
Best Laid Plans
Welcome to Best Laid Plans -- a podcast all about planning and the planning tools we love. From planning techniques and organizing philosophies to planners and notebooks, we cover it all. Host Sarah Hart-Unger is a mother of 3, physician, podcasting pro, and a lover of lists and all things paper! Listen in weekly for conversations about planning and productivity as well as product reviews and interviews with planning experts!
Latest episodes

6 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 32min
Where Planning Meets Etiquette with Lizzie Post of the Emily Post Institute EP 254
Lizzie Post, great-great-granddaughter of etiquette icon Emily Post and co-president of the Emily Post Institute, shares her insights on planning and etiquette. She discusses her favorite planning tools and rituals, offering tips for managing group plans and overcoming planner fatigue. Lizzie emphasizes the importance of clear communication and inclusivity in social gatherings, while also exploring the creativity in paper-based planning. Plus, she highlights the challenges and joys of balancing etiquette with modern technology.

10 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 31min
10 Quirky Planning Habits that Might Work for You! EP 253
The host dives into ten quirky planning habits that can revolutionize your routine. From tracking strategies to the clever use of defaults, these tips aim to simplify life. Listeners will also hear a heartfelt follow-up about managing tasks when thoughts pop up away from their planner. Emphasizing seasonal shifts, the discussion touches on family traditions to celebrate milestones and the excitement of a new book project. Overall, it's a refreshing take on enhancing productivity while embracing personal wellness!

16 snips
May 26, 2025 • 32min
Monthly Planning Rhythms + Completist Mini-Review EP 252
Explore the transformative power of monthly planning and how it can spark a fresh start. Discover practical tips for breaking down big projects, setting meaningful goals, and tracking habits. Learn how simple rituals, like changing screen backgrounds, can boost motivation. Dive into creative extras like budgeting and fitness ideas to create a balanced life. Plus, hear about the latest planners from The Completist that cater to all your organizational needs!

6 snips
May 19, 2025 • 24min
Mini-Review of Kendra Adachi's Playbooks + Planner Peace from A Completist Listener EP 251
Explore the intriguing world of planning with a mini-review of Kendra Adachi's seasonal Playbooks. A dedicated listener shares their journey to Planner Peace after tuning into all previous episodes. A new mom grapples with the choice between traditional paper planners and digital solutions while celebrating the host’s birthday with listener engagement. Discover the creative ways families use planners to enhance their organization and get tips for tailoring planning systems to lead a more fulfilling life!

13 snips
May 12, 2025 • 34min
Out of the Weeds + Listener Q&A: Processing Paper, Ideas for Digital/Paper Hybrid Systems, Planner Peace from NZ, and Visualizing Summer EP 250
Discover how to escape the overwhelm with airtight task capture and monthly planning strategies! Learn about a creative hybrid planning system from a listener in New Zealand, blending digital tools with a paper planner. Plus, find solutions for handling incoming papers and shipping issues for planners in Australia and New Zealand. Dive into personalized planner suggestions and visualize your summer effectively. Tune in for tips on adapting to changing responsibilities while keeping your planning productive!

10 snips
May 5, 2025 • 27min
In the Weeds: Thoughts on Climbing Out from Overwhelm + Overload EP 249
Sarah opens up about feeling overwhelmed and the journey to regain control. She shares effective strategies for proactive planning and managing time, including email management and structured downtime. The importance of self-compassion and adjusting priorities is emphasized. Listeners learn about useful educational tools for kids and the uplifting impact of gratitude amidst personal challenges. Community engagement is encouraged with an upcoming live event, inviting participation in new projects!

8 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 34min
Planning Meals and the Rest of Life with Allison Schaaf, Business Owner and Mother of 4 EP 248
Allison Schaaf, the creator of PrepDish, shares valuable insights on balancing a thriving meal planning business with life as a mother of four. She discusses effective meal planning strategies that minimize daily chaos, and how tools like the Clever Fox planner and Instacart enhance productivity. The conversation also explores unique goal-setting techniques, the influence of impactful books, and budget-friendly grocery shopping tips. With practical advice, she shows how structured planning can simplify both daily tasks and long-term goals.

10 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 31min
Routines (general thoughts + personal revamp!) + Planning Your Weekends EP 247
The host dives into the ever-evolving nature of personal routines, emphasizing flexibility and the need for continual reassessment. Morning habits take a humorous turn as the host shares her revamped routine, integrating self-care practices. Transitioning to weekends, the discussion reveals how planning them meticulously can boost satisfaction and balance. Tips range from scheduling relaxation and setting specific work goals to ensuring fun activities are included. It's all about transforming weekends into meaningful downtime while juggling responsibilities!

14 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 26min
Spring Planner Releases + Thinking About Summer EP 246
Spring brings exciting new planner releases from popular brands like Erin Condren and Simplified, each offering unique designs. As summer approaches, there’s a strong emphasis on pre-planning to create a fulfilling experience, especially for parents. Listeners can expect practical tips for maintaining healthy habits, planning activities, and adjusting routines to ensure a relaxed atmosphere. With insights on tailoring summer wardrobes and scheduling, this episode is all about fostering a joyful summer amid the busy season!

25 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 24min
The Gap Between Planning and Doing EP 245
Navigating the tricky terrain between planning and execution can be a struggle. Insights into burnout and mental overload reveal how they stifle productivity, while practical strategies help tackle intimidation in task management. Personal stories illustrate the psychological barriers that make action challenging, and solutions emphasize breaking down projects into achievable steps. Reflection and accountability are highlighted as key to overcoming obstacles and ensuring plans become reality.