

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

Jan 26, 2023 • 33min
Ep. 298: Liz & Sarah’s 20th Anniversary Trip (Finally!)
Liz and Sarah are finally celebrating their 20th anniversary of being a writing team with a Caribbean cruise on the Regal Princess. Yes, they’re working onboard but they’re having plenty of fun too — including snorkeling over a shipwreck in Grand Cayman. As they look back over twenty years, they reveal the top three things they’ve learned. Most important? The war of attrition never ends, so keep the faith. They also talk about some career highs (collaborating with Marcia Clark) and lows (getting fired from the first show they created, Women’s Murder Club). And this week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your tropical vacation: get a prescription snorkel mask. Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . 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.

Jan 19, 2023 • 24min
Ep. 297: The Challenge Of Setting Our Own Deadlines
Liz and Sarah are setting their own deadlines on a current project - and that can be a challenge for these two Obligers. How will they manage to stay on track? In Take A Hike, Sarah reveals how the recent rains in Southern California made her realize it’s a good idea to practice for an emergency. Next, in The Craft (& Fain), they discuss the importance of doing your research before diving into a new genre. And this Hollywood Hack is changing Liz’s life: the Apple Magic Keyboard.LINKS:Apple Magic Keyboard:https://www.apple.com/ipad-keyboards/Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . 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.

Jan 12, 2023 • 29min
Ep. 296: Back To Work & Behind The Scenes
Liz and Sarah discuss what makes them feel like they’re back to work after a long break. For Liz, it’s getting on her treadmill desk. For Sarah, it’s setting an alarm. Then they go Behind The Scenes of Episode 201 of Fantasy Island. The rain on screen was fake, the real rain was a real problem. This week’s Hollywood Hack is helping Liz listen to more books: the Libby app! It takes less than a minute to set up, and it’s so worth it. Finally, Sarah recommends Wednesday on Netflix for the whole family. Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!Links:Episode 201 of Fantasy Island:https://www.tvfanatic.com/2023/01/watch-fantasy-island-online-season-2-episode-1/Wednesday:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13443470/ 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.

Jan 5, 2023 • 29min
Ep. 295: What Barbara Walters Meant To Us & New Year’s Resolutions
Liz and Sarah pay tribute to the legendary Barbara Walters, whose career was an inspiration to both of them. Then they reveal their 2023 New Year’s resolutions. Liz is going to weigh herself every day. Sarah is making a 23 for 23 list focused entirely on herself. In Take Two, they revisit the idea of a clothing swap party. And finally this week’s Hollywood Hack will help if you have any final holiday presents to get: give a theme gift.Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!Links:https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/30/business/media/barbara-walters-dead.html 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.

Dec 29, 2022 • 31min
Ep. 294: Liz & Sarah’s Team Motto 2023!
Liz and Sarah reveal (and explain) their Team Motto for 2023 — “Alt Ending Thelma & Louise!” They’re anticipating a difficult year but they’re in it together, just like ride or die pals Thelma and Louise. Then they revisit 2022 in a special Take Two. In The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah discuss how they use visuals when they pitch a new show. The process has changed — for the better — since before pandemic times. Finally this week’s Hollywood Hack got Sarah to finally read The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan — read a book that you’ve been putting off reading.Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!LINKS:Thelma & Louise:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103074/Unsplash:https://unsplash.com/The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan:https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Luck-Club-Novel/dp/0143038095Alaska by James Michener: https://www.amazon.com/Alaska-James-A-Michener-audiobook/dp/B011D90LDC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AWFPYSL1FRJ3&keywords=alaska+by+james+michener&qid=1671511898&s=books&sprefix=Alaska+by+Ja%2Cstripbooks%2C234&sr=1-1 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.

Dec 22, 2022 • 24min
Ep. 293: They Got Dressed Up And Went!
Recently, Liz and Sarah talked about how they were “all dressed up with no place to go” when a pitch meeting was cancelled last minute. Well, they got dressed and they went! Did they sell their pitch in the Zoom Room? Listen to find out. In Take Two, they share stories from listeners in other careers who have also experienced very frustrating last minute cancellations. Then, in Take A Hike, Liz talks about “the joy of getting into it,” even if “it” is out of your comfort zone. Warning: the segment involves discussion of a custom Corgi Christmas sweater. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack might help you sleep better: use a wedge pillow.Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!LINKS:HIH Episode — All Dressed Up & Freudenfreude:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happier-in-hollywood/id1236845161#episodeGuid=0937b8b0-3687-11ec-accf-cbc7758ab2baCustom Christmas sweater/sweatshirt:https://pawsionate.com/products/christmas-dog-pattern-personalized-custom-all-over-print-sweatshirtHelix Wedge Pillow:https://helixsleep.com/products/wedge-pillow 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.

Dec 15, 2022 • 25min
Ep. 292: The Perpetual Waiting Game
As Liz and Sarah wait for news of a Season Three pickup of Fantasy Island, they discuss how in Hollywood there’s ALWAYS a wait. In HIH WFH (Happier In Hollywood Work From Home) they talk about why it’s a good idea to stop treating the permanent like it’s temporary. Chances are you WILL be working at home at least part time forever. Then they Amplify a new memoir from child star Jennette McCurdy — I’m Glad My Mom Died. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will impress your Zoom co-workers: Make your background wall a talking point. Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!LINKS:Happier With Gretchen Rubin Episode 406:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happier-with-gretchen-rubin/id969519520?i=1000588088211Jennette McCurdy:https://www.jennettemccurdy.com/projects/TheFilmArtist:https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFilmArtist 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.

Dec 8, 2022 • 23min
Ep. 291: All Dressed Up & Freudenfraude
Liz and Sarah discuss how they were all psyched up for a pitch meeting — and then it didn’t happen. The only consolation? Liz hadn’t paid for a blow out. In Take A Hike, they talk about the opposite of schadenfreude — freudenfraude. Especially now, when Hollywood is so chaotic, it’s helpful to take pleasure in others’ good fortune. Then Sarah revisits the Bomb she gave Elon Musk in Take Two. Finally, this week Liz and Sarah have a holiday Hollywood Hack: When someone asks for a gift, get them the exact thing they asked for.Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!LINKS:The Satellite Sisters:https://satellitesisters.com/The Opposite of Schadenfreude is Freudenfraude: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/25/well/mind/schadenfreude-freudenfreude.htmlHate Speech’s Rise On Twitter:https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/02/technology/twitter-hate-speech.html 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.

Dec 1, 2022 • 25min
Ep. 290: The Note We Get And Give
As Sarah and Liz hone a new pitch they realize that the note they often get is the same one that they always give — MORE EMOTION. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about how doing jigsaw puzzles is keeping her calm (and might be key to figuring out story problems). Next, Liz and Sarah give a Bomb to Elon Musk. And Liz gives a Hit to “things going wrong.” Finally, Sarah discovered this week’s Hollywood Hack over her Thanksgiving break: find a refill store near you. Get in touch on Instagram: @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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!LINKS: Jigsaw puzzle: https://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-Games-Abstract-Jigsaw-Puzzle/dp/B09QLC6GW4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3O1ZXES6YZBPL&keywords=buffalo+games+puzzles+1000+piece+flora&qid=1669913144&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=buffalo+games+puzzles+1000+piece+flora%2Ctoys-and-games%2C143&sr=1-2The ECO store:https://theecostoreonline.com/Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft 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.

Nov 24, 2022 • 22min
Ep. 289: The 2022 Thanksgiving Episode!
Liz and Sarah discuss what they’re grateful for— Sarah’s Ojai life is looking up, Liz has taken charge of her health, and their Fantasy Island cast is… well, a fantasy. In Take a Hike, Sarah shares her decision NOT to set an alarm. Then Liz and Sarah answer a Mailroom question about Bad Sisters. Spoiler Alert: Liz still can’t make herself watch it. Finally, a listener from Berlin shares a Hollywood Hack: throw a clothes swap party with your friends!Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @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, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!LINKS:Bad Sisters: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15469618/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 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.


