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 what they learned about New Hollywood in 2025 and how those lessons are impacting their approach to 2026. The key? Buy in! In Take Two, Liz grills Sarah about her Year of No Buying. How did it go? Is she still an overbuyer? In Hits & Bombs, Liz gives a Hit to Sarah for introducing her to the wonders of Legend Planner, and Sarah gives a Hit to Violet for her skill at gift-giving. This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your shower experience — Kitsch shampoo and conditioner bags. Finally, Sarah has an exciting recommendation related to her plan to roast a chicken every week in 2026 — her new Substack newsletter Chickening Out.
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 https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS:
Legend Planner: https://amzn.to/4ssHNww
Kitsch Bar Shampoo & Conditioner: https://amzn.to/4pqAB1c
Kitsch Bar Soap Saver Bags: https://amzn.to/4sqJNW5
Chickening Out Substack: https://happierinhollywood.substack.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Liz and Sarah are continuing their tradition of Roar ‘24 and Hive ‘25 with ChexMix ‘26. In a few days, they’ll spend the night at the Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai and plot the next year of their career. Also? They’ll drink wine. In Take A Hike, they each share a new practice for 2026. Inspired by the book I Remember by Joe Brainard, Liz is going to record memories about her beloved dad. Sarah is going to roast a chicken every week — and use items from her own garden to season it! Next, in Take Two, Sarah shares what she’s learned about her algorithm after their recent Alter Your Algorithm Challenge. This week’s Hollywood Hack is pure whimsy: Hinge Heads. Finally Liz recommends the new season of Vanderpump Rules on Bravo.
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft
Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra
Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com
Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS:
Emerald Iguana Inn:
https://www.emeraldiguana.com/
I Remember by Joe Brainard:
Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell:
Unraveling by Peggy Orenstein:
Hinge Heads:
Mushrooms: https://amzn.to/4pXnwh4
Chickens:https://amzn.to/4983t8c
Vanderpump Rules Season 12 trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oKgvwAFpHTE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Liz and Sarah are celebrating 450 episodes of Happier In Hollywood by sharing listeners’ favorite takeaways (and a few of their own). Some winners? Volunteers not recruits. People succeed in groups. Show up as yourself. And everyone’s favorite “get to steppin’” story from friend-of-the-pod Nichelle Tramble Spellman. Also Liz manages to squeeze in a bonus recommendation — Heated Rivalry on HBO Max.
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 https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS:
Lizness School podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lizness-school/id1775855173?i=1000724051123
Hard As Hoof: https://amzn.to/3MNqE0c
Giftful: https://giftful.com/
Ojai Olive Oil Company:
https://ojaioliveoil.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqbhG3DkQfiymLw1jcSSBpV9fH5oOg0hxWjQ37jq7JFiRuH0yn9
Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil:
Fearless Negotiating: The Wish-Want-Walk Method to Reaching Solutions That Work by Michael Donaldson:
Heated Rivalry trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKO26odltss
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Liz and Sarah dive into the Mailroom with an all listener questions episode! What are their top tips for making sure your voice is heard in a meeting? Would Liz rather be a Traitor or a Faithful? Where in the world does Sarah most want to shoot a show? What do they think about the sale of WBD? They answer all these questions and many more!
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft
Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra
Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com
Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS:
A Man on the Inside Season Two trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6UXdDbuNFc
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman:
Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller:
How to Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast:
Squid Game: The Challenge Season Two trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ4D7HA7Ov4
War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy:
Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel:
Simon Haisell’s Footnotes and Tangents:
https://footnotesandtangents.substack.com
We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade by Elyse Arons: https://amzn.to/4j2mxtl
Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/hollywood/ #rulapod #ad
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Before Liz and Sarah dive into the episode, Liz shares the sad news of her dad’s recent death and thanks listeners for the outpouring of love and support. Then they talk about their Team Theme for 2026 and how they want it to relate to this year’s theme but also be more aggressive. They land on “Be the Bee,” and their symbol is the Killer Bee. In The Mailroom, they answer a layered question about whether or not too much pressure is put on new writers to deliver stellar spec pilot scripts. This week’s Hollywood Hack is to have multiples of certain items — including phone chargers, scissors, and reading glasses. Finally Liz recommends I Love LA on HBO Max.
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 https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS:
Jack Craft obituary:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansascity/name/jack-craft-obituary?id=60219609
I Love LA trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnBAmvw_Yow
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Executive Coach and Friend of the Pod Michael Melcher joins Sarah to discuss the benefits of networking up. Making connections with higher ups is intimidating but worth it! Michael stays on as Guest Host to discuss the idea of an Admin Night— which is, essentially, a group Power Hour. Then, in Take Two, they discuss their current personal canaries in a coal mine. This week’s Hollywood Hack is Slidelock Carabiners! Finally, Sarah recommends the novel Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel and Simon Haisell’s accompanying Slow Read.
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft
Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra
Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com
Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS:
Michael Melcher:
https://m2leaders.com/team/michael-melcher/
Your Invisible Network, by Michael Melcher:
Slidelock Carabiners:
Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel:
Simon Haisell’s Footnotes and Tangents:
https://footnotesandtangents.substack.com
Photo by Thomas Le on Unsplash
Note: Go to the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group for Liz and Sarah’s extensive Teens/Tweens Gift Guide. Thanks to listeners for such great ideas! Link below.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/903150719832696/permalink/3081705578643855/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Happy Thanksgiving! Liz and Sarah share a veritable cornucopia of practical hacks from listeners. Some faves? Use a hotel room pants hanger to clip the curtains closed. Put whitening mouthwash in your water flosser. Attach a house key to your dog’s leash. And so many more!
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft
Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft
Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com
Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
LINKS:
Luggage Strap: https://amzn.to/4r8kxD8
Plug-in Night Light: https://amzn.to/49rzIRM
Expo Markers: https://amzn.to/4icUQO2
Contact Lenses Cases: https://amzn.to/47Zo4uP
Satin Pillow Case: https://amzn.to/43D7LCH
Asobu Cold Brew Maker: https://amzn.to/47FiAqm
Cold Brew Pitcher: https://amzn.to/4iaZj3B
Rolling Cart: https://amzn.to/49JE9HR
Whimsical Binder Clips: https://amzn.to/4r4s2uY
Dryer Sheets: https://amzn.to/3JEDNYo
Roomba: https://amzn.to/3LNLFY4
Tackle Box: https://amzn.to/43yHghN
Whitening Moutwash: https://amzn.to/3LEDygB
Grooming Kit (for the car): https://amzn.to/4roSEar
VFM No Show Footie Sock: https://amzn.to/49Ps43G
Hulken Bag: https://amzn.to/4r1HiIY
Universal Fit Car Gap Filler: https://amzn.to/4oKSTKS
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Every episode, Liz and Sarah refer to winning the “war of attrition.” Today they discuss concrete ways to get IN that war — you can’t win if you’re not in the fight! In Career Lessons With Laverne, they talk to career coach extraordinaire, Laverne McKinnon, about how to handle someone being incredibly rude. This week’s Hollywood Hack is for pet owners — Paw Inspired reusable crate liners/pee pads. Finally, Sarah recommends Burn It Down by Maureen Ryan.
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft
Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra
Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com
Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
LINKS:
Jen Grisanti:
Carole Kirschner:
https://www.carolekirschner.com/
Jordana Oberman:
https://www.jordanaoberman.com/
Moonshot Mentor:
https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/
Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood by Maureen Ryan: https://amzn.to/3LUIiyx
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
‘Tis the season for gift giving! Liz and Sarah share their favorite gifts of 2025 — everything from a Hori Hori Knife to a Hot Potato Shock Game to Sarah’s new favorite hair product.
Also? Here’s a special link for anyone who wants to give the gift of an Annual Happier In Hollywood Substack subscription — it includes 10% off and a free “It’s a Fun Job” tote bag!
https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/4153e071
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 https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, andSide Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
LINKS:
Happier In Hollywood Annual Subscription & “It’s a Fun Job” tote bag (Available until Jan. 5, 2026):
https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com/4153e071
Roadom Portable CD Player:
Shiatsu Back, Shoulder, and Neck Massager:
LitONES: https://amzn.to/43XXvF4
Aura Frame: https://amzn.to/47QYRTt
Hot Potato Shock Game: https://amzn.to/488FdCH
Left Right Center Game: https://amzn.to/3Xj4pRE
Ice Breaker Jenga Game: https://amzn.to/49HRUGJ
Juliska Isabella Acrylic Small Tumbler — https://amzn.to/3WGhjJk
Juliska Amalia Acrylic Wine Glass — https://amzn.to/43XWPzw
Malin+Goetz Candle (Leather): https://amzn.to/3Lv3hYF
HiLife Portable Steamer: https://amzn.to/3JQFrWH
Crocs Slides: https://amzn.to/488J16X
Northface Women’s Aconcagua Park:
Greenstalk Inventor’s Bundle
Personalized Harvest Basket
https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/gardeners-harvest-basket?_br_psugg_q=harvest%2Bbasket
Cook’s Illustrated
https://www.americastestkitchen.com/cooksillustrated
Good Things, by Samin Nosrat
Hori hori knife:
Swiss Army knife:
Feeding Ghosts, by Tessa Hulls:
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Memoir
Colored Television by Danzy Senna:
Elsa Peretti Heart Bookmark from Tiffany: (80 dollars)
Hair towel: https://amzn.to/3LlK8bF
Speks geode magnetic fidget toy:
Color WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray:
Jisulife Hand Held Minifan:
Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer:
KIVA: https://www.kiva.org/
HIH 2024 Gift Guide:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happier-in-hollywood/id1236845161?i=1000676607073
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Liz and Sarah have SO MANY pitches coming up! They decided to hire Pitch Coach, Jordana Oberman, to help them up their game. And they’re so glad they did. In Take A Hike, Sarah shares why a recent L.A. Zoo outing with Violet reminded her to talk to strangers. Then Sarah gives Violet a Hit for getting Sarah to go to concerts, and Liz gives herself a Bomb for bailing on an event last minute. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from Liz’s ongoing search for the perfect Zoom lighting — LitONES Model F630 desk lamps. Finally, Sarah recommends the new Louise Penny book, The Black Wolf.
Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox!
Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft
Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra
Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com
Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/
Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!
Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you athttps://www.rula.com/hollywood #rulapod
LINKS:
Jordana Oberman:
https://www.jordanaoberman.com/
Eloise the Orangutan:
Https://youtu.be/0xdY3Fzu5vo?si=px4XIBg6kRkbOHPy
All the Way to the River: Love, Loss and Liberation by Elizabeth Gilbert:
LitONES Model 630 desk lamps:
The Black Wolf by Louise Penny:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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