Latest Episodes
Ep. 306: No Now Doesn’t Mean No Forever
March 23, 2023
- 23:33
Liz and Sarah talk about how a recent conversation about a former development project reminded them that “no now doesn’t mean no...
Ep. 305: Our Essential Tools & Put A Number On It
March 16, 2023
- 26:23
Liz and Sarah share what tools they consider essential for their job as TV writers. On the list? Final Draft, Google Docs, dry erase...
Ep. 304: Liz Vows To Be Positive (No Matter What)
March 9, 2023
- 24:24
Liz tells Sarah she realized that she’s been going on endless rants about the state of TV writers in Hollywood — and she’s vowing to...
About The Show
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 17 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.
More Episodes
Ep. 306: No Now Doesn’t Mean No Forever
March 23, 2023
- 23:33
Liz and Sarah talk about how a recent conversation about a former development project reminded them that “no now doesn’t mean no...
Ep. 305: Our Essential Tools & Put A Number On It
March 16, 2023
- 26:23
Liz and Sarah share what tools they consider essential for their job as TV writers. On the list? Final Draft, Google Docs, dry erase...
Ep. 304: Liz Vows To Be Positive (No Matter What)
March 9, 2023
- 24:24
Liz tells Sarah she realized that she’s been going on endless rants about the state of TV writers in Hollywood — and she’s vowing to...
Ep. 303: Why We Should All HUSSLUP
March 2, 2023
- 32:23
Liz and Sarah talk to H Schuster about her plan to democratize and diversify access to the entertainment industry. The mission of H’s...
Ep. 302: First Draft Difficulty & Setting Aside Worry
February 23, 2023
- 21:09
Liz and Sarah are deep into the first draft of the pilot they’re writing — and discovering all over again how hard it is to write a...
Ep. 301: The Thrill (& And Terror) Of Being In Control
February 16, 2023
- 24:21
As Liz and Sarah continue to work on the novel they plan to write, they realize that for once they’re in total control of their fate....
Ep. 300: Celebrating 300 Episodes!
February 9, 2023
- 27:14
Liz and Sarah celebrate the 300th episode of Happier In Hollywood! What are some of listeners’ favorite moments of the podcast?...
Ep. 299: The Excellence Of An Espresso Martini
February 2, 2023
- 27:11
Liz and Sarah share an email from a listener that outlines the differences between writing a mystery and a thriller. One key takeaway?...
Ep. 298: Liz & Sarah’s 20th Anniversary Trip (Finally!)
January 26, 2023
- 32:15
Liz and Sarah are finally celebrating their 20th anniversary of being a writing team with a Caribbean cruise on the Regal Princess. Yes,...
Ep. 297: The Challenge Of Setting Our Own Deadlines
January 19, 2023
- 23:28
Liz and Sarah are setting their own deadlines on a current project - and that can be a challenge for these two Obligers. How will they...
Ep. 296: Back To Work & Behind The Scenes
January 12, 2023
- 28:14
Liz and Sarah discuss what makes them feel like they’re back to work after a long break. For Liz, it’s getting on her treadmill desk....
Ep. 295: What Barbara Walters Meant To Us & New Year’s Resolutions
January 5, 2023
- 28:52
Liz and Sarah pay tribute to the legendary Barbara Walters, whose career was an inspiration to both of them. Then they reveal their 2023...
Ep. 294: Liz & Sarah’s Team Motto 2023!
December 29, 2022
- 31:06
Liz and Sarah reveal (and explain) their Team Motto for 2023 — “Alt Ending Thelma & Louise!” They’re anticipating a difficult year but...
Ep. 293: They Got Dressed Up And Went!
December 22, 2022
- 23:44
Recently, Liz and Sarah talked about how they were “all dressed up with no place to go” when a pitch meeting was cancelled last minute....
Ep. 292: The Perpetual Waiting Game
December 15, 2022
- 24:57
As Liz and Sarah wait for news of a Season Three pickup of Fantasy Island, they discuss how in Hollywood there’s ALWAYS a wait. In HIH...
Ep. 291: All Dressed Up & Freudenfraude
December 8, 2022
- 22:35
Liz and Sarah discuss how they were all psyched up for a pitch meeting — and then it didn’t happen. The only consolation? Liz hadn’t...
Ep. 290: The Note We Get And Give
December 1, 2022
- 25:06
As Sarah and Liz hone a new pitch they realize that the note they often get is the same one that they always give — MORE EMOTION. In...
Ep. 289: The 2022 Thanksgiving Episode!
November 24, 2022
- 22:03
Liz and Sarah discuss what they’re grateful for— Sarah’s Ojai life is looking up, Liz has taken charge of her health, and their Fantasy...
Ep. 288: Hurry Up And Wait!
November 17, 2022
- 25:56
Liz and Sarah talk about how often they rush to meet a deadline — and then realize there was no rush at all. Then, in Take A Hike, they...
Ep. 287: Liz & Sarah’s 2022 Gift Guide!
November 10, 2022
- 30:28
This week Liz and Sarah share their favorite holiday gift ideas for 2022 — cute AirPod cases, the Fermob Balad Lamp, the Click and Grow...
Ep. 286: The War Of Attrition (And Lessons From Leslie Jordan)
November 3, 2022
- 27:00
Liz and Sarah mention “the war of attrition that is life in Los Angeles” every week in the Happier In Hollywood opener. This week they...
Ep. 285: Talking Transparency
October 27, 2022
- 25:16
After a recent meeting, Liz and Sarah discuss the concept of transparency. How much is too much? And when do you know if it’s safe to be...
Ep. 284: Reframing Work “Politics” As Work “Diplomacy”
October 20, 2022
- 24:06
Liz and Sarah discuss their recent realization that they should reframe work “politics” as work “diplomacy.” In Take A Hike, they share...
Ep. 283: Fantasy Island Composer Genevieve Vincent Sings The Theme Song!
October 13, 2022
- 27:20
Liz and Sarah discuss why sharing their expertise helped them hone in on their strengths and weaknesses as Showrunners. Then — do you...
Ep. 282: Picking A Team Talisman & Wearing Comfortable Shoes
October 6, 2022
- 22:56
Liz and Sarah are back in work mode, and they went on an overnight retreat at the Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai to brainstorm in person....
Ep. 281: Clearing The White Board & Sarah Does Hypnotherapy
September 29, 2022
- 24:32
Vacation is officially over. Sarah and Liz are clearing their white boards and diving into a new project (or maybe two) while they wait...
Ep. 280: What Should We Be Doing Right Now?
September 22, 2022
- 24:57
Liz and Sarah discuss what they should be doing during their downtime. Coming up with TV show ideas? Writing a novel? Working on a new...
Ep. 279: The Writers’ Room Survival Guide with Niceole Levy
September 15, 2022
- 32:43
Liz and Sarah talk to TV writer Niceole Levy about her fantastic new book, The Writers’ Room Survival Guide. Practical tips about topics...
Ep. 278: Stepping OFF The Treadmill Desk & A Call With Our Manager Dianne Fraser
September 8, 2022
- 28:12
Stepping OFF The Treadmill Desk & A Call With Our Manager Dianne FraserLiz and Sarah discuss the anxiety of stepping OFF the treadmill...
Ep. 277: Another Summer Listener Questions Episode!
September 1, 2022
- 28:25
Liz and Sarah received so many great questions from listeners that they decided to devote another episode to answering them. What does...
Ep. 276: Summer Listener Questions!
August 25, 2022
- 27:10
Liz and Sarah answer listener questions! Is being a showrunner what they expected? How do they come up with fantasies for Fantasy...
Ep. 275: Air Dancers & Bel-Air’s Rasheed Newson
August 18, 2022
- 29:06
This week, Liz and Sarah reveal what they’ve learned about themselves when they’re not buried in work. Then they talk with showrunner...
Ep. 274: Being Mindful Of STUFF — Stress, Time, Uncertainty, Fear, & Fatigue
August 11, 2022
- 26:26
Liz and Sarah share some key takeaways from the excellent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging training they recently attended,...
Ep. 273: Bad Sisters & How To Deal With “Crazy”
August 4, 2022
- 24:30
Liz and Sarah discuss the upcoming Apple TV+ show, Bad Sisters. They developed the same show (based on a Flemish series) twice for ABC,...
Ep. 272: From Book To Screen and Writer Friends!
July 28, 2022
- 25:11
This week, Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of spending time with their TV writer friends! Then, in Amplify, Liz and Sarah recommend...
Ep. 271: Passing Off Worry & Big Bullseyes Vs. Small Bullseyes
July 21, 2022
- 20:40
This week, Liz and Sarah are passing off their worry to the experts! They share how trusting your team can take the weight off....
Ep. 270: How To Write A Novel With Author Lian Dolan
July 14, 2022
- 35:52
This week, Liz and Sarah have an update on their company, Fun Job Productions—after two years, did they decide to keep their fiction...
Ep. 269: A Reality Check & The Writing Process
July 7, 2022
- 28:60
This week, Liz and Sarah have a reality check for aspiring TV writers. From making less money to doing free work, the business has...
Ep. 268: Vacation Vibes & Email Etiquette
June 30, 2022
- 25:50
Even though Liz and Sarah are still in the middle of post production for Season 2 of Fantasy Island, they discuss how they feel like...
Ep. 267: That’s A Wrap!
June 23, 2022
- 27:28
Liz and Sarah celebrate wrapping production on Season Two of Fantasy Island! They discuss the Season Two “production curse” and how...
Ep. 266: Spring Listener Questions: Part 2!
June 16, 2022
- 29:33
It’s time for Spring Listener Questions: Part 2! What do Liz and Sarah wish they knew about life—and Hollywood—when they graduated high...
Ep. 265: Spring Listener Questions: Part 1!
June 9, 2022
- 28:04
It’s time for Spring Listener Questions: Part 1! Besides the writing, what parts of showrunning do Liz and Sarah particularly enjoy? Why...
Ep. 264: YAGNI—You Ain’t Gonna Need It!
June 2, 2022
- 24:38
Liz and Sarah have a new strategy: You Ain’t Gonna Need It! YAGNI—a tip from a listener—is helping Liz and Sarah think about work...
Ep. 263: Euphoric Relief & The Queens of Cutting
May 26, 2022
- 24:18
Liz and Sarah have—knock on wood—finished writing Season Two of Fantasy Island! They discuss the euphoria they felt after turning in the...
Ep. 262: Big News, Room Lingo, & Loops
May 19, 2022
- 25:39
Liz and Sarah have news—the Big Summer Fun of Fantasy Island is now Big Fall (Or Winter) Fun on FOX! They discuss getting the call and...
Ep. 261: Senioritis & Sleeping While Stressed
May 12, 2022
- 22:30
This week, Liz and Sarah discuss wrapping the Writers’ Room for Season Two of Fantasy Island! Now they have Senioritis, but there’s...
Ep. 260: You Gotta Have Grit
May 5, 2022
- 34:19
This week, Liz and Sarah have a special guest co-host, friend of the pod and camp owner extraordinaire, Audrey Monke! The three deep...
Ep. 259: Back To Basics
April 28, 2022
- 24:29
What’s missing around your workspace? Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of having solid basics—Sarah needs a good chair, Liz needs...
Ep. 258: Dinner Parties and Slumber Parties!
April 21, 2022
- 25:17
This week, Liz and Sarah share wisdom gleaned from Twitter—specifically, insights for lower level writers from TV writer Jeane Wong. One...
Ep. 257: Momentum Matters
April 14, 2022
- 22:45
With three episodes left to break for Season Two of Fantasy Island, how do Liz and Sarah handle a morale killer? The short answer – they...
Ep. 256: Call In Reinforcements
April 7, 2022
- 24:42
In the thick of double days and double deadlines, Liz and Sarah call in reinforcements! They’ve added their good friend and TV writer...
Ep. 255: Leaning Into A Lean Budget
March 31, 2022
- 24:50
Liz and Sarah share strategies for making a lean TV budget work and discuss putting them into action on Fantasy Island. At every stage...
Ep. 254: How To Be A Pro
March 24, 2022
- 26:25
What does it mean to be a professional? Liz and Sarah deep dive into what pros do differently. From how they communicate, to...
Ep. 253: Embrace The Suck & More Travel Hacks!
March 17, 2022
- 23:49
Liz and Sarah embrace the fact that sometimes things just suck. Sarah moved last weekend—and, yep, it sucked. But acknowledging the suck...
Ep. 252: Money Matters & Tackling The Sunday Night Blues
March 10, 2022
- 33:25
How do creative people budget? Creatively! Liz and Sarah talk MONEY—and how to manage it—with financial coach Dylan Snowden. Dylan...
Ep. 251: Re-entry, Crunch Time, & Compliments!
March 3, 2022
- 26:55
Liz and Sarah are back from Puerto Rico! They discuss how being on location can be a (busy!) break from reality and how they’re tackling...
Ep. 250: Our 250th Episode!
February 24, 2022
- 31:21
It’s the 250th episode of Happier In Hollywood! Liz and Sarah celebrate by recapping their twenty-five favorite topics featured on the...
Ep. 249: HIH WFH—Work From… Hotel!
February 17, 2022
- 25:49
Liz and Sarah discuss how taking a moment to add a personal touch to your work can make a big impact. One example? The...
Ep. 248: Embrace A New Identity
February 10, 2022
- 23:40
TV writers wear many hats, and it’s important for writers of all levels to have the chance to wear them. Liz and Sarah share how getting...
Ep. 247: The Power Of Positive Feedback
February 3, 2022
- 25:20
A kind word goes a long way! As Season Two of Fantasy Island takes shape, Liz and Sarah discuss how getting positive feedback on their...
Ep. 246: Take The Room & Fantasy Island Music Supervisor Melany Mitchell
January 27, 2022
- 27:16
Do you have a room in your home that’s reserved for guests? Liz and Sarah discuss the merits of staking a claim and taking up space....
Ep. 245: Miracles, Imposters, & Wordle!
January 20, 2022
- 23:24
Movie – and TV! – magic means making miracles happen each day, but sometimes those miracles aren’t enough. Liz and Sarah reflect on a...
Ep. 244: Working Weekends & Trying Versus Doing
January 13, 2022
- 27:13
Liz and Sarah have a confession to make — despite swearing Season Two of Fantasy Island will be different, they’re already working...
Ep. 243: Liz & Sarah Answer Listener Questions!
January 6, 2022
- 28:20
Liz and Sarah open the floor to listener questions! Hot topics include: parenting, chickens, Corgis, and more! How do Liz and Sarah know...
Ep. 242: What Would Dolly Do 2022!
December 30, 2021
- 28:22
Liz and Sarah reveal their team motto for the new year — What Would Dolly Do 2022! Their goal is to harness Dolly Parton’s spirit of...
Ep. 241: The Nimble Life
December 23, 2021
- 22:44
Liz and Sarah discuss the necessity of staying nimble as they write and produce Season Two of Fantasy Island. “Lean TV” requires a lot...
Ep. 240: Be The Calm In The Storm
December 16, 2021
- 25:24
Let’s face it— sometimes things go wrong. Liz and Sarah discuss how when they had to manage a recent snafu, they took a lesson in...
Ep. 239: The New Normal?
December 9, 2021
- 27:51
Now that we’re all (sort of) heading back to work after the pandemic, what does “the new normal” look like? Liz and Sarah discuss the...
C13Features Presents: Ghostwriter, Starring Kate Mara and Adam Scott
December 7, 2021
- 02:60
In this C13Features podcast movie presentation of Ghostwriter, Kate Mara and Adam Scott star in a psychological thriller about a former...
Ep. 238: Liz Washes Away Guilt with a Sound Bath
December 2, 2021
- 24:45
Liz shares that while both she and Sarah embraced gratitude over Thanksgiving, Liz also felt another “g” emotion… guilt! Turns out it’s...
Ep. 237: Liz & Sarah Set Boundaries!
November 25, 2021
- 28:17
As Liz and Sarah begin writing Season Two of Fantasy Island, they’re determined to maintain work boundaries — at least for as long as...
Ep. 236: What Kind Of Decision Maker Are You?
November 18, 2021
- 23:19
Liz and Sarah analyze different kinds of decision making. Do you follow your gut? Take the path of least resistance? Make decisions by...
Ep. 235: Liz & Sarah Celebrate Season Two of Fantasy Island!
November 11, 2021
- 24:17
Liz and Sarah share HUGE news! There will be a Season Two of Fantasy Island! Now that they’ve accomplished this major goal, what’s next?...
Ep. 234: Hike Versus Sprint (And Liz Has Big News)
November 4, 2021
- 23:38
Season One of Fantasy Island was a sprint that left Liz and Sarah flat on the ground. As they look ahead to a possible Season Two, they...
Ep. 233: Embracing Hiatus Mode
October 28, 2021
- 22:57
With Season Two of Fantasy Island still up in the air, Liz and Sarah have decided to embrace Hiatus Mode! What does that mean? Going to...
Ep. 232: Sliding Doors & Sarah Gets Chickens
October 21, 2021
- 24:17
Liz and Sarah discuss how their immediate future resembles the 1998 movie Sliding Doors. There’s one reality if Fantasy Island gets...
Ep. 231: Hollywood Holiday Gift Guide!
October 14, 2021
- 32:45
It’s not even Halloween yet, but Liz and Sarah are looking ahead to the holidays. Between supply chain problems and slow delivery,...
Ep. 230: What Five Things Do You Want To Be Known For?
October 7, 2021
- 21:35
Liz and Sarah discuss a question put forth by their favorite author consultant, Crystal Ellefsen — what five things do they want to be...
Ep. 229: The Waiting Game
September 30, 2021
- 25:17
Liz and Sarah are anxiously waiting to find out if there’s a future for Fantasy Island. They reveal one way they’re handling the stress...
Ep. 228: Resetting, Reframing, & The Finale
September 23, 2021
- 26:52
Liz and Sarah reveal what’s most pressing in their work psyches this week — nothing! As Season One of Fantasy Island comes to an end,...
Ep. 227: The Power Of A POV
September 16, 2021
- 23:56
Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of having a point of view at work. Your boss might not always agree with you, but that’s ok! In...
Ep. 226: Expect the Worst, Prepare for the Best!
September 9, 2021
- 23:60
As the school year begins, Liz and Sarah take a cue from Violet's first day at her new school: Expect the worst, prepare for the best....
Ep. 225: The Art of the Podcast
September 2, 2021
- 28:32
Liz and Sarah aren’t just TV writers — they’re podcasters! This week they discuss how they make Happier In Hollywood, and what elements...
Ep. 224: The In-Between Time (And a Brand New Fantasy Island Segment!)
August 26, 2021
- 29:26
Liz and Sarah discuss what they call, "the in-between time—“ Fantasy Island has premiered, but will there be a second season? Or not?...
Ep. 223: Writing Is Easier Than Not Writing (And The Premiere of Fantasy Island!)
August 19, 2021
- 27:10
After months of work (and stress) it happened — the premiere of Fantasy Island on FOX! Liz and Sarah discuss the press coverage, the...
Ep. 222: Prepping For Press & Braving Reviews
August 12, 2021
- 26:40
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...
Ep. 221: Deciding NOT To Work
August 5, 2021
- 26:49
Liz and Sarah discuss their decision not to make work for themselves during their upcoming downtime. Instead, they’re going to focus on...
Ep. 220: Senioritis!
July 29, 2021
- 21:37
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,...
Ep. 219: Climb The Wall And Enjoy The View
July 22, 2021
- 18:53
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...
Ep. 218: A Summer Listener Questions Episode!
July 15, 2021
- 29:30
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...
Ep. 217: A Conversation with Sony Casting EVP Dawn Steinberg!
July 8, 2021
- 31:22
Liz and Sarah chat with Dawn Steinberg, EVP of Worldwide Talent and Casting at Sony Pictures Television, about her career, the advice...
Ep. 216: Tackling The Tedious
July 1, 2021
- 28:36
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...
Ep. 215: Accepting We Don’t Have Control
June 24, 2021
- 26:20
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...
Ep. 214: Be An Insulator
June 17, 2021
- 25:41
Liz and Sarah discuss a great compliment they received from one of the Fantasy Island writers— they’re insulators as opposed to...
Presenting: No Place Like Home
June 15, 2021
- 04:10
Do you remember the first time you watched The Wizard of Oz? Those famous red ruby slippers are some of the most iconic objects in...
Ep. 213: Spice Up, Live Long & Completing Phase One of Fantasy Island
June 10, 2021
- 29:29
Liz and Sarah have completed Phase One of Fantasy Island — all of their story areas for the season have been approved! There’s still...
Ep. 212: Be A Boulder Pusher
June 3, 2021
- 28:13
Liz and Sarah discuss why, in a group setting, it’s important to be a person who pushes the boulder up the hill. And if you can’t push...
Ep. 211: Everyone Is Right
May 27, 2021
- 27:40
Liz and Sarah discuss how, when working in a highly collaborative environment, everyone can be right at the same time, which can...
Ep. 210: Cussing and Discussing
May 20, 2021
- 22:25
Liz and Sarah share a listener’s suggestion about how to frame potentially difficult work conversations so that they stay light-hearted...
Ep. 209 Sometimes It's Not A Fun Job, And We Don't Enjoy It
May 13, 2021
- 23:54
Liz and Sarah are in the thick of production on Fantasy Island, and they discuss how sometimes it's not a fun job, and they don't enjoy...
Ep. 208: The Gift Of Other People’s Productivity
May 6, 2021
- 25:48
As work on Fantasy Island continues to become more and more intense, Liz and Sarah discuss their gratitude for the gift of other...
Ep. 207: To Be Or Not To Be Indecisive
April 29, 2021
- 25:41
Liz and Sarah pride themselves on making decisions quickly — it’s a big part of being a showrunner. But sometimes it’s better NOT to...
Ep. 206: Location, Location, Location!
April 22, 2021
- 21:27
Liz and Sarah discuss how being in a great location can impact the experience of work. Can't go to a tropical island? Try sitting in...
Ep. 205: What Happens To Good Intentions When The Shit Hits The Fan
April 15, 2021
- 26:01
Liz and Sarah are in Puerto Rico to shoot Fantasy Island! And all of their good intentions to sleep, exercise, and eat right have gone...
Ep. 204: It's Time For The Spring Listener Questions Episode!
April 8, 2021
- 30:31
When will Fantasy Island air? What's so great about Ojai? If Liz and Sarah could change careers, what would they pick? And most...
Ep. 203: A Good Reason to Embrace the Hate
April 1, 2021
- 20:49
Liz and Sarah discuss their recent realization that eight months ago, Fantasy Island wasn’t even on their project list— and now it’s...
Ep. 202: Haters Gonna Hate
March 25, 2021
- 21:44
Prompted by a recent unpleasant email (and Taylor Swift), Liz and Sarah discuss the fact that “haters gonna hate.” Anytime they put...
Ep. 201: Be A Volunteer (And Sarah Is Moving!)
March 18, 2021
- 21:22
Liz and Sarah often talk about one of their favorite mottos — volunteers not recruits. Today they remind themselves that as...
Ep. 200: Celebrating Our 200th Episode!
March 11, 2021
- 29:09
Liz and Sarah are celebrating the two hundredth episode of Happier In Hollywood! As they look back, they share some of the segments that...
Ep. 199: Liz & Sarah On Feeling Pressure From All Sides
March 4, 2021
- 23:59
As Liz and Sarah write the pilot for their reboot of Fantasy Island, they’re also feeling the pressure of getting a show off the ground...
Ep. 198: The Art Of Doing Extra
February 25, 2021
- 27:46
Liz and Sarah discuss the art of doing extra at work. It’s not about putting in more hours willy-nilly — you’ve got to pick your moments...
Ep. 197: Our Layer Cake Philosophy
February 18, 2021
- 26:37
Liz and Sarah discuss why they compare the creative process to baking a layer cake. A script isn’t going to be rich and textured with...
Ep. 196: The Importance Of Being Okay With Other People’s Good Ideas
February 11, 2021
- 26:38
Now that Fantasy Island is ramping up, Liz and Sarah have been having LOTS of meetings. One revelation that’s come out of all these Zoom...
Ep. 195: Be A Yes Person
February 4, 2021
- 24:45
Liz and Sarah talk about the benefits of being “yes people” at work. One advantage? When you almost always say “yes,” your “no” means...
Ep. 194: It’s A Fun Job, And We Enjoy It!
January 28, 2021
- 27:12
As Liz and Sarah dive headfirst into the stress of running a show, they discuss how their motto “it’s a fun job, and we enjoy it” helps...
Ep. 193: First Day of School Syndrome in the Zoom Room
January 21, 2021
- 24:12
Liz and Sarah have First Day of School Syndrome AND Zoom fatigue! They discuss the First Day of School challenges of adjusting to their...
Ep. 192: The Demystification Of Staffing (& Meet Kimberly!)
January 14, 2021
- 28:60
Liz and Sarah have just staffed their new show, the remake of the iconic series, Fantasy Island! They talk through the staffing process...
Ep. 191: Make Your Own Relationships At Work
January 7, 2021
- 22:13
As Liz and Sarah dive into their new project — a reboot of the iconic Fantasy Island — they discuss why it’s crucial to make your own...
Ep. 190: 2021: A Year Of Fantasy Island And Juicy Fruit
December 31, 2020
- 23:19
Happy New Year! On the eve of 2021, Liz and Sarah reveal exciting news. They’re doing a reboot of the iconic 70’s show, Fantasy Island!...
Ep. 189: A Christmas Eve Hollywood Hack Episode!
December 24, 2020
- 27:54
In honor of Christmas Eve, Liz and Sarah give listeners the gift of an ALL Hollywood Hacks episode. Liz shares her favorite new solution...
Ep. 188: The First Annual HIH Holiday Gift Guide For Work
December 17, 2020
- 27:25
Liz and Sarah tackle the problem of gifting in the workplace. Do you gift up or down or both? They think gifting down should involve...
Ep. 187: JaNeika & JaSheika James’ Wonder Twins Power Activate Hollywood!
December 10, 2020
- 30:22
Liz and Sarah talk to powerhouse writing duo JaNeika and JaSheika James about their new book, Living Double: How Identical Twins...
Ep. 186: How Good Projects Go Bad
December 3, 2020
- 27:43
Liz and Sarah can finally reveal their latest project — an adaptation of the gripping upcoming novel, The Final Girl Support Group, by...
Ep. 185: A Thanksgiving Gratitude Assignment
November 26, 2020
- 20:21
Liz and Sarah discuss why it’s important to remember that nobody cares how much work you’ve put into something — the end result is all...
Ep. 184: How To Quit A Job Without Burning Bridges
November 19, 2020
- 28:31
Quitting a job is hard, but it can be done without burning bridges. Liz and Sarah talk to Executive Coach and host of the podcast Career...
Ep. 183: Autumn Listener Question Episode!
November 12, 2020
- 29:41
Why doesn’t Liz cook? What has Sarah learned from parenting a Rebel child? How does a writer obtain IP for development? It’s the Autumn...
Ep. 182: Groups Need A Group Agenda
November 5, 2020
- 24:08
Liz and Sarah discuss why it’s so important to set a group agenda before a meeting. One piece of advice if you want your group to make a...
Ep. 181: It’s Time To Reinstitute One Thing
October 29, 2020
- 21:51
Liz and Sarah share suggestions from their Facebook group about dressing up for Zoom Halloween. Their favorite idea? Be a floating head!...
Ep. 180: Learning To Embrace Downtime!
October 22, 2020
- 27:36
Liz and Sarah discuss why they should resist the urge to create unnecessary work for themselves when they have downtime. In Mailroom,...
Ep. 179: The Strategy Of Decision Making With Annie Duke
October 15, 2020
- 31:03
Liz and Sarah discuss how to rekindle their creative fire after stepping away from a project for over four months. Then they talk to...
Ep. 178: Ask Your Lawyer And Taking Out Your Own Trash
October 8, 2020
- 26:58
How does Sarah’s new ritual of taking her trash to the local dump relate to being a writer in Hollywood? Liz and Sarah reveal that...
Ep. 177: Stepping Into Your Power At Work With Executive Coach Marie Garvey
October 1, 2020
- 38:24
First, Liz and Sarah share Zoom pitching advice from listeners and friend of the pod, Laurie Zaks. Then they talk to Executive Coach...
Ep. 176: Catching Up With Brook — How She’s Learning To Be Brave and Not Take It Personally
September 24, 2020
- 29:15
Liz and Sarah discuss the upcoming Happier In Hollywood newsletter. They had planned to start one pre-pandemic, and now they finally...
Ep. 175: Zoom Pitching And Busted Give A Damns
September 17, 2020
- 32:28
Liz and Sarah discuss their upcoming Zoom pitch. How can they keep their audience engaged when they’re not in the same room? Pro tip:...
Ep. 174: Career Lessons From The Bachelorette
September 10, 2020
- 24:15
Liz and Sarah analyze how lessons from ABC’s The Bachelor and The Bachelorette can improve their approach to potential new projects....
Ep. 173: Sarah’s “Surge Capacity” Is Depleted — Is Yours?
September 3, 2020
- 29:13
Liz and Sarah ask listeners what kind of merch they’d like for the holiday season. Then they discuss a recent article about how we’ve...
Ep. 172: They’re Paying For Your Confidence
August 27, 2020
- 21:43
Liz and Sarah discuss why understanding that executives are paying for their confidence helps them bring pitches and scripts across the...
Ep. 171: Summer Listener Questions Episode — Part Two
August 20, 2020
- 22:07
Liz and Sarah answer more Listener Questions! Do they ever write just for fun? If they were Queens for a day, what small change would...
Ep. 170: Summer Listener Questions Episode — Part One
August 13, 2020
- 25:18
Liz and Sarah dive into Listener Questions. What is “good writing?” Do they have any “painfully blunt” advice about breaking into TV...
Ep. 169: Set Safety, Mariachi, & The “Do We Want To Talk About It” Test
August 6, 2020
- 35:34
Liz and Sarah talk to director Dr. Rachel Raimist (Queen Sugar, Roswell New Mexico) about how she’s shooting safely during the time of...
Ep. 168: Are Your Goals And Your Time Aligned?
July 30, 2020
- 21:02
Liz and Sarah realize that they need to pay attention to whether their goals are in alignment with how they’re spending their time. It’s...
Ep. 167: Timeliness And Revisiting Ripcords
July 23, 2020
- 23:22
Good news! Liz and Sarah are selling their Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cups again. Just email...
Ep. 166: Remember The Mah Jongg Card
July 16, 2020
- 29:44
Liz and Sarah try to envision work and the workplace post Covid-19. On the plus side, they expect less traffic and to save on dry...
Ep. 165: Improve Your Mental Flexibility And A Discussion About “How to Broach Race When You’re Not the Most Powerful Person in the Writers Room”
July 9, 2020
- 33:46
Liz and Sarah discuss how we can all improve their our mental flexibility during this global pandemic. One tip? Tweak your routine. In...
Ep. 164: Pulling The Ripcord And The Beauty Of An Unexpected Interlude
July 2, 2020
- 25:53
Liz and Sarah discuss challenging works situations. When do you stick it out, and when do you pull the ripcord and escape? In Take A...
Ep. 163: How To Pick Projects With Manager Dianne Fraser
June 25, 2020
- 23:12
Liz and Sarah discuss their decision to believe in a positive post-Covid future in their work — and how they’re also trying to apply...
Ep. 162: Making Space For Creativity
June 18, 2020
- 20:39
Liz and Sarah strategize about how they can make space to be creative in this pivotal historical moment. Then they introduce a new...
Ep. 161: Tackling The Lack Of Diversity In Hollywood
June 11, 2020
- 32:57
Liz and Sarah talk to Jeanette Volturno of Catchlight Films and Julie Harris Walker of Catch A Break Podcast about how they’re working...
Ep. 160: Take Control Of Your Career
June 4, 2020
- 24:14
Note: This episode was recorded before the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer led to nation-wide protests. We stand...
Ep. 159: Dolores Huerta On Activism, Feminism, And Resilience
May 28, 2020
- 26:35
Sarah gives a shout out to all the truck drivers who made her grueling RV drive to Kansas City and back better and safer. Then Liz and...
Ep. 158: Managing The Personal To Manage The Professional
May 21, 2020
- 23:28
Liz and Sarah discuss the need to get their personal situations in order so that they can more effectively focus on work during this...
Ep. 157: Meet Our New Manager And Combating Zoom Fatigue
May 14, 2020
- 26:16
Liz and Sarah talk to their new manager, Dianne Fraser, about exactly what a manager does, how managers are different from agents, and...
Ep. 156: Dressing For Zoom Meetings With Emmy-Nominated Costume Designer Allyson Fanger
May 7, 2020
- 23:44
Liz and Sarah have their minds blown by Emmy-nominated Costume Designer, Allyson Fanger, who says dressing for Zoom meetings isn’t just...
Ep. 155: More Lightning Listener Questions!
April 30, 2020
- 24:39
Liz and Sarah are answering your questions — and they’re answering them fast! What’s their favorite part of writing for television? When...
Ep. 154: What Makes A Good Idea Good?
April 23, 2020
- 27:14
Sarah shares her Covid-19 mantra: Does this matter? Liz’s is “closer, stronger, lighter.“ Then Liz and Sarah discuss how living through...
Ep. 153: Boosting Immunity And Tackling “Snack Bursts” With Dr. Melina
April 16, 2020
- 30:35
Liz and Sarah reveal big news — they have representation. But they decided not to get an agent. Instead, they signed with badass...
Ep. 152: A Visit From Violet and Finding Money In Your Own Backyard
April 9, 2020
- 25:17
Violet visits Happier In Hollywood to talk about being “safer at home” from a kid’s point of view. Then Liz and Sarah talk to author and...
Ep, 151: How Covid-19 Has Shut Down Hollywood And Everywhere Else
April 2, 2020
- 28:03
Covid-19 has changed our lives in big ways — and small. Sarah and Liz share some small, unexpected changes in their routines since...
Ep. 150: Maximizing Work Hikes And Building Community
March 26, 2020
- 19:45
Note: This episode was recorded before life changed dramatically due to the Covid-19 virus.Following up on their discussion about...
Bonus Episode: Parenting And Staying Positive During The Covid-19 Crisis
March 21, 2020
- 25:03
In the last two weeks, our world has turned upside down. Social distancing, remote learning, and WFH are now the new reality. Liz and...
Ep. 149: Say Something Right Away: A Seize The Day Episode
March 19, 2020
- 25:22
Note: This episode was recorded before life changed dramatically due to the Covid-19 virus. Liz and Sarah follow up on their discussion...
Ep. 148: Should We All Be Time Blocking? Probably.
March 12, 2020
- 31:05
With so many irons in the fire, Liz and Sarah decide to try time blocking. Will task batching and day theming keep them on track? (We...
Ep. 147: Wrestling With Schrodinger’s Cat
March 5, 2020
- 22:47
Liz and Sarah discuss the paradox of Shrodinger’s Cat — a thought experiment in which a theoretical cat is both alive and dead at the...
Ep. 146 Something From Nothing — It’s An Actual Thing
February 27, 2020
- 27:13
Liz and Sarah discuss their realization that so much can come from something... even if nothing comes from it. An example? In preparing...
Introducing The Baron of Botox
February 25, 2020
- 04:05
Over two decades, Dr. Fredric Brandt went from a small dermatology practice in Miami to being Madonna's personal skincare consultant and...
Ep. 145: The (TV Business) Times They Are A-Changin’
February 20, 2020
- 25:09
It’s a small world! Liz and Sarah share an email from Kate Silver, the writer of the Spirit Magazine article “Turning Pink” that they...
Ep. 144: What’s Your Personal “Canary In A Coal Mine?”
February 13, 2020
- 20:04
Liz and Sarah talk about how to “hijack the meeting,” advice that comes from their friend and fellow TV writer, Moira Kirland. Then in...
Ep. 143: Liz & Sarah Remind Themselves: It’s Not Personal!
February 6, 2020
- 20:35
Liz and Sarah reveal that ABC passed on their PLASTICS pilot. They’re super bummed but bouncing back and moving on. One thing that’s...
Ep. 142: The Wonder Of Re-Networking (And Of Champagne)
January 30, 2020
- 22:14
Liz and Sarah talk about why it’s important to “re-network” with people you’ve worked with in the past. Then in Take Two, they share the...
Ep. 141: A Very Personal Episode: Sarah’s Mom Story & Liz’s Voice Challenge
January 23, 2020
- 35:47
Many listeners have asked Sarah to tell the story of how she became an only parent to her daughter, Violet. This is the day she tells...
Ep. 140: Liz & Sarah Celebrate A Career Milestone!
January 16, 2020
- 23:13
Liz and Sarah are celebrating their twentieth anniversary as writing partners! They reflect on the last two decades and discuss what...
Ep. 139: What’s Your QUESTION For 2020?
January 9, 2020
- 24:39
After what feels both like forever and no time at all, Liz and Sarah are approaching the finish line for both their pilot scripts. Now...
Ep. 138: Here’s To A Happy, Healthy, Motto-vated 2020!
January 2, 2020
- 19:49
After a “Season of Failure” update, Liz and Sarah decide on their new team theme for 2020! This year, they’re going to Hike Into The...
Ep. 137: Remove Yourself From The Spin (Out) Zone
December 26, 2019
- 21:50
It’s almost pilot pickup season, and Hollywood has entered the Spin (Out) Zone. Liz and Sarah discuss the techniques they use to stay...
Ep. 136: Down With Exclamation Points!
December 19, 2019
- 21:50
Down With Exclamation Points!Are Liz and Sarah riding a dragon or a camel? They update listeners on their 2019 exam development motto —...
Ep. 135: Pain Points & The Psychology of Documents
December 12, 2019
- 30:40
Liz and Sarah talk to actor and friend Dichen Lachman (Dollhouse, Altered Carbon, Animal Kingdom) about the audition pain point that...
Ep. 134: Nichelle Tramble Spellman is NOT Failing On All Fronts (But Liz Is)
December 5, 2019
- 33:56
TILiz and Sarah talk to their good friend Nichelle Tramble Spellman, creator and showrunner of the fantastic new Apple TV+ show TRUTH BE...
Ep. 133: The Care And Feeding Of Writers: A Thanksgiving Episode
November 28, 2019
- 25:36
Liz and Sarah offer tips to executives and producers who are giving notes to writers during the development process. Do be direct! Don’t...
Ep. 132: A Lightning Listener Question Episode
November 21, 2019
- 25:17
Liz and Sarah answer questions from the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group — and they answer them fast! Do they ever feel like their...
Ep. 131: The Importance Of Mahjong
November 14, 2019
- 24:29
With development season at peak intensity, Liz and Sarah are putting their noses to the grindstone. What does that mean? They’re often...
Bonus Episode: Liz and Sarah’s “American Beauties” Pitch
November 8, 2019
- 28:20
Liz and Sarah pitch “American Beauties,” a pilot script they sold (twice) to Fox. After the pitch, they critique their own work— and...
Ep. 130: How To Focus During Armageddon
November 7, 2019
- 30:16
Liz and Sarah give an update on their efforts to reject anxiety during development season. Then they strategize about how to stay...
Ep. 129: Anxiety, We Reject You!
October 31, 2019
- 23:48
Liz and Sarah wish listeners a Happy Halloween and share a tip from The Whole 30’s Melissa Hartwig Urban about how to resist the...
Ep. 128: Conquering The Fear of New Things & The Warner Brothers Pitch Document
October 24, 2019
- 24:41
Liz and Sarah announce their upcoming Bonus Episode! They’re going to pitch American Beauties, a pilot script they sold (twice) to Fox....
Ep. 127: Why “Enough Is Enough”
October 17, 2019
- 26:53
Liz and Sarah explain that even a “put” pilot isn’t a sure thing. Then they discuss why “enough is enough.” It’s tempting to over-write...
Ep. 126: Embracing Your Weird With Felicia Day
October 10, 2019
- 30:48
Liz and Sarah talk with actor, web series creator, and New York Times best-selling author, Felicia Day, about her new book Embrace Your...
Ep. 125: Starting A Work Marathon, Ending A Heath Lull
October 3, 2019
- 29:50
Liz and Sarah share an email from a listener who gives a counterargument to their advice to “arrive early.” Then they announce their new...
Ep. 124: Financial Insecurity, The Real Housewives, & Being An Only Parent: A Listener Questions Episode!
September 26, 2019
- 33:27
It’s a Listener Questions episode! Liz and Sarah open the mailbag and answer your questions. How does Liz feel about working at Sarah’s...
Ep. 123: How To Be A Happy Camper At Work With Audrey Monke
September 19, 2019
- 26:58
Liz and Sarah give an update on a listener suggestion that they coordinate their meeting outfits. They did it! And it was surprisingly...
Introducing Bachelor Happy Hour with Rachel & Ali
September 12, 2019
- 09:38
“Bachelor Happy Hour with Rachel & Ali” takes fans behind the scenes with all things Bachelor Nation-related in the first ever, official...
Ep. 122: Everything Takes Forever
September 12, 2019
- 24:56
Inspired by an overheard conversation (and a thousand notes calls), Liz and Sarah ask listeners to weigh in on what makes a character...
Ep. 121: How To Conquer A “Health Lull” — We Asked, You Answered!
September 5, 2019
- 27:07
After an update on the great how-to-pronounce “gif” (is it a hard “g” or a soft “g”) debate of 2019, Liz and Sarah discuss the...
Ep. 120: Sheri Salata’s Beautiful No— A Happier Labor Day Episode
August 29, 2019
- 34:11
The Onward Project is celebrating Labor Day with #HappierLaborDay! Liz and Sarah invite Sheri Salata (author of The Beautiful No,...
Ep. 119: How To Get More Instagram Followers With Marketing Expert Jessica Berberian
August 22, 2019
- 33:04
Liz and Sarah have an update on their new office space in Sarah’s house. It’s done! And they love it! In From The Treadmill Desks Of,...
Ep. 118: Writing Blind: An Interview with TV Writers Jess Burkle and Ryan Knighton
August 15, 2019
- 35:11
Liz and Sarah share the details of their first Happier In Hollywood Q&A Cocktail Party. It was a huge success! Then they interview TV...
Ep. 117: Creating A Room Of Our Own
August 8, 2019
- 22:22
Now that Liz and Sarah don’t have an official office, they’re creating “a room of their own” at Sarah’s house. While Sarah insists on...
Ep. 116: The Compartmentalizing Struggle Is Real
August 1, 2019
- 22:39
Liz and Sarah discuss a listener suggestion that they coordinate their meeting outfits. Are they up for the task? Then they talk about...
Ep. 115: Talking Work Wives With Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg of By The Book
July 25, 2019
- 35:24
Inspired by listener demand, Liz and Sarah announce their August 8th Happier In Hollywood Q & A Cocktail Party. (For more information...
Ep.114: Don’t Take the Meeting!
July 18, 2019
- 27:37
Liz and Sarah discuss why they’ve recently decided NOT to take every meeting. Sometimes they need to go deep instead of going wide. Then...
Ep. 113: On Being A Staff Writer
July 11, 2019
- 31:45
Liz and Sarah break down the experience of being a Staff Writer on a TV show with their former assistant turned TV writer, Brook...
Ep. 112: Shop Your Closet (And Other Strategies to Spend Less)
July 4, 2019
- 32:21
Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of saving money in Hollywood’s perennially unstable gig economy. Hint: avoid mindless spending. And...
Ep. 111: Shawn Ryan on Picking Projects and Keeping Calm
June 27, 2019
- 31:43
Liz and Sarah talk to their mentor, the brilliant television writer/producer, Shawn Ryan (The Shield, S.W.A.T.), about how he picks...
Ep. 110: The Perils and Promise of Free Work
June 20, 2019
- 23:29
Liz and Sarah discuss the issue of doing free work in Hollywood. It’s necessary, but how much is too much? And how can they do free work...
Ep. 109: The Brilliance of Resilience
June 13, 2019
- 21:58
Everyone gets knocked down once in awhile— the question is, what do you do AFTER you get knocked down? If you’re resilient, you get back...
Ep. 108: A Cacophony of Choice (And Goodbye To Mary)
June 6, 2019
- 22:56
Liz and Sarah start with a poetic update— a reading of Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese.” Then in From The Treadmill Desks Of, they discuss the...
Ep. 107: Wish/Want/Walk Negotiation With Entertainment Attorney Michael Donaldson
May 30, 2019
- 37:29
The Fix has been cancelled! It’s not unexpected, but it still sucks. Liz and Sarah share what Season 2 would have been and how they’re...
Ep. 106: A Revelation: Being Calm Vs. Acting Calm
May 23, 2019
- 24:06
Liz and Sarah discuss being calm versus acting calm — and how they were recently “Shawn Ryan Calm” during a tough conversation. Then in...
Ep. 105: Time To Ride The Dragon
May 16, 2019
- 24:22
Liz and Sarah reveal their 2019 Development Motto: Ride The Dragon (just like Daenerys, but with less crazy)! With the ever changing...
Ep. 104: Good Writing Is Good Writing: A Listener Questions Episode!
May 9, 2019
- 25:14
You asked, Liz and Sarah answer! What’s the best book on writing? Do extras wear their own clothes? How does collaboration work? Why...
Ep. 103: The Hill Is Not As High As You Think It Is
May 2, 2019
- 21:50
The hill is not as high as you think it is! Liz and Sarah discuss how they're conquering both literal and metaphorical "hills,"...
Ep. 102: The Viper And The Asshole: Liz Dolan And Rico Gagliano Weigh In
April 25, 2019
- 30:52
Liz and Sarah talk to Safe For Work podcast hosts Liz Dolan and Rico Gagliano about all things work — from dealing with assholes and...
Ep. 101: Working In An Atmosphere Of Growth
April 18, 2019
- 24:48
Liz and Sarah discuss their recent Happier in Hollywood writers’ retreat in Ojai — How To Get (And Keep) A Job As A TV Writer — and why...
Ep. 100: 100th Episode Special: Gretchen Declutters The Office!
April 11, 2019
- 33:38
It’s the 100th episode of Happier in Hollywood! In television land, this would be the holy grail! To celebrate, special guest Gretchen...
Ep. 99: Eat It With Grace
April 4, 2019
- 35:23
Liz and Sarah talk to Hollywood career coach Carole Kirschner about having a game plan. Her advice? Have it on the stage and on the...
Ep. 98: What’s Your Role In The Workplace?
March 28, 2019
- 33:47
It happened! The Fix is on the air! Liz and Sarah discuss how they shook off the nerves of premiere night and enjoyed the moment. Then...
Ep. 97: Stay On Your Path
March 21, 2019
- 25:07
Liz and Sarah share why it’s important to stay on your path — and how they’re staying on their path during an unpredictable time. Then...
Ep. 96: Work From Home? Here Are The Essentials
March 14, 2019
- 29:49
Liz and Sarah talk to business owner and writer Crystal Ellefsen about working from home. Then they answer a Mailroom question about...
Ep. 95: Be All In: Ola Shokunbi Talks About Making The Leap From Lawyer To TV Writer
March 7, 2019
- 31:39
Liz and Sarah talk to Ola Shokunbi about his journey from representing pharmaceutical companies as a lawyer in D.C. to being a staff...
Ep. 94: Good Work Doesn’t Happen After Dinner
February 28, 2019
- 28:31
Liz and Sarah discuss good (and bad) time management skills— for showrunners, and anyone else in a leadership position. A couple tips:...
Ep. 93: Be Yourself But Better: Prepping For Press
February 21, 2019
- 30:58
Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of doing press for their new show The Fix, and their recent Television Critics Association...
Ep. 92: Ask Yourself: Does This Move The Needle?
February 14, 2019
- 34:57
Liz and Sarah discuss how they pick their battles when they're running a TV show. Their two most important questions: Is this...
Ep. 91: Irons In The Fire
February 7, 2019
- 27:46
Liz and Sarah discuss the pros and cons of having irons in the fire. Their advice? Have three to five GOOD irons in the fire at a time....
Ep. 90: Have A “Why”
January 31, 2019
- 26:50
Sparked by a listener question, Liz and Sarah discuss the difference between writing for TV versus movies. One reason they chose to work...
Ep. 89: Go Where The Fires Are With The Fix’s Michael Katleman
January 24, 2019
- 32:03
Liz and Sarah interview The Fix’s Executive Producer/Director Michael Katleman! He explains what it’s like to be an Executive...
Ep. 88: To Do List, Or Not To Do List
January 17, 2019
- 26:23
Liz and Sarah are DONE with the first season of The Fix! They discuss how they’re managing their anxiety before the big premiere on...
Ep. 87: From The Mailroom: A Listener Questions Episode
January 10, 2019
- 27:59
Liz and Sarah answer all your questions about the entertainment industry in this very special Mailroom episode! What are some qualities...
Ep. 86: Up Your Wardrobe Game!
January 3, 2019
- 30:52
Liz and Sarah talk to the queen of Costume Design: The Fix’s Allyson Fanger! Allyson shares which actor was the most fun to dress, how...
Ep. 85: New Year’s Resolutions!
December 27, 2018
- 30:28
Liz and Sarah announce The Fix’s Premiere date! Tune in Monday, March 18th at 10pm! Then Liz and Sarah discuss their New Year’s...
Ep. 84: From Expand To Explode: Pick YOUR Theme For 2019
December 20, 2018
- 28:05
What’s Liz and Sarah’s team theme for 2019? EXPLODE! They reflect on the ways in which they expanded in 2018 and discuss how they’ll...
Ep. 83: Lightning Bolts and Daisies: Embrace Your Personal Symbol
December 13, 2018
- 26:22
Sparked by a gift from The Fix actor, Merrin Dungey, Liz has finally discovered her personal symbol: a lightning bolt! Liz and Sarah...
Ep. 82: Put Yourself Out There (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)
December 6, 2018
- 30:48
What’s one secret to success? Put yourself out there! Liz and Sarah share how they recently put themselves out there — by speaking at a...
Ep. 81: Holiday Giving Guide — Don’t Gift Up!
November 29, 2018
- 25:24
The Holidays are right around the corner! Liz and Sarah discuss holiday business gifts. From tassel key chains, to Sugarfina, to...
Ep. 80: Power Down After Production!
November 22, 2018
- 31:34
What do you do when you're facing verbal abuse in the workplace? Liz and Sarah answer this listener question and call their friend...
Ep. 79: Gratitude Is Good For You
November 15, 2018
- 29:25
Is it possible to break in to Hollywood after age 40? Liz and Sarah say it’s possible... but not easy. Note: Having undeniably great...
Ep. 78: The Art Of Conversation
November 8, 2018
- 26:25
Want to make a better impression when you network? Liz and Sarah explore how to improve your conversation skills. Hint: be more...
Ep.77: Being A Badass: An Interview With Director Liz Friedlander
November 1, 2018
- 37:37
In this week's "The Mailroom" segment, Liz and Sarah share tips on how to stand out as a Writers' PA. (Hint: It's more than just getting...
Ep.76: Surviving Hell Month
October 25, 2018
- 19:19
Liz and Sarah are in the midst of Hell Month. They discuss how they’re getting through the time-management nightmare of writing,...
Ep. 75: Growing Up Hollywood
October 18, 2018
- 31:43
Prompted by a listener question about living paycheck to paycheck in Hollywood, Liz and Sarah introduce a new listener questions segment...
Ep. 74: Embrace The Unknown
October 11, 2018
- 24:06
Liz and Sarah discuss the notion that you never know what's around the corner, so you might as well embrace the unknown and enjoy the...
Ep. 73: Who's Your Professional Crush?
October 4, 2018
- 27:22
Liz and Sarah have crushes -- professional crushes! Who are they, and why do they try to emulate them? Then Sarah shares why being less...
Ep. 72: How To Staff A Writers' Room
September 27, 2018
- 28:46
Liz and Sarah discuss the art and science of staffing their writers' room on The Fix. What are they looking for? How many pages of a...
Ep. 71: Take An Obligation Vacation
September 20, 2018
- 23:23
Sparked by Roxane Gay's Nemesis Twitter, Liz and Sarah discuss nemeses and how they can serve as motivation. Then they talk about...
Ep. 70: Make The Thing You Love To Make
September 13, 2018
- 40:02
Why do we ignore red flags? Prompted by Liz's recent read of the book Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John...
Ep. 69: Our Dream Guest! An Interview With ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey
September 6, 2018
- 42:57
Liz and Sarah's dream guest doesn't disappoint! They talk to ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey about everything from the...
Ep. 68: My Work Is Not My Worth -- A Happier Labor Day Episode
August 30, 2018
- 36:48
We want you to have a Happier Labor Day! This Labor Day, the Onward Project podcasts are all about improving your work life. (So be sure...
Ep. 67: A Day In The Life Of A Showrunner
August 23, 2018
- 23:53
It's all about the "bullet train!" Liz and Sarah discuss the notion of quiddity (the inherent essence of someone or something) and how...
Ep. 66: Perseverance Pays Off - The Story of The Fix 102
August 16, 2018
- 20:31
Liz and Sarah share the lessons they learned writing The Fix episode 102. It's a tale of perseverance and a little bit of panic. Then...
Ep. 65: Be the Inevitable Choice: A Listener Questions Episode!
August 9, 2018
- 33:29
You have questions -- Liz and Sarah have answers! What advice does Sarah have for choice moms? Why does Liz feel so strongly about...
Ep. 64: Enneagrams And Fun, Fun Fridays!
August 2, 2018
- 32:47
Liz and Sarah discuss Fun, Fun Fridays — what they are and why they’re bringing The Fix team together. Then Liz and Sarah reveal their...
Ep.63: From The Mailroom To Billion Dollar Blockbusters -- An Interview With Mega-Producer David Hoberman
July 26, 2018
- 36:07
Liz and Sarah are stressed out! During this insanely busy time for their ABC show, The Fix, they discuss their go-to tools for managing...
Ep 62: SOS: It's Okay To Ask For Help!
July 19, 2018
- 22:46
Happier in Hollywood is getting a new logo! Prompted by the graphic designer search, Liz and Sarah talk about why it's so important to...
Ep. 61: Lead with Enthusiasm!
July 12, 2018
- 32:34
As Liz and Sarah prepare a story pitch for their new ABC show The Fix, they discuss why it’s vital to lead with enthusiasm! Then they...
Ep. 60: When In Doubt, Give An Out
July 5, 2018
- 28:41
Give people an out! Liz and Sarah talk about why it's important to let people save face -- at work and at home. Then they discuss the...
Ep. 59: The One Where Sarah Changes Her Mind About The Flemish Giant Rabbit (And Why Changing Your Mind Can Be A Good Career Move)
June 28, 2018
- 26:28
Liz and Sarah talk about why it's important to be open to changing your mind at work. And Sarah shares how she changed her mind at home....
Ep. 58: How To Make The Most Of Your Big Break
June 21, 2018
- 30:00
All over Los Angeles, first-time Staff Writers are starting their new jobs in the writers’ room. Liz and Sarah talk to a first-time...
Ep. 57: Dress Up To Power Up!
June 14, 2018
- 24:20
Dress Up To Power Up!Can Liz and Sarah up their wardrobe game? As they prepare to run their new ABC show, The Fix, they’re determined to...
Ep. 56: #BossGoals
June 7, 2018
- 30:53
Liz and Sarah discuss their Boss Goals and how they plan to run The Fix. Their philosophy? Be respectful of other people's time, be...
Ep. 55: Chuck Reed’s Secret To Success: No Job Too Small
May 31, 2018
- 34:10
Meet Happier in Hollywood's new producer, Chuck Reed! After a long and successful career in the music industry (where he worked with...
Ep. 54: The Fix Is Going To Series!
May 24, 2018
- 32:60
Liz and Sarah's pilot The Fix has been picked up by ABC! After a trip to New York for Upfronts, Liz and Sarah discuss why it's so...
Ep. 53: Get Your Butt In The Chair
May 17, 2018
- 34:07
After an update on the "guys" debate, Liz and Sarah talk to authors and co hosts of the podcast #AmWriting KJ Dell'antonia and Jessica...
Ep. 52: Trust Your Instincts
May 10, 2018
- 30:46
Description:As Liz and Sarah finish their ABC pilot THE FIX, they take time out to discuss why it's so important to trust your gut. Then...
Ep. 51: You're In Charge Of Your Own Career
May 3, 2018
- 33:09
Update: Happier in Hollywood has a resident psychic -- and Liz has her to thank for a new positive attitude. Liz and Sarah discuss how...
Ep. 50: No One Knows Anything In Hollywood — A Listener Questions Episode
April 26, 2018
- 31:00
Today is all about you! It’s a listener question extravaganza! What do Liz and Sarah wish they’d known when they were starting out in...
Ep. 49: Lessons Learned From The Vibrant Life Of Suzanne Patmore Gibbs
April 19, 2018
- 26:31
Liz and Sarah pay tribute to Suzanne Patmore Gibbs, the head of TriStar television, and share the many lessons they learned from her...
Ep. 48: Pick Your Battles With ABC Studios Exec Juan Alfonso
April 12, 2018
- 33:13
Liz and Sarah are in post production! They discuss the crazy schedule, how they're sitting around A LOT, and the excruciating focus...
Ep. 47: "Live" From The Hollywood Forever Cemetery
April 5, 2018
- 38:28
Liz and Sarah are on location at Hollywood Forever Cemetery! They answer a listener question about how best to support a partner going...
Ep. 46: Liz Hasn't Showered In Days
March 29, 2018
- 32:50
Liz and Sarah discuss the things they AREN'T doing while making their pilot: showering, flossing, exercising, and dropping their kids...
Ep. 45: Swing Sets And Stunning Couture
March 22, 2018
- 23:38
Liz and Sarah report on the status of their New Year's Resolutions. So far, so good -- Sarah is living sugar-freely and Liz is weighing...
Ep. 44: Sugar Detox And Hankering For A Hotel Bar
March 15, 2018
- 37:09
Liz and Sarah examine the pros and cons of doing a pilot in LA vs. out of town. Shooting in LA means they can sleep in their own beds...
Ep. 43: Slap Happy In Hollywood
March 8, 2018
- 28:45
As Sarah and Liz prepare to shoot their pilot, Sarah reveals everything that’s in her set bag: snacks, keys, glasses, and even rain...
Ep. 42: We Want Volunteers, Not Recruits!
March 1, 2018
- 17:26
It's pilot production time! As Liz and Sarah prepare to shoot their pilot for ABC, The Fix, they share their hiring philosophy:...
Ep. 41: Deep In The Pilot Crazy
February 22, 2018
- 19:45
Liz and Sarah’s pilot got picked up by ABC! As they dive into production, they share the lessons they’ve learned on past pilots: if...
Ep. 40: Perfection Is Boring And Liz Is An Hysterical Female
February 15, 2018
- 32:09
Liz gets real about her fear of public speaking with speech coach extraordinaire Barbara Seymour Giordano. Barbara shares her tips on...
Ep. 39: Taste Success, Not Failure
February 8, 2018
- 28:37
Sparked by a listener email, Liz and Sarah revisit the topic of freezing your eggs. Then they discuss Hollywood producing legend Robert...
Ep. 38: Only In Hollywood Do You Pray For Hell
February 1, 2018
- 37:30
Liz and Sarah discuss the rollercoaster that is pilot pick up season -- including the nail-biting anticipation that keeps them up for...
Ep. 37: Sorry, Not Sorry!
January 25, 2018
- 20:46
Liz and Sarah discuss the common phenomenon of over-apologizing. When SHOULD you say you're sorry? Then they debate the pros and cons of...
Ep. 36: Liz's 6th Sense Says Expand
January 18, 2018
- 20:13
Liz and Sarah choose their "team word" for 2018: Expand! Liz's 6th sense tells her that this will be their best year yet. Sarah vents...
Ep. 35: You Asked -- We Answer! A Q&A Episode with Liz and Sarah
January 11, 2018
- 24:32
This episode is all about you! Liz and Sarah answer all of your pressing questions. How does Liz live with two first and last names?...
Ep. 34: Peeking Behind the Podcast Curtain
January 4, 2018
- 30:25
Podcast Power! Liz and Sarah go behind the podcast curtain and talk to Panoply's Director of Nonfiction Programming and By the Book...
Ep. 33: Make People Love You (and the World Will be Yours)
December 28, 2017
- 33:25
Assistant extravaganza! We talk to our former assistant, Elysse Applebaum, about her super intense Writer's Group— there’s an admissions...
Ep. 32: "No Asshole Policy" With Executive Producer And Lupus Warrior Maurissa Tancharoen
December 21, 2017
- 32:46
No assholes! Liz and Sarah talk to ABC's Agents of Shield Executive Producer, Maurissa Tancharoen, about her "no asshole policy" -- and...
Ep. 31: 2018 -- Our Year of Living Sugar-Freely and Weighing Daily
December 14, 2017
- 23:07
This episode is all about change! Liz and Sarah discuss big changes in their professional lives and how they’re managing to stay (more...
Ep. 30: "Pain Is The Great Equalizer" With Former L.A. Gang Members Richard Cabral and Jose Arellano
December 7, 2017
- 28:23
Sarah and Liz talk to former L.A. gang members Richard Cabral and Jose Arellano about their new podcast "Without Your Permission."...
Ep. 29: From Adderall To Athleisure: Finding Balance With Author Melissa De La Cruz
November 30, 2017
- 29:43
They say "writing is rewriting," and this week Liz and Sarah talk about The Bad Draft. They've finally managed to finish a draft of...
Ep. 28: The Holiday Episode -- To Business Gift Or Not To Business Gift?
November 23, 2017
- 28:29
It's officially the holidays! Liz and Sarah discuss how they cope with working over the holidays when they'd rather be drinking cocoa...
Panoply Fall 2017 Trailer
November 20, 2017
- 03:33
We’re thrilled to present Panoply’s Fall 2017 lineup of shows. They include the satirical self-improvement show “Dexter Guff is Smarter...
Ep 27: Jenna Fischer Talks Party Crashing, Pottery Barn Tears, and Patience
November 16, 2017
- 36:32
Emmy nominated actress Jenna Fischer (The Office, Blades of Glory) talks to Liz and Sarah about her new book The Actor's Life: A...
Ep. 26: Embrace Your Space— Decorate!
November 9, 2017
- 19:33
Inspired by their Shondaland co-workers, Liz and Sarah reject the only-have-one-box approach to office space and embrace decorating....
Ep. 25: Procrastinating? Forgive Yourself!
November 2, 2017
- 34:12
We've all caught ourselves binge-watching bad TV when we have deadlines that matter to us. Liz and Sarah talk to fellow writer and...
Ep. 24: Camping, Childbirth, and Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
October 26, 2017
- 30:56
Push your boundaries! Liz and Sarah reflect on how stepping wayyyy out of their comfort zones to try new things (camping, unmedicated...
Ep. 23: (Don’t ) F*ck Harvey Weinstein
October 19, 2017
- 36:47
Emmy nominated casting director Sherry Thomas-Lane (The Handmaid’s Tale, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead) joins Liz and Sarah to discuss...
Ep. 22: Say Yes to the Drink!
October 12, 2017
- 20:58
What's your currency? Liz and Sarah discuss what motivates them— and why it’s important for everyone to know their own currency. They...
Ep. 21: A Good Idea Gives You Goosebumps with Gretchen Rubin
October 5, 2017
- 41:42
Liz and Sarah have a guest co-host -- Gretchen Rubin! Liz's sister Gretchen takes a break from her The Four Tendencies book tour to...
Ep. 20: Liz and Sarah Take On Office Birthdays
September 28, 2017
- 31:27
Liz and Sarah embrace their inner grinch as they debate the merits of office birthdays. (Spoiler alert: They're not fans.) After an...
Ep. 19: Saunas, Smoothies, and Surviving Crazy Bosses
September 21, 2017
- 41:36
What's on Liz and Sarah's mind? Crazy bosses! Liz and Sarah reminisce about their crazy ex-boss "Sam" and discuss the best ways to deal...
Ep. 18: Hollywood Vaginas (Are Just Like Other Vaginas) With Dr. Sherry Ross
September 14, 2017
- 39:22
Dr. Sherry Ross knows vaginas! OB-GYN to the stars Dr. Sherry Ross talks with Liz and Sarah about women's health-- including fertility,...
Ep. 17: Take Time For a Retreat (We Did!)
September 7, 2017
- 34:56
Writer's Retreat! After months of being stretched too thin, Liz and Sarah take a trip to Ojai for a writer's retreat. They discuss the...
Ep. 16: Conquering Anxiety -- One Page at a Time
August 31, 2017
- 28:05
In this episode, Liz and Sarah invite you to celebrate Self Improvement September! Each day, they will post a picture of something that...
Ep. 15: Very Special Episode: Listener Questions!
August 24, 2017
- 32:46
Description: Do Liz and Sarah ever get jealous of other writers? What type of treadmill desks to they have? How do they deal with...
Ep. 14: Lesson: You Never Know Who You're Flipping Off
August 17, 2017
- 32:21
In this episode, Liz and Sarah share a wonderfully validating email from a listener who took their advice and had a professional...
Ep. 13: Make Your Vice A Virtue: An Interview With Actress-Writer-Producer Felicia Day
August 10, 2017
- 31:56
In this episode, Liz and Sarah vent about their least favorite thing about living in Los Angeles - commuting! - and recommend the...
Ep. 12: It's Good to Be Self-Critical! (Unless It's Not.)
August 3, 2017
- 27:20
In this episode: Liz and Sarah asked for advice on drinking more water, and you came through! Happier in Hollywood producer Jennifer Lai...
Ep. 11: The One Where We Call Gretchen, Talk Botox, and Save Lives!
July 27, 2017
- 38:24
In this episode, Liz and Sarah share the (surprisingly strong!) listener reactions to the IgG food test that led to Sarah going...
Ep. 10: Pitching, (Side) Hustling, and Dressing for (Hollywood) Success
July 20, 2017
- 37:37
In this episode, Liz and Sarah tackle pitching-- for tv and beyond-- and share some exciting news about their most recent pitch with...
Ep. 9: Keeping Sane and Keeping Up with the Kardashians
July 13, 2017
- 34:56
In this episode, Liz and Sarah discuss the problem of feeling like they're being pulled in a million different directions. How do they...
Ep. 8: The Problem of Eating at Work
July 6, 2017
- 35:28
In this episode, Liz and Sarah discuss the torture of resisting the TV writer kitchen. Their new assistant, Boafoa, introduces herself....
Ep. 7: You Can Have It All and Other Wisdom from Producer Laurie Zaks
June 29, 2017
- 33:45
In this episode, Liz and Sarah share their pre-new job rituals and discuss their role in the writers' room of ABC's upcoming "For The...
Ep. 6: 'Kill the Croc' and Other Life Mantras
June 22, 2017
- 28:17
In this episode, Liz and Sarah share listener opinions on having a "heart full of love," and discuss their life mantras. Sarah talks...
Ep. 5: Release the Banana!
June 15, 2017
- 31:12
In this episode, Liz and Sarah share their favorite listener work mantras; talk about letting go of bananas (AKA things that threaten...
Ep. 4: What's Your Story?
June 8, 2017
- 27:17
In this episode, Liz and Sarah tell their "origin story" and ask "What's your story?" They also talk about why it's actually good to...
Ep. 3: Marcia Clark Talks Rising From The Ashes
June 1, 2017
- 32:19
In this episode, Liz and Sarah talk about to give good meeting. Then they're joined by special guest Marcia Clark, author and lead...
Ep. 2: Burnout!
May 25, 2017
- 32:37
In this episode, Liz and Sarah discuss surviving burnout; check in with their assistant, Brook Turner, about what it's like to be on...
Ep. 1: Picking A New Work Mantra
May 18, 2017
- 31:03
Happier in Hollywood is here! In this episode, veteran TV writers/producers/showrunners Liz Craft and Sarah Fain pick a new work mantra...
Coming Soon: Happier in Hollywood
May 15, 2017
- 01:19
A weekly podcast debuting May 18, 2017 with The Onward Project. Subscribe now to ensure you get the episodes as soon as they are available!