

Happier in Hollywood
The Onward Project
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.
Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 26, 2021 • 30min
Ep. 224: The In-Between Time (And a Brand New Fantasy Island Segment!)
Liz and Sarah discuss what they call, "the in-between time—“ Fantasy Island has premiered, but will there be a second season? Or not? The numbers (overnights, L3s, L7s, etc.) trickle in, but what do they mean? When will the future be clearer? No idea! Then they discuss the importance of asking for what you need. Both Liz and Sarah had to do this recently… and it made a HUGE difference. They also debut a brand new segment: Behind the Episode, in which they go behind-the-scenes of the Fantasy Island episode that aired that week. Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack is perfect for this particular pandemic moment: iPic theaters.Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comHappier 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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 19, 2021 • 27min
Ep. 223: Writing Is Easier Than Not Writing (And The Premiere of Fantasy Island!)
After months of work (and stress) it happened — the premiere of Fantasy Island on FOX! Liz and Sarah discuss the press coverage, the presence of an Evil Donut Bringer in the pilot, and what Liz's sister-in-law, Olivia, thought about the character (loosely) inspired by her. Then it’s time for a Take a Hike double-feature! In the first, they talk about why writing is easier than... well, not writing. In the second, Sarah shares why her recent (very public) fall off of a piece of playground equipment was not necessarily a bad thing. Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack makes a fun and affordable gift: personalized pillows. Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comHappier 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:New York Times: 'Fantasy Island' Returns, Now With a Ms. Roarke: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/09/arts/television/fantasy-island-returns-roselyn-sanchez.htmlAV Club: Review: New Fantasy Island Reboot Offers Deep Desires, Planes, and Plenty of Smiles: https://www.avclub.com/new-fantasy-island-reboot-offers-deep-desires-planes-1847427369Kansas City Star: These Kansas Citians Grew Up Loving 'Fantasy Island.' Now They've Made the Reboot: https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/tv/article253005263.htmlTV Insider: 'Fantasy Island': Roselyn Sanchez on the 'Honor' of Becoming a Roarke: https://www.tvinsider.com/1006336/fantasy-island-sequel-series-fox-roselyn-sanchez-elena-roarke/amp/PrimeTimer: Fantasy Island is Back, and It's In Good Hands: https://www.primetimer.com/barnhart/welcome-back-fantasy-islandCannabis Life Network: Fantasy Island + Grasslands Sativa: https://cannabislifenetwork.com/fantasy-island/Olivia Fierro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviafierro/?hl=enPersonalized Pillows: https://www.allaboutvibe.com/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 12, 2021 • 27min
Ep. 222: Prepping For Press & Braving Reviews
As Liz and Sarah gear up for the premiere of Fantasy Island, they‘re doing a lot of press — which can be daunting. But they have a plan of action! Knowing what they want to say and remembering to express their passion are key. In Take a Hike, they reveal how they’re mentally preparing for the Fantasy Island reviews. It’s never easy! In Hits and Bombs, they give BOTH to the same thing — the cancelation of the Fantasy Island premiere party. (Yes, Covid strikes again.) This week's Hollywood Hack will be useful to anyone who doesn’t want to put something in writing: Set voice memos to delete after two minutes.Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comHappier 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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 5, 2021 • 27min
Ep. 221: Deciding NOT To Work
Liz and Sarah discuss their decision not to make work for themselves during their upcoming downtime. Instead, they’re going to focus on recuperating from an intense work schedule. Then, in Take A Hike, they reveal how they’re each commemorating Season One of Fantasy Island. Liz bought herself a necklace, and Sarah ordered her dream spinning wheel! Next, in their new Amplify segment, they talk about Deborah Copaken's new memoir, LADYPARTS. Finally, this week's Hollywood Hack will help you stand out at work : Have a Mary Poppins bag. Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comLINKS:Liz’s necklace from Monica Rich Kosann: https://www.monicarichkosann.com/Sarah’s dream spinning wheel: https://www.schachtspindle.com/product/matchless-spinning-wheel/Ladyparts: A Memoir: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/608181/ladyparts-by-deborah-copaken/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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 29, 2021 • 22min
Ep. 220: Senioritis!
As they near the end of production, Liz and Sarah talk about their bad case of senioritis: the writing is done, shooting is almost done, but there’s still work left to do! How do they stay focused? In Take a Hike, they reveal how they’re challenging themselves to use this time of transition as a fresh start. Then Liz and Sarah give themselves a zip lining Hit and a behind-the-scenes photos Bomb. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will make your tasty treats a little bit healthier: the Breville Air Fryer. Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comHappier 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: Breville Air Fryer: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/ovens/bov900.html To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 22, 2021 • 19min
Ep. 219: Climb The Wall And Enjoy The View
Liz and Sarah talk about hitting the wall — and then climbing on top of it to enjoy the view. They’ve accomplished a lot in the last few months! In Take a Hike, Sarah allows herself a moment to focus on her mental health with words of wisdom from her friend and real estate agent, Victoria Massengale: “You’re allowed to have normal human emotions.” In The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share their philosophy when it comes to giving and receiving notes. The psychic burden is quite different between the two! This week's Hollywood Hack is a way to beat the heat in hot locations: Carry a fan.LINKS: Salutto Fan: amazon.com/Salutto-Beautiful-Fabric-Printed-Black/dp/B01J7N6JT6Victoria Massengale Instagram: @victoriaandmichaelMichelle Ortiz Nieves Instagram: @MIORNIJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comHappier 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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 15, 2021 • 30min
Ep. 218: A Summer Listener Questions Episode!
It's time for the Summer Listener Questions episode! Who does the music on a show? How did the current reboot of Fantasy Island come about? How does money work in a writing partnership? And most importantly, has Sarah made her Dole Whips yet? Liz and Sarah answer these and more burning questions! Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comHappier 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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 8, 2021 • 32min
Ep. 217: A Conversation with Sony Casting EVP Dawn Steinberg!
Liz and Sarah chat with Dawn Steinberg, EVP of Worldwide Talent and Casting at Sony Pictures Television, about her career, the advice she has for actors, and most importantly, her pet peeves. Then, in preparation for another trip to Puerto Rico, Liz and Sarah review the lessons they've learned about living on location and what they plan to do differently. For starters? Sarah is going to have a kitchen! Finally this week's Hollywood Hack is inspired by Liz's recent emotional release: Allow yourself to cry. Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comLINKS: FANTASY ISLAND Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8gP6gnmoWcDawn Steinberg Instagram: @dawnsg23Dawn Steinberg IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0825740/Fame: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080716/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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 1, 2021 • 29min
Ep. 216: Tackling The Tedious
Liz and Sarah talk about how they’re trying to stay zen during endless Zoom meetings as they move into the post production phase of Fantasy Island. In theIr new segment A Day In The Life, they share exactly what a day of showrunning looks like — for Sarah the day started at 5:30am! Then In Take Hike, Liz and Sarah discuss how making little adjustments can have a big impact. One example? When Sarah and Violet share a bed, they each have their own comforter. This week’s Hollywood Hack is quite tasty: Gluten Free Oreos!Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraftGet in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraftVisit our website: https://happierinhollywood.comHappier 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:Gluten Free Oreoshttps://www.oreo.com/oreo-gluten-free To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 24, 2021 • 27min
Ep. 215: Accepting We Don’t Have Control
As Liz and Sarah start to hand over cuts of Fantasy Island to the studio and network, they have to accept they don’t have control over how other people react. And that’s okay! In Hits & Bombs, Liz gives a Hit to Bravo for bringing Heather Dubrow back to the Real Housewives of Orange County. She also gives herself a Bomb for not succeeding with her post Puerto Rico clean slate. In The Mailroom, Liz and Sarah answer a question about their process of breaking story. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack comes from Sarah’s daughter Violet: Watch before and after pet videos on You Tube for a quick pick-me-up.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:Heather Dubrow: http://heatherdubrow.com/Before & After Pet Videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzzQVp_y0JA To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.