Happier in Hollywood

Happier in Hollywood

Author: The Onward Project Language: English Episodes: 100
For over two decades, television writers Liz Craft and Sarah Fain have navigated the unique pressures of Hollywood as a team, and their Happier in Hollywood podcast pulls back the curtain on that journey. This isn't just industry gossip; it's a candid conversation between two friends who have built a career and a life inside a famously tough town. Each episode feels like grabbing a table at the commissary with them, where they translate their personal and professional hurdles into relatable lessons. You’ll hear how a blend of stubborn optimism and pragmatic Midwestern grit helped them thrive in a male-dominated field, offering tangible advice that goes far beyond writing a script. Their discussions tackle everything from navigating office politics and difficult conversations to the small, daily practices that maintain sanity. This Happier in Hollywood podcast, from The Onward Project, transforms specific Hollywood struggles into universal themes about resilience, partnership, and finding your footing in any high-stakes career. It’s about the unglamorous work behind the glamour-the ass-kicking, the occasional ass-kissing, and yes, even the office yoga-that actually makes a sustainable life possible. Tune in for a surprisingly grounded perspective from two veterans who have learned to carve out happiness on their own terms.
Episodes
Ep. 423: No Right Way & Revisiting Whimsy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:36
Liz and Sarah discuss how writing the third draft of their pilot has made them realize there’s no right way to do something creative. There are MANY right ways. In Take Two, they revisit “whimsy” and share listener sugge…
Ep. 422: The Downside Of Deadlines & Grow Something [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:46
Liz and Sarah discuss the downside of being deadline driven. They love a deadline, but sometimes creative projects need more room to breathe than a deadline allows. In Take A Hike, Sarah suggests growing something. She’s…
Ep. 421: Priority Lists & Slow Starts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:02
Liz and Sarah talk about why it’s useful to make a list of priorities. They made a project priority list during their recent Hive ‘25, and it’s helped them make important decisions. In Take A Hike, they discuss embracing…
Ep. 420: Spring 2025 Listener Questions Episode! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:58
Liz and Sarah answer listener questions! If they could write a crossover of any two shows, what would they be? Have they ever hated their job or thought about quitting? How much time does Sarah spend homeschooling? And w…
Listen Again: Liz & Sarah’s Most “Hollywood” Hollywood Moments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:40
In this Special Episode, Liz and Sarah revisit 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 loo…
Ep. 419: When Stars Align & Immersion Events [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:11
Liz and Sarah talk to best-selling author and friend of the pod, Melissa de la Cruz, about the state of publishing, her new novel When Stars Align, and her passion for fashion. In Take A Hike, inspired by her recent trip…
Ep. 418: Liz’s Face Blindness Challenge & Career Lessons With Laverne [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:55
Liz and Sarah talk about one of Liz’s biggest work hurdles — mild face blindness. It can be quite awkward when she doesn’t recognize someone they just had a meeting with! Then they introduce an exciting new segment — Car…
Ep. 417: Going For It & Giving Good Bio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:24
Liz and Sarah discuss how watching their former co-worker, actor Walton Goggins, “go for it” on screen makes them want to go for it in their writing. Letting go of boundaries can lead to powerful art. In The Craft (& Fai…
Ep. 416: Work Albatrosses & AI Family Crests [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:47
Liz and Sarah talk about how to figure out if something in your work life is an albatross, and what you can do to get rid of it. One tip? Force yourself to have an uncomfortable conversation. In Take A Hike, they share a…
Ep. 415: Strategic Planning (A.K.A. Our Corporate Vision Board) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:51
Liz and Sarah talk to Hollywood manager, Executive Director of The Julia Child Foundation, and friend-of-the-pod Todd Schulkin about strategic planning. What is it? Why should they do it? And what is a SWOT analysis? Tod…