Liz and Sarah discuss the importance of having a point of view at work. Your boss might not always agree with you, but that’s ok! In Behind The Episode, they talk about two episodes of Fantasy Island: “The Big Five Oh” and “The Romance & The Bromance.” One exciting detail? The casting! These episodes feature a Melrose Place reunion and an appearance by Roselyn Sanchez’s husband—Eric Winter! Then, in Amplify, Liz shares a must-see documentary—LFG—about the US Women’s Soccer Team’s fight for equity and fair pay. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack comes straight from Sarah’s move to a new house: Keep a stain stick wherever you undress.
Podcast episodes
Episode 226: Expect the Worst, Prepare for the Best!
As the school year begins, Liz and Sarah take a cue from Violet’s first day at her new school: Expect the worst, prepare for the best. It’s the opposite of the conventional wisdom, but it works! Then they answer a question from a listener who wants to know if their motto—It’s a fun job, and we enjoy it—still applies when it’s NOT a fun job. The answer? Yes! Next, they go behind the scenes on this week’s Fantasy Island episode, “Twice in a Lifetime.” Finally, they share a Hollywood Hack inspired by their fellow TV writer Bill Krebs: Give someone a Cameo.
Episode 225: The Art of the Podcast
Liz and Sarah aren’t just TV writers — they’re podcasters! This week they discuss how they make Happier In Hollywood, and what elements they think are necessary for a good podcast. One rule? No aimless banter! In Behind The Episode, they talk about the Fantasy Island episode, “Once Upon a Time in Havana.” Then, in The Mailroom, they answer a listener question related to their “fun job” motto. How can a job be fun and not fun at the same time? Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack applies to everyone everywhere: Go as yourself.
Episode 224: The In-Between Time (And a Brand New Fantasy Island Segment!)
Liz and Sarah discuss what they call “the in-between time“—Fantasy Island has premiered, but will there be a second season? Or not? The numbers (overnights, L3s, L7s, etc.) trickle in, but what do they mean? When will the future be clearer? No idea! Then they discuss the importance of asking for what you need. Both Liz and Sarah had to do this recently… and it made a HUGE difference. They also debut a brand new segment: Behind the Episode, in which they go behind-the-scenes of the Fantasy Island episode that aired that week. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack is perfect for this particular pandemic moment: iPic theaters.
Episode 223: Writing Is Easier Than Not Writing (And The Premiere Of Fantasy Island!)
After months of work (and stress) it happened—the premiere of Fantasy Island on FOX! Liz and Sarah discuss the press coverage, the presence of an Evil Donut Bringer in the pilot, and what Liz’s sister-in-law, Olivia, thought about the character (loosely) inspired by her. Then it’s time for a Take a Hike double-feature! In the first, they talk about why writing is easier than… well, not writing. In the second, Sarah shares why her recent (very public) fall off of a piece of playground equipment was not necessarily a bad thing. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack makes a fun and affordable gift: personalized pillows.
Episode 222: Prepping For Press & Braving Reviews
As Liz and Sarah gear up for the premiere of Fantasy Island, they‘re doing a lot of press — which can be daunting. But they have a plan of action! Knowing what they want to say and remembering to express their passion are key. In Take a Hike, they reveal how they’re mentally preparing for the Fantasy Island reviews. It’s never easy! In Hits and Bombs, they give BOTH to the same thing — the cancelation of the Fantasy Island premiere party. (Yes, Covid strikes again.) This week’s Hollywood Hack will be useful to anyone who doesn’t want to put something in writing: Set voice memos to delete after two minutes.