

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 7, 2021 • 23min
Ep. 191: Make Your Own Relationships At Work
As Liz and Sarah dive into their new project — a reboot of the iconic Fantasy Island — they discuss why it’s crucial to make your own relationships at work. Yes, it takes time and energy to get to know everyone, but relationships are often the key to success. In Take A Hike, they talk about the importance of committing to taking certain days off — and then following through. Pro tip? Relaxation leads to greater productivity. In Hits & Bombs, Liz and Sarah give a Hit to their former assistant, Mary Mehrkens, for offering to help their new assistant get acclimated to the job. They also give themselves a Bomb for not returning emails promptly. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help make your presentation more memorable: Go for the gimmick! If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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!Manifest It, Bitch! (By Mary Mehrkens):https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Mehrkens/e/B08957H5LM%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_shareTeePublic:https://www.teepublic.com/?ref_id=9208&utm_campaign=9208&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Kempo24&gclid=Cj0KCQiAlsv_BRDtARIsAHMGVSYWjrm42pHji0FJEXmRSyje33UBtD9xVkwqJr7Fe6y0kmm6I-B3AsoaAnlCEALw_wcBZazzle:https://www.zazzle.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.

Dec 31, 2020 • 24min
Ep. 190: 2021: A Year Of Fantasy Island And Juicy Fruit
Happy New Year! On the eve of 2021, Liz and Sarah reveal exciting news. They’re doing a reboot of the iconic 70’s show, Fantasy Island! They discuss the long, winding road to their straight-to-series pick up. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah share their Team Theme for 2021: Juicy Fruit! Then, in The Craft (& Fain) they talk about the (seemingly obvious) need for plot In spec scripts. This week’s Hollywood Hack will keep your spirits up through the end of the pandemic: plan a future weekend away.If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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!Fantasy Island announcement:https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/fantasy-island-update-scores-straight-to-series-order-at-foxFantasy Island (the original):https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077008/Happier In Hollywood Episode 105: Time To Ride The Dragonhttps://happierinhollywood.com/episode105/ 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 24, 2020 • 28min
Ep. 189: A Christmas Eve Hollywood Hack Episode!
In honor of Christmas Eve, Liz and Sarah give listeners the gift of an ALL Hollywood Hacks episode. Liz shares her favorite new solution to problem of a bad Zoom background — use a card table to create a desk wherever you want one. Sarah suggests buying a bird feeder to force yourself to experience peaceful moments throughout the day. Some of their favorite Hollywood Hacks from listeners? Put Zoom links in your calendar, buy cards for every occasion in advance, and be kind to your future self with “turn down service.” If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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!Rocketbook:https://getrocketbook.com/?utm_campaign=9123821188&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=430878971942&utm_term=scan%20notebook&adgroupid=105573074528&gclid=CjwKCAiAoOz-BRBdEiwAyuvA649iJboeY2QOI_-YCuUPy3ZPLgAr8c921QJ_5pElXF7NyJXZxjg0-RoC16MQAvD_BwEAdjustable Cell Phone Stand:https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-OMOTON-Cellphone-Anti-Slip-Convenient/dp/B0744DM3Y3/ref=sr_1_3?crid=30V018H7HDJER&dchild=1&keywords=omoton+c2&qid=1608269393&sprefix=OMOTON+c2%2Caps%2C241&sr=8-3Shotdeck:https://shotdeck.com/Unsplash:https://unsplash.com/Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver For Beach Waves Generation II:https://www.amazon.com/Bed-Head-Artist-Beachy-Generation/dp/B07CSZBWGQ 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 17, 2020 • 28min
Ep. 188: The First Annual HIH Holiday Gift Guide For Work
Liz and Sarah tackle the problem of gifting in the workplace. Do you gift up or down or both? They think gifting down should involve cash or gift cards, and that gifting up isn’t necessary. But for all those who DO want to give their boss a holiday treat, Sarah and Liz suggest some affordable ideas. Their favorite? Personalized mugs or hats. In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question about moving to Hollywood from abroad. They also talk about why TV is taking over movies, and whether or not creating title sequences is an “actual job.” (It is!) This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you get through stressful moments: squeeze your toes. If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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!Topsy’s Popcorn:https://www.topsyspopcorn.com/item?size=2The Whiskey Wedge:https://corkcicle.com/products/whiskey-wedge?gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_source=googlecpc&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=ne_google_search_nb_DSA_l_All&utm_term=dsa-437115340933_-398511294218&utm_content=8172614762-_88558960550&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2uH-BRCCARIsAEeef3moWygymeurLNW5nJqJYFUUEKzOgFJAWcygGTSZyynU03_scnzmtHMaAvBQEALw_wcBNotes To Self Socks:https://www.notestoself.com/John Kelly Chocolates:https://www.johnkellychocolates.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2uH-BRCCARIsAEeef3nLSB-IRGfQH2Z9BxZf8VSpIW54WyKyRkakyWvuPjxGIrUMVTuMsUYaAmeFEALw_wcBCandiceBDesigns Mask Chains:https://www.etsy.com/shop/CandiceBDesigns?ref=search_shop_redirectZazzle Personalized Wrapping Paper:https://www.zazzle.com/custom/wrapping+paperWendy Mogel PhD: https://www.wendymogel.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.

Dec 10, 2020 • 31min
Ep. 187: JaNeika & JaSheika James’ Wonder Twins Power Activate Hollywood!
Liz and Sarah talk to powerhouse writing duo JaNeika and JaSheika James about their new book, Living Double: How Identical Twins Unlocked The Door To Success In Hollywood. They share what it was like to write for the mega hit show, Empire and explained why it’s important for aspiring writers to “declare themselves.” In Amplify, Liz spotlights K-Pod, a podcast about Korean American in arts and culture, hosted by her college roommate, Catherine Hong, and Juliana Sohn. This week’s Hollywood Hack will keep you from doing Zoom meetings in the dark: Use a ring-light!If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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!Living Double: How Identical Twins Unlocked The Door To Success In Hollywood by JaNeika and JaSheika James:http://livingdoublebook.com/#bookK-Pod: https://k-pod.simplecast.com/UBeesize Ring-light:https://www.amazon.com/10-Extendable-UBeesize-Ringlight-Compatible/dp/B07QFV72LK/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=ubeesize+tr50&qid=1607456072&sr=8-3 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 3, 2020 • 28min
Ep. 186: How Good Projects Go Bad
Liz and Sarah can finally reveal their latest project — an adaptation of the gripping upcoming novel, The Final Girl Support Group, by Grady Hendrix. In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question about how and why projects with great auspicious and potential sometimes turn out badly. One pitfall? Too many cooks. Then in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah discuss why it’s important to talk about “why you, why now” when you’re pitching a new project. This week’s essential Hollywood Hack will help you stay safe during the pandemic: the GA Tech Covid 19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool. If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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!Grady Hendrix:http://www.gradyhendrix.com/GA Tech Covid 19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool:https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/ 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 26, 2020 • 21min
Ep. 185: A Thanksgiving Gratitude Assignment
Liz and Sarah discuss why it’s important to remember that nobody cares how much work you’ve put into something — the end result is all that matters. In Amplify, they shine a light on Black artists feared on the website Society6 and talk about the documentary On The Trail: Inside the 2020 Primaries, which features a diverse group of women covering the news. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah celebrate Thanksgiving by giving themselves and listeners a Gratitude Assignment: make a point of telling somebody you’re grateful for them — and why. This week’s Hollywood Hack makes mask wearing easier, safer and more fashionable: mask chains from CandiceBDesigns. 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!Discover Black Artists at Society6:https://society6.com/collection/discover-black-artistsOn The Trail: Inside the 2020 Primaries:https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/05/politics/how-to-watch-on-the-trail-cnn-films/index.htmlCandiceBDesignshttps://www.etsy.com/shop/CandiceBDesigns?ref=search_shop_redirect 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 19, 2020 • 29min
Ep. 184: How To Quit A Job Without Burning Bridges
Quitting a job is hard, but it can be done without burning bridges. Liz and Sarah talk to Executive Coach and host of the podcast Career Stewardship, Michael Melcher, about how to quit. One tip? Imagine how the conversation will go in advance to help keep yourself calm and professional. In Hits & Bombs, Liz gives a Hit to everyone who’s decided to start decorating for the holidays early. And Sarah gives herself a Bomb for letting Violet sleep with her for weeks on end. This week’s Hollywood Hack is actually a Minnesota Hack: WinterGrips ice cleats. 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!Michael Melcher’s Career Stewardship podcast:https://www.careerstewardship.com/WinterGrips ice cleats: https://cozywinters.com/shop/ice-cleats-ws.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.

Nov 12, 2020 • 30min
Ep. 183: Autumn Listener Question Episode!
Why doesn’t Liz cook? What has Sarah learned from parenting a Rebel child? How does a writer obtain IP for development? It’s the Autumn Listener Questions episode! Liz and Sarah cover everything from how to fuel creativity during a pandemic to what beverage they would each bring to a desert island (Diet Coke). We’ve entered the holiday season! If you’d like to buy a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup (with lid) for a loved one, email us at happierinhollywood@gmail.com. Cups are $25.00, including shipping.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.

Nov 5, 2020 • 24min
Ep. 182: Groups Need A Group Agenda
Liz and Sarah discuss why it’s so important to set a group agenda before a meeting. One piece of advice if you want your group to make a good impression? Assign one person to steer the conversation back on track if necessary. In The Craft (& Fain), they reveal one of their favorite tools for writing a good pitch (or any sales document): Tell them what you’re going to say. Say it. And then tell them you said it. This week’s Hollywood Hack will provide hours of cocktail party conversation: Take a deep dive into a subject by watching and listening to multiple TV shows and podcasts about it. Liz’s recent deep dive? Everything having to do with the Albany-based cult, Nxivm.If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information. 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!Fyre Festivalhttps://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjUrI7FkuXsAhUKup4KHQX0AG0QFjAAegQIAhAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FFyre_Festival&usg=AOvVaw22xVYmG3xzoNJBZ1OkJCEJThe Dropout — The Rise and Fall of Elizabeth Holmes’ Theranoshttps://abcaudio.com/podcasts/the-dropout/The Vow:https://www.hbomax.com/series/urn:hbo:series:GXzPzfwbR3IiCwgEAAAAS/?utm_id=sa%7C71700000070297197%7C58700006197980749%7Cp55937903865&gclid=CjwKCAiA-f78BRBbEiwATKRRBBLbkAIIPF92AdY_PBA6vJMUCurOSSppmtTY0nIYpkkGqpiXnPnJ9xoC5FEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.dsSeduced: Inside The Nxivm Cult — Official Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqcNp4UFnnMUndercover Season 1 — Escaping Nxivmhttps://www.cbc.ca/radio/uncover/uncover-season-1-escaping-nxivm-1.4675949 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.


