Happier in Hollywood

Before Liz and Sarah dive into the episode, Liz shares the sad news of her dad’s recent death and thanks listeners for the outpouring of love and support. Then they talk about their Team Theme for 2026 and how they want it to relate to this year’s theme but also be more aggressive. They land on “Be the Bee,” and their symbol is the Killer Bee. In The Mailroom, they answer a layered question about whether or not too much pressure is put on new writers to deliver stellar spec pilot scripts. This week’s Hollywood Hack is to have multiples of certain items — including phone chargers, scissors, and reading glasses. Finally Liz recommends I Love LA on HBO Max.  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: Jack Craft obituary:  https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansascity/name/jack-craft-obituary?id=60219609   I Love LA trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnBAmvw_YowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Melcher, an executive coach and author of 'Your Invisible Network,' joins the conversation to unpack the art of networking up. He shares how making connections with higher-ups might feel daunting but is ultimately rewarding. Networking becomes manageable when broken into small tasks, and he highlights the power of weak ties and cross-sector relationships. Michael also suggests organizing admin nights for effective collaboration and emphasizes the importance of gratitude and follow-ups in building relationships. Tune in for invaluable insights!

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/4oKSTKSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laverne McKinnon, an executive coach and author of the Moonshot Mentor Substack, joins the discussion on handling workplace rudeness. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing when rudeness violates personal values and suggests using curiosity to de-escalate tense situations. Laverne also dives into setting boundaries for self-protection and choosing battles wisely within professional dynamics. Additionally, the hosts share practical strategies for aspiring writers to enter Hollywood's war of attrition.

‘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=1000676607073See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz and Sarah are gearing up for a pitch frenzy and enlist pitch coach Jordana Oberman to enhance their storytelling. Sarah reflects on a zoo visit that taught her the value of connecting with strangers. In their Hits and Bombs segment, they celebrate attending events and admit to last-minute cancellations. Liz reveals the ideal desk lamp for perfect Zoom lighting, while Sarah recommends the latest Louise Penny novel, promising an engaging auditory escape.

Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of sometimes just sucking it up after facing a rude encounter. They share hilarious Halloween-themed horror stories that illustrate the benefits of laughing at oneself. Listeners will enjoy learning about crafting sample scripts to effectively showcase writing skills. Plus, Sarah highlights the comfort of H&M wide-leg joggers as a stylish and affordable option. Lastly, Liz recommends the poignant documentary series The Last Wright, exploring the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Liz and Sarah face unexpected additional notes on their Netflix pilot, highlighting Hollywood's unpredictability. Sarah shares her joy of cooking with homegrown ingredients, emphasizing the importance of celebrating small wins. They discuss how marking milestones fuels motivation and suggest using a bell for celebrations. A listener questions the overload from Substack newsletters, prompting tips to manage subscriptions. Additionally, they introduce a helpful tool in Apple Photos to enhance your images, and Sarah recommends a thought-provoking cookbook.

Discover the art of crafting engaging pitch decks, with tips on visuals and structure from the hosts. They emphasize the importance of in-person meetings for building rapport and easing collaboration. Listeners share heartwarming moments of joy, and the hosts celebrate their small delights as well. For those working from the floor, a clever Hollywood Hack introduces a foldable coffee table. The episode closes with a heartfelt tribute to Diane Keaton and a recommendation for her classic film, Baby Boom.

Get ready to master your TV pitch with insider tips on handling Q&A sessions! Discover how defining your personal eras, inspired by Taylor Swift’s latest album, can shape your next phase. The hosts share invaluable takeaways from Anne Lamott’s classic, Bird by Bird, emphasizing the art of incremental progress in writing. Plus, learn practical Hollywood hacks like using a steering wheel desk and the benefits of a signature travel outfit. Don't miss Sarah’s rave about Richard Osman’s latest mystery novel!