

Best Laid Plans
Sarah Hart-Unger
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 10, 2025 • 20min
Unexpected Things Happen: Sarah's Current Challenges EP 241
A common question sent into BLP is about planning in the face of hard things or uncertainty. This episode is a raw/current one about some challenges Sarah is going through now and how she is going to try to handle them. Please note: this episode was recorded from a hospital room with no special mic so the sound quality might be a little different.Episode Sponsors:Green Chef: Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Visit greenchef.com/bestlaidfree and use code bestlaidfree for free salads for 2 months plus 50% off your first box!PrepDish: Convenient meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists to reduce your weekly mental load! Visit prepdish.com/plans for your first 2 weeks, FREEMint Mobile: Low-cost wireless phone service – a great way to save every single month! Learn more at mintmobile.com/BLPIXL: Tailored and effective online learning (my kids have used this for years as part of their school curriculum)! Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at IXL.com/PLANS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 3, 2025 • 40min
Intentional + Sisterly Planning with Azizi and Malika of the Happier Ladies! EP 240
In a lively chat, sisters Azizi Williams and Malika Amandi, co-hosts of the Happier Ladies podcast, dive into their love for planning and goal setting. They share their favorite tools and personal productivity hacks, exploring both digital and traditional methods. The duo highlights the significance of daily rituals and accountability, especially within their sisterly bond. They also discuss the impact of their innovative 25 for 25 list and the collaborative spirit that fuels their podcast, inspiring listeners to embrace their own planning journeys.

Feb 24, 2025 • 27min
February Q&A: Planning for the Family, Managing Goals Lists + Big Projects, Planning in Pregnancy, and Keeping Track of Things You Want to Read (Eventually) EP 239
This episode dives into planning challenges for family events like birthdays and camps, offering practical strategies. Expectant parents receive tips on navigating pregnancy and postpartum planning. The discussion also covers how to integrate extensive goal lists seamlessly. For the busy working parent, there are insights on fitting in a morning planning routine. Plus, discover efficient ways to organize reading materials beyond just books. It's all about balancing life’s complexities with effective planning!

Feb 17, 2025 • 26min
Top 10 Tools: Planning & Planning Adjacent Favorites EP 238
Dive into the world of planning with top favorites like Kokuyo Campus Notebooks and Uniball Jetstream pens for that perfect writing experience! Discover how Zebra Mildliners can add color to your organization. Learn about essential apps like Apple's Screen Time for managing time effectively. Meal planning gets easier with PrepDish and Green Chef, perfect for busy families. Plus, uncover tools to enhance educational experiences for kids. Join the conversation and find out how these favorites can transform your planning routine!

7 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 28min
Morning Routines + Some Exciting News EP 237
Dive into the art of morning routines, where personal sleep needs meet daily responsibilities. Discover insights on how to design a fulfilling start to your day with meditation, exercise, and daily planning. The host shares exciting news about an upcoming book release focused on simple planning strategies. Explore how morning routines adapt through various life stages, especially in early parenthood, and learn to customize practices that balance self-care with responsibilities!

10 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 36min
Curating and Editing your Wardrobe with Stylist Gab Saper EP 236
Gab Saper, known as The Wardrobe Editor, empowers millennial women with her insights on wardrobe curation. She shares a step-by-step guide to mastering the wardrobe edit, emphasizing mindfulness in style choices. Gab discusses seasonal editing techniques tailored to personal tastes and innovative methods like outfit selfies for inspiration. She also offers tips on finding a personal stylist that fits your lifestyle, making fashion accessible and enjoyable. Tune in for a fresh take on organizing your closet!

Jan 27, 2025 • 22min
January Q&A: Google-Centered Planner Peace, Commonplace Books, Storing Yearly Goals, Planner Display Options, and Can You Skip Planning and Goal-Setting for a Season? EP 235
Discover how a healthcare provider transformed her workflow with a blend of Google tools and a daily paper planner. Explore local stationery favorites in Chicago, including Atlas Stationers. Learn clever ways to store annual goals and organize planners, especially in messy kitchen spaces. Reflect on the role of commonplace books in goal tracking. Plus, consider the benefits of stepping away from planning when needed and the importance of flexibility in your personal goal-setting journey.

20 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 36min
Tidy Up Your Life: Organizing Inspiration for 2025 with Tyler Moore (aka Tidy Dad) EP 234
Tyler Moore, known as Tidy Dad, is a teacher and author passionate about creating organized spaces, especially as a dad navigating a small NYC apartment with three kids. In this conversation, Tyler shares his annual decluttering calendar concept to simplify organization throughout the year. He emphasizes the 'just enough philosophy' for busy families and the importance of sorting personal items first. His insights inspire actionable steps for cultivating a more mindful and intentional home life.

5 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 28min
January Energy + 3 Essential Systems EP 233
A January energy report encourages listeners to harness their motivation, while remaining aware that it may not last. Discover three essential life management systems: a comprehensive Master Calendar, airtight task management, and the Nested Goals framework for effective goal-setting. The episode highlights how flexible planning and organization tools can balance life commitments, making life a little easier. Plus, explore the intriguing concept of a 'second brain' to streamline your information management!

Jan 6, 2025 • 34min
Planning and Goal-Setting for Health with Carolyn Cohen EP 232
Carolyn Cohen, a dedicated health coach, shares her passion for wellness and goal-setting. She discusses the benefits of having a wellness planner and effective habit tracking. The conversation touches on the power of wearable tech for health insights and customized planning. Carolyn introduces the innovative idea of a health planning retreat, emphasizing flexibility and self-compassion in goal-setting. Listeners are encouraged to navigate setbacks as opportunities for growth, making health a seamless part of daily life.