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.

Liz and Sarah delve into one of the key aspects of prepping for a TV pitch— the questions and answers that follow your presentation. Pro tip? Be ready to drill down on tone. In Take A Hike, inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album, they talk about why it can be helpful to define your eras. What do you want your next era to be? Next, in The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share their favorite takeaways from their slow read of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. This week they have two Hollywood Hacks — try using a steering wheel desk and always wear the same outfit to travel. Finally, Sarah recommends Richard Osman’s new Thursday Murder Club book, The Impossible Fortune.

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, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends!

 

LINKS:

 

The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift:

https://amzn.to/4o4E2dC

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott:

https://amzn.to/46L14k8

 

EcoNour steering wheel desk:

https://amzn.to/3KCGUjD

 

The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman: 

https://amzn.to/4pYQdua

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz and Sarah have been pingponging around on various projects for months. Now several of their projects are converging, and it’s controlled chaos! In Take A Hike, they issue the Control Your Algorithm October Challenge. Stop doomscrolling and get more good in your feed! Next, Liz and Sarah introduce their brand new segment — Disproportionate Joy. Sarah’s getting joy from Violet’s new swim meet times and Liz is giddy about certain members of her Survivor Fantasy League. This week’s Hollywood Hack will save you money AND is good for the environment: Shop your favorite brand’s secondhand section. Finally, Liz recommends Lena Dunham’s Substack newsletter, Good Thing Going. 

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:

Legend Planner:

https://amzn.to/3KN9q1K

 

Clare V Le Resale:

https://leresaleclarev.com

 

Patagonia Worn Wear: 

https://wornwear.patagonia.com

 

Apiece Apart Archive:

https://archive.apieceapart.com/

 

Lululemon:

https://likenew.lululemon.com/

 

Eileen Fisher Renew: 

https://www.eileenfisherrenew.com/

 

The North Face Renewed:

https://www.thenorthfacerenewed.com

 

Levi’s Secondhand:

https://www.secondhand.levi.com/

 

Lena Dunham’s Good Thing Going newsletter:

https://goodthinggoing.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips

 

Photo by Lance Grandahl on Unsplash

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.