Happier in Hollywood

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 same time — and how it embodies their career right now. In Take Two, they revisit the subject of personal canaries in a coal mine. Some of their favorites from listeners? Browsing real estate sites, leaving cabinet doors open, cleaning pencil sharpeners, and green j...

Liz and Sarah discuss their realization that so much can come from something... even if nothing comes from it. An example? In preparing for a recent meeting that went nowhere, they came up with an idea for a new narrative fiction podcast — and read an amazing book that had been on their list for years. In Hits & Bombs, Sarah’s hit goes to her trip to Riverside to buy a loom — for the first time si...

 Over two decades, Dr. Fredric Brandt went from a small dermatology practice in Miami to being Madonna's personal skincare consultant and the go-to for public figures desperate to stave off aging. His clients loved him. Fashion magazines profiled him. But as Brandt continued to build his empire—a best-selling product line, pristine homes in New York and Miami, and an absurd modern art collection—h...

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 mention in their American Beauties pitch bonus episode. Then they talk to writer Ben Acker about his new Audible Original, CUT AND RUN. The TV business is ever-changing, and more and more writers (like Ben and his writing partner Ben Blacker) are diving into the wor...

Liz and Sarah talk about how to “hijack the meeting,” advice that comes from their friend and fellow TV writer, Moira Kirland. Then in Take A Hike, they each reveal their personal “canary in a coal mine.” What behavior reveals they’re more stressed out than they realize? Hint: Sarah’s “canary” looks a lot like a puppy. This week’s Hollywood Hack is a company that’s Rent The Runway for tablescaping...

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 helping them cope? Hiking. In The Mailroom segment, they answer a question from an assistant who’s wondering if she should stay at her well-paying job or go for a position that pays less but offers more opportunity. This week’s “Three C’s” Hollywood Hack will help li...

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 questions that are guiding listeners through 2020. One favorite: “What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?” In The Craft (And Fain) they discuss how to create specificity of place in scripts and why it matters. This week’s Hollywood Hack guarantees you’ll never have t...

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 that story! Then actor/singer Amanda Noret Reed coaches Liz on how to strengthen her voice. The keys are good posture and diaphragmatic breathing. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help save money on professional blow outs: Dry Bar’s heated straightening brush, “The B...

Liz and Sarah are celebrating their twentieth anniversary as writing partners! They reflect on the last two decades and discuss what they should do to mark this career milestone. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah talk about why it’s a good idea to become an expert in something unexpected. Sarah’s new obsession? Spinning yarn! This week’s delicious Hollywood Hack: give John Kelly Chocolates as a busine...

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 comes the hard part — waiting. In Take A Hike, Sarah and Liz reveal the question that will guide each of them through 2020. Sarah’s: Does this nourish me? Liz’s: Am I making this situation better? Then they answer a Mailbag Question from an aspiring TV writer about...

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 Future! Then Sarah shares three food favorites that we can all make at home for a healthier and more delicious new year: forbidden rice, cashew milk, and air-fried french fries. This week’s Hollywood Hack is from our Facebook group: if you’re coming to LA, stay in tw...

It’s almost pilot pickup season, and Hollywood has entered the Spin (Out) Zone. Liz and Sarah discuss the techniques they use to stay calm while others are freaking out. In Hits & Bombs, they look back at 2019 and discuss the highlights and lowlights. Liz’s biggest personal hit? Getting over her fear of public speaking. Sarah’s biggest bomb? Not going to therapy. Finally, this week’s travel Hollyw...

Down With Exclamation Points! Are Liz and Sarah riding a dragon or a camel? They update listeners on their 2019 exam development motto — Ride The Dragon. Then they check in with their former assistant, Mary Mehrkens, who offers advice to assistants (or anyone) between gigs. She also shares one of her new boss’s favorite apps: Fantastical. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help your emails seem more...

Liz and Sarah talk to actor and friend Dichen Lachman (Dollhouse, Altered Carbon, Animal Kingdom) about the audition pain point that almost made her leave the business, and what she did about it. Then Liz and Sarah discuss the psychology of documents — how does the look of a document impact its audience? This week’s flu season friendly Hollywood Hack: Throat Coat tea. Finally, Liz and and Sarah ha...

TILiz and Sarah talk to their good friend Nichelle Tramble Spellman, creator and showrunner of the fantastic new Apple TV+ show TRUTH BE TOLD, starring Octavia Spencer, Aaron Paul, and Lizzie Caplan. Then, in Take A Hike, Liz reveals why she’s “failing on all fronts” during this extra busy time. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes courtesy of Nichelle: get a fabulous suit custom-made for a big event....

Liz and Sarah offer tips to executives and producers who are giving notes to writers during the development process. Do be direct! Don’t be an asshole! In a hits-only Hits & Bombs segment, Liz and Sarah share the many things they’re thankful for — including their amazing listeners! This week’s Hollywood Hack is a Chinese Proverb: “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best...

Liz and Sarah answer questions from the Happier In Hollywood Facebook Group — and they answer them fast! Do they ever feel like their kids deplete their creative energy? Do TV writers take ownership of specific characters? How does Sarah feel about Liz touring? If they hadn’t moved to Los Angeles, what would they be doing today? What was it like to work with Kurt Sutter? And, most importantly, how...

With development season at peak intensity, Liz and Sarah are putting their noses to the grindstone. What does that mean? They’re often giving up their precious nights and weekends — and accepting that they have to “just say no” to many social functions. Then in Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah talk about why there’s one activity they’re NOT giving up: their new monthly Mahjong game. They also answer a M...

Liz and Sarah pitch “American Beauties,” a pilot script they sold (twice) to Fox. After the pitch, they critique their own work— and reveal what they would change if they were going to pitch the show today.  Photo by Ameen Fahmy on Unsplash To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://pod...

Liz and Sarah give an update on their efforts to reject anxiety during development season. Then they strategize about how to stay focussed on work when it feels like they’re in the middle of Armageddon. Between the wild fires and the news, it’s all too much! The advice they get from Liz’s sister, Gretchen Rubin? Turn off phone notifications and schedule time to worry. In Take Two, listeners weigh...

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 temptation to eat candy. In From The Treadmill Desks Of, they talk about their decision to reject anxiety when it comes to the notes process during this development season. Their new anxiety mantra: “There is no space for you here.” Then Liz and Sarah answer a Mailbag qu...

Liz and Sarah announce their upcoming Bonus Episode! They’re going to pitch American Beauties, a pilot script they sold (twice) to Fox. Then they discuss strategies for conquering the fear of new things. Sarah’s suggestion? Rip off the band aid NOW. In The Craft (and Fain) segment, Liz and Sarah discuss the ins and outs of the famous Warner Brothers pitch document. If you want a copy, email them a...

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 and over-speak, but don’t do it! Going on and on makes you look weak and unfocused. In their new segment, You’re The Boss, Liz and Sarah talk to author Morgan Simpson about his new book, What’s Running You? How to Become the Entrepreneur of Your Life. Morgan’s adv...

Liz and Sarah talk with actor, web series creator, and New York Times best-selling author, Felicia Day, about her new book Embrace Your Weird: Face Your Fears and Unleash Creativity. Liz and Sarah’s big take-away? They really need to be more playful. Then, in Take A Hike, they discuss why we should all be reacher-outers (in a not creepy way). This week’s Hollywood Hack is the perfect baby gift: af...

Liz and Sarah share an email from a listener who gives a counterargument to their advice to “arrive early.” Then they announce their new development projects! They’ve sold two pilots — one to ABC and one to CBS. They discuss strategies to maintain their endurance for the months-long journey toward (hopefully) series pickups. In Take A Hike, Sarah reveals her health lull is over, and she’s diving h...