Happier in Hollywood

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!

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 UnsplashSee 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 face a pivotal moment as they await feedback on their Netflix pilot, a true do-or-die situation. Sarah shares the Finch app, a fun way to gamify self-care while bonding with her daughter. They dive into the art of giving and receiving notes, stressing the importance of kindness and reflection. Sarah also reveals how the GreenStalk Vertical Planter revolutionized her gardening efforts. Finally, they rave about Jeff Hiller’s memoir, praising its wit and audiobook charm.