Happier in Hollywood

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: https://amzn.to/440xy87 Slidelock Carabiners: https://amzn.to/4pHVLbs Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel: https://amzn.to/48u01Vj Simon Haisell’s Footnotes and Tangents: https://footnotesandtangents.substack.com Photo by Thomas Le on Unsplash 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/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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! Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! LINKS: 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.

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: https://www.jengrisanti.com/ 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.

‘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: https://amzn.to/483lpl1 Shiatsu Back, Shoulder, and Neck Massager: https://amzn.to/4nKdvBQ 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: https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/p/womens/womens-jackets-and-vests/womens-parkas-327273/womens-aconcagua-parka-NF0A88TA?color=JK3 Greenstalk Inventor’s Bundle https://greenstalkgarden.com/products/inventors-bundle-evergreen-basic-texture?_pos=1&_psq=inventors+bundle&_ss=e&_v=1.0 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 https://amzn.to/3Lv2VBj Hori hori knife: https://amzn.to/441PdvU Swiss Army knife: https://amzn.to/47uMQEd Feeding Ghosts, by Tessa Hulls: https://amzn.to/3LBH37f Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Memoir Colored Television by Danzy Senna: https://amzn.to/4qOlDnB Elsa Peretti Heart Bookmark from Tiffany: (80 dollars) https://www.tiffany.com/home-accessories/desk-designs/sterling-silver-desk-designs-2543440917.html?omcid=ppc_google_TIFFANY_WJ_USA_NOBRID_HOM_HOME_OGOING_EC_BRAN_GTAD_CRD_ENG_USD_E&mkwid=s%7Cpcrid%7C708342824544%7Cpkw%7Ctiffany%20elsa%20peretti%20bookmark%7Cpmt%7Ce%7Cpdv%7Cc%7Cmtid%7C744dpc50313%7Cslid%7C%7Cproductid%7C%7Ctargetids%7Ckwd-2322982324764%7Cgroupid%7C166248212792%7C&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=9616645864&gbraid=0AAAAAD-_9SBd2HDyyLBdpAe8_7g9zzHaK&gclid=CjwKCAiAzrbIBhA3EiwAUBaUdanDWSF6ML623eAMZOaCP5zVO9ANCt3k_Ewek9PrXHZ2s6V-6s2_LRoC_JsQAvD_BwE Hair towel: https://amzn.to/3LlK8bF Speks geode magnetic fidget toy: https://amzn.to/3WKNBTA Color WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray: https://amzn.to/49H15Hs Jisulife Hand Held Minifan: https://amzn.to/4oWKvHZ Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer: https://amzn.to/49r4H0n 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.

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: https://amzn.to/3LlR5t8 LitONES Model 630 desk lamps: https://amzn.to/3X9j4if The Black Wolf by Louise Penny: https://amzn.to/4hMlPzE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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: https://greenstalkgarden.com/ Orange Theory Fitness: https://www.orangetheory.com/en-us An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler: https://amzn.to/42Rh8OO See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: https://cluesbysam.com/ Foldable Coffee Table: https://amzn.to/3KV6d0h Meditation Seat: https://amzn.to/3ILTGf8 Baby Boom trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdzKN8T0c_Q See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: https://amzn.to/4o4E2dC Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: https://amzn.to/46L14k8 EcoNour steering wheel desk: https://amzn.to/3KCGUjD The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman: https://amzn.to/4pYQdua See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: https://amzn.to/3KN9q1K Clare V Le Resale: https://leresaleclarev.com 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.

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 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: Laverne McKinnon: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/ Allie Coyle Photography: http://alliecoylephotography.com/category/allie-coyle-photography/ Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz: https://amzn.to/4pvZauN The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz: https://amzn.to/4gximEk Photo by Aserusainhuu on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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! LINKS: Finch: https://finchcare.com/ GreenStalk Vertical Planter: https://greenstalkgarden.com/products/inventors-bundle-blackberry-basic-texture Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller https://amzn.to/4m5F5IK Photo by RB H on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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: Brandy’s mahjong site: https://solomahj.com Malin & Goetz leather candle: https://amzn.to/46nltez Cooking for Levi: @cookingforlevi Photo by Jing Bo Wang on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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/ LINKS: Mr. Seifert and Miss Barker get engaged: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfIYDqSvnb0 Self-Tanning Mitt: https://amzn.to/4lTVDmW Sally Hansen Body Makeup: https://amzn.to/47onrfN Unicorn Girl podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unicorn-girl/id1813180252?i=1000721964497 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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: Stay In LA: https://www.stayinla.org/ The Melting Pot: https://www.meltingpot.com/thousand-oaks-ca/ How To Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast: https://amzn.to/4mwGmdd Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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! LINKS: Councilmember Adrin Nazarian: https://cd2.lacity.gov/about/Adrin-Nazarian Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker: https://amzn.to/3UzyFX9 Dash Heart Waffle Maker: https://amzn.to/4oYxPBt 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.

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 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: Tepper Talks on Substack: https://ktepper.substack.com/ Hollywood Hang podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hollywood-hang/id1805490059 Lucky Sweater: https://www.luckysweater.com/ Root of Evil podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/root-of-evil-the-true-story-of-the/id1450277129?i=1000429776640 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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: Michael Goldstein: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0326285/ The First Five: https://open.substack.com/pub/happierinhollywoodpod/p/introducing-the-first-five?r=23d20&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false Vigoro Stackable Planter: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-6-in-W-x-17-in-H-3-Tier-Stackable-Black-Indoor-Outdoor-Plastic-Decorative-Pot-MT5100953/331433433 “Gnarly” video by Katseye: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2-yomhYAj4 Wild West Village by Lola Kirke: https://amzn.to/3ULA8K2 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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: 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: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1583565638778-617c078f4a8d?w=900&auto=format&fit=crop&q=60&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8OTV8fGludGVyZmVyaW5nfGVufDB8fDB8fHww See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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 Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo Piazza: https://amzn.to/4kNAAC2 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.