

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

6 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: Create small miracles
Discover the magic of creating small miracles through simple acts of kindness. Learn how little favors can strengthen your network and boost your influence. Reconnect with acquaintances to fuel your social circles, even amidst your busy life. Laura shares specific generous actions to show sincere thoughtfulness, like sharing articles or making introductions. Embrace the idea that habitual generosity not only builds loyalty but also fosters a sense of wealth in your personal and professional life.

6 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 5min
Try a DIY day
Discover the concept of a 'DIY day' where everyone can pursue their own interests! This idea works best for families with older kids or no kids at all. Learn tips on how to schedule these days effectively, including when to set screen time limits. The host emphasizes the importance of communal moments amidst independent activities. It's a refreshing way for individuals, especially women, to reclaim their personal time and break free from the role of weekend planner.

Dec 11, 2025 • 5min
Try a collaborative riff
Explore the art of collaborative riffing as a fun twist on small talk. Discover why typical conversations often fall flat and learn techniques like bridge phrases and shared jokes to foster deeper connections. Hear examples of co-creating movie lists and how playful discussions can ignite brainstorming in meetings. Uncover the benefits of this approach that can transform mundane chatter into engaging dialogue, making social interactions enjoyable and inspiring.

13 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 24min
Plan to control the chaos, with Sarah Hart-Unger
Sarah Hart-Unger, a physician and author of Best Laid Plans, shares her insights into effective planning. She discusses the importance of 'meta-planning' and why traditional task lists fell short for her. Common planning mistakes are addressed, emphasizing enjoyable goals over perfect tools. Sarah reveals her structured weekly and daily rituals that help maintain balance in her busy life. She also shares her journey through a health crisis as a runner and her transition to strength training and Pilates, finding new community and wellness in the process.

4 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 4min
What would you do if I weren't here?
Explore the idea of nudging others to take initiative in your absence. Discover how to apply past solutions for predictable events, like family gatherings. Learn how to foster independence in children by discussing morning routines without your help. Get tips on creating resilient systems at home and work, ensuring everything runs smoothly when someone is away. Finally, the importance of planning for absences ahead of time is highlighted, making organizations more robust.

5 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 5min
Be well-rounded
Discover why adults, like children, thrive on a variety of activities to enrich their lives. Learn how family norms can balance musical, physical, and civic engagements. Find out practical tips for incorporating brief physical activity into your routine and the benefits of dedicating one night a week to creativity. Explore the idea of trying one-off classes or volunteering to spark new interests. Small experiments can reveal passions that lead to a more vibrant and fulfilling life.

Dec 7, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: What's the big deal?
Explore the compelling reasons behind people's passions and how they enhance conversations. Learn the art of asking curious questions to unlock deeper insights into others' hobbies. Discover how discussions about unique topics, like Dothraki language creation, can spark engaging dialogues. Uncover tips on using small facts to join in conversations, making every chat more vibrant and meaningful.

7 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 6min
Second Cup: Find your first question
Dive into the art of meaningful conversations with insightful questions that bypass small talk. Discover how a go-to question can deepen connections instantly. Explore techniques like reminiscing about 'mama's kitchen' for warm, nostalgic discussions. Uncover early spiritual backgrounds and spark joy with prompts about hobbies and travel. Learn to tailor questions to fit interests and maintain fresh engagements over time. This guide invites you to elevate your interactions and create lasting connections.

5 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 5min
Make your own birthday fun
Taking charge of your special days is key to personal joy! Planning your own birthday celebrations and milestones can lead to meaningful experiences. Start by organizing events a few weeks in advance, focusing on activities you love. Don’t wait for others—often, they’re too busy to plan. Celebrate your achievements, too, with self-hosted gatherings. Remember, proactive planning is essential to make fun happen!

Dec 4, 2025 • 6min
Ask who needs to be involved
Discover strategies for making decisions more efficiently by involving only essential participants. Explore how unnecessary meetings can waste time and become mere rituals. Learn to delegate tasks to those with the right expertise, ensuring diverse viewpoints without overloading your team. Laura highlights the hidden costs of excessive contributors and offers a clever way to reduce FOMO by publishing team lists. Streamline your process and boost productivity with these insightful tips!


