Ep. 470: Prepping Small Talk & Lazarus Projects

Ep. 470: Prepping Small Talk & Lazarus Projects

Author: The Onward Project May 14, 2026 Duration: 34:42
Liz and Sarah talk about why it’s helpful to prepare small talk topics before a Zoom meeting. Knowing how to fill that awkward time before everyone arrives will reduce your anxiety and improve meeting flow! In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question about reality TV lingo. Then, in Take Two, Liz and Sarah revisit the topic of projects they once thought were dead coming suddenly back to life. This week’s Hollywood Hack can make life easier — try the weird tech thing that intimidates you. Finally, Sarah recommends some of her favorite Verticals on DramaBox, including All the Little Ways I Love You, Chained by Affection, and Like Roses, In Summer’s Tender Kiss.  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 and Sarah’s Chickening Out Substack at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. They’ll 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, ’S please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Kayla’s song suggestions: Icona Pop's I LOVE IT Bruno Mars' UPTOWN FUNK Lorde's GREEN LIGHT DramaBox: https://www.dramaboxdb.com/ Han— Back to Life music video: https://youtu.be/F0UIsSnotlA?si=qcvGjRv2ggsXkAUc KC and the Sunshine Band - Boogie Shoes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia0zeuZMJbo

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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Happier in Hollywood
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 382: Work Together Wednesdays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:21
Based on the level of productivity and flow they had during their recent time together in Ojai, Liz and Sarah are determined to spend more time in the same room — thus, they are starting Work Together Wednesdays. In HIH…
Ep. 381: Million Dollar Advice! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:34
Want to know how to deal with a toxic work environment? Curious about the best way to give feedback to a Gen Z staffer? Wondering if you should change jobs? This is the episode for you! Today Liz and Sarah talk to Kim Le…
Ep. 380: Revisiting Upward Spirals & Skinny Versus Fat IP [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:09
Liz and Sarah recently met with a development executive who pointed out that no matter how chaotic Hollywood gets, the work we do is the same. They discuss how this notion helps them stay calm this time of anxiety. In a…
Ep. 379: Being Consequential & Sarah’s Wellness Journal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:03
Liz and Sarah use several criteria when choosing which TV projects they want to pursue — a world they love, interesting characters, stories with legs. Now they’re adding a new one… is the material consequential? And what…
Ep. 378: Double Roar 24! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:57
In honor of All Work August, Liz and Sarah started the month with an intense two days of work at Sarah’s house in Ojai. They realized all over again how productive they are when they’re in the same room, and they’re dete…
Ep. 377: All Work August! (And Liz’s Hiking Gear) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:32
Liz and Sarah had a delightful No Work July, but it’s time to put their noses to the grindstone — thus, it’s All Work August. They’re writing an outline, developing two pitches, continuing on their novel, and more. In Ta…
Ep. 376: No Work July! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
For years Liz and Sarah have fantasized about taking the month of July off work. This year they’re actually having No Work July, and it’s amazing! In Hits & Bombs, Sarah gives herself a Bomb for not doing car maintenance…
Ep. 375: To Dream Crush Or Not To Dream Crush? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:30
Liz and Sarah debate whether they should be cheerleaders or naysayers when offering advice and insight to people thinking about starting a career in Hollywood. To dream crush or not to dream crush? Inspired by her recent…
Ep. 374: To Adapt Or Not To Adapt? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:37
Right now, Hollywood is all about intellection property. Liz and Sarah discuss what they look for in a book (or any other kind of material) when they’re considering whether or not to adapt it for TV. Is there a specific…

«1...678910