Happier in Hollywood

The Onward Project

1 Creator

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.

#10 in the Top 100 careers All time chart

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Top 10 Happier in Hollywood Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Happier in Hollywood episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Happier in Hollywood for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Happier in Hollywood episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Ep, 151: How Covid-19 Has Shut Down Hollywood And Everywhere Else

Happier in Hollywood

04/02/20 • 30 min

Covid-19 has changed our lives in big ways — and small. Sarah and Liz share some small, unexpected changes in their routines since they’ve been “safer at home.” Sarah gave up coffee — accidentally! Then they talk to fellow TV writer, Sarah Watson, about what it was like to have her Fox pilot shut down due to Covid-19. She went from producing a pilot and promoting her first novel, MOST LIKELY, to.... sitting in her house. How did she deal with the sudden absence of adrenaline? In Mailroom, Liz and Sarah answer a question about how they come up with character names. Finally, this week’s practical Hollywood Hack will help you grocery shop safely: the You Tube video, PSA Safe Grocery Shopping In Covid-19 Pandemic.

Sarah Watson:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0914872/

Most Likely:

https://www.amazon.com/Most-Likely-Sarah-Watson/dp/0316454834/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1585691412&sr=8-1

PSA Safe Grocery Shopping In Covid-19 Pandemic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjDuwc9KBps

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11 Listeners

1 Comment

Ep. 236: What Kind Of Decision Maker Are You?

Happier in Hollywood

11/18/21 • 26 min

Liz and Sarah analyze different kinds of decision making. Do you follow your gut? Take the path of least resistance? Make decisions by committee? Then, in From The Outer Office, they talk to their former assistant and current Executive Story Editor on Season Two of Fantasy Island, Brook Sitgraves Turner, about what it’s like to climb the Writers Room ladder. Her advice? Take an improv class. Brook also provides this week’s Hollywood Hack: Keep a blanket in your car.

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, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!

LINKS:

Annie Duke:

https://www.annieduke.com/books/

Brook Sitgraves Turner:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8223801/

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5 Listeners

Ep. 232: Sliding Doors & Sarah Gets Chickens

Happier in Hollywood

10/21/21 • 27 min

Liz and Sarah discuss how their immediate future resembles the 1998 movie Sliding Doors. There’s one reality if Fantasy Island gets picked up for Season Two, and a totally different reality if it doesn’t. In Take A Hike, Sarah shares how she’s using meditation to help her get through this stressful time. Her favorite tool? The Ten Percent Happier app from Dan Harris. Plus, she got chickens! So Ojai. This week’s Hollywood Hack turns any gathering into a special event: rent a photo booth. Finally, Celebrity Sightings are back! This week Liz and Sarah spotted comedian Fortune Feimster at Kiwami.

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/

LINKS:

Happier With Gretchen Rubin bonus episode on Sarah’s move to Ojai:

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vaGFwcGllcg/episode/N2VmZWUzM2EtMjYwZi0xMWVjLTkxNjMtMTM1ZDRlMjVlNzM3?hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwiTm_O2k9fzAhU4ITQIHVqoB-wQieUEegQIChAI&ep=6

Sliding Doors trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkEX_EqBeq8

Fantasy Island “Twice in a Lifetime” full episode:

https://www.fox.com/watch/7bc83da1b946171624ce254de5470a88/

Ten Percent Happier:

https://www.tenpercent.com/

Meditation Mount in Ojai:

https://meditationmount.org/

Fortune Feimster:

https://www.fortunefeimster.com/

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5 Listeners

Ep. 233: Embracing Hiatus Mode

Happier in Hollywood

10/28/21 • 25 min

With Season Two of Fantasy Island still up in the air, Liz and Sarah have decided to embrace Hiatus Mode! What does that mean? Going to their favorite hiatus restaurants (including Benihana), taking short trips to see friends, and — for Sarah — getting out her spinning wheel. In Take Two, they have MORE great gifts ideas for this holiday season. Thanks, Listeners, for all the suggestions! One popular Item? Salt! Then Liz and Sarah amplify the new season of a podcast that anyone who aspires to be in the entertainment business should listen to — the Catch A Break Podcast. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will help keep your car tidy: the Epauto Waterproof Car Trashcan.

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/

LINKS:

Benihana:

https://www.benihana.com/reservations/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw8eOLBhC1ARIsAOzx5cHuy7wet4TO56cP7LaF0mrQ0mBfqNgvzLMBvWrWqreZwD1-cGt7pWAaAodFEALw_wcB

Momofuku Seasoned Salts:

https://shop.momofuku.com/products/seasoned-salts

Magic Unicorn Sea Salt:

https://shop.beautifulbrinysea.com/products/magic-unicorn

Penzeys Spices:

https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/shallot-pepper-seasoning/c-24/p-453/pd-s

Pottery Barn Faux Fur Ruched Throw:

https://www.potterybarn.com/products/faux-fur-channel-throw/?catalogId=84&sku=4832675&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Pillows%20%26%20Decor%20%3E%20Throws&region_id=669090&cm_ite=4832675&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8eOLBhC1ARIsAOzx5cHePJ4RMuDwg6YgzKG7KO6Hk1VnuKs3GjaZCUuMPNF_GCUMiIVtLAcaAvDfEALw_wcB

Ipsy:

https://www.ipsy.com/?sid=GB_Google-Branded_Web_New_US_NonBrnd&cid=ad_494636285500_keyword_ipsy_000623_20200930&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8eOLBhC1ARIsAOzx5cFl_-9WvlnPYbyltIYL0MkdXmm6zVPqZLVPe67vn2_oHcfG_aLhrwUaAs8wEALw_wcB

Ember coffee mug:

https://ember.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw8eOLBhC1ARIsAOzx5cHX9vJBSkuXOLkhrdWFuGxOBQz5NHCdx1lub-xiytGaPM5...

5 Listeners

Ep. 235: Liz & Sarah Celebrate Season Two of Fantasy Island!

Happier in Hollywood

11/11/21 • 27 min

Liz and Sarah share HUGE news! There will be a Season Two of Fantasy Island! Now that they’ve accomplished this major goal, what’s next? They’re setting their sights on making it to one hundred episodes. Or maybe seventy-five... In Hits & Bombs, they give a big Hit to two colleagues — Marie Jacobson and Ray Ricord of Sony Gemstone — for being such cheerleaders. They also give a Bomb to the bureaucratic hell that kept them from starting the writers room when they wanted to. This week, Liz and Sarah have two Hollywood Hacks. The first is a hiring hack: When you’re up for a job, ask former employers to send unsolicited praise to the people who might hire you. The second Hollywood Hack might keep you out of hot water: Instead of texting sensitive information, write it in a Google doc, then delete. Finally, Sarah had a Halloween Celebrity Sighting — singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb.

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/

LINKS:

Fantasy Island Season Two:

https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/fantasy-island-renewed-season-2-fox-1235105324/

https://deadline.com/2021/11/fantasy-island-renewed-season-2-fox-1234868293/

Marie Jacobson:

https://www.thewrap.com/sony-pictures-television-names-marie-jacobson-head-of-new-indie-feature-film-style-production-unit/

Ray Ricord:

https://deadline.com/2020/01/sony-tvs-gemstone-studios-ray-ricord-svp-development-replacing-kathryn-busby-1202838600/

Lisa Loeb:

https://www.lisaloeb.com/

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5 Listeners

3 Comments

Ep. 234: Hike Versus Sprint (And Liz Has Big News)

Happier in Hollywood

11/04/21 • 26 min

Season One of Fantasy Island was a sprint that left Liz and Sarah flat on the ground. As they look ahead to a possible Season Two, they discuss how to have their work life resemble a hike instead. Yes, it will be arduous, but they also want to enjoy the view. Then Liz answers a Mailroom question about her name. In a special L v. S (Liz versus Sarah), Liz announces that she has a new puppy — a Corgi named Nacho! And she concedes that Sarah has been right all along. Pets do make a person happier! Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your work communication dramatically: use clear email headers.

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/

LINKS:

Pembroke Welsh Corgi:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembroke_Welsh_Corgi

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5 Listeners

Ep. 231: Hollywood Holiday Gift Guide!

Happier in Hollywood

10/14/21 • 35 min

It’s not even Halloween yet, but Liz and Sarah are looking ahead to the holidays. Between supply chain problems and slow delivery, they’re shopping NOW! And they’ve got lots of great gift ideas. Need to buy for a colleague? They suggest a personalized Yeti rambler cup or a face mask chain from CandiceBDesigns on Etsy. Have a Happier lover in your life? Get a To Do Tackle Box from Gretchen Rubin. Liz and Sarah’s favorite gift this year? Smiley Face Slippers!

Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/

Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft

Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft

Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com

LINKS:

Happy Home Slippers from Yellow The Label:

https://yllwthelabel.com/collections/accessories/products/happy-home-slippers-sherbert-preorder

Note To Self socks:

https://www.notestoself.com/

CandiceBDesigns mask chains:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CandiceBDesigns?ref=shop_sugg

Corkcicle coffee mugs:

https://corkcicle.com/collections/luxe-collection?collection=type-coffee-mug&product=6732983926872&variant=39576332107864

Yeti rambler cup:

https://www.yeti.com/en_US/drinkware/tumblers/20oz/21071500665.html

Earthwell drinkware:

https://earthwell.com/

Timbuk2 Custom Classic Messenger Bag:

https://www.timbuk2.com/pages/customizer#/product/18-custom-classic-messenger-bag/size/4/customize

Baggu:

https://baggu.com/collections/cross-body-bags

Bandolier:

https://www.bandolierstyle.com/

Poche bag from Clare V:

https://www.clarev.com/products/poche-black-rustic

Patagonia Black Hole:

https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-black-hole-pack-23-liters/49255.html?dwvar_49255_color=PLGY&cgid=luggage-black-hole-bags-backpacks

Away Packable Sling bag:

https://www.awaytravel.com/travel-bags/packable-sling-bag?color=cayenne

Pop It fidget toys for kids:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092LQ1ZZG/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=fecc1c9b7d40c9983de2345940a85002&hsa_cr_id=5915633690601&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=72c1850c-0124-4e9e-81c6-db95f76be8d0&pd_rd_w=Dz8tW&pd_rd_wg=AMSHz&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_0_img

King Arthur Sourdough Starter and Classic Crock Set:

5 Listeners

1 Comment

Ep. 230: What Five Things Do You Want To Be Known For?

Happier in Hollywood

10/07/21 • 24 min

Liz and Sarah discuss a question put forth by their favorite author consultant, Crystal Ellefsen — what five things do they want to be known for? First on the list — writing interesting, complex female characters. Then they Amplify Dichos, an hilarious new web series from Fantasy Island Season One writer Mary Angelica Molina. This week’s Hollywood Hack is for the overbuyers out there: If you feel the need to buy something, buy a holiday gift. Finally, Sarah had her first Celebrity Sighting in Ojai. She saw Jason Segel walking into town.

Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft

Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft

Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com

LINKS:

Crystal Ellefsen:

https://crystalellefsen.com/

Consulting For Authors:

https://consultingforauthors.com/

Mary Angelica Molina:

https://www.maryangelicamolina.com/

Dichos:

https://www.dichosdichos.com/

Jason Segel:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0781981/Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/

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4 Listeners

Ep. 227: The Power Of A POV

Happier in Hollywood

09/16/21 • 26 min

Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of having a point of view at work. Your boss might not always agree with you, but that’s ok! In Behind The Episode, they talk about two episodes of Fantasy Island: “The Big Five Oh” and “The Romance & The Bromance.” One exciting detail? The casting! These episodes feature a Melrose Place reunion and an appearance by Roselyn Sanchez’s husband — Eric Winter! Then, in Amplify, Liz shares a must-see documentary — LFG — about the US Women’s Soccer Team’s fight for equity and fair pay. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack comes straight from Sarah’s move to a new house: Keep a stain stick wherever you undress.

Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/

Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft

Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft

Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com

LINKS:

Melrose Place:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melrose_Place

Josie Bissett:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0084327/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Daphne Zuniga:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001879/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Laura Leighton:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0500359/

Eric Winter:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0935721/

LFG:

https://www.hbomax.com/grw-lfg?utm_id=sa%7C71700000084305879%7C58700007147538124%7Cp64270085257&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkIGKBhCxARIsAINMioI2l-FxpdI6UNiptVTYrdE2tWaJ9REXgyQcevX0dU511Suw7v29LLEaApJ8EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

OxiClean Gel Stick:

https://www.amazon.com/OxiClean-Max-Force-Gel-Stick/dp/B01LZ6FGEJ/ref=asc_df_B01LZ6FGEJ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=216562595669&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10386070353569560999&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031185&hvtargid=pla-350191202093&psc=1

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4 Listeners

Ep. 197: Our Layer Cake Philosophy

Happier in Hollywood

02/18/21 • 29 min

Liz and Sarah discuss why they compare the creative process to baking a layer cake. A script isn’t going to be rich and textured with just one layer. The goodness builds as all the different elements come together over time. And the same is true for work relationships. Give them time to develop layers. Then in The Mailroom, they answer a question from their Facebook Group about what to do when a colleague refers to a young woman as “dear.” In Hits & Bombs, Liz gives a Hit to Pretend It’s A City, the Netflix documentary series about Fran Lebowitz. And Liz and Sarah give a Bomb to Brooks Barnes for his New York Times piece about the late powerhouse producer and executive, Jame Tarses. This week’s Hollywood Hack is a must: wear sunscreen every day.

Pretend It’s A City official trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MClMxqD-HNA

Metropolitan Life By Fran Lebowitz:

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=11050210107&searchurl=an%3Dfran%2Blebowitz%26fe%3Don%26sortby%3D17%26tn%3Dmetropolitan%2Blife&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-image2

Jamie Tarses IMDB:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1399339/

New York Times piece about Jamie Tarses:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/01/business/media/jamie-tarses-dead.html

Lancôme moisturizer with SPF:

https://www.lancome-usa.com/skin-care/moisturizers/day-creams/renergie-lift-multi-action-ultra-face-cream-with-spf-30/3614272727281.html?GeoRedirectOff&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1KiBBhCcARIsAPWqoSobF90DOLMOHDFqYOfWs1ekKmaJHkcgg3UK1SPs_rgxKh4Rqql73OEaAg40EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

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