

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

12 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 6min
What's your recipe for a good weekend?
Discover the key to a fulfilling weekend by identifying your favorite activities. Learn how intentional planning can enhance your downtime. Get insights on including exercise, adventure, and social time to balance everyone’s needs. Hear about a recent weekend enriched by family-friendly activities like bike rides and concerts. Plus, find tips on adapting your weekend plans when unexpected changes arise. This fun exploration encourages you to craft your ideal weekend recipe!

7 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 5min
Upgrade your defaults
Routines shape our behavior, and small changes can lead to significant benefits. A recent project highlighted how tracking time can help identify better time-management strategies. While routines can promote good choices, they can also lock us into unproductive patterns, like excessive screen time. Simple swaps, such as replacing evening device use with hobbies or reading, can enhance our nights. Reflecting on our automatic behaviors can reveal opportunities for positive tweaks, especially during life changes.

14 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 25min
Editing your life, with Christine Koh
Christine Koh, a former music-and-brain scientist turned writer and podcast host, shares her insights on editing life for better well-being. She defines life editing as identifying and removing pain points, encouraging micro-routines for daily joy. Christine discusses planning systems, tackling tough tasks first, and the power of micro journaling. She reveals her newfound passion for gardening and how she generates ideas off-screen, highlighting the importance of noticing small joyful moments in everyday life.

17 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 6min
30 minutes can change your evenings
Discover how setting a single intention can transform your weekday evenings. Dive into why these hours are often wasted on chores or mindless activities. Learn tips for selecting a 30-minute activity you'll enjoy and how to logistically integrate it into your routine. Find out how those precious minutes can lead to more joyful experiences, even expanding beyond their original time frame. Elevate your evenings one intention at a time!

9 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 6min
Just one idea gets you started
Discover how one well-executed idea can ignite new adventures in life. The host shares insights on using a single concept as a catalyst for creativity and exploration. A personal project, called the September Reset, inspires planning both big and small weekly adventures. Struggling for ideas? Brainstorming lists can help ease decision-making. With concrete examples for families and adults, listeners are encouraged to pick one manageable adventure this week and see where it leads!

Nov 9, 2025 • 4min
Second Cup: Think savory for the holidays
Discover the art of choosing savory over sweet this holiday season. Explore creative gift ideas like spiced nuts, Chex Mix, and even deviled eggs that can make your contributions truly memorable. Learn how to balance cookie-laden spreads with fresh fruit options, adding a vibrant touch to your gatherings. This approach not only stands out but also offers a refreshing twist to traditional holiday treats. Maximize your time and holiday cheer with these practical tips!

15 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: Choose a gift of the year
Simplify holiday gifting with a 'gift of the year' strategy. Choose one versatile item and customize it for each recipient's preferences. Think practical gifts like bags or water bottles that appeal to many. By narrowing down choices, you can save time while still being thoughtful. Try this approach and share your experiences to make gift-giving even easier!

6 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 6min
When you look back on this year
Reflect on your desired memories for the upcoming New Year. Plan holiday activities and gifts early to minimize stress. Take proactive steps toward your career goals and tackle overdue projects. Build small, positive habits that contribute to bigger achievements. Use a time perspective to prioritize effectively and visualize your goals for the year ahead. Start now to shape a fulfilling year that aligns with what truly matters to you.

9 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 5min
Prep for weekend downtime
Discover how to transform your weekends into pockets of delight by preparing low-key activities! Learn the art of tracking your time to identify those elusive breaks between chores. Replace mindless scrolling with captivating books and ongoing puzzles that keep your mind engaged. Simple steps like library visits or preparing a puzzle queue can vastly improve your downtime. Embrace the idea of planning your leisure to enhance enjoyment and add joy to your weekends!

12 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 27min
Making the most of our time, with Lewis Hatchett
Lewis Hatchett, a former professional cricketer turned mindset coach and host of the MindStrong podcast, shares his inspiring journey from overcoming Poland syndrome to achieving athletic success. He emphasizes the power of storytelling for building self-belief and explains how mental resilience differentiates top performers. Lewis offers practical strategies for effective time management, including tackling daunting tasks head-on and creating routines that prioritize physical training. He also discusses his plans to expand his coaching platform and support athletes in their transitions.


