

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

May 30, 2024 • 30min
Ep. 368: Spring 2024 Listener Questions Episode!
It’s the Spring 2024 Listener Questions Episode! Where do Liz and Sarah think the TV industry is headed? How do they feel about actors turned directors? If they were stranded on a desert island what’s the one thing each would bring? Spoiler alert: both items require solar chargers. And so much more!Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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! 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/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 23, 2024 • 32min
Ep. 367: All About Editing With Debra Neil-Fisher
Liz and Sarah talk to comedy feature editor extraordinaire turned director, Debra Neil-Fisher, about all things editing. What makes something funny? How does music impact editing? What advantage does an editor have when directing? Then Sarah gives herself a Hit for writing in the morning, and a Bomb for not using her Pilates reformer enough. Liz gives herself a Hit for not obsessively checking Jack’s grades on the Power School App, and a Bomb for losing her expensive Orange Theory Fitness heart monitor. This week’s Hollywood Hack helps make style affordable: Buy something plain and make it special. Finally, this week Sarah has a recommendation that will lead you to lots of other recommendations — the Ecocult website and newsletter.Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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:Debra Neil-Fisher:Debra Neil-Fisher | Editor, Director, Producerimdb.comUnplugging trailer:Unplugging | Official Trailer (HD) | Vertical Entertainmentyoutube.comEcocult:Ecocultecocult.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/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 16, 2024 • 27min
Ep. 366: Stress Languages & Liz’s Mounjaro-Driven Upward Spiral
Working in Hollywood is often stressful, now more than ever. Liz and Sarah discuss Chantal Donnelly’s stress framework — are you an Imploder, an Exploder, a Fixer, a Number, or a Denier? In Take A Hike, Type One diabetic Liz reveals how taking the weight loss drug Mounjaro has created an upward spiral in her life. She’s exercising, eating well, and her A1C is the best it’s been in years. Then Sarah talks about what she’s doing for this month’s The Happiness Project Revisited theme of play. Her favorite new activity? Pottery! This week’s Hollywood Hack makes entertaining easy: the Charcuterie Cup. Finally, Liz recommends The Jinx: Part Two on MAX. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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:Chantal Donnelly:Settled: How to Find Calm in a Stress-Inducing Worldamazon.comThe Jinx: Part Two trailer:The Jinx Part Two | Official Teaser | Maxyoutube.comPhoto by Jason Leung 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/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 9, 2024 • 26min
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 & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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.comThe Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show trailer:JERROD CARMICHAEL REALITY SHOW Official Trailer (2024) | HDyoutube.comAirplane Pocket:Airplane Pockets Airplane Tray Table Cover | Seat Back Organizer & Storage for Personal Items | Clean, Convenient, Expandable Pockets | Sanitary Airplane Travel Essentials | Media Pouchamazon.comPly Magazine:That yarn isn't going to spin itselfplymagazine.comPhoto 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/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 2, 2024 • 25min
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 & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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.comThe Valley: The Valley | Bravo TV Official Sitebravotv.comPhoto 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/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 25, 2024 • 30min
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 & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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.comThe Good Doctor:The Good Doctor (TV Series 2017–2024) 8.0 | Dramaimdb.comMr. 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.comBluey: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/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 18, 2024 • 23min
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 & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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.comLe Volumelangehair.comQUIET ON SET: THE DARK SIDE OF KIDS TV | Official Trailer (2024) | DOCUMENTARY| Film Threat Trailersyoutube.comPhoto 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/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 11, 2024 • 25min
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 & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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.comKindle Paperwhite:Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) – Now with a larger display, adjustable warm light, increased battery life, and faster page turns – Agave Greenamazon.comSmithsonian 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/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 4, 2024 • 30min
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 & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 28, 2024 • 23min
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 StoryGet in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftGet in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comJoin 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.comJill Whelan:Jill Whelan | Actress, Writer, Producerimdb.comElf 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.comOlogies podcast:Oikology (DECLUTTERING) Encore with Jamie & Filip Hord + Joe FerrariOlogies with Alie Ward · March 12, 2024Burn Book: A Tech Love Story by Kara Swisher:Burn Booksimonandschuster.comPhoto 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/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


