Happier in Hollywood

Liz and Sarah are continuing their tradition of Roar ‘24 and Hive ‘25 with ChexMix ‘26. In a few days, they’ll spend the night at the Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai and plot the next year of their career. Also? They’ll drink wine. In Take A Hike, they each share a new practice for 2026. Inspired by the book I Remember by Joe Brainard, Liz is going to record memories about her beloved dad. Sarah is going to roast a chicken every week — and use items from her own garden to season it! Next, in Take Two, Sarah shares what she’s learned about her algorithm after their recent Alter Your Algorithm Challenge. This week’s Hollywood Hack is pure whimsy: Hinge Heads. Finally Liz recommends the new season of Vanderpump Rules on Bravo.    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: Emerald Iguana Inn: https://www.emeraldiguana.com/   I Remember by Joe Brainard: https://amzn.to/3MRFL8Q   Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell: https://amzn.to/4j7q61a   Unraveling by Peggy Orenstein: https://amzn.to/3MLnyKd   Hinge Heads: Mushrooms: https://amzn.to/4pXnwh4 Chickens:https://amzn.to/4983t8c Cats:https://amzn.to/4qr0HSM   Vanderpump Rules Season 12 trailer: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oKgvwAFpHTESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz and Sarah are celebrating 450 episodes of Happier In Hollywood by sharing listeners’ favorite takeaways (and a few of their own). Some winners? Volunteers not recruits. People succeed in groups. Show up as yourself. And everyone’s favorite “get to steppin’” story from friend-of-the-pod Nichelle Tramble Spellman. Also Liz manages to squeeze in a bonus recommendation — Heated Rivalry 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: Lizness School podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lizness-school/id1775855173?i=1000724051123   Hard As Hoof: https://amzn.to/3MNqE0c   Giftful: https://giftful.com/   Ojai Olive Oil Company: https://ojaioliveoil.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqbhG3DkQfiymLw1jcSSBpV9fH5oOg0hxWjQ37jq7JFiRuH0yn9   Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil: https://freshpressedoliveoil.com/home/c/WA_GA_Q421_BRAND/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC_BRAND&utm_campaign=WA_GA_Q421_BRAND&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22221901806&gbraid=0AAAAADoizYfrLRUUFOb4CkqSC_Sa-fEUN&gclid=CjwKCAiA9aPKBhBhEiwAyz82J6_kErMjcVt0mo-aOsf5Enk4CqFZJEwSCfbOQbibUWv4o8ag81L8IxoCdgMQAvD_BwE   Fearless Negotiating: The Wish-Want-Walk Method to Reaching Solutions That Work by Michael Donaldson: https://amzn.to/44JTW66   Heated Rivalry trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKO26odltssSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz and Sarah dive into the Mailroom with an all listener questions episode! What are their top tips for making sure your voice is heard in a meeting? Would Liz rather be a Traitor or a Faithful? Where in the world does Sarah most want to shoot a show? What do they think about the sale of WBD? They answer all these questions and many more! 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: A Man on the Inside Season Two trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6UXdDbuNFc The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman: https://amzn.to/4aeLcZa Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller: https://amzn.to/4s6AoD1 How to Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast: https://amzn.to/3MC5emG Squid Game: The Challenge Season Two trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ4D7HA7Ov4 War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy: https://amzn.to/4j8nOPy Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel: https://amzn.to/48u01Vj Simon Haisell’s Footnotes and Tangents: https://footnotesandtangents.substack.com We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade by Elyse Arons: https://amzn.to/4j2mxtl Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/hollywood/   #rulapod #adSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz reflects on her father's passing, sharing heartfelt gratitude for listener support. The hosts unveil their bold Team Theme for 2026 — 'Be the Bee,' pushing for an aggressive mindset. They tackle the weighty expectations on new writers, emphasizing balance over perfection in spec scripts. Insights on the fast-paced demands of showrunning versus writing emerge, along with advice on how to keep from being paralyzed by the rewriting process. Liz wraps up with a recommendation for 'I Love LA' on HBO Max.

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.