

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

Jul 12, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: Enjoy being penny foolish
Discover how being 'penny foolish' can enhance your life when financial stability is achieved. Enjoying small indulgences can foster a sense of abundance and joy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of balancing frugality with pleasure. Time management tips are shared, highlighting their crucial role in personal and business growth. The conversation wraps up with insights on how innovative solutions can help expand your reach and engagement.

Jul 11, 2025 • 4min
Host twice
Explore the art of hosting with a clever twist! Discover how to maximize social connections by throwing the same gathering twice. This approach not only doubles the fun but also cuts down on planning stress. Learn how to reuse decorations, food, and setups for a seamless experience. Say goodbye to host burnout while enjoying quality time with your guests!

Jul 10, 2025 • 4min
Plan a night of nothing
Listeners are encouraged to carve out a 'night of nothing' to recharge amid their busy lives. The concept promotes relaxation and the joy of low-key evenings at home. By reflecting on personal preferences, families can enhance their enjoyment of downtime. Additionally, the discussion highlights the importance of intentional time management and self-reflection, making these quiet nights not just a luxury, but a crucial part of well-being.

19 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 25min
Realistic time management, with Kelly Nolan
Kelly Nolan, a time management expert and host of the Bright Method podcast, shares insightful strategies to enhance productivity in both personal and professional realms. She discusses the transition to digital calendars for efficient organization and managing stress. Kelly emphasizes the importance of personalizing success and adapting productivity methods to fit one’s lifestyle. Additionally, she dives into the joys and challenges of motherhood while balancing professional passions, offering practical tips for maintaining well-being amidst a busy schedule.

Jul 8, 2025 • 4min
Make a pilgrimage
Explore the significance of personal pilgrimages and how they enrich our sense of purpose. Discover how visiting meaningful places can transform travel into impactful experiences. The speaker shares inspiring examples that encourage listeners to connect deeply with locations that resonate with them. Uncover the potential of these journeys to create lasting memories and enhance downtime, making every trip more than just a getaway.

Jul 7, 2025 • 5min
You drive a car, not a time machine
Time management is a crucial skill, and many underestimate how long tasks really take. Participants in a time-tracking challenge provide eye-opening insights on scheduling. The discussion dives into common pitfalls of time estimation, which often lead to frustration and undermining plans. Realistic planning is highlighted as the key to effective schedule management, urging listeners to acknowledge their physical limitations when mapping out their day.

Jul 6, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: Spoil the surprise
The discussion emphasizes the crucial role of clear communication in professional settings. It explores how being straightforward minimizes confusion and enhances understanding. Listeners learn the importance of stating intentions clearly from the very beginning to boost productivity. The conversation highlights how directness can significantly reduce misunderstandings during meetings and interactions, leading to more effective collaboration.

Jul 5, 2025 • 6min
Second Cup: Green your space
Discover how bringing plants into your workspace can boost your mood and reduce stress. The discussion highlights the benefits of low-maintenance houseplants like succulents and snake plants, making it easy for anyone to enhance their environment. Personal stories and scientific insights illustrate how greenery can create a happier, more inviting atmosphere. Plus, learn how fostering plant care can encourage teamwork and collaboration among colleagues for a more vibrant workplace.

Jul 4, 2025 • 5min
Pick your long weekend leisure
Discover how to make the most of your long weekends by thoughtfully choosing your leisure activities. Embrace fulfilling pursuits like reading or creative projects instead of falling into mindless screen time. Explore enjoyable options such as gaming, streaming, or attending events. Transform your perception of free time into a period of intentional relaxation and enjoyment!

Jul 3, 2025 • 4min
Nobody told me that
Explore how asking the right questions at work can boost job satisfaction and awareness. Discover insights from Tessa West's 'Job Therapy' that reveal unexpected surprises in various roles. Delve into the concept of the hidden curriculum as a tool for navigating new ventures, be it jobs or schools. Learn the importance of sharing experiences to help others transition more smoothly in their personal and professional lives.


