Stay ConnectedVeteran 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.
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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 just one layer. The goodness builds as all the different elements come together over time. And the same is true for work relationships. Give them time to develop layers. Then in The Mailroom, they answer a question from their Facebook Group about what to do when a colleague refers to a young woman as “dear.” In Hits & Bombs, Liz gives a Hit to Pretend It’s A City, the Netflix documentary series about Fran Lebowitz. And Liz and Sarah give a Bomb to Brooks Barnes for his New York Times piece about the late powerhouse producer and executive, Jame Tarses. This week’s Hollywood Hack is a must: wear sunscreen every day.
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Pretend It’s A City official trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MClMxqD-HNA
Metropolitan Life By Fran Lebowitz:
Jamie Tarses IMDB:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1399339/
New York Times piece about Jamie Tarses:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/01/business/media/jamie-tarses-dead.html
Lancôme moisturizer with SPF:
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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 sessions? When there’s a potentially tricky issue or point of discussion, tackle it head on! You’re going to have to talk about whatever it is eventually, so take the opportunity to show you’re not scared of any challenge. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they discuss why it’s SO IMPORTANT to set aside ego and insecurities in order to be okay with other people’s good ideas. Next up is a Listener Question — but this time Sarah and Liz are the ones who are looking for answers from listeners. What should they wear on the Fantasy Island set in Puerto Rico? Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack is a tool to foster creativity: a set of cards called Oblique Strategies (by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt).
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Oblique Strategies: http://www.rtqe.net/ObliqueStrategies/
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Liz and Sarah talk about the benefits of being “yes people” at work. One advantage? When you almost always say “yes,” your “no” means more. In Take A Hike, they discuss their recent epiphany that sometimes it’s a good idea to add another cook in the kitchen. Then Liz and Sarah give a joint Hit to Fantasy Island writers’ assistant, Kira Bennett, who delivers consistently great notes. And they give themselves a Bomb for wasting so much time and energy over the past four years on chaotic, unpleasant news. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack is both cozy and stylish: Giant Hoodies!
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Kira Bennett on Instagram:
@kira_kenyae
Giant Hoodies:
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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 them stay sane. In Take A Hike, they talk about why we should all “light a fire” metaphorically and, in Sarah’s case, literally. Then they Amplify the novel The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett and the work of graphic novelist, Raina Telgemeier. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will help you maximize your work day: know when you’re most productive — down to the hour — and plan to do your most demanding work then.
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Amanda Gorman:
https://www.theamandagorman.com/
Employee of the Month with Catie Lazarus:
The Vanishing Half:
https://britbennett.com/the-vanishing-half
Raina Telgemeier:
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Liz and Sarah have First Day of School Syndrome AND Zoom fatigue! They discuss the First Day of School challenges of adjusting to their Fantasy Island Zoom writers room— from new faces to new group dynamics to spending hours staring at a screen— and remind themselves that in a few weeks it will all feel totally normal. Then they share how they’re embracing an atmosphere of growth in a 2021 that still feels a LOT like 2020. SPOILER ALERT: Liz is committing to Dry January, and Sarah’s determined to get outside every day, no matter the weather. Having a huge new work project definitely gives 2021 an atmosphere of growth, too. Next, they revisit one of their all-time favorite mantras: volunteers, not recruits. As they staff up (not just writers, but all departments) it’s important to remember that working with people who really want to be there is always better than working with people who have to be convinced. This week’s Hollywood Hack: keep a lipstick/lip balm by your computer!
If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information.
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
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Liz and Sarah have just staffed their new show, the remake of the iconic series, Fantasy Island! They talk through the staffing process — from reading scripts to writer meetings to creating group chemistry. Their main message: If you don’t get the job, it’s not personal. In From The Outer Office, Liz and Sarah introduce their new assistant, Kimberly Chiang, who talks about what it’s like to work with people she’s never met in person. The short answer? It’s weird. This week’s Hollywood Hack has changed Liz and Sarah’s work life: the Nulaxy Laptop Stand.
If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information.
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Kimberly’s Foster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosterborks/
Nulaxy Laptop Stand (Amazon Associates link):
*Please note that because this is an Amazon Associates link, we are required to disclose on the site/post that we may be eligible to earn from our recommendations.
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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 relationships at work. Yes, it takes time and energy to get to know everyone, but relationships are often the key to success. In Take A Hike, they talk about the importance of committing to taking certain days off — and then following through. Pro tip? Relaxation leads to greater productivity. In Hits & Bombs, Liz and Sarah give a Hit to their former assistant, Mary Mehrkens, for offering to help their new assistant get acclimated to the job. They also give themselves a Bomb for not returning emails promptly. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help make your presentation more memorable: Go for the gimmick!
If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information.
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Manifest It, Bitch! (By Mary Mehrkens):
https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Mehrkens/e/B08957H5LM%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
TeePublic:
Zazzle:
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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! They discuss the long, winding road to their straight-to-series pick up. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah share their Team Theme for 2021: Juicy Fruit! Then, in The Craft (& Fain) they talk about the (seemingly obvious) need for plot In spec scripts. This week’s Hollywood Hack will keep your spirits up through the end of the pandemic: plan a future weekend away.
If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information.
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Fantasy Island announcement:
Fantasy Island (the original):
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077008/
Happier In Hollywood Episode 105: Time To Ride The Dragon
https://happierinhollywood.com/episode105/
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In honor of Christmas Eve, Liz and Sarah give listeners the gift of an ALL Hollywood Hacks episode. Liz shares her favorite new solution to problem of a bad Zoom background — use a card table to create a desk wherever you want one. Sarah suggests buying a bird feeder to force yourself to experience peaceful moments throughout the day. Some of their favorite Hollywood Hacks from listeners? Put Zoom links in your calendar, buy cards for every occasion in advance, and be kind to your future self with “turn down service.”
If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information.
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Rocketbook:
Adjustable Cell Phone Stand:
Shotdeck:
Unsplash:
Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver For Beach Waves Generation II:
https://www.amazon.com/Bed-Head-Artist-Beachy-Generation/dp/B07CSZBWGQ
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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 cash or gift cards, and that gifting up isn’t necessary. But for all those who DO want to give their boss a holiday treat, Sarah and Liz suggest some affordable ideas. Their favorite? Personalized mugs or hats. In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question about moving to Hollywood from abroad. They also talk about why TV is taking over movies, and whether or not creating title sequences is an “actual job.” (It is!) This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you get through stressful moments: squeeze your toes.
If you want to order a Happier In Hollywood rainbow Silipint travel cup with lid, email happierinhollywood@gmail.com for more information.
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Side Hustle School, Do The Thing, and Everything Happens with Kate Bowler . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Topsy’s Popcorn:
https://www.topsyspopcorn.com/item?size=2
The Whiskey Wedge:
Notes To Self Socks:
John Kelly Chocolates:
CandiceBDesigns Mask Chains:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CandiceBDesigns?ref=search_shop_redirect
Zazzle Personalized Wrapping Paper:
https://www.zazzle.com/custom/wrapping+paper
Wendy Mogel PhD:
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