Happier in Hollywood

Ep. 372: The Joy Of A Consuming Phase

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss the current phase of their work cycle — consuming. With an eye toward developing IP, they’re reading, listening, and watchin...

Ep. 371: The Power Of Encouragement

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss the incredible power of encouragement — especially right now. Times are tough in Hollywood (and many places), but hearing that...

Ep. 370: Spring Listener Questions Episode, Part Two!

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today Liz and Sarah answer more listener questions! Do they weigh in set design? Do writing teams really split a paycheck? Have they ever thought abou...

Ep. 369: Sweet Relief & An Interview with Quiet On Set’s Christy Stratton

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are celebrating! They can’t reveal details yet, but they sold a pitch that they’ve been working on since before the WGA strike. With...

Ep. 368: Spring 2024 Listener Questions Episode!

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the Spring 2024 Listener Questions Episode! Where do Liz and Sarah think the TV industry is headed? How do they feel about actors turned direct...

Ep. 367: All About Editing With Debra Neil-Fisher

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk to comedy feature editor extraordinaire turned director, Debra Neil-Fisher, about all things editing. What makes something funny? H...

Ep. 366: Stress Languages & Liz’s Mounjaro-Driven Upward Spiral

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Working in Hollywood is often stressful, now more than ever. Liz and Sarah discuss Chantal Donnelly’s stress framework — are you an Imploder, an E...

Ep. 365: The Power Of Partnership

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are asked all the time about what it’s like to be part of a team. Today they discuss the power of partnership and why it’s even more...

Ep. 364: Be A Joiner & A Pitch Hack Round Up

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk about the benefits of joining a professional group. They get so much wisdom and support from other female showrunners who deal with...

Ep. 363: Liz Friedman on The Good Doctor (And Other Stuff)

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk to The Good Doctor’s Co-Showrunner, Liz Friedman, about how she approached the end of the beloved series. In Take A Hike, they ...

Ep. 362: The Futility Of Attachment (Or Freedom From Fretting)

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk about a Hollywood phenomenon that can be seen as positive or negative — everything changes all the time. Depending on their state...

Ep. 361: Boundaries & (Orange) Theories

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah often talk about the importance of drawing boundaries. Today they pat themselves on the back for drawing a boundary at work — but can ...

Ep. 360: A Special Episode: How To Be On Set

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode, Liz and Sarah talk about a TV writer/producer’s role on set. Why are you there? (To help execute the Showrunner’s vision....

Ep. 359: Big Boo To Bake Offs!

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk about bake offs — what are they, and why do TV writers hate them? So many reasons! In Take A Hike, they talk about the art of tak...

Ep. 358: Great Expectations & True Fun

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are writing the second draft of their novel, and it’s getting so much better. But now that they feel the book has the potential to be ...

Ep. 357: Sleeping In Seattle

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are back from their trip to Seattle, where they were researching a new pilot project. They discuss the many benefits of immersing themse...

Ep. 356: Coping With “Priority Whiplash”

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk about how they’re coping with what they call “priority whiplash.” They have to be ready to jump off one work project and onto...

Ep. 355: Failing At Flow

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah have a ton of work to do, but they’re having trouble getting into “the flow.” How can they stop being distracted by ping ponging p...

Ep. 354: What We Learned From Listening

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to pitching, Liz and Sarah are usually the ones who are talking rather than listening. Today they share what they learned when they list...

Ep. 353: Nothing Changed But Everything Changed

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss how a great meeting with an executive made them realize how much their perception shapes their reality. Even though technically ...

Ep. 352: Our First “Roar 24” & Embrace Your Core

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah headed to The Emerald Iguana Inn for their first “Roar 24,” an intense, twenty-four hour work session. They finished a draft of thei...

Ep. 351: Bad Work = Bad Notes & No Spend February

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah had an insight after a recent notes call about a pitch they’re working on— it’s a lot easier to give good notes on good material. ...

Ep. 350: 2024 Winter Listener Questions Episode!

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are celebrating the 350th episode of HIH with Winter Listener Questions. Why did Liz’s mom have Liz and Gretchen six years apart? What...

Ep. 349: Novel Lessons!

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss what they learned by reading the full first draft of their novel. Lesson One? Don’t waste time trying to make it perfect! Then...

Ep. 348: A New New Year!

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

All of Sarah and Liz’s New Year momentum has been sucked away by Influenza A and Covid-19. To regain their sense of purpose, they’ve decided that ...

Ep. 347: 2024 Goals And More Goals!

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Now that it’s 2024, Liz and Sarah are outlining their goals for the year — as a team and as individuals. First on the list? Sell their novel! In T...

Ep. 346: Getting Real About Reality TV

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz loves reality TV, so today she’s in for a treat! Liz and Sarah talk to non-fiction showrunner Rebecca Graham Forde about all things reality TV. ...

Ep. 345: Sarah’s Getting Happier With Gretchen Rubin

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fifteen years ago, Gretchen Rubin’s book The Happiness Project changed Sarah’s life—it helped her decide to have her amazing daughter, Violet....

Ep. 344: Liz & Sarah’s 2023 Favorites!

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As 2023 comes to an end, Liz and Sarah discuss their favorite everything from the year. From Liz’s favorite Real Housewives podcast (Drama Darling...

Ep. 343: Liz & Sarah’s 2024 Team Theme!

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah share their Team Theme for 2024 — Hear Us Roar 2024! They also reveal their personal words for the year. Sarah’s is “steps” and ...

Ep. 342: Novel Plans & An Unsubscribe Spree

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Christmas is coming, and Liz and Sarah are determined to finish a first draft of their novel. But they’ve made a slight adjustment to their plan —...

Ep. 341: Liz & Sarah’s 2023 Gift Guide!

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Holiday Season is upon us! Liz and Sarah share their favorite gifts for 2023, including Cal Pak’s water bottle sling, puzzle sorting trays, dry ...

Ep. 340: Julia Child & How To Get A Rep With Manager Todd Schulkin

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk to one of their oldest friends, Todd Schulkin, who is a manger, producer, and Executive Director of The Julia Child Foundation for ...

Ep. 339: Forging A Path Through Chaos

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss their plan to forge a clear path amidst the post-WGA strike chaos. That includes committing to finishing a first draft of their ...

Ep. 338: Creativity Begets Creativity

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Liz and Sarah sat down to discuss ideas for their next HIH retreat, they realized having one idea made it easier to have another and another. Cre...

Ep. 337: The HIH Retreat Retro!

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Happier In Hollywood Retreat 2023 is in the books! It was a huge success, and now Sarah and Liz are discussing what was fantastic (the people, the...

Ep. 336: All The Scary Things Rolled Into One Retreat

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are prepping for the 2023 HIH Retreat. It’s all the scary things rolled into one — entertaining, public speaking, meeting new people...

Ep. 335: The Beauty Of Busy-Ness

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are back to work on several development projects, and after such a long strike they are very much appreciating the beauty of being busy....

Ep. 334: Getting Our Work Legs Back

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The WGA strike is over! Liz and Sarah discuss how they’re getting their work legs back as they pick up projects where they left off five months ago....

Ep. 333: Celebrating The End Of The WGA Strike!

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are ecstatic! The WGA strike is FINALLY coming to an end! They discuss how it feels to be on the other side of the battle, and what they...

Ep. 332: Time To Pause And Reconnect

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are halfway through a draft of their novel. Yay! They explain why they’ve decided to take a moment to pause and reconnect with the cha...

Ep. 331: Turn A Chore Into A Pleasure & Set A New Goal

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As the WGA strike continues to drag on, Liz and Sarah each offer a Take A Hike idea to boost mental, physical, and spiritual health. Sarah’s suggest...

Ep. 330: Running The Show With Jeff Melvoin

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk to veteran showrunner Jeff Melvoin about his new book, Running The Show: Television From The Inside. What’s the biggest mistake ...

Ep.329: A Johnny Cash Ranch Retreat & Getting Back On The Horse!

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss how the benefits of spending time together (actually in the same room for a whole day) led them to their big announcement: They’...

Ep. 328: Summer 2023 Listener Questions!

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As Summer 2023 winds down, Sarah and Liz are answering listener questions. What do they think will happen when the strike is over? Does Sarah refuse t...

Ep. 327: Burn It Down With Mo Ryan

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk to journalist Maureen Ryan about her incredible new book — Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call For Change In Hollywood. W...

Ep. 326: Fresh Perspective & “Franking”

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss how 100 days of being on strike has a silver lining — it’s given them fresh perspective on a project that was feeling stale....

Ep. 325: On Being Creative Entrepreneurs

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk about being Creative Entrepreneurs. How can they expand their vision of their career? What elements will strengthen their two perso...

Ep. 324: Build A Frog Pond

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Even though it’s the last thing they feel like talking about, Liz and Sarah discuss the ongoing WGA strike and how it feels like it’s lasting fore...

Ep. 323: Strike News & Formatting Fun

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss SAG-AFTRA going out on strike. Will actors on strike pressure the AMPTP to come back to the table? They sure hope so. Then they ...

Ep. 322: Threads & The Perfect Tee

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah have joined the new social media platform, Threads, and they think you should too! Getting onboard early makes a difference — so don’...

Ep. 321: That Summer Vacation Feeling

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are both experiencing that summer vacation feeling — which means they DON’T feel like working. How can they harness the delight of s...

Ep. 320: Liz & Sarah’s “Before I Die” Pitch

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this Special Episode, Liz and Sarah share their CBS pitch “Before I Die,” about three older women solving crimes in Miami. Then they talk about...

Ep. 319: A Hollywood Dream Come True!

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk to TV writer Nadia Abass-Madden about how she switched careers from being a real life 911 operator to writing for FOX’s hit show ...

Ep. 318: Liz & Sarah’s Most “Hollywood” Hollywood Moments

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this Special Episode, Liz and Sarah share some of their most “Hollywood” Hollywood moments, from getting yelled at by famous actors to spotting...

Ep. 317: Being A Number Two

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk to one of their best friends, Karine Rosenthal, about what it means to be a Number Two on a TV show. What are the duties? How does ...

Ep. 316: Novel Progress & You Do You Picketing

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah have officially started writing their novel, and they’re gaining momentum. They have the first forty pages! Yes, it needs rewriting bu...

Ep. 315: “Working” With Director Caroline Suh

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk to director (and one of Liz’s best friends) Caroline Suh about “Working: What We Do All Day,” the gripping new documentary se...

Ep. 314: RIP FI & Strike Silver Linings

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss that sad news that Fantasy Island has been canceled. Why do they think it happened and how are they feeling about it? Then they ...

EP. 313: WGA Strike Talk With Negotiating Committee Member Nicole Yorkin

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss the WGA strike with their friend Nicole Yorkin, who is a member of the WGA Negotiating Committee. Why do writers view this momen...

Ep. 312: Spring Listener Questions Episode: Part Two

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah answer more fantastic listener questions! Do they ever pay podcast guests? Why are television seasons fewer episodes than they used to b...

Ep. 311: Spring Listener Questions: Part One

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are answering listener questions! Is Sarah still a vegan? What five things are they both hoping to accomplish before they retire? How do...

Ep. 310: Our New Development Motto: Premium Buttered Popcorn

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk about the inspiration for their new team development motto — Premium Buttered Popcorn. In Take A Hike, they ask listeners to weig...

Ep. 309: Finding The Words With Colin Campbell

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss the mental gymnastics of going down two possible roads at once as they try to prepare themselves for a possible WGA strike. Yes...

Ep. 308: The Frustration Of Free Work & Why We Decided To Just Start

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss a topic that’s on their minds and the minds of so many TV writers — the frustration of free work. What can writers do to com...

Ep. 307: Oh, What The Hell!

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As the TV business continues to rapidly evolve, Liz and Sarah have decided to embrace an “oh, what the hell” attitude when it comes to development...

Ep. 306: No Now Doesn’t Mean No Forever

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk about how a recent conversation about a former development project reminded them that “no now doesn’t mean no forever.” In Ta...

Ep. 305: Our Essential Tools & Put A Number On It

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah share what tools they consider essential for their job as TV writers. On the list? Final Draft, Google Docs, dry erase board tiles, the ...

Ep. 304: Liz Vows To Be Positive (No Matter What)

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz tells Sarah she realized that she’s been going on endless rants about the state of TV writers in Hollywood — and she’s vowing to stop! From ...

Ep. 303: Why We Should All HUSSLUP

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk to H Schuster about her plan to democratize and diversify access to the entertainment industry. The mission of H’s new company HU...

Ep. 302: First Draft Difficulty & Setting Aside Worry

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are deep into the first draft of the pilot they’re writing — and discovering all over again how hard it is to write a pilot. Creatin...

Ep. 301: The Thrill (& And Terror) Of Being In Control

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As Liz and Sarah continue to work on the novel they plan to write, they realize that for once they’re in total control of their fate. That’s excit...

Ep. 300: Celebrating 300 Episodes!

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah celebrate the 300th episode of Happier In Hollywood! What are some of listeners’ favorite moments of the podcast? Volunteers not recru...

Ep. 299: The Excellence Of An Espresso Martini

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah share an email from a listener that outlines the differences between writing a mystery and a thriller. One key takeaway? Curiosity fuel...

Ep. 298: Liz & Sarah’s 20th Anniversary Trip (Finally!)

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are finally celebrating their 20th anniversary of being a writing team with a Caribbean cruise on the Regal Princess. Yes, they’re wor...

Ep. 297: The Challenge Of Setting Our Own Deadlines

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are setting their own deadlines on a current project - and that can be a challenge for these two Obligers. How will they manage to stay ...

Ep. 296: Back To Work & Behind The Scenes

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss what makes them feel like they’re back to work after a long break. For Liz, it’s getting on her treadmill desk. For Sarah, i...

Ep. 295: What Barbara Walters Meant To Us & New Year’s Resolutions

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah pay tribute to the legendary Barbara Walters, whose career was an inspiration to both of them. Then they reveal their 2023 New Year’s ...

Ep. 294: Liz & Sarah’s Team Motto 2023!

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah reveal (and explain) their Team Motto for 2023 — “Alt Ending Thelma & Louise!” They’re anticipating a difficult year but th...

Ep. 293: They Got Dressed Up And Went!

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Recently, Liz and Sarah talked about how they were “all dressed up with no place to go” when a pitch meeting was cancelled last minute. Well, they...

Ep. 292: The Perpetual Waiting Game

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As Liz and Sarah wait for news of a Season Three pickup of Fantasy Island, they discuss how in Hollywood there’s ALWAYS a wait. In HIH WFH (Happier...

Ep. 291: All Dressed Up & Freudenfraude

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss how they were all psyched up for a pitch meeting — and then it didn’t happen. The only consolation? Liz hadn’t paid for a ...

Ep. 290: The Note We Get And Give

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As Sarah and Liz hone a new pitch they realize that the note they often get is the same one that they always give — MORE EMOTION. In Take A Hike, Sa...

Ep. 289: The 2022 Thanksgiving Episode!

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss what they’re grateful for— Sarah’s Ojai life is looking up, Liz has taken charge of her health, and their Fantasy Island c...

Ep. 288: Hurry Up And Wait!

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk about how often they rush to meet a deadline — and then realize there was no rush at all. Then, in Take A Hike, they discuss how ...

Ep. 287: Liz & Sarah’s 2022 Gift Guide!

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week Liz and Sarah share their favorite holiday gift ideas for 2022 — cute AirPod cases, the Fermob Balad Lamp, the Click and Grow Smart Garden...

Ep. 286: The War Of Attrition (And Lessons From Leslie Jordan)

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah mention “the war of attrition that is life in Los Angeles” every week in the Happier In Hollywood opener. This week they discuss why...

Ep. 285: Talking Transparency

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After a recent meeting, Liz and Sarah discuss the concept of transparency. How much is too much? And when do you know if it’s safe to be transparent...

Ep. 284: Reframing Work “Politics” As Work “Diplomacy”

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss their recent realization that they should reframe work “politics” as work “diplomacy.” In Take A Hike, they share insigh...

Ep. 283: Fantasy Island Composer Genevieve Vincent Sings The Theme Song!

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss why sharing their expertise helped them hone in on their strengths and weaknesses as Showrunners. Then — do you love the Fant...

Ep. 282: Picking A Team Talisman & Wearing Comfortable Shoes

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah are back in work mode, and they went on an overnight retreat at the Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai to brainstorm in person. The result? A hu...

Ep. 281: Clearing The White Board & Sarah Does Hypnotherapy

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Vacation is officially over. Sarah and Liz are clearing their white boards and diving into a new project (or maybe two) while they wait for Fantasy I...

Ep. 280: What Should We Be Doing Right Now?

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss what they should be doing during their downtime. Coming up with TV show ideas? Writing a novel? Working on a new podcast? Or may...

Ep. 279: The Writers’ Room Survival Guide with Niceole Levy

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah talk to TV writer Niceole Levy about her fantastic new book, The Writers’ Room Survival Guide. Practical tips about topics like what...

Ep. 278: Stepping OFF The Treadmill Desk & A Call With Our Manager Dianne Fraser

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stepping OFF The Treadmill Desk & A Call With Our Manager Dianne FraserLiz and Sarah discuss the anxiety of stepping OFF the treadmill desk during...

Ep. 277: Another Summer Listener Questions Episode!

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah received so many great questions from listeners that they decided to devote another episode to answering them. What does Liz have to say...

Ep. 276: Summer Listener Questions!

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah answer listener questions! Is being a showrunner what they expected? How do they come up with fantasies for Fantasy Island? Has Sarah ...

Ep. 275: Air Dancers & Bel-Air’s Rasheed Newson

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Liz and Sarah reveal what they’ve learned about themselves when they’re not buried in work. Then they talk with showrunner and author R...

Ep. 274: Being Mindful Of STUFF — Stress, Time, Uncertainty, Fear, & Fatigue

11 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah share some key takeaways from the excellent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging training they recently attended, including how ...

Ep. 273: Bad Sisters & How To Deal With “Crazy”

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz and Sarah discuss the upcoming Apple TV+ show, Bad Sisters. They developed the same show (based on a Flemish series) twice for ABC, but it (righ...