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:

https://freshpressedoliveoil.com/home/c/WA_GA_Q421_BRAND/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC_BRAND&utm_campaign=WA_GA_Q421_BRAND&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22221901806&gbraid=0AAAAADoizYfrLRUUFOb4CkqSC_Sa-fEUN&gclid=CjwKCAiA9aPKBhBhEiwAyz82J6_kErMjcVt0mo-aOsf5Enk4CqFZJEwSCfbOQbibUWv4o8ag81L8IxoCdgMQAvD_BwE

Fearless Negotiating: The Wish-Want-Walk Method to Reaching Solutions That Work by Michael Donaldson:

https://amzn.to/44JTW66

Heated Rivalry trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKO26odltss

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

https://amzn.to/4aeLcZa

Actress of a Certain Age by Jeff Hiller:

https://amzn.to/4s6AoD1

How to Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast:

https://amzn.to/3MC5emG

Squid Game: The Challenge Season Two trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ4D7HA7Ov4

War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy:

https://amzn.to/4j8nOPy

Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel:

https://amzn.to/48u01Vj

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.

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.

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:

https://amzn.to/440xy87

Slidelock Carabiners:

https://amzn.to/4pHVLbs

Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel:

https://amzn.to/48u01Vj

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.

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.

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:

https://www.jengrisanti.com/

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.

‘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: 

https://amzn.to/483lpl1

Shiatsu Back, Shoulder, and Neck Massager:

https://amzn.to/4nKdvBQ

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: 

https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/p/womens/womens-jackets-and-vests/womens-parkas-327273/womens-aconcagua-parka-NF0A88TA?color=JK3

Greenstalk Inventor’s Bundle

https://greenstalkgarden.com/products/inventors-bundle-evergreen-basic-texture?_pos=1&_psq=inventors+bundle&_ss=e&_v=1.0

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

https://amzn.to/3Lv2VBj

Hori hori knife:

https://amzn.to/441PdvU

Swiss Army knife:

https://amzn.to/47uMQEd

Feeding Ghosts,  by Tessa Hulls:

https://amzn.to/3LBH37f

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Memoir

Colored Television by Danzy Senna: 

https://amzn.to/4qOlDnB

Elsa Peretti Heart Bookmark from Tiffany: (80 dollars)

https://www.tiffany.com/home-accessories/desk-designs/sterling-silver-desk-designs-2543440917.html?omcid=ppc_google_TIFFANY_WJ_USA_NOBRID_HOM_HOME_OGOING_EC_BRAN_GTAD_CRD_ENG_USD_E&mkwid=s%7Cpcrid%7C708342824544%7Cpkw%7Ctiffany%20elsa%20peretti%20bookmark%7Cpmt%7Ce%7Cpdv%7Cc%7Cmtid%7C744dpc50313%7Cslid%7C%7Cproductid%7C%7Ctargetids%7Ckwd-2322982324764%7Cgroupid%7C166248212792%7C&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=9616645864&gbraid=0AAAAAD-_9SBd2HDyyLBdpAe8_7g9zzHaK&gclid=CjwKCAiAzrbIBhA3EiwAUBaUdanDWSF6ML623eAMZOaCP5zVO9ANCt3k_Ewek9PrXHZ2s6V-6s2_LRoC_JsQAvD_BwE

Hair towel: https://amzn.to/3LlK8bF

Speks geode magnetic fidget toy:

https://amzn.to/3WKNBTA

Color WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray:

https://amzn.to/49H15Hs

Jisulife Hand Held Minifan:

https://amzn.to/4oWKvHZ

Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer:

https://amzn.to/49r4H0n

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.

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:

https://amzn.to/3LlR5t8

LitONES Model 630 desk lamps:

https://amzn.to/3X9j4if

The Black Wolf by Louise Penny:

https://amzn.to/4hMlPzE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a recent rude encounter related to one of their projects, Liz and Sarah talk about how sometimes you just have to suck it up. (Being able to see your own facial expression on Zoom helps!) In honor of Halloween, they share their personal horror stories and discuss why it’s good to laugh at yourself. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they explore what you want your sample script to show about your skills as a TV writer. This week’s Hollywood Hack is affordable and comfortable — H & M Wide-Leg Joggers. Finally, Liz recommends the documentary series The Last Wright: Building the Final Home Design of America’s Greatest Architect on HBO Max. 

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 & @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!

LINKS:

H & M Wide-Leg Joggers:

https://www2.hm.com/en_us/search-results.html?q=women%27s%20wide-leg%20joggers

The Last Wright trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMsHoavzs8Y

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently Liz and Sarah discussed how the rubber was meeting the road on their Netflix pilot. They were sure they were done with the notes process and were now awaiting some kind of yay or nay on the project. But they were wrong! They’re getting more notes, a reminder that predicting the future in Hollywood is impossible. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about how making a meal from her garden made her realize it’s important to celebrate steps along the way. Next they answer a Mailroom Question from a listener who does NOT enjoy being inundated by Substack newsletters. This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your pictures — use the Clean Up feature in Apple photos. Finally, Sarah recommends An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace by Tamar Adler.

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:

GreenStalk Garden:

https://greenstalkgarden.com/

Orange Theory Fitness:

https://www.orangetheory.com/en-us

An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler:

https://amzn.to/42Rh8OO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz and Sarah talk about how they approach constructing pitch decks — finding the perfect photo is Sarah’s superpower! In Take A Hike, they discuss why it’s so important to take the time to meet people in person. Not only is it fun, it makes working together so much easier. Then they share moments of Disproportionate Joy from listeners and share a couple of their own. This week’s Hollywood Hack helps transform a non-work space into a workspace for all of you floor-sitters: a foldable coffee table. Finally, Liz and Sarah recommend the 1987 movie Baby Boom starring the late, great Diane Keaton. 

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 & @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!

LINKS:

Clues by Sam game:

https://cluesbysam.com/

Foldable Coffee Table:

https://amzn.to/3KV6d0h

Meditation Seat:

https://amzn.to/3ILTGf8

Baby Boom trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdzKN8T0c_Q

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.