Podcast · Business

Happier in Hollywood

by The Onward Project · English · Business

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 33 min
Latest: 8 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026 · 34 minNew

Ep. 491: Merger Madness & Silent Showers

Liz and Sarah discuss the anxiety surrounding the Paramount/Warner Brothers merger that has all of Hollywood speculating about where the chips will fall. In Take A Hike, Sarah reveals why she’s decided to take silent showers from now on. Then, in HIH WFH (Happier In Hollywood Work From Home), they talk about the downsides of working in bed. This week’s multi-product Hollywood Hack is for anyone with a puppy: Paw Inspired Washable Crate Liners, Woof Pupcicles, Kong Knot dog toys, and Martingale collars. Finally, Liz recommends the book Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E490 · 1 Oct 2026 · 32 min

Ep. 490: Define Your (Cup Of) Ambition

Liz and Sarah examine what’s working (and what’s not) over on their HIH Substack. They love live videos but are wary about overloading readers’ inboxes. In their new segment in honor of Dolly Parton, Cup of Ambition, they talk about why it’s important to define your ambition. What is it you actually WANT? Then Liz gives a Hit to the fearless Megan Stalter, and Sarah gives herself a Bomb for being inconsistent with her Chickening Out newsletter. This week’s Hollywood Hack is great for organization and pleasing to look at: the Steele Canvas Elevated Truck. Finally, Sarah recommends Whistler by…
E489 · 24 Sep 2026 · 31 min

Ep. 489: Feeling Less Fractured & Giving Good Logline

Liz and Sarah often talk about feeling pulled in a thousand directions during their work day. But lately, they’ve been significantly less fractured — and it’s great! The only problem? It won’t last. In Take A Hike, they revisit the subject of Season of Sacrifice. Sarah is in one with her new puppy, Pumpkin Spice. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah talk about what makes a good logline and read a couple of their past favorites. This week’s Hollywood Hack will keep your floors clean: the Tineco Floor One Stretch S6 Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner. Finally, Liz recommends The Great Alone…
E488 · 17 Sep 2026 · 32 min

Ep. 488: No Wallowing Policy & Start In Neutral

Liz and Sarah have discovered that, for them, productivity is the best medicine. After a major disappointment they thought about taking the day off and wallowing in bed. Instead, they had an incredibly productive work day and felt SO MUCH better. From now on, they’re going to implement a No Wallow Policy. In Take A Hike, Liz shares Jack’s advice to “start in neutral.” Then they answer a Mailroom question about their writing nemeses — both as a team and as individuals. Liz shares this week’s makeup Hollywood Hack: the Dior Forever Skin Perfect Stick. Finally, Sarah recommends the book…
E487 · 10 Sep 2026 · 33 min

Ep. 487: Killin’ It Killer Bee Style

Liz and Sarah check in on their 2026 Team Theme “Be the Bee,” and decide to update it to “Be the Killer Bee.” In Take A Hike, Liz shares a strategy for putting yourself in the right mindset for the day. Then they answer a Mailroom question about how they battle internal doubt about whether an idea “has already been done.” This week’s Hollywood Hack is for all the bread bakers: the Mercer Culinary Bread Knife. Finally, Liz recommends the drama Drops of God on Apple TV. Get in touch on Instagram: ⁠@Sfain⁠ & ⁠@LizCraft⁠ Get in touch on Threads: ⁠@Sfain⁠ & ⁠@LizCra⁠ Visit our website:…
E486 · 3 Sep 2026 · 30 min

Ep. 486: What Will We Do Without Dolly?

In honor of the incredible life and legacy of Dolly Parton, Liz and Sarah are doing an all-Dolly episode! In From The Treadmill Desks Of, they reveal how they wish they’d had Dolly’s backbone when they caved on a business decision that is having ramifications today. In Take A Hike, they discuss how Dolly lived her values. Then they introduce a new segment, Cup Of Ambition, in which they’ll talk about how to maintain healthy ambition — just like Dolly did. This week’s Hollywood Hack is a summer grown up glitter make up trend that Dolly would approve of — L’Oreal Le Shadow Stick. Finally, they…
E485 · 27 Aug 2026 · 35 min

Ep. 485: Chaos Vibes & The Joy Of Rehashing

Liz and Sarah discuss that one of the biggest advantages of having a writing partner is being able to take turns bringing each other up when one is down. Right now, Sarah is feeling the chaos of their career, but Liz is calm and optimistic. Next month? It will likely be the opposite! In Take A Hike, they talk about how their recent visit to KCON made them appreciate the joy of rehashing. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah explore how getting granular with their characters’ wardrobe is bringing clarity to their latest pilot. This week’s Hollywood Hack is giving Sarah joy in the…
E484 · 20 Aug 2026 · 31 min

Ep. 484: The Talk-Through Step & Monday Morning Steps

Liz and Sarah have added a useful new step to their pitch writing process — the talk-through step. If they’re working with someone they trust, they’ve discovered it’s super helpful to talk through what they’re thinking for a pitch before actually writing it. In Take A Hike, they reveal their new back-to-school plan to carve out every Monday morning for exercise. In The Mailroom, they answer a question from a listener who wants to know whether Liz and Sarah invested in various products they were curious about. This week’s Hollywood Hack makes sitting outside more pleasant: the Mosiller…
E483 · 13 Aug 2026 · 29 min

Ep. 483: A Tough Hollywood Lesson & Making It Happen (Casting Edition)

Liz and Sarah discuss how their recent disappointment over a project that went up in smoke has once again taught them not to invest too heavily emotionally (or practically) in something until business affairs is involved. Then, in a new segment, Making It Happen, Liz and Sarah talk to veteran casting director Candice Bernstein about how she set about conquering the world of verticals casting. This week’s Hollywood Hack is great for anyone whose seatbelt drives them nuts: Leather Fixing Clips. Finally, Liz recommends the memoir Adult Braces: Driving Myself Sane by Lindy West. Sign up for Liz…
E482 · 6 Aug 2026 · 29 min

Ep. 482: Word Count Accountability (& Chuck Dances!)

Liz and Sarah are using a new accountability method to power through the pages of their novel Bad Trip. Every day, they’re writing down their respective word counts in their planners, even if it’s zero, and then reporting the number to each other the following morning. And it’s working! In Take A Hike, they discuss the question — how much of your day do you actually enjoy? Then, in Hits & Bombs, Sarah gives Liz a hit for helping Sarah and Violet during a tough time, and Liz gives Chuck a Hit for going to a very-out-of-his-comfort-zone dance class. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from a…
E481 · 30 Jul 2026 · 35 min

Ep. 481: AI Work Flow & Plus One With Lisa And Morgan

Liz and Sarah are experimenting with AI to make their work flow more productive. Will their new Chat GPT Work-generated schedule help them keep their project priorities straight? Next they interview Lisa Joyner (married to Jon Cryer aka Ducky from Pretty In Pink)and Morgan Walsh (married to Matt Walsh of Veep and UCB fame) from the fascinating new podcast, Plus One with Lisa and Morgan. How do they deal with having a partner who’s (usually) the one in the spotlight? Is it hard to maintain their own sense of self? This week’s Hollywood Hack is practical and pink — the Anker Zolo power bank.…
E480 · 23 Jul 2026 · 32 min

Ep. 480: Making It Happen & The Wonder Of A Repertoire

Liz and Sarah are making it happen! They’ve been doing a deep dive into micro-dramas for several months, and now they’re at the beginning stages of Executive Producing their first one. They talk about how they’ve gone about educating themselves in this new (to them) form of entertainment and ask listeners when they’ve made something happen. Then, in Take A Hike, they discuss the value of having a repertoire of everything from meals to small talk topics. They also share a recent Day In The Life — from dealing with a water outage to writing at the cafe at Godmothers to breaking a new pilot at…
E479 · 16 Jul 2026 · 32 min

Ep. 479: Summer 2026 Listener Questions Episode: Part Two!

Liz and Sarah are answering more listener questions! Do they still drink espresso martinis? What advice would they give their college senior selves? Could they have been writing partners if they met as adults? What random photos are on their phones thanks to their adventures in TV writing? They discuss all this and more! Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It’ll come right to your inbox! Sign up for Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter Chickening Out at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. It’ll come right to your…
E47801 · 12 Jul 2026 · 37 min

Move Happier: Tips for Regular Exercise, How Walking Helps You Think, Plus Can Your Garden Be an Accountability Partner? (Bonus)

We discuss the biggest obstacles to moving more this summer with Sarah Fain from the “Happier in Hollywood” podcast, and share practical strategies for getting regular exercise. This special episode is part of the Move 26 in ‘26 challenge to help all of us find more ways to move every day. Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com. Get in touch on Instagram: ⁠⁠@Sfain⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠@LizCraft⁠⁠ Get in touch on Threads: ⁠⁠@Sfain⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠@LizCra⁠⁠ Visit our…
E478 · 9 Jul 2026 · 32 min

Ep. 478: Summer 2026 Listener Questions: Part One!

Today Liz and Sarah are answering listener questions! If they weren’t TV writers, what career would they each choose? (Sarah would like to own a craft store, while Liz’s fantasy self is a birth doula.) What did they think of Caro Claire Burke’s novel Yesteryear? Why don’t they spend more time talking about the negative impact of AI? They discuss all this and so much more! 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…
E477 · 2 Jul 2026 · 34 min

Ep. 477: The Universe Speaks & Career Lessons With Laverne

During a recent trip to the Santa Barbara Bowl, Liz and Sarah felt the universe was sending signs that they’re on the right creative path. One of the signs? A long line for the men’s room. In Career Lessons With Laverne, they talk to executive and leadership coach Laverne McKinnon about the physical reaction they had to a recent meeting misfire. This week’s Hollywood Hack is inspired by Sarah and Liz’s recent stay at The Milo in Santa Barbara — fix the small thing. Finally, Liz recommends the reality competition show Outlast: The Jungle on Netflix. Get in touch on Instagram: ⁠@Sfain⁠ &…
E476 · 25 Jun 2026 · 36 min

Ep. 476: How To Get A Rep!

Liz and Sarah discuss their recent Bad Trip writing marathon in Santa Barbara. The highlight? Writing outside at Godmothers in Summerland. Then they interview Rina O’Malley, a writer who’s breaking into the industry, about how she managed to do the impossible — get representation! This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your next meeting: have a preliminary call. Finally, Sarah recommends the Stray Kids Survival Show. LINKS: Rina O’Malley: https://blcklst.com/profile/Rina-OMalley Rina’s recs: 1. Darcy Fowler’s TV & Film Writing Workshops https://www.tvwritersrefuge.com/ Darcy is very good at…
E475 · 18 Jun 2026 · 30 min

Ep. 475: Week Of Yes, Rabbit Holes, & Friendworking

Liz and Sarah had a Week of Yes! After months (years) of hearing “no” they’re finally starting to get some “yeses.” Yay! Next, Liz and Sarah each offer a Take A Hike suggestion. Sarah reveals why it’s a good idea to go down a rabbit hole that’s NOT “you,” and Liz discusses the value of “friendworking.” This week’s Hollywood Hack is great for commuters: car cupholder coasters. Finally, Liz recommends two TV shows on Amazon Prime that are perfect for summer — Off Campus and Every Year After. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at…
E474 · 11 Jun 2026 · 34 min

Ep. 474: Summeritis & Barn To Yarn

Liz and Sarah are suffering from Summeritis! They’re managing to stay productive — but it’s not easy. In Take A Hike, they talk about the value of going on a learning retreat. Sarah just did a fiber retreat in Nome, ND and it rocked her world! This week Sarah has a Hit for Violet’s former nanny, Dawn. And Liz gives herself a tech Bomb for not knowing how to operate her TV. This week’s Hollywood Hack is liberating and a power move— ditch your handbag! Finally, Sarah recommends Christina Applegate’s memoir, You with the Sad Eyes. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on…
E473 · 4 Jun 2026 · 34 min

Ep. 473: Project Theme Songs & A Wrap On Whimsy

As Liz and Sarah dive into the new draft of their novel, they’re experimenting with tense. They each wrote a scene in past tense, and now they’re going to write the same scenes in present tense. Which will they prefer? In The Craft (& Fain) they share a listener’s suggestion to assign every project its own theme song. Then they discuss their favorite parts of Mimsy May in Take Two. One takeaway? Whimsy should not be effortful. This week’s Hollywood Hack is on trend — a Mahjong mat with game instructions as part of its design. Finally, Liz recommends the show Firefly Lane on Netflix. Get in…
E472 · 28 May 2026 · 34 min

Ep. 472: Baby Talk & Summer Schemes

Liz and Sarah are trying out a new pitch technique — instead of writing out their latest pitch word for word, they’re prepping it in bullet points to keep the flow more spontaneous. In The Mailroom, Sarah answers a question from a listener who’s wondering if she should have a baby on her own like Sarah did. The short answer? Do it! Then, in Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah talk about Designing Their Summer. Sarah is going to “move into her house” and Liz is planning a summer of “off-white delight.” Together, they’re going to write their novel! This week’s Hollywood Hack was inspired by a recent…
E471 · 21 May 2026 · 37 min

Ep. 471: Financial Wellness In New Hollywood (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Liz and Sarah talk to trauma-informed financial wellness coach Katy Chen Mazzara about the connection between money blocks and creative blocks, why it’s never a good idea to negotiate with a “starving artist” mentality, and how making a budget might negatively impact your relationship to your finances. This week’s Hollywood Hack will relieve stress and help you have a better time: Get there early! Finally, Liz recommends the third season of The Comeback on HBO Max. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It’ll come right to…
E470 · 14 May 2026 · 35 min

Ep. 470: Prepping Small Talk & Lazarus Projects

Liz and Sarah talk about why it’s helpful to prepare small talk topics before a Zoom meeting. Knowing how to fill that awkward time before everyone arrives will reduce your anxiety and improve meeting flow! In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question about reality TV lingo. Then, in Take Two, Liz and Sarah revisit the topic of projects they once thought were dead coming suddenly back to life. This week’s Hollywood Hack can make life easier — try the weird tech thing that intimidates you. Finally, Sarah recommends some of her favorite Verticals on DramaBox, including All the Little Ways…
E469 · 7 May 2026 · 34 min

Ep. 469: Putting Our Reading Into Our Writing

Liz and Sarah talk about how they plan to incorporate what they’ve gleaned from Natalie Goldberg’s book, Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within, into the next draft of their novel Bad Trip. Inner censor be damned! In Take A Hike, they share whimsy ideas from listeners who are participating in Mimsy May. Then they talk about why Writers Room Pro is one of their favorite HIH WFH tools. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from career coach Carole Kirschner — spend twenty minutes researching whoever you’re going to meet with. Finally Liz recommends Caro Claire Burke’s buzzy new novel,…
E468 · 30 Apr 2026 · 32 min

Ep. 468: Schrodinger’s Cat Is Alive! Sort of.

Liz and Sarah are wrapping their heads around the fact that in New Hollywood previously declared dead projects may come back to life unexpectedly. That’s great — but it can make it hard to gain momentum on new things. In Take Two, Liz and Sarah share all the many things listeners Don’t Feel Bad About Anymore. Then they give a Hit to all the people who have been showing up to the Killer Bee Zoom Work Hour every Friday at 10:30am PT. Liz gives herself a Bomb for her messy office, and Sarah gives herself a Bomb for her out of control nightstand. This week’s Hollywood Hack is good for your gut…
E467 · 23 Apr 2026 · 30 min

Ep. 467: Let’s Celebrate Mimsy May!

Every week on the podcast Liz and Sarah mention “how they balance a career and friendship.” They usually talk about the career part, but today they’re leaning into friendship. Find out what they’re doing just for fun and female bonding. In Take A Hike, the fun continues with the announcement of Mimsy May. Sarah and Liz are embracing whimsy in May, and they think you should too! Next, in The Craft (& Fain), they talk about the importance of separating the “creator” and the “editor.” This week’s Hollywood Hack is for the birds: the Mademax Solar Bird Bath Fountain. Finally, Liz recommends…
E466 · 16 Apr 2026 · 34 min

Ep. 466: 10 Things We Don’t Feel Bad About Anymore

Liz and Sarah are entering Phase Two of working on their novel, Bad Trip. Next up? They have a plan to be done tracking each character through the story by the end of May. In Take A Hike, they each share a list of ten things they don’t feel bad about anymore. Sarah doesn’t feel bad about not being married, and Liz doesn’t feel bad about the gap between her front teeth. This week’s Hollywood Hack will make it easier to dance at weddings this summer — bring along a pair of crocs that match your outfit to fancy parties. Finally, Sarah recommends Serial’s latest podcast, The Idiot. Get in touch…
E465 · 9 Apr 2026 · 30 min

Ep. 465: Help! We Need Book Therapy!

Liz and Sarah talk to their thriller writing mentor and book therapist, best-selling author Greer Hendricks, about how to approach tense and point of view in their work-in-progress novel, Bad Trip. Their biggest takeaway? There’s no one right answer. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help with those high gas prices: the Gas Buddy app. Plus, Liz had a major celebrity sighting at the iconic Mexican restaurant Casa Vega — rock star John Mellencamp. Finally, Liz recommends the Oscar-winning short film, The Singers, on Netflix. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at…
E464 · 2 Apr 2026 · 36 min

Ep. 464: Meet Our Pitch Coach!

Liz and Sarah sit down with their amazing pitch coach, Jordana Oberman, to talk about how to create and deliver a pitch that will actually sell. One piece of advice? Lead with theme and emotion. Save plot for later. Also — practice, practice, practice. This week Sarah has a Hollywood Adjacent/Ojai Hack for her fellow gardeners — use Vego Garden seed trays and Happy Frog potting soil. Finally Sarah recommends the delightful novel, The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion, by Fannie Flagg. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our…
E463 · 26 Mar 2026 · 30 min

Ep. 463: Doubling Down On Our Novel Deadline!

Liz and Sarah finally have some momentum on their novel, Bad Trip, about a group of friends who travel to Peru to do ayahuasca. And they’re vowing to finish the new break by April 1. In Take A Hike, Sarah shares why using social media comparisons has made her happier. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they talk about why it’s such a good idea to think up scenes you want to see. This week’s Hollywood Hack will get you to use that massage gift certificate you’ve held onto for years — don’t hoard self-care. Finally, Liz recommends the movie Is This Thing On? Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly…

About 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/

Happier in Hollywood is a English business podcast from The Onward Project. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Onward Project
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 33 min
Latest episode: 8 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1236845161
Rights: 2026 The Onward Project

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