

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

7 snips
Jan 11, 2026 • 7min
Second Cup: When you outsource, you're still a resource
Outsourcing can lighten your load, but it doesn't mean total freedom from responsibility. While hiring help saves time, oversight and management are still key components. Whether it's house cleaners or grocery deliveries, some tasks will always require follow-up. Even passive income streams need maintenance. Instead of fretting over leftover responsibilities, celebrate the significant time savings outsourcing can provide. Engage with the ideas and share your own outsourcing successes!

16 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 6min
Second Cup: Full time doesn't mean all of the time
Full-time work doesn’t have to consume all your time! Laura Vanderkam breaks down the math of a week, revealing more hours for life than many believe. She busts the myth that we spend most of our waking hours at the office and argues that part-time work doesn't always mean a more balanced life. By tracking time, listeners can discover pockets of potential for exercise, socializing, and hobbies. Plus, she shares practical scheduling tips to maximize free time, shifting the mindset from 'no time' to 'what will you choose to do?'

6 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 5min
What do you want to see on your time log?
Explore the power of intentional time management and envision what you'd love to see on your time log. Discover creative ways to swap tasks and align your activities with your priorities. Learn how accountability can shape your choices and increase fulfillment. Engage in a challenge that encourages you to track meaningful activities while reducing time spent on dislikes. Reflect on what you'll cherish remembering, and consider sharing your intentions with others for added motivation.

7 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 7min
Protect your best hours
Discover how to maximize your productivity by guarding your peak energy hours. Learn about common daily energy patterns and the pitfalls of scheduling meetings during these critical times. Get practical tips to protect your mornings and improve focus by adjusting daily schedules. Weekly planning tactics help align your most important tasks with high-energy slots. Plus, find out how accountability partners can keep you on track for a more productive routine!

11 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 25min
Being intentional, with Chris Bailey
In this engaging conversation, productivity expert Chris Bailey, author of 'Intentional, How to Finish What You Start,' delves into the art of follow-through. He explores how understanding our core values can fuel motivation and enhance productivity. Sharing insights from his marathon experience, he illustrates how diverse goals affect commitment. Chris also discusses the challenge of realistic routines and emphasizes the importance of treating tasks with pleasure to ensure consistency. Listeners will gain valuable tips on intentional living and goal achievement.

6 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 8min
Cook to make leftovers
Explore the benefits of cooking with leftovers, from saving time and money to reducing food waste. Discover practical solutions for lunch challenges when working from home and learn how to designate specific nights for meal prep. Get tips on cooking versatile dishes that can be easily repurposed, like transforming grilled steak into flavorful fajitas. Plus, understand how strategic meal planning enhances both health and savings by cutting down on takeout and boosting veggie intake!

17 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 7min
Plan some winter adventures
Embrace winter by planning seasonal adventures! Discover how enjoying outdoor activities like skiing and snowshoeing can boost your mood. Learn from the Norwegians who find beauty in winter’s stark landscapes. Laura highlights the importance of having things to look forward to and offers tips on how to plan these activities effectively. Don’t let inertia hold you back—make those winter memories happen!

14 snips
Jan 4, 2026 • 5min
Second Cup: Enjoy your forgotten things
Rediscovering forgotten items can bring a surprising joy. The host shares how putting things away makes them feel new again, like cozy sweaters taken out each winter. She encourages enjoying old books, music, and games, turning them into delightful discoveries. Seasonal storage can enhance this experience. Before buying new, check what you already have for a quick happiness boost. With practical tips for savoring small pleasures, this discussion highlights the value of revisiting cherished memories.

12 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 9min
Second Cup: Bill your time for a week
Discover how tracking your time like a lawyer can transform your productivity. Uncover the surprising reality of how many hours you actually work and why detailed time tracking matters. Explore the psychology behind billable hours and the pressure they create. Learn how gatherings can consume your schedule and the benefits of intentional time allocation. Finally, join a yearly challenge to take control of your time and make more deliberate choices about how you spend it.

13 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 5min
Best year yet
Unlock your potential by adopting a 'best year yet' mindset to cultivate optimism. Structure your goals to enhance success and create a mix of big and small memorable experiences. Integrate this positive phrase into your weekly planning to prioritize joy and meaningful connections. Use it during everyday challenges to shift your perspective. While life can be unpredictable, remember that embracing hope can transform even ordinary moments into opportunities for greatness.


