
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.
Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Latest episodes

Jan 2, 2025 • 31min
Ep. 399: The Joy Of Being In Charge
Liz and Sarah are thrilled to announce that Happier In Hollywood has moved to Lemonada Media! It’s 2025, and Liz and Sarah are VERY excited about their huge new undertaking — they’re going to have a Substack newsletter! They’ll be sharing Hollywood spotlights of the week, pro tips, HIH retreat and meet up info, and so much more. Sign up at happierinhollywood.com or send an email to happierinhollywoodpod@substack.com. In The Happiness Project Revisited, Sarah looks back at 2024 and shares what changes have come about because of her Happiness Project. One big development? She manifested an office in downtown Ojai! Next, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share a new metaphor they’re using when they break stories. This week’s Hollywood Hack will make next year’s gift giving season less stressful: Giftful. Finally, Sarah recommends one of her favorite Substacks: Chop Wood, Carry Water by Jess Craven. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s newsletter at 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! 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: Lemonada Media: https://lemonadamedia.com/ To sign up for the HIH free newsletter, send an email to: Happierinhollywood@substack.com Giftful: https://giftful.com/ Chop Wood, Carry Water by Jess Craven https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/about Photo by Giorgio Trovato on UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 26, 2024 • 26min
Ep. 398: Haunted (In A Good Way)
“Is this just a dirge?” Liz and Sarah discuss how a question from mega-producer and friend of the pod David Hoberman about a show they were working on has stayed with them for years. Sometimes a single comment can put a filter on all future work — and that’s a good thing. In Take Two, they revisit the topic of authenticity. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share why it can be so helpful to color code scenes when they’re breaking an episode. This week’s Hollywood Hack is an app that helps organize thoughts and ideas: Muse. Finally, Liz recommends the reality show The Later Daters on Netflix. Sign up for Liz and Sarah’s upcoming newsletter at 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! 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: David Hoberman IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0387674/ HIH interview with David Hoberman: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happier-in-hollywood/id1236845161?i=1000519248795 WritersRoom Pro: https://www.writersroompro.com/ Muse App: https://museapp.com/ The Later Daters trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PutwAZwHIk8 Photo: Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 19, 2024 • 29min
Ep. 397: Lizness School With Liz Dolan
Liz and Sarah sit down with friend of the pod, Satellite Sister Liz Dolan, to talk about her new podcast Lizness School, which chronicles her fascinating year as a Fellow at Stanford University’s Distinguished Careers Institute. What compelled her to move to Palo Alto for nine months? Which of the institute’s three pillars of purpose, wellness, and community is resonating most with her? This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from a listener who doesn’t like “to do” lists: Create a “want to do” list. Next, Liz had a Celebrity Sighting on her recent trip to New York — she saw Anthony Michael Hall. Finally Sarah has two recommendations: A Man on the Inside on Netflix and Bug MD Clothes Moth Boss Traps. 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! 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: Lizness School Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lizness-school/id1775855173 The Marriage Sabbatical: A Novel by Lian Dolan https://amzn.to/3ZLX2V3 Anthony Michael Hall: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001309/ A Man on the Inside - Official Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhsVj_4ONoA BugMD Clothes Moth Boss Traps: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R7B84Y8?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.35FEN7HXBIJO0&linkCode=tr1&tag=happierinh066-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.35FEN7HXBIJO0_1733853982558 Photo: Ave Calvar For Unsplash+ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 12, 2024 • 24min
Ep. 396: Fear Of Failure To Be Compelling
Inspired by the CIA (yes, really), Liz and Sarah talk about the notion of a “failure to be compelling.” From now on, they’re going to put every pitch through the Compelling Machine. In Take A Hike, they suggest organizing an Ask An Expert session in your field. It benefits the asker AND the expert. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share why a question they were asked at lunch with one of their favorite executives is a good conversation starter — “Who do you admire in your business?” This week’s Hollywood Hack is extremely practical: Memorize at least two phone numbers. Finally, Liz recommends watching The Day of the Jackal on Peacock. LINKS: The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA: Mundy, Liza: 9780593238172: Amazon.com: Books The Day of the Jackal trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shsIx-ZVL0E 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! Photo by Pop & Zebra on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 10, 2024 • 27min
Bonus Book Club Episode: We Solve Murders
In a Happier In Hollywood Bonus Book Club Episode, Liz and Sarah dive into their discussion of Richard Osman’s new book, We Solve Murders. Does it qualify as a “cozy mystery?” Which character did HIH listeners like the most? And do most of us talk to loved ones who are no longer with us like one of the main characters, Steve, does? Plus so much 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, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: We Solve Murders by Richard Osman: https://amzn.to/4gbQRzh The Marlow Murder Club: A Novel by Robert Thorogood: https://amzn.to/3ZOctfy The Quiche of Death: The 1st Agatha Raisin Mystery by M.C. Beaton: https://amzn.to/3Bb44Jz The Charity Shop Detective Agency series by Peter Boland: https://amzn.to/3ZKQ4zw Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers (A Vera Wong Novel) by Jesse Q. Sutanto: https://amzn.to/3D9tgAM Photo by Jaredd Craig on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 5, 2024 • 30min
Ep. 395: Pilot Notes & Hunting For Disproportionate Joy
Liz and Sarah got notes on their latest pilot script — and they were knocked on their asses! But they’ve regrouped and are moving forward with a new structure. In Take A Hike, they talk about their new habit of hunting for disproportionate joy. Sarah never knew that a fresh journal could make her so elated! Next, in Take Two, Sarah shares her thoughts on Amazon’s Three Pines TV series, based on the Louise Penny books. Liz shares a Holiday Hollywood Hack — get ready for your holiday tablescape early! Finally, Sarah recommends a cookbook for anyone who wants to cook gluten free: How Can It Be Gluten Free by America’s Test Kitchen. 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/? Elegant Red Plastic Dinner Plates: https://amzn.to/4iilvsb Caspari Dinner Napkins: Amazon.com: Caspari Entertaining Pepper Berry Dinner Napkins, Red, 20-Pack Red Plastic Forks, Etc.: Red Plastic Forks, 20ct | Party City Red & White Taper Candles: Amazon.com: Creative Co-Op 10' H Unscented Taper Candles w/Stripes in Box, Cream Color & Red, Set of 2 (Approximate Burn Time 15 Hours) How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook Collection: 350+ Groundbreaking Recipes for All Your Favorites: America's Test Kitchen: 9781948703505 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 28, 2024 • 27min
Ep. 394: Authenticity & The Joy Of Mad Money
Happy Thanksgiving! Liz and Sarah reflect on the power of authenticity — and how women are often trained out of being authentic in the workplace. In Take A Hike, they discuss a recent revelation that having a bit of Mad Money makes life more fun. Liz and Sarah’s plan about what to do with their Mad Money? Spend a night at their favorite place, The Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai. Then Sarah shares a meal-planning Hollywood Hack: You know the full month section of your planner? Use it for meal planning! Finally, Liz recommends the adventure reality competition show, The Summit, on CBS. 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/ LINKS: https://www.emeraldiguana.com/ Legend Planner: Legend Planner PRO – Deluxe Weekly & Monthly Life Planner to Increase Productivity and Hit Your Goals. Time Management Organizer Notebook – Undated – 7 x 10" Hardcover + Stickers – Periwinkle The Summit on CBS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK6sr9peuOw 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 21, 2024 • 26min
Ep. 393: Plan Post-Notes Recovery Time
Liz and Sarah will soon receive notes on their latest pilot script, and they know they’ll need to plan some recovery time before they dive into the rewrite. It’s their job to take criticism, but they need time to process. In Take A Hike, they talk about the benefit of remaking your social media feeds — and offer listener suggestions for feel-good accounts. Want to smile? Fill your feed with mini cows! This week Liz has a Holiday Hollywood Hack: As you decorate for the holidays, stow year-round decor in the holiday decoration boxes. Finally, Sarah recommends Heartfully Yours Christmas Ornaments from Christopher Radko. 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/ LINKS: Christopher Radko’s Heartfully Yours: https://heartfullyyours.com/ 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! Photo by Icons8 Team on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 14, 2024 • 22min
Ep. 392: Hollywood Holiday Shut Down
It’s November, which means the annual Hollywood Holiday Shut Down has begun. Liz and Sarah have a pitch ready to sell, but they’ll likely wait until 2025 to take it out to networks. In Hits & Bombs, Sarah gives a Hit to her dog Jelly Bean’s canine ophthalmologist, and Liz gives a Hit to Patricia Arquette for her amazing performance in The Act on Hulu. Then, in The Happiness Project Revisited, Sarah shares what she’s planning to do for the November theme of “meaning.” This week’s Hollywood Hack is great for the environment: Eco Roots Zero Waste Laundry Detergent Sheets. Finally, Liz recommends the documentary Martha on Netflix. Remember to listen to Liz & Sarah’s Happier In Hollywood Gift Guide Bonus Episode! https://happierinhollywood.com/bonus-episode-hih-2024-gift-guide/ 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: The Act trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_5fqDZCjQo Amazon.com: ECO ROOTS Laundry Detergent Sheets 64 loads Martha trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6blC6bsgZmc Photo by Jez Timms on UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 12, 2024 • 33min
Bonus Episode: HIH 2024 Gift Guide!
In this Bonus Episode, Liz and Sarah share their 2024 Gift Guide! They recommend everything from a cute tape measure to personalized pencils to a Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit Game. Need a gift for a dog lover? Choose the Nambe Pet Collection Dog Treat Jar. Looking for something to wear? Sarah suggests Mismatched Socks from Solmate. They also have books on the list — including the super buzzy novel All Fours by Miranda July. And if you want to splurge on yourself, get an Oura Ring! Plus so much more… Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ LINKS: ODDS & ENDS: Milkshake Bath Soak - Hydrating & Moisturizing for Dry Skin Amazon.com: 3m/120" Tape Measure Body Measuring Tape for Body Cloth Tape Measure for Sewing Fabric Tailors Medical Measurements Tape Dual Sided Leather Tape Measure Retractable (Black, 1 Pack) Amazon.com: USAOPOLY Trivial Pursuit World of Harry Potter Ultimate Edition | Trivia Board Game Based On Harry Potter Films | Officially Licensed : Toys & Games Amazon.com: Surprise Gift Box Explosion for Money, Unique Folding Bouncing Red Envelope Gift Box with Confetti, Cash Explosion Luxury Gift Box for Birthday Anniversary Valentine Proposal (15 Bounces) (Pink Heart) Amazon.com: Clipa Bag Hanger - Matte Black PVD - The Ring That Opens Into a Hook and Hangs In Just 1/2" of Space, Holds 33 lbs., 3 yr. Warranty https://www.etsy.com/shop/MadronaPencils Amazon.com : L'ANGE HAIR Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Blow Dryer Brush | Hot Air Brush in One with Oval Barrel | Hair Styler for Smooth, Frizz-Free Results for All Hair Types (Black - 75 mm) : Beauty & Personal Care https://www.awaytravel.com/accessories/tech-case?color=jet_black https://cercanaojai.com/alpaca-blankets/ The Body Retinol. Retinol Repair Serum + Retinol Body Lotion In One. Crepey Skin Treatment. Wrinkle + Line Prevention. 0.1% Pure Retinol + 10% AHA. 5.1 oz PETS: https://www.barkbox.com/ https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/nambe-pet-collection-dog-treat-jar-prod243220179?childItemId=NMHEANS_&msid=4102431&position=3 TO WEAR: Amazon.com: Solmate Socks - Mismatched Crew Socks; Made in USA https://shop.lululemon.com/p/womens-t-shirts/Swiftly-Tech-SS-2/_/prod9750519?color=4780 BOOKS: Audible Books & Originals - The Women: A Novel All Fours: A Novel: July, Miranda: 9780593190265: Amazon.com: Books Lovely One: A Memoir: Jackson, Ketanji Brown - Books The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA: Mundy, Liza: 9780593238172: Amazon.com: Books FOR FOODIES: https://www.topsyspopcorn.com/ https://nuts.com/chocolatessweets/gummies/gummy-bears/milk-gummy-bears/1lb.html https://nomnompaleo.com/post/105333542218/magic-mushroom-powder-diy-holiday-gift https://ojaioliveoil.com/collections/shop-all Amazon.com: Aromaster Burr Coffee Grinder, Coffee Bean Grinder,Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder Electric,24 Grind Settings, Espresso/Pour Over/Cold Brew/French Press Coffee Maker Stanley The Camp Pour Over Set Amazon.com: Nature Made Vitamin D3 2000 IU (50 mcg), Dietary Supplement for Bone, Teeth, Muscle and Immune Health Support, 220 Tablets, 220 Day Supply From Happier with Gretchen Rubin: https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/journals/products/design-your-year-guide https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/journals/products/i-want-you-to-know https://the-happiness-project.com/collections/journals/products/one-sentence-journal GIFTS FOR YOURSELF: Smart Ring - Size First with Oura Ring Gen3 Sizing Kit - Sleep Tracking Wearable - Heart Rate - Fitness Tracker Amazon.com: Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional Flossing Toothbrush, Electric Toothbrush and Water Flosser Combo In One, White SF-04, Packaging May Vary Amazon.com: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro: Smooths Full Face Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Firms Skin, Prevents Acne Flare-Ups, and Reduces Redness and Irritation (White) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.