Happier in Hollywood

Liz and Sarah talk to TV writer Nadia Abass-Madden about how she switched careers from being a real life 911 operator to writing for FOX’s hit show 9-1-1. It’s a dream-come-true-story to inspire all of us during this stressful time! Then, in Take A Hike, Liz discusses why it’s a good idea to reconnect with old friends if you’re feeling adrift. This week’s Hollywood Hack will revolutionize your kit...

In this Special Episode, Liz and Sarah share some of their most “Hollywood” Hollywood moments, from getting yelled at by famous actors to spotting A-list stars in line at the pharmacy. They’ve driven around town to look at billboards of their shows, had breakfast at The Polo Lounge with a con man, and been fired (twice.) Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft Get in touch on Instag...

Liz and Sarah talk to one of their best friends, Karine Rosenthal, about what it means to be a Number Two on a TV show. What are the duties? How does she get into the mind of the Showrunner? Then they answer a Mailroom question about how they would have dealt with Season Three of Fantasy Island, given that there’s a WGA strike going on. This week Hollywood Hack comes from Executive Producer Chuck...

Liz and Sarah have officially started writing their novel, and they’re gaining momentum. They have the first forty pages! Yes, it needs rewriting but they love where it’s going. In Hits & Bombs, they give a joint Hit to all the agents and managers who are showing up on the picket line to support the WGA. And Liz gives a Bomb to the end of “Succession“ — it was an incredible finale but she’s so sad...

Liz and Sarah talk to director (and one of Liz’s best friends) Caroline Suh about “Working: What We Do All Day,” the gripping new documentary series she made with President Barack Obama. What do we need to be happy at work? What was it like to collaborate with a former President? What role do unions play in the United States? Then Liz and Sarah answer a Mailroom question about whether or not they...

Liz and Sarah discuss that sad news that Fantasy Island has been canceled. Why do they think it happened and how are they feeling about it? Then they reveal what they had planned for Season Three — including what was behind the door at the end of Episode 207. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah talk about strike silver linings, including meeting podcast listeners on the picket line. This week’s Hollywoo...

Liz and Sarah discuss the WGA strike with their friend Nicole Yorkin, who is a member of the WGA Negotiating Committee. Why do writers view this moment in the business as existential? What is the AMPTP’s stance on AI? How will the unity among all the entertainment unions impact this labor action? Then, in The Craft & Fain, Liz and Sarah talk about how they’re “getting down to business” on their no...

Liz and Sarah answer more fantastic listener questions! Do they ever pay podcast guests? Why are television seasons fewer episodes than they used to be? How does Sarah being an only parent impact their team decision making? How do they navigate friendships in Hollywood? What advice do Liz and Sarah have for a first time mom who’s a writer? Answer: It’s all about boundaries!  Get in touch on Twitte...

Liz and Sarah are answering listener questions! Is Sarah still a vegan? What five things are they both hoping to accomplish before they retire? How do actors memorize their lines? What’s the silliest thing Liz and Sarah have every argued about? (Answer: trashcans.) They discuss these questions and so many more! Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfai...

Liz and Sarah talk about the inspiration for their new team development motto — Premium Buttered Popcorn. In Take A Hike, they ask listeners to weigh in on whether their current state of not wanting to do anything (that involves work) is healthy or unhealthy. Then they answer a Mailroom question about the role that enthusiasm plays when pitching to executives. Is it possible to be TOO enthusiastic...

Liz and Sarah discuss the mental gymnastics of going down two possible roads at once as they try to prepare themselves for a possible WGA strike. Yes, they’re used to their future being uncertain, but this is on a whole other level. Then they interview filmmaker Colin Campbell about his beautiful new book, Finding The Words: Working Through Profound Loss with Hope and Purpose, which he wrote after...

Liz and Sarah discuss a topic that’s on their minds and the minds of so many TV writers — the frustration of free work. What can writers do to combat this problem? One solution— ask for transparency. In The Craft (& Fain), they reveal why they decided to “just start” their thriller novel. This week’s Mailroom question is all about the various credits at the end of a TV show. And Sarah has a hair H...

As the TV business continues to rapidly evolve, Liz and Sarah have decided to embrace an “oh, what the hell” attitude when it comes to development. If they love a project and want to do it, they’re going to do it — because at this point it’s impossible to judge what will or won’t have a chance for success. In The Craft (& Fain), they branch out from the writing craft to discuss color correction, a...

Liz and Sarah talk about how a recent conversation about a former development project reminded them that “no now doesn’t mean no forever.” In Take A Hike, Liz discusses why you might want to do your own version of her Fryman 50. Then they answer a question from The Mailroom about whether they’ve ever written for a show they didn’t like — and if so how did they handle it? This week’s Hollywood Hack...

Liz and Sarah share what tools they consider essential for their job as TV writers. On the list? Final Draft, Google Docs, dry erase board tiles, the reMarkable Tablet, and more. In A Day In The Life, they run through what a typical day is during development. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from Liz’s mom: Put a number on it. Finally, Liz recommends Season Two of Sex/Life on Netflix.  Get in touc...

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 stop! From now on, Liz is going to be positive and try to manifest good things. Will it work? Keep listening to find out! In Take A Hike, Sarah shares how her wood burning stove has helped her see that little things can be big things. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz...

Liz and Sarah talk to H Schuster about her plan to democratize and diversify access to the entertainment industry. The mission of H’s new company HUSSLUP is to transform Hollywood’s old clique with one click. Then, in The Mailroom, Liz and Sarah answer a question about TV writer Elisabeth Finch who notoriously lied her way up the ladder on hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Vampire Diaries. This we...

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 pilot. Creating something out of nothing is never easy! In Take A Hike, Liz talks about how she decided to set aside worry during her recent glamping trip. The result? She was fully present and had an amazing time. Next, in Take Two, Liz and Sarah share more ways to l...

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. That’s exciting — but also scary. There’s no one to blame but themselves if they don’t finish it! In The Craft (& Fain) they talk about how sometimes you should “do a little before you do a lot.” Then Sarah gives Connie a Hit for doing Violet’s hair and make up for...

Liz and Sarah celebrate the 300th episode of Happier In Hollywood! What are some of listeners’ favorite moments of the podcast? Volunteers not recruits. Get to steppin’. Identify your personal canary in a coal mine. And so much more! For Liz and Sarah, the best part of the podcast is… you! They’re so grateful for the incredible HIH community.  Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft...

Liz and Sarah share an email from a listener that outlines the differences between writing a mystery and a thriller. One key takeaway? Curiosity fuels a mystery. Anxiety drives a thriller. Then they go Behind The Scenes of Episodes 203 and 204 of Fantasy Island. How does the crew deal with wind? Do Fantasy Island writers get ideas from their therapy sessions? How did they come up with the surreal...

Liz and Sarah are finally celebrating their 20th anniversary of being a writing team with a Caribbean cruise on the Regal Princess. Yes, they’re working onboard but they’re having plenty of fun too — including snorkeling over a shipwreck in Grand Cayman. As they look back over twenty years, they reveal the top three things they’ve learned. Most important? The war of attrition never ends, so keep t...

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 manage to stay on track? In Take A Hike, Sarah reveals how the recent rains in Southern California made her realize it’s a good idea to practice for an emergency. Next, in The Craft (& Fain), they discuss the importance of doing your research before diving into a n...

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. For Sarah, it’s setting an alarm. Then they go Behind The Scenes of Episode 201 of Fantasy Island. The rain on screen was fake, the real rain was a real problem. This week’s Hollywood Hack is helping Liz listen to more books: the Libby app! It takes less than a minu...

Liz and Sarah pay tribute to the legendary Barbara Walters, whose career was an inspiration to both of them. Then they reveal their 2023 New Year’s resolutions. Liz is going to weigh herself every day. Sarah is making a 23 for 23 list focused entirely on herself. In Take Two, they revisit the idea of a clothing swap party. And finally this week’s Hollywood Hack will help if you have any final holi...