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Happier in Hollywood

Happier in Hollywood

By: The Onward Project
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Veteran TV writers Liz Craft and Sarah Fain demystify Hollywood by making career and personal struggles universal. Friends since high school and writing partners for over 20 years, Liz and Sarah have survived and thrived in Tinseltown’s male-dominated entertainment industry, guided by blind optimism and a Midwestern work ethic. Along the way they've learned a lot about kicking ass, kissing ass, and office yoga. Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/2026 The Onward Project Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Ep. 476: How To Get A Rep!

    Ep. 476: How To Get A Rep!
    Jun 25 2026
    Liz and Sarah discuss their recent Bad Trip writing marathon in Santa Barbara. The highlight? Writing outside at Godmothers in Summerland. Then they interview Rina O’Malley, a writer who’s breaking into the industry, about how she managed to do the impossible — get representation! This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your next meeting: have a preliminary call. Finally, Sarah recommends the Stray Kids Survival Show. LINKS: Rina O’Malley: https://blcklst.com/profile/Rina-OMalley Rina’s recs: 1. Darcy Fowler’s TV & Film Writing Workshops https://www.tvwritersrefuge.com/ Darcy is very good at helping writers find the actual story beneath the story they think they’re writing, and is also a truly amazing human. Generous, brilliant, and intuitive. 2. Script Anatomy https://scriptanatomy.com/ I’m a big fan of their instructors (all working writers) and their curriculum. I especially love the draft intensive classes, which are a great structured way to get a draft written fast. 3. Jen Grisanti https://www.jengrisanti.com/ Jen's annual workshop is magical. She brings in incredible guests, showrunners you can pitch and get feedback from. She also has free interviews online where you can learn a lot about story. 4. Lee Jessup https://leejessup.com/ One of the best people to learn from about the industry -- where you fit in it, your brand, your strategy, and how to think about your career like an actual career. You can work with Lee directly, but she also has a great YouTube channel where she breaks down the state of the industry and interviews reps: https://www.youtube.com/@leejessup5299 5. Roadmap Writers https://www.roadmapwriters.com/ A great place to learn about both craft and career, and connect with other writers. Tons of events, webinars, and classes. The team really cares about helping emerging writers. Bonus: Events where you can learn and network Storytelling360 https://storytelling360.com/ In-person panels and networking events in LA, NYC, and London. Austin Film Festival Writers Conference https://austinfilmfestival.com/festival-and-conference-aff/conference/ Definitely worth going if you can. Thousands of screenwriters packed into downtown Austin for panels, roundtables, tacos, drinks, and mild chaos. Basically spring break for screenwriters. Stray Kids Survival Show: https://strayksubs.com/videos/survival-show/ 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Ep. 475: Week Of Yes, Rabbit Holes, & Friendworking

    Ep. 475: Week Of Yes, Rabbit Holes, & Friendworking
    Jun 18 2026
    Liz and Sarah had a Week of Yes! After months (years) of hearing “no” they’re finally starting to get some “yeses.” Yay! Next, Liz and Sarah each offer a Take A Hike suggestion. Sarah reveals why it’s a good idea to go down a rabbit hole that’s NOT “you,” and Liz discusses the value of “friendworking.” This week’s Hollywood Hack is great for commuters: car cupholder coasters. Finally, Liz recommends two TV shows on Amazon Prime that are perfect for summer — Off Campus and Every Year After. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It’ll come right to your inbox! Sign up for Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter Chickening Out at https://happierinhollywood.substack.com. It’ll 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. If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Car Cupholder Coasters: https://nomeschoolhouse.com/products/nome-schoolhouse-car-coasters-4-pack Off Campus trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAozjf2frxw Every Year After trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5SpqQ8dNa8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Ep. 474: Summeritis & Barn To Yarn

    Ep. 474: Summeritis & Barn To Yarn
    Jun 11 2026
    Liz and Sarah are suffering from Summeritis! They’re managing to stay productive — but it’s not easy. In Take A Hike, they talk about the value of going on a learning retreat. Sarah just did a fiber retreat in Nome, ND and it rocked her world! This week Sarah has a Hit for Violet’s former nanny, Dawn. And Liz gives herself a tech Bomb for not knowing how to operate her TV. This week’s Hollywood Hack is liberating and a power move— ditch your handbag! Finally, Sarah recommends Christina Applegate’s memoir, You with the Sad Eyes. 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: Nome Schoolhouse: https://nomeschoolhouse.com Bandolier Mila Crossbody Phone Case: https://amzn.to/4dYdsAI Bandolier Expanded Pouch: https://www.bandolierstyle.com/products/pebble-leather-expanded-zip-pouch-black-rose-gold?variant=43207593361444&utm_source=AMZN_US_ShopDirect\ Cozy Earth Sheets: https://amzn.to/4ecRvwK You with the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate: https://amzn.to/4uYZjte Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
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