
Happier in Hollywood
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.
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Latest episodes

Jul 17, 2025 • 26min
Ep. 427: Don’t Delete & More Crying At Work
Liz and Sarah talk about why it’s important never to delete anything substantial. They never know when they’re going to want to put something back into a document. It happens! In Take A Hike, Sarah shares why being at her lake house in Minnesota made her realize it’s important to “look down.” Next, Liz and Sarah revisit the topic of crying at work in Take Two. Listeners have so many observations and insights! This week’s Hollywood Hack is great for summer — try mini soda cans. Finally, Sarah recommends the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mystery book series. 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, 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: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: https://amzn.to/4lfLdi2 Diet Coke Mini-Can: https://amzn.to/4nzzEE0 The Murder of Mr. Wickham: https://amzn.to/4lDdoqX Photo by See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 10, 2025 • 28min
Ep. 426: Waiting For The Parade
Liz and Sarah discuss what their career has in common with the annual Ojai Fourth of July Parade. Then, in a Day In The Life segment, they share how they spent their Hive 25. There were many activities, including handing in a script and a trip to Sarah’s favorite stationary shop. In Hits & Bombs, they give two Hits — one to Jocelyn at the Blue Iguana Inn, and another to the people on Sarah’s flight from Los Angeles to Minneapolis. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from friend-of-the-pod Brook Sitgraves Turner: Google Doc Tabs. Finally, Liz recommends the Substack newsletter, Tepper Talks, for anyone who’s trying to make it in Hollywood. 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: Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: https://amzn.to/3FJwgWc Zaidee’s Bar & Grill: https://www.soulepark.com/facilities/restaurant Poketo Concept Planner: https://www.poketo.com/products/concept-planner Noted in Ojai: https://www.notedojai.com/ Blue Iguana Inn: https://www.blueiguanainn.com/ Waterpik Flossing Toothbrush https://amzn.to/4lC8Yk5 Brook Sitgraves Turner: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm8223801/ Tepper Talks on Substack: https://ktepper.substack.com/about Photo by Nguyen Hoang Dieu Anh on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 3, 2025 • 27min
Ep. 425: Novel July & Upside Of The Downslide
Liz and Sarah share their plan to spend all of July finishing a solid draft of their novel. It’s time to get it done! In Take A Hike, they talk about the upside of the downslide of Hollywood. When everything changes, new opportunities arise! In The Craft (& Fain), Sarah talks about the Poketo Concept Planner that’s helping her make headway on a creative project. This week’s Hollywood Hack is courtesy of Jessica Lahey from the #AmWriting podcast — set a UPS/FedEx alert so that you can preempt barking dogs. Finally, Sarah recommends the graphic novel Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls. 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: Jessica Lahey of #AmWriting: https://www.jessicalahey.com/amwriting-podcast The Gift of Failure: https://amzn.to/4kRej7b The Addiction Inoculation: https://amzn.to/3FPiVvC Poketo Concept Planner: https://www.poketo.com/products/concept-planner Noted in Ojai: https://www.notedojai.com/ Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls: https://amzn.to/45Bz7ed Photo by S. Tsuchiya on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 30, 2025 • 50min
Instinct, Integrity, and Influence: Bruce Ramer's Hollywood Journey, from Superhero Leadership with Peter Cuneo
Sharing an episode of the Superhero Leadership podcast, hosted by Marvel's former CEO and legendary turnaround expert, Peter Cuneo. Each week, Peter is joined by top performers from business, media, and beyond, leaders who have mastered the art of impact, resilience, and vision. Together, they explore Peter’s 32 leadership essentials, revealing what it really takes to rise, inspire, and lead with purpose. In this episode, Bruce Ramer, one of Hollywood’s most respected entertainment attorneys, explores how leadership is less about learned strategy and more about instincts honed through life experience. Drawing from his astounding six-decade career, Bruce shares how adaptability, loyalty, and navigating strong personalities are essential leadership qualities, especially in high-pressure industries. His reflections reveal that true leadership is forged through integrity, respect, and the enduring power of trusted relationships. Listen to more Superhero Leadership episodes at https://link.mgln.ai/happierinhollywood. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 2025 • 25min
Ep. 424: Crying At Work & Transition Rituals
Liz and Sarah discuss whether or not it’s okay to cry at work. Does Gen Z feel crying is more acceptable? And what does it have to do with sexism? In their new segment, Career Lessons With Laverne, they talk to Career Coach Laverne McKinnon about the importance of career transition rituals. Laverne reveals why she turned one of her expensive suits into a puppet. This week’s Hollywood Hack will make your summer more fun— get a sea scooter for the pool. Finally, Liz recommends Stick, starring Owen Wilson, on Apple TV+. 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 Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: https://amzn.to/3FJwgWc On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King: https://amzn.to/441n1sC Laverne McKinnon: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/ Nautica Navigator: https://amzn.to/4466146 Stick trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72oB_zVF_6o Photo by Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 19, 2025 • 23min
Ep. 423: No Right Way & Revisiting Whimsy
The hosts explore the idea that there are countless right ways to approach creativity. They share whimsical items that infuse joy into daily life. A handy writing tip suggests trimming the start or end of scenes for brevity. Listeners receive practical travel hacks, like pre-packing snacks before heading to the airport. Personal anecdotes about giant shuttlecocks and gardening triumphs add charm, while a soothing gardening podcast recommendation rounds out the conversation. Expect laughter, insight, and a dose of whimsy!

Jun 12, 2025 • 27min
Ep. 422: The Downside Of Deadlines & Grow Something
Liz and Sarah discuss the downside of being deadline driven. They love a deadline, but sometimes creative projects need more room to breathe than a deadline allows. In Take A Hike, Sarah suggests growing something. She’s taken up gardening, and it’s making her happier, healthier, and more productive! Then Liz gives herself a Hit for being a connector, and Sarah gives a Bomb to the Ojai trash system. This week’s Hollywood Hack will add more fun to your life: get the whimsical version of something you need (like paper clips). Finally, Liz recommends the book Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America by Bridget 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 & @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: Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: https://amzn.to/3FJwgWc On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft: https://amzn.to/441n1sC Navigating the Future of Entertainment Summit: https://members.thearnoldacademy.com/navigating-the-future-of-creative-work-live-summit Drama Darling podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/drama-darling-a-real-housewives-comedy-podcast/id1684156555?i=1000710903737 Grosse Pointe Garden Society trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwJ8P6GZvkU Midori paper clips: https://amzn.to/4jE4vMr More cute paper clips: https://amzn.to/3FEtZvn Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America: https://amzn.to/4mTKrIJ Photo by Dan Cristian Pădureț on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 5, 2025 • 27min
Ep. 421: Priority Lists & Slow Starts
Liz and Sarah talk about why it’s useful to make a list of priorities. They made a project priority list during their recent Hive ‘25, and it’s helped them make important decisions. In Take A Hike, they discuss embracing a slow start to the morning. Sarah’s slow start includes a daily tour of her garden, and Liz can’t get going until she’s done all the New York Times puzzles. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah talk about the value of tinkering. A small change can make a BIG difference. This week’s Hollywood Hack will save you money: directions on how to unsubscribe on your iPhone. Finally, Sarah recommends Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan. 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, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan: https://amzn.to/4dQgxRI Photo by Frank Flores on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 29, 2025 • 31min
Ep. 420: Spring 2025 Listener Questions Episode!
In this lively discussion, the hosts tackle listener questions, dreaming up hilarious crossovers like 'Golden Girls' meets 'Schitt's Creek.' They reflect on career highs and lows in the TV industry while sharing personal experiences, including a comical gift anecdote about a PedEgg. Homeschooling insights and summer plans spark a warm exchange, and they dive into their favorite Survivor moments and family dynamics. Their excitement for a new Substack newsletter promises even more engaging content ahead!

May 24, 2025 • 26min
Listen Again: Liz & Sarah’s Most “Hollywood” Hollywood Moments
In this Special Episode, Liz and Sarah revisit some of their most “Hollywood” Hollywood moments, from getting yelled at by famous actors to spotting A-list stars in line at the pharmacy. They’ve driven around town to look at billboards of their shows, had breakfast at The Polo Lounge with a con man, and been fired (twice.) 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, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.