Happier in Hollywood

Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of saving money in Hollywood’s perennially unstable gig economy. Hint: avoid mindless spending. And shop your closet! Then they share a listener question about fertility and the problem/dilemma of waiting to start a family. Have they come to terms with having only children? Liz offers two Hollywood Hacks from entertainment attorney Michael Donaldson’s WGA works...

Liz and Sarah talk to their mentor, the brilliant television writer/producer, Shawn Ryan (The Shield, S.W.A.T.), about how he picks projects. Spoiler alert: he actually needs to like the material. They also grill Shawn about his famous calm demeanor. Is he really as zen as he seems? In the Mailroom segment, Liz and Sarah answer a question about being a technical consultant for TV and movies. This...

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 without resenting it? Then they answer a Mailroom Question about passion. Is it fair to expect people to be passionate about their work ALL of the time? And what do you do when you’re not feelin’ it? In L v. S (Lis versus Sarah), Sarah tries to convince Liz to tr...

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 up! Liz and Sarah discuss the brilliance of resilience and share how working in the entertainment business has helped them develop their own resilience muscles. Then in a very special Take A Hike, executive producer Chuck Reed’s mom, Michelene Reed Laski, reveals...

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 “cacophony of choice” they’re dealing with now that their overall at ABC Studios is over. It’s exciting that they’re free to do ANYTHING— but also overwhelming. As they analyze how to navigate their opportunities, they decide to stretch but also stay in their whe...

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 moving on! Then they discuss all things negotiation with Michael Donaldson, renowned entertainment attorney and author of Fearless Negotiating: The Wish, Want, Walk Method to Negotiating Agreements That Work. Michael’s advice is crucial for everyone— but is particu...

Liz and Sarah discuss being calm versus acting calm — and how they were recently “Shawn Ryan Calm” during a tough conversation. Then in Take A Hike, Sarah shares why “not knowing if it’s going to snow in March” helped her stop anticipating the worst. Next, Liz and Sarah fess up to a Happier in Hollywood Retreat bomb, and Sarah gives a hit to her aunt for stepping up in a crisis. Sarah’s HOT Hollyw...

Liz and Sarah reveal their 2019 Development Motto: Ride The Dragon (just like Daenerys, but with less crazy)! With the ever changing waves in their career, they recite a poem from Safire Rose called She Let Go. Then in this week’s Mailroom segment, Liz and Sarah answer a listener question about writing thank you notes to showrunners. This week’s selfie Hollywood Hack is perfect for events: a selfi...

You asked, Liz and Sarah answer! What’s the best book on writing? Do extras wear their own clothes? How does collaboration work? Why does Liz consider the Housewives a feminist franchise? Liz and Sarah answer these questions and more in this very special listener questions episode! The Fix: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EoVvpfVUqvA Brook Sitgraves Turner: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8223801/?ref_=...

The hill is not as high as you think it is! Liz and Sarah discuss how they're conquering both literal and metaphorical "hills," including The Fix Season 2 pitch, Fryman Canyon, and the prospect of writing a fiction podcast. Their advice? It's okay to take a break — just get right back to climbing! Then in Take Two, Liz and Sarah revisit office roles. This week's Hollywood Hack is an easy-to-use gr...

Liz and Sarah talk to Safe For Work podcast hosts Liz Dolan and Rico Gagliano about all things work — from dealing with assholes and vipers in the office to making a career change in your 30’s, 40’s, or 50’s. Then Liz and Sarah give a 2019 New Year’s Resolutions update! So far so good! Sarah’s been focusing on progress over perfection, and Liz is on her way to hitting her weight loss goal. Finally...

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 it’s essential to live in an atmosphere of growth. Then they answer not 1, but 2 listener questions: one from a writers’ assistant who’s trying to be good at his current job while still pushing to make it to the next level, and a second question about podcasting!...

It’s the 100th episode of Happier in Hollywood! In television land, this would be the holy grail! To celebrate, special guest Gretchen Rubin declutters Liz and Sarah’s office on the Disney lot. Then in Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah (& Gretchen) read (the very few) negative reviews for The Fix and discuss how they deal with public opinion. Finally, this week’s foot-friendly Hollywood Hack is perfect f...

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 page! Then in Take Two, they revisit being rewritten — it’s not just a TV writer thing! Lawyers and other professionals experience it, too. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from The Fix writers’ assistant, Laura Snow: widen the net to further your career when you’re f...

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 they discuss the various roles people play in a writers’ room including a Problem-solver, Amplifier, Builder, Analyzer, and more! Liz and Sarah talk to their assistant, Mary, about her upcoming first, big Hollywood meeting. Their advice? Go into the room with confi...

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 they answer a Mailroom question about how TV ratings are determined. In Take a Hike, Liz and Sarah discuss digital decluttering — unsubscribing from annoying emails and deleting apps. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from TV writer extraordinaire Jane Espenson: wri...

Liz and Sarah talk to business owner and writer Crystal Ellefsen about working from home. Then they answer a Mailroom question about “beauty work” in Hollywood. Then Sarah discusses her recent solo trip to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. This week’s housing Hollywood Hack is affordable and great for making new friends: the Bungalow app! Finally, Liz and Sarah reveal their Kiwami Celebrity sight...

Liz and Sarah talk to Ola Shokunbi about his journey from representing pharmaceutical companies as a lawyer in D.C. to being a staff writer for The Fix. His advice on switching careers? Be all in! Then Sarah shares her airplane hit, and Liz has a post-surgery bomb. This week’s Hollywood Hack is all about self-pampering: invest in a paraffin wax bath. Finally, Mary shares her Big Little Lies Celebr...

Liz and Sarah discuss good (and bad) time management skills— for showrunners, and anyone else in a leadership position. A couple tips: give feedback instead of taking on the work yourself, and have an out time. Then, in Take Two, they revisit Sarah’s zen acceptance of L.A. traffic. This week’s business-savvy Hollywood Hack comes from Mandeville TV’s Director of Development, Lea Cuello: pre-Google...

Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of doing press for their new show The Fix, and their recent Television Critics Association experience. Their advice? Be yourself... and Drybar! Also — know your talking points. Then they answer a listener question about building a social media presence. This week’s Hollywood Hack helps you find your favorite show online: JustWatch! Finally, Liz and Sarah (and M...

Liz and Sarah discuss how they pick their battles when they're running a TV show. Their two most important questions: Is this inevitable? Does this move the needle? Then they call their agent, WME partner Matt Solo, to ask him a question from a listener whose dream is to be an agent herself. This week's Hollywood Hack was inspired by an Eco-friendly gift Sarah received: felted dryer balls. And fin...

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. Then they check in with their assistant Mary to talk about her adventures in stand-up comedy. This week’s Hollywood Hack is meaningful and fun: commission a piece of art. Finally, Liz and Sarah reveal The Fix editor’s restroom Celebrity Sighting: John Mayer! Ozark...

Sparked by a listener question, Liz and Sarah discuss the difference between writing for TV versus movies. One reason they chose to work in television: writers have more control. Then Liz and Sarah talk about why it’s important to have a “why.” In Hits and Bombs, Liz reveals her reading hit (Educated) and Sarah has a gyno bomb. This week’s earth-friendly Hollywood Hack is sweeping the entertainmen...

Liz and Sarah interview The Fix’s Executive Producer/Director Michael Katleman! He explains what it’s like to be an Executive Producer/Director for TV and why being on set makes him happier in Hollywood. His advice to aspiring directors? Get out there and shoot. It’s easier than ever. This week’s Hollywood Hack is earth-friendly AND high tech: Rocketbook Everlast. And finally, Sarah Fain was a Hap...

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 March 18th. Some coping mechanisms: planning for Season Two, focusing on “life stuff,” and a potential trip to the Integratron. After their new segment Take Two, in which Liz and Sarah revisit Personal Symbols, they debate To Do Lists in a spirited L v. S. Finally, Sa...