch decks — finding the perfect photo is Sarah’s superpower! In Take A Hike, they discuss why it’s so important to take the time to meet people in person. Not only is it fun, it makes working together so much easier. Then they share moments of Disproportionate Joy from listeners and share a couple of their own. This week’s Hollywood Hack helps transform a non-work space into a workspace for all of you floor-sitters: a foldable coffee table. Finally, Liz and Sarah recommend the 1987 movie Baby Boom starring the late, great Diane Keaton. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Clues by Sam game:
Foldable Coffee Table:
Meditation Seat:
Baby Boom trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdzKN8T0c_Q See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep 439: Pitch Prep & Define Your Eras | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:30:35 | |
Liz and Sarah delve into one of the key aspects of prepping for a TV pitch— the questions and answers that follow your presentation. Pro tip? Be ready to drill down on tone. In Take A Hike, inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album, they talk about why it can be helpful to define your eras. What do you want your next era to be? Next, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share their favorite takeaways from their slow read of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. This week they have two Hollywood Hacks — try using a steering wheel desk and always wear the same outfit to travel. Finally, Sarah recommends Richard Osman’s new Thursday Murder Club book, The Impossible Fortune. 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:
The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift: Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott:
EcoNour steering wheel desk:
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 438: Convergence & The Control Your Algorithm Challenge | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:26:37 | |
Liz and Sarah have been pingponging around on various projects for months. Now several of their projects are converging, and it’s controlled chaos! In Take A Hike, they issue the Control Your Algorithm October Challenge. Stop doomscrolling and get more good in your feed! Next, Liz and Sarah introduce their brand new segment — Disproportionate Joy. Sarah’s getting joy from Violet’s new swim meet times and Liz is giddy about certain members of her Survivor Fantasy League. This week’s Hollywood Hack will save you money AND is good for the environment: Shop your favorite brand’s secondhand section. Finally, Liz recommends Lena Dunham’s Substack newsletter, Good Thing Going. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Legend Planner:
Clare V Le Resale:
Patagonia Worn Wear: https://wornwear.patagonia.com
Apiece Apart Archive: https://archive.apieceapart.com/
Lululemon: https://likenew.lululemon.com/
Eileen Fisher Renew: https://www.eileenfisherrenew.com/
The North Face Renewed: https://www.thenorthfacerenewed.com
Levi’s Secondhand: https://www.secondhand.levi.com/
Lena Dunham’s Good Thing Going newsletter: https://goodthinggoing.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips
Photo by Lance Grandahl on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 437: The Curse Of Hearing Good Things & Pivoting | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:31:06 | |
Liz and Sarah are hearing a trickle of good things about their pilot script, which means… absolutely nothing. They discuss how to regulate their nervous systems and keep expectations low while the waiting continues. Then, in Career Lessons With Laverne, they talk to their favorite career coach, Laverne McKinnon, about how to know when it’s time to pivot in your career. One helpful tip? Recognize the difference between instinct and intuition. This week’s Hollywood Hack is for anyone getting professional photos taken: Bring the photographer examples of poses you like. Finally, Sarah recommends the books of British TV writer, Anthony Horowitz, including Magpie Murders and The Word is Murder. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. 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!
Laverne McKinnon: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/
Allie Coyle Photography: http://alliecoylephotography.com/category/allie-coyle-photography/
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz:
The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz:
Photo by Aserusainhuu on Unsplash
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 436: Do Or Die Time | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:26:41 | |
Liz and Sarah are waiting for a reaction to the latest draft of their Netflix pilot, and this is when the rubber hits the road. Either something good will happen… or the project will be dead. Wish them luck! In Take A Hike, Sarah shares Finch, a self-care app that’s been making her (and Violet) happier. Who doesn’t love to tend a virtual pet “birb?” Then in The Craft (& Fain), they discuss one of their favorite subjects — giving and getting notes. Remember— listen and be gentle! This week’s Hollywood Hack has transformed Sarah’s gardening experience: the GreenStalk Virtual Planter. Finally Liz recommends the memoir Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Finch:
GreenStalk Vertical Planter: https://greenstalkgarden.com/products/inventors-bundle-blackberry-basic-texture
Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 435: TV Pitches & An Epic Mahjong Journey | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:28:09 | |
Liz and Sarah discuss the process of writing a new TV pitch and explain why it takes so damn long to get one done. In Take A Hike, they share listener Brandy’s HIH inspired Mahjong journey which exemplifies choosing the bigger life and so many other happiness boosting principles. Then Liz and Sarah vent about their frustration with printers in HIH WFH (Work From Home). This week’s Hollywood Hack will make your house smell good: the Malin & Goetz leather candle. Finally Sarah recommends “Cooking for Levi” on Threads. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com.
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!
Brandy’s mahjong site:
Malin & Goetz leather candle:
Cooking for Levi: @cookingforlevi
Photo by Jing Bo Wang on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 434: AI Images & Living Vicariously | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:28:57 | |
Liz and Sarah talk about how a recent survey from the WGA prompted them to try using AI to make images for their latest pitch deck. In Take A Hike, they recommend “living vicariously.” They are absolutely living vicariously through Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, and they are loving it! Next, Sarah and Liz give a Hit to the new NYT game, Pips, and a Bomb to the same game for being hard to figure out the first time. The solution? Sarah teaches Liz how to play live on the podcast! Liz wishes she’d had this week’s Hollywood Hack earlier in the summer: a self-tanning mitt. Finally, Liz recommends the fascinating new podcast Unicorn Girl.
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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below. https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/
Mr. Seifert and Miss Barker get engaged: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfIYDqSvnb0
Self-Tanning Mitt:
Sally Hansen Body Makeup:
Unicorn Girl podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unicorn-girl/id1813180252?i=1000721964497 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 433: Batching & Birthday Celebrations | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:28:13 | |
Inspired by recent conversations with other Content Creators, Liz and Sarah talk about their determination to start “batching,” especially when it comes to all of their non-TV work. In Take A Hike, Sarah reveals why planning a celebration for her recent birthday has made her happier. Spoiler alert: fondue is involved. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they share listener Kayla’s advice to drastically lower their daily goals as they work on their novel. This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your puzzling: The NYT Games app. Finally, Sarah recommends the memoir How To Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast
Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com.
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!
Stay In LA:
The Melting Pot: https://www.meltingpot.com/thousand-oaks-ca/
How To Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast:
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 432: Make A Laugh List & Councilman Nazarian on Bringing Back Production | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:31:02 | |
Liz and Sarah talk to L.A. City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian about what he’s doing to bring production back to Los Angeles — including tax incentives, an easier permit process, and ending price gouging for crew parking. Then, in Take A Hike, Sarah shares why we should all make a Laugh List. This week Liz has a Hit for her recent experience getting blood drawn, and Sarah has a Bomb for the price of dry cleaning. This week’s Hollywood Hack is perfect for the end of summer: the Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker. Finally, Liz recommends two dating reality shows on Netflix — Perfect Match Season 3 and Love is Blind UK Season 2. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Councilmember Adrin Nazarian: https://cd2.lacity.gov/about/Adrin-Nazarian
Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker:
Dash Heart Waffle Maker:
Perfect Match Season 3 trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBjXB_l6GMo
Love is Blink UK Season 2 trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIHBRA4qoMA See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 431: Navigating New Hollywood With Tepper | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:34:22 | |
Liz and Sarah talk to social media star Kristen Tepper about navigating Hollywood from the point of view of a writer who’s kicking ass and making a name for herself while working toward her first big break as a screenwriter. How did she get her current job as a Showrunner’s assistant? How should reluctant writers approach the use of social media? Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they talk about why you can’t game the system — no matter how much you’d like to. This week’s Hollywood Hack (inspired by Liz’s recent closet purge) comes from listener Laurie: try the clothing swap app Lucky Sweater. Finally, Sarah recommends the (very dark) podcast Root of Evil. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com.
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!
Tepper Talks on Substack:
Hollywood Hang podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hollywood-hang/id1805490059
Lucky Sweater:
Root of Evil podcast: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 430: Feeling Invigorated & Oh Sh*t Moments | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:23:32 | |
Liz and Sarah discuss feeling invigorated by the new slate of projects they’re working on. Right now they’re basking in a creative bubble — the hard part comes later. In The Craft (& Fain), they share wisdom from one of their favorite producers, Michael Goldstein — to make a TV pitch land with executives, the Pilot and Season One should each have two or three “oh shit” moments. Next, Liz and Sarah announce The First Five, a new Substack offering in which they critique the First Five pages of scripts from annual subscribers. This week’s Hollywood Hack is inspired by Sarah’s journey into gardening — the Vigoro 3-tier stackable planter. Then Sarah shares a recent Celebrity Sighting. She and Violet saw Megan and Yoonchae from the group Katseye in the audience at the Blackpink concert. Finally, Liz recommends the book Wild West Village by Lola Kirke.
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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Michael Goldstein: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0326285/
The First Five:
Vigoro Stackable Planter:
“Gnarly” video by Katseye: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2-yomhYAj4
Wild West Village by Lola Kirke: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 429: When Our Job Interferes With Our Career | 31 Jul 2025 | 00:24:38 | |
Liz and Sarah talk about how lately their job has been interfering with their career. So many Zooms! They realize that the new Hollywood definitely has its own learning curve. In Take A Hike, they discuss how watching Brook do an amazing pitch made them appreciate the joy of mentorship. Then they Amplify late poet Andrea Gibson’s “Love Letter From the Afterlife.” This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you organize your closet: a foldable step stool. Plus, Liz had a WNBA Celebrity Sighting — Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova. Finally, Sarah recommends Homeschooling 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started.
Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com.
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!
Brook Sitgraves Turner: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8223801/
Andrea Gibson’s “Love Letter From the Afterlife”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmZHLvq-gDg
Closet Stool: https://amzn.to/4lTn4hM
Candace Parker: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candace_Parker
Anna Petrakova: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Petrakova
Homeschooling 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homeschool-101-EBook-13953504
Photo by Indrajeet Choudhary on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 428: Summer 2025 Listener Questions Episode! | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:32:12 | |
Liz and Sarah are answering Listener Questions! How common are writing teams? If they weren’t writers, what other Hollywood job would they like to try? How do they deal with burnout? Has Liz been to Sarah’s house in Minnesota? They answer these questions and many more — Sarah even lists all of her twenty pets! Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search
Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo Piazza: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 427: Don’t Delete & More Crying At Work | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:25:54 | |
Liz and Sarah talk about why it’s important never to delete anything substantial. They never know when they’re going to want to put something back into a document. It happens! In Take A Hike, Sarah shares why being at her lake house in Minnesota made her realize it’s important to “look down.” Next, Liz and Sarah revisit the topic of crying at work in Take Two. Listeners have so many observations and insights! This week’s Hollywood Hack is great for summer — try mini soda cans. Finally, Sarah recommends the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mystery book series.
Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below. https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/
LINKS: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott:
Diet Coke Mini-Can:
The Murder of Mr. Wickham:
Photo by See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 426: Waiting For The Parade | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:27:43 | |
Liz and Sarah discuss what their career has in common with the annual Ojai Fourth of July Parade. Then, in a Day In The Life segment, they share how they spent their Hive 25. There were many activities, including handing in a script and a trip to Sarah’s favorite stationary shop. In Hits & Bombs, they give two Hits — one to Jocelyn at the Blue Iguana Inn, and another to the people on Sarah’s flight from Los Angeles to Minneapolis. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from friend-of-the-pod Brook Sitgraves Turner: Google Doc Tabs. Finally, Liz recommends the Substack newsletter, Tepper Talks, for anyone who’s trying to make it in Hollywood.
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below. https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/
Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott:
Zaidee’s Bar & Grill: https://www.soulepark.com/facilities/restaurant
Poketo Concept Planner: https://www.poketo.com/products/concept-planner
Noted in Ojai:
Blue Iguana Inn: https://www.blueiguanainn.com/
Waterpik Flossing Toothbrush
Brook Sitgraves Turner: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm8223801/
Tepper Talks on Substack: https://ktepper.substack.com/about
Photo by Nguyen Hoang Dieu Anh on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 425: Novel July & Upside Of The Downslide | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:27:05 | |
Liz and Sarah share their plan to spend all of July finishing a solid draft of their novel. It’s time to get it done! In Take A Hike, they talk about the upside of the downslide of Hollywood. When everything changes, new opportunities arise! In The Craft (& Fain), Sarah talks about the Poketo Concept Planner that’s helping her make headway on a creative project. This week’s Hollywood Hack is courtesy of Jessica Lahey from the #AmWriting podcast — set a UPS/FedEx alert so that you can preempt barking dogs. Finally, Sarah recommends the graphic novel Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com.
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!
Jessica Lahey of #AmWriting: https://www.jessicalahey.com/amwriting-podcast
The Gift of Failure:
The Addiction Inoculation:
Poketo Concept Planner: https://www.poketo.com/products/concept-planner
Noted in Ojai:
Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls:
Photo by S. Tsuchiya on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 424: Crying At Work & Transition Rituals | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:24:20 | |
Liz and Sarah discuss whether or not it’s okay to cry at work. Does Gen Z feel crying is more acceptable? And what does it have to do with sexism? In their new segment, Career Lessons With Laverne, they talk to Career Coach Laverne McKinnon about the importance of career transition rituals. Laverne reveals why she turned one of her expensive suits into a puppet. This week’s Hollywood Hack will make your summer more fun— get a sea scooter for the pool. Finally, Liz recommends Stick, starring Owen Wilson, on Apple TV+. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott:
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King:
Laverne McKinnon: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/
Nautica Navigator:
Stick trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72oB_zVF_6o
Photo by Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 423: No Right Way & Revisiting Whimsy | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:22:52 | |
Liz and Sarah discuss how writing the third draft of their pilot has made them realize there’s no right way to do something creative. There are MANY right ways. In Take Two, they revisit “whimsy” and share listener suggestions of whimsical items that bring joy. This week’s tip in The Craft (& Fain) makes a scene better AND shorter — lop off the first few lines and/or the last few lines. Then they share a summer travel Hollywood Hack: buy your airplane snacks before you go to the airport. Finally, Sarah recommends the Gardeners’ Question Time podcast from BBC Radio 4. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below. https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/
Midori paper clips:
Potato Clips:
Shreve, Crump, & Low Original Gurgling Cod
Rifle Paper Co. https://riflepaperco.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopT7dL2l8LH74MEpruph9iwSsI1uHQfkPL_XcofXDbpGv5BWXS8
Calliope Paperie:
DAISO: https://daisous.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop4KFVfceNijVQnSoOQsL4FRff-2UMwTgMaEYZwJK4fdyRQBsS6
Kawaii Pen Shop: https://kawaiipenshop.com/search?q=Toaster+light
Gardeners’ Question Time podcast:
Photo by Unsplash+ on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 422: The Downside Of Deadlines & Grow Something | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:27:02 | |
Liz and Sarah discuss the downside of being deadline driven. They love a deadline, but sometimes creative projects need more room to breathe than a deadline allows. In Take A Hike, Sarah suggests growing something. She’s taken up gardening, and it’s making her happier, healthier, and more productive! Then Liz gives herself a Hit for being a connector, and Sarah gives a Bomb to the Ojai trash system. This week’s Hollywood Hack will add more fun to your life: get the whimsical version of something you need (like paper clips). Finally, Liz recommends the book Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America by Bridget Read. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/
Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott:
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft:
Navigating the Future of Entertainment Summit: https://members.thearnoldacademy.com/navigating-the-future-of-creative-work-live-summit
Drama Darling podcast:
Grosse Pointe Garden Society trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwJ8P6GZvkU
Midori paper clips:
More cute paper clips:
Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America: https://amzn.to/4mTKrIJ
Photo by Dan Cristian Pădureț on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 421: Priority Lists & Slow Starts | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:26:17 | |
Liz and Sarah talk about why it’s useful to make a list of priorities. They made a project priority list during their recent Hive ‘25, and it’s helped them make important decisions. In Take A Hike, they discuss embracing a slow start to the morning. Sarah’s slow start includes a daily tour of her garden, and Liz can’t get going until she’s done all the New York Times puzzles. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah talk about the value of tinkering. A small change can make a BIG difference. This week’s Hollywood Hack will save you money: directions on how to unsubscribe on your iPhone. Finally, Sarah recommends Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com.
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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan: Photo by Frank Flores on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 420: Spring 2025 Listener Questions Episode! | 29 May 2025 | 00:31:13 | |
Liz and Sarah answer listener questions! If they could write a crossover of any two shows, what would they be? Have they ever hated their job or thought about quitting? How much time does Sarah spend homeschooling? And what was Liz’s mother-in-law’s reaction to the infamous PedEgg gift? They answer these questions and many more! (Note: Sarah and Liz answer additional listener questions live every Saturday at 9:30AM PT as part of their free Substack newsletter.) Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search
Laverne McKinnon — Moonshot Mentor: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/
Lizness School podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lizness-school/id1775855173
Lian Dolan’s new book Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding:
PedEgg Classic Callus Remover:
PedEgg Power Cordless Callus Remover:
PHOTO: Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Listen Again: Liz & Sarah’s Most “Hollywood” Hollywood Moments | 24 May 2025 | 00:25:55 | |
In this Special Episode, Liz and Sarah revisit some of their most “Hollywood” Hollywood moments, from getting yelled at by famous actors to spotting A-list stars in line at the pharmacy. They’ve driven around town to look at billboards of their shows, had breakfast at The Polo Lounge with a con man, and been fired (twice.) 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,’ 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, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 419: When Stars Align & Immersion Events | 22 May 2025 | 00:39:26 | |
Liz and Sarah talk to best-selling author and friend of the pod, Melissa de la Cruz, about the state of publishing, her new novel When Stars Align, and her passion for fashion. In Take A Hike, inspired by her recent trip to the Renaissance Fair, Sarah shares why you should attend an Immersion Event. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you understand fandom better (your own and other people’s) — a breakdown of the five kinds of fans. Finally, Sarah recommends going to a honey tasting at the Heavenly Honey Company of Ojai.
Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s free weekly newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com.
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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below. https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/
LINKS: When Stars Align by Melissa de la Cruz:
Melissa de la Cruz:
Heavenly Honey Company: https://heavenlyhoneycompany.com/
Photo by Sarah Lee on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Ep. 418: Liz’s Face Blindness Challenge & Career Lessons With Laverne | 15 May 2025 | 00:35:10 | |
Liz and Sarah talk about one of Liz’s biggest work hurdles — mild face blindness. It can be quite awkward when she doesn’t recognize someone they just had a meeting with! Then they introduce an exciting new segment — Career Lessons With Laverne — in which Career Coach extraordinaire, Laverne McKinnon, shares her insights about career grief, career pivots, and career transitions. Today’s topic? Sprouting versus blossoming. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you bond with coworkers: Create inside jokes. Finally, Liz recommends The Four Seasons on Netflix.
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
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! Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/
Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search
Laverne McKinnon — Moonshot Mentor: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/
The Four Seasons trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKTwtIL4xyk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||