

Before Breakfast
iHeartPodcasts
In each bite-sized, daily episode of Before Breakfast, host Laura Vanderkam shares a time management strategy or an answer to a listener’s schedule question. How can listeners make the most of their time, both at work and at home? The mission is to give listeners practical tools to feel less busy and get more done.
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 5min
Try the analog version
Explore how to recreate your favorite digital activities in the real world! Discover the joy of flipping through magazines instead of scrolling through Instagram. Learn how libraries can provide access to stunning coffee-table books without the expense. Swap digital news feeds for the tactile experience of print newspapers. Understand how scrolling can eat into your leisure time and find easy analog substitutes to enjoy hobbies offline. Embrace the art of disconnecting for a richer leisure experience!

Dec 22, 2025 • 6min
How to sleep in on a weekday
Discover how to recreate the slow, cozy wake-ups of weekend mornings during the hectic weekdays. Learn to identify your sleep set point and avoid sleep debt for a refreshing start. Work backward from your wake time to set ideal bedtimes, and don't forget a bedtime reminder for consistency. By going to bed slightly early, you can drift awake naturally before the alarm. Prioritize night habits over late-night scrolling for a more pleasant morning routine.

Dec 21, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: Don't waste the daylight
Winter is the perfect time to adjust your schedule and soak up some sunlight. Prioritizing outdoor activities can significantly enhance your mood and energy. Consider the opportunity cost of indoor work versus enjoying daylight. Instead of passively wasting evenings, opt for outdoor plans. Schedule outdoor time on weekends to make the most of limited daylight. Setting a reminder to step outside before sunset can help you realize the value of those precious moments. Small breaks outdoors can lead to better choices and improved well-being.

Dec 20, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: You have time to be human
Explore the power of small humane acts that can transform your day. Learn how making time for breakfast can enhance your morning routine. Discover the importance of stepping away for lunch to maintain connections with coworkers. Understand the value of simply listening when someone asks how you are, as it strengthens relationships. Plus, find out why short breaks for snacks and hydration are crucial for focus. Remember, taking a few extra minutes can make all the difference in your well-being.

5 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 5min
Know what you're good at
Discover the power of recognizing your strengths to boost your confidence in job hunting. Learn to gather feedback from colleagues and listen closely to compliments as valuable data. By recording these strengths with real examples, you can effectively showcase your abilities in performance reviews. Plus, find out how to match your strengths with job postings to nail those interview questions. Embrace the insight from others to enhance your career journey!

5 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 5min
Try a 'good morning' routine
Kickstart your day with connection and positivity! Emphasizing small gestures like greetings and snuggles can strengthen bonds with partners and pets. Morning rituals, such as prayer or enjoying coffee while watching the sunrise, help set a positive mindset. Physical activity like yoga can energize your body. For parents, uplifting greetings can transform a child's morning mood, while cheerful hellos in the workplace foster teamwork and productivity. Discover how these simple morning habits can shape your day for the better!

Dec 17, 2025 • 26min
Seeing possibilities, with Lisa Canning
Lisa Canning, known as the Possibility Mom, is a former HGTV designer and life coach for Catholic moms raising large families. She shares her journey from television to coaching, emphasizing the importance of balancing ambition with faith. Canning discusses her 'Wealth Without Guilt' concept, and offers practical tips for structuring routines and delegating tasks. She also highlights holiday planning strategies, stressing the value of intentional family time and creating lasting memories without overwhelm.

4 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 5min
January comes right after December
The host highlights how the mental slip between December and January can lead to missed deadlines. Paper calendars contribute to this illusion, making planning feel distant. Personal anecdotes about January birthdays reveal the need for early planning. Tips include calculating lead times and adjusting project timelines for smoother transitions. Building reminders in advance can counteract the January surprise, ensuring a smoother start to the year.

6 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 6min
Prepare for the week after Christmas
Holiday cheer doesn't have to stop on December 25th! Discover tips on managing kids' school breaks and coordinating schedules with partners. Plan a post-holiday fun list filled with activities like ice skating and festive lights. Don't let bad weather derail plans—find indoor options and enjoy family visits. Avoid the post-holiday slump by keeping days structured and fun. Let creativity flourish and make the most of the week after Christmas!

5 snips
Dec 14, 2025 • 6min
Second Cup: You don't have to explain
Discover the liberating idea that you don't need to explain every choice you make. From holiday pressures to everyday interactions, learn when it's okay to keep things brief. Laura highlights how people often focus on their own lives, freeing you from the burden of over-explaining. Explore scenarios like canceling appointments and maintaining work boundaries, where less is more. Embrace the notion that your personal decisions are yours alone—saving you mental energy for what truly matters.


