Sarah and Liz talk to former L.A. gang members Richard Cabral and Jose Arellano about their new podcast “Without Your Permission.” Richard (who’s now an Emmy-nominated actor) and Jose share how they survived traumatic childhoods, gang life, and years in prison, and then came out the other side through faith, hard work, and the help of the organization Homeboy Industries. Also, Liz responds to a listener who wants to know why she uses bad language on “Happier In Hollywood,” but NOT on “Happier With Gretchen Rubin.” Plus, this week’s Hollywood Hack, which comes from Sarah’s Swedish high school boyfriend: the neti pot. Finally, Liz and Sarah reveal their latest Celebrity Sighting (which has a 90210 zip code).
Latest Episodes
Episode 29: From Adderall To Athleisure: Finding Balance With Author Melissa De La Cruz
They say “writing is rewriting,” and this week Liz and Sarah talk about The Bad Draft. They’ve finally managed to finish a draft of their pilot script, but will it ever be… good? How do they move forward and dig in to make it not just good but great? Then they talk to Young Adult author extraordinaire Melissa De La Cruz (The Descendants series, Alex & Eliza, Pride And Prejudice And Mistletoe) about her experience with the popular prescription drug Adderall. Taking it helped her be insanely productive — but at what price? Liz and Sarah also share this week’s Hollywood Hack: rain pants! Finally, Liz shares the MANY celebrity sightings she had at the Hollywood Film Awards — including Angelina Jolie, Harrison Ford, and Sean “Puffy” Combs.
Episode 28: The Holiday Episode — To Business Gift Or Not To Business Gift?
It’s officially the holidays! Liz and Sarah discuss how they cope with working over the holidays when they’d rather be drinking cocoa and making cookies. Pro tip — compartmentalizing, setting boundaries, and reframing help them NOT turn into Grinches. Then Sarah and Liz debate the merits of giving business gifts. Will they get their lawyer wine this year? They also explain the very Hollywood concept of a “crew gift.” Plus a Hollywood Holiday Hack: hire a company to put up Christmas lights! And Sarah and Liz reveal their past Holiday Celebrity Sightings — Debra Winger and Matthew McConaughey (who told Sarah she has a great smile).
Episode 27: Jenna Fischer Talks Party Crashing, Pottery Barn Tears, and Patience
Emmy nominated actress Jenna Fischer (The Office, Blades of Glory) talks to Liz and Sarah about her new book The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide. From headshots gone wrong, to a breakdown in Pottery Barn, to finally understanding that it takes fifty no’s to get one yes, Jenna’s experiences will help anyone trying to make it in Hollywood and beyond. Then Liz and Sarah share an update on their Facebook group and the growing Happier in Hollywood community (hint — you should join!) and reveal this week’s Hits and Bombs — Liz bonded with other 2nd grade families at a resort in Palm Springs while Sarah traumatized Violet with a book about death. Plus, a Hollywood Hack that will make you feel like a professional photographer — portrait setting on the iPhone!
Episode 26: Embrace Your Space — Decorate!
Inspired by their Shondaland co-workers, Liz and Sarah reject the only-have-one-box approach to office space and embrace decorating. Then Sarah re-frames having to get up at 5 a.m. to write as a “Season of Sacrifice,” an approach she learned from a member of the Happier in Hollywood Facebook Group. Liz shares how her fantasy self and real self merged into one when she went to The Promised Land! That’s right, Liz and Gretchen went to Oprah’s house for a gospel brunch, which means there were celebrity sightings galore! This week’s Hollywood Hack: dry clean your t-shirts. (Seriously. Do it.)
Episode 25: Procrastinating? Forgive Yourself!
We’ve all caught ourselves binge-watching bad TV when we have deadlines that matter to us. Liz and Sarah talk to fellow writer and self-proclaimed procrastinator, Eileen Myers (Big Love, Hung, Masters of Sex), about why fear and resentment are the enemies of productivity. Eileen shares her techniques for conquering procrastination including the Pomodoro method. Liz and Sarah also answer listener questions about balancing career and family, and whether you can get a job when you’re pregnant. Plus a new segment called Hits and Bombs where Liz and Sarah share their highest highs and lowest lows. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack: a meditation chair!