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Happier in Hollywood

Panoply

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/

Location:

United States

Networks:

Panoply

Description:

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/

Language:

English


Episodes
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Ep. 425: Novel July & Upside Of The Downslide

7/3/2025
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.

Duration:00:27:20

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Instinct, Integrity, and Influence: Bruce Ramer's Hollywood Journey, from Superhero Leadership with Peter Cuneo

6/30/2025
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.

Duration:00:49:50

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Ep. 424: Crying At Work & Transition Rituals

6/26/2025
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.

Duration:00:24:35

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Ep. 423: No Right Way & Revisiting Whimsy

6/19/2025
Liz and Sarah discuss how writing the third draft of their pilot has made them realize there’s no right way to do something creative. There are MANY right ways. In Take Two, they revisit “whimsy” and share listener suggestions of whimsical items that bring joy. This week’s tip in The Craft (& Fain) makes a scene better AND shorter — lop off the first few lines and/or the last few lines. Then they share a summer travel Hollywood Hack: buy your airplane snacks before you go to the airport. Finally, Sarah recommends the Gardeners’ Question Time podcast from BBC Radio 4. 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: Midori paper clips: https://amzn.to/3FZBIEr Potato Clips: https://amzn.to/4kTtHAg Shreve, Crump, & Low Original Gurgling Cod https://shrevecrumpandlow.com/product/large-greige-gurgling-cod?srsltid=AfmBOoo72ZMQ0EGNLm6Ri31vzTtU8aq58tIa24Cai-JwRfndEQ1mXJGx Rifle Paper Co. https://riflepaperco.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopT7dL2l8LH74MEpruph9iwSsI1uHQfkPL_XcofXDbpGv5BWXS8 Calliope Paperie: https://calliopepaperie.com/ DAISO: https://daisous.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop4KFVfceNijVQnSoOQsL4FRff-2UMwTgMaEYZwJK4fdyRQBsS6 Kawaii Pen Shop: https://kawaiipenshop.com/search?q=Toaster+light Gardeners’ Question Time podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perton-staffs-used-compost-angry-peonies-and-ant-tics/id325945259?i=1000712751136 Photo by Unsplash+ on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:23:06

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Ep. 422: The Downside Of Deadlines & Grow Something

6/12/2025
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.

Duration:00:27:16

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Ep. 421: Priority Lists & Slow Starts

6/5/2025
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.

Duration:00:26:32

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Ep. 420: Spring 2025 Listener Questions Episode!

5/29/2025
Liz and Sarah answer listener questions! If they could write a crossover of any two shows, what would they be? Have they ever hated their job or thought about quitting? How much time does Sarah spend homeschooling? And what was Liz’s mother-in-law’s reaction to the infamous PedEgg gift? They answer these questions and many more! (Note: Sarah and Liz answer additional listener questions live every Saturday at 9:30AM PT as part of their free Substack newsletter.) 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 Laverne McKinnon — Moonshot Mentor: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/ Lizness School podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lizness-school/id1775855173 Lian Dolan’s new book Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding: https://amzn.to/44Mkc0p PedEgg Classic Callus Remover: https://amzn.to/3Fp7Z7s PedEgg Power Cordless Callus Remover: https://amzn.to/4mAGUPI PHOTO: Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:31:28

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Listen Again: Liz & Sarah’s Most “Hollywood” Hollywood Moments

5/24/2025
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.

Duration:00:26:10

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Ep. 419: When Stars Align & Immersion Events

5/22/2025
Liz and Sarah talk to best-selling author and friend of the pod, Melissa de la Cruz, about the state of publishing, her new novel When Stars Align, and her passion for fashion. In Take A Hike, inspired by her recent trip to the Renaissance Fair, Sarah shares why you should attend an Immersion Event. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you understand fandom better (your own and other people’s) — a breakdown of the five kinds of fans. Finally, Sarah recommends going to a honey tasting at the Heavenly Honey Company of Ojai. 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: When Stars Align by Melissa de la Cruz: https://amzn.to/43bOJlN Melissa de la Cruz: https://melissa-delacruz.com/ Heavenly Honey Company: https://heavenlyhoneycompany.com/ Photo by Sarah Lee on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:39:41

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Ep. 418: Liz’s Face Blindness Challenge & Career Lessons With Laverne

5/15/2025
Liz and Sarah talk about one of Liz’s biggest work hurdles — mild face blindness. It can be quite awkward when she doesn’t recognize someone they just had a meeting with! Then they introduce an exciting new segment — Career Lessons With Laverne — in which Career Coach extraordinaire, Laverne McKinnon, shares her insights about career grief, career pivots, and career transitions. Today’s topic? Sprouting versus blossoming. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you bond with coworkers: Create inside jokes. Finally, Liz recommends The Four Seasons on Netflix. 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, 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: Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search Laverne McKinnon — Moonshot Mentor: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/ The Four Seasons trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKTwtIL4xyk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:35:25

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Ep. 417: Going For It & Giving Good Bio

5/8/2025
Liz and Sarah discuss how watching their former co-worker, actor Walton Goggins, “go for it” on screen makes them want to go for it in their writing. Letting go of boundaries can lead to powerful art. In The Craft (& Fain), they talk about what makes a great work bio. Next, Liz gives a Hit to her sister Gretchen for convincing her to get rid of her giant computer monitor, and Sarah has a Bomb for Douglas from Facebook Marketplace who failed to show up for their appointment. This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your work life — use a bag organizer. Finally, Sarah recommends Holy Honey. 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: Walton Goggins: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0324658/ The Shield trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klSVH4dJrGU Sarah’s bag organizer from Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1823579579/boat-and-tote-compatible-extra-large-xl Givlefly Handbag Organizer: https://amzn.to/42GIxDs Holy Honey: https://www.holyhoney.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:28:54

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Ep. 416: Work Albatrosses & AI Family Crests

5/1/2025
Liz and Sarah talk about how to figure out if something in your work life is an albatross, and what you can do to get rid of it. One tip? Force yourself to have an uncomfortable conversation. In Take A Hike, they share a fun AI exercise from the M(AI)VENS Substack — make a family crest. Then in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah talk about the importance of saying the obvious thing when giving notes. This week’s Hollywood Hack will extend the life of your office chair — armrest covers. Finally, Liz recommends The Studio, starring Seth Rogen, on Apple+. 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 Clue Trails & Crime-Lines Mystery Screenwriting Workshop: https://www.howtoliz.com/home/classes-and-consults M(AI)VENS Substack: https://womenai.substack.com/ Soft Neoprene Chair Arm Pad Covers: https://amzn.to/4lRJxvX Isccdy Soft Chair Arm Pad Covers: https://amzn.to/4lPSXYP The Studio trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIQuE7JGXU8 Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:27:17

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Ep. 415: Strategic Planning (A.K.A. Our Corporate Vision Board)

4/24/2025
Liz and Sarah talk to Hollywood manager, Executive Director of The Julia Child Foundation, and friend-of-the-pod Todd Schulkin about strategic planning. What is it? Why should they do it? And what is a SWOT analysis? Todd has answers! In The Craft (& Fain), they share an insight from fellow writer and Substacker Bill Gullo — writing is different than talking is different than thinking. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you network: the HiHello business card app. Finally Sarah shares a true crime podcast recommendation — Murder 101. 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: Todd Schulkin: http://schulkinmanagement.com/about.html The Julia Child Foundation: https://juliachildfoundation.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12864069783&gbraid=0AAAAABcKBvXlfeoLI5DANczF6cKuM5gF2 Storytellers Social Club: https://bgullo.substack.com/ HiHello: https://www.hihello.com/ Murder 101 podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introducing-murder-101/id1724019923?i=1000640430098 Photo by Wim van 't Einde on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:36:21

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Ep. 414: Busy Bees & Reframing Imperfection

4/17/2025
Liz and Sarah continue to embrace this year’s team theme — Flower & Fly 2025 — by thinking of themselves as busy bees. Their organized buzzing has put them in a state of flow. In Take A Hike, Sarah shares why “art yarn” is a great metaphor for fighting perfectionism. In Take Two, they revisit the topic of muses and decide they’re going to start asking themselves, “What is your creative priority?” This week’s Hollywood Hack will make you smell good: Morton Essentials stick deodorant. Finally, Liz has two reality competition show recommendations for people who are missing Traitors — Million Dollar Secret on Netflix and Got To Get Out on Hulu. 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: Happier In Hollywood on Substack: https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search Fain’s Honey Vintage Patch Hat: https://fainshoney.com/shop/ols/products/gray-fains-honey-hat CALPAK Terra 35L Water Resistant Zippered Tote Bag: https://www.calpaktravel.com/products/terra-35l-water-resistant-zippered-tote-bag/juniper Amplify Planner: https://www.amplifyplanner.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop7j8kFvguFn83s9FdJWGXSFgNoCxcjCe13l1OPaWMKCXFZwe5c Legend Planner: https://amzn.to/3RPIoXU Expertly Dyed blog: https://expertlydyed.com/blog On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King https://amzn.to/3FAN1lP Morton Essentials deodorant: https://mortonessentials.com/products/sensitive-skin-orange-vanilla-deodorant-stick Got To Get Out trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MRebuiHW5I Million Dollar Secret trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daeL3XxrS-c Photo: David FoodphototastyFor Unsplash+ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:26:18

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Ep. 413: Networking Event Tips & Our Team Muse

4/10/2025
Liz and Sarah share networking event tips for those who don’t particularly like networking events. Some ideas? Look at the guest list beforehand, get there early, and try to connect with deeper conversation. In Hits & Bombs, Sarah gives a Hit to the neighbors who bandaged her bleeding finger, and Liz gives a Bomb to how long it took her to relax during her Palm Springs getaway. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah choose a Team Muse! (Their 15-year-old selves.) This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from friend-of-the-pod Karine — keep an apron in your car. Finally, Sarah recommends the incredibly compelling book Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn-Williams. 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: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King: https://amzn.to/4lfZFH9 Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn-Williams: https://amzn.to/4hYAE0o See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:28:16

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Ep. 412: Read Like You’re A College Student

4/3/2025
Liz and Sarah are getting ready to pitch a show, and they’re battling the bad feeling that nothing will sell. They remind themselves that no matter the climate in Hollywood, their work stays the same. The outcome will be what it will be. In Take A Hike, they discuss why their slow read of Stephen King’s memoir (with pens and highlighters in hand) is giving them a collective pep in their step. Next, The Craft (& Fain) is inspired by the revisions they did of their pitch — try swapping the beginning and ending of whatever you’re writing. Sarah uses this week’s Hollywood Hack whenever she washes her hair: the Kosmu Hair Towel. Then Liz recommends the limited series ZeroZeroZero on Amazon Prime. Finally, Liz had a Celebrity Sighting — Kyle Richards from RHOBH. 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: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King https://amzn.to/3FAN1lP Kosmu Hair Towel: https://amzn.to/4icfBIM ZeroZeroZero trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HoRfUKcvdY Kyle Richards: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0724202/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:26:55

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Ep.411: Supercommunicating With Charles Duhigg

3/27/2025
Liz and Sarah talk to Pulitzer Prize winning writer, Charles Duhigg, about his fantastic book Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. One piece of advice? Ask the deep question. Then, in Day In The Life, they share a typical day in their work life right now. They’re kind of all over the place — in a good way! This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from Charles’ Substack newsletter, The Science of Better — to improve a meeting, serve spicy food and pass out Vitamin D supplements. Finally, Sarah recommends the Charleston Artist Collective. 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, 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: Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection: https://amzn.to/4kw64h8 The Science of Better Substack newsletter: https://charlesduhigg.substack.com/ Charleston Artist Collective: https://charleston.artistcollectives.org/ Chris Dahlquist: https://chrisdahlquist.com/ Photo by Upsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:29:59

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Ep. 410: What The Hell Is Substack & Project Warning Signs

3/20/2025
Sarah and Liz are Substack zealots, but they realize many listeners don’t even know what Substack is — six months ago, they’d barely heard of it. So they break down the ABC’s of Substack from a user’s point of view. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about why giving micro loans through Kiva makes her happier. Then Liz and Sarah answer a question about the signs that project isn’t going well. The biggest sign? Silence from the executives. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from a listener — list a loved one by a special name in the contacts on your phone. Finally, Liz recommends Say Everything: A Memoir by Ione Skye. 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, 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 Kiva: https://www.kiva.org/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD9vUP-yNTM5QGOn77jB9BwcUb2ZN&utm_campaign=branded&utm_medium=ad_grant&utm_source=google_cpc Say Everything: A Memoir by Ione Skye: https://amzn.to/3DxOQzo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:28:59

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Ep. 409: Secrets Of Adulthood With Gretchen Rubin

3/13/2025
Liz and Sarah talk to Gretchen Rubin, aka Liz’s sister, about her fantastic new book of witty and thought-provoking aphorisms, Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives. Some favorites: What can be done at any time is often done at no time. Easy children raise good parents. Accept yourself, and expect more from yourself. Choose the bigger life. This week’s Hollywood Hack is one of Sarah’s favorite skincare products — Biossance toner. Finally, Sarah recommends the podcast Sleep With Me. 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, 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: Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives by Gretchen Rubin: https://amzn.to/3R3mJLL Biossance toner: https://amzn.to/4kl0luD Sleep With Me podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pizzarizzo-brick-builder/id740675898?i=1000697222640 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:26:25

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Ep. 408: Career Transitions With Laverne McKinnon

3/6/2025
Liz and Sarah talk to Hollywood veteran and career coach Laverne McKinnon about career transitions, career grief, and the tumult happening in Hollywood. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they share a tip that will improve your writing — set a high bar. This week’s Hollywood Hack is a product Sarah has been using for over a decade: Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm. Finally, Liz recommends the limited series Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix. 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: Moonshot Mentor with Laverne McKinnon: https://substack.com/profile/129372378-laverne-mckinnon?utm_source=global-search The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor: https://amzn.to/43rOCnM Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm: https://amzn.to/4koxlSv Apple Cider Vinegar trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2Yj_rmCzhE Photo by AARN GIRI on Unsplash See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:32:03