
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

Jul 15, 2024 • 43min
Planners, Goals, and Fun with MakseLife Founder Sierra Friend EP 207
Sierra Friend, founder of MakseLife, shares insights on planner innovation, goal-setting, and future projects. They discuss tactile planners, flexible goal-setting, and upcoming planner formats. The episode also features sponsors, planner variety, teen goal-setting, and planning tips for travel.

Jul 8, 2024 • 26min
Summer Reading: Reading Habits, TBR Lists, Paper vs Digital, and Favorites of 2024 (so far!) EP206
Host discusses reading habits, TBR lists, paper vs digital, abandoning books, and shares top 10 books of 2024 so far.

Jul 1, 2024 • 22min
July 1 is the New January 1? Your Virtual Midyear Retreat EP 205
Explore the idea of July 1st as a fresh start for mid-year reflections and goal reassessment. Get tips on styling versatile outfits and receive exclusive offers. Reflect on the past year, plan for the future, and indulge in self-care activities for personal growth.

Jun 24, 2024 • 25min
Thoughts on Time Block Planning EP 204
Sarah discusses Time Block planning inspired by Cal Newport. She shares pros, cons, and her approach. Also, she talks about quitting Reddit due to negative influence on daily activities.

Jun 17, 2024 • 27min
June Q + A: Working in Distracting Environments, Budget Planning, Mental Health and More EP 203
Interesting topics covered include tips for working in distracting conditions, budget planning using YNAB, coping with morning planning setbacks, kids cooking dinner rotation idea, feedback on mental health and burnout, strategies for abnormal weeks, and balancing work and life responsibilities amidst distractions.

Jun 10, 2024 • 26min
Summer Ideas + Inspiration EP 202
Get inspired with summer ideas and inspiration like sharing the load of planning, summer checklists, fun ideas for bad weather, habit changes, and one big project. Also, why not start summer cleaning and think ahead to the next season? Plus, learn about sponsors like Jenni Kayne and Earth Breeze for discounts on summer essentials.

Jun 3, 2024 • 22min
Planning-Adjacent: A Marathon Journey EP 201
Sarah shares her recent marathon journey from goal-setting to the race. The podcast explores detailed planning, hiring specialized ultra running coach, running routine structure, and embracing progress and consistency.

May 27, 2024 • 24min
May Q&A: Margins, Travel, Laurel Denise Planners, and Avoiding That "Am I Missing Something?" Feeling EP 200
In this podcast, Sarah discusses tips for using Laurel Denise Planners, travel packing lists, and avoiding the feeling of missing out. She also touches on the importance of bringing margin into your day and offers advice for capturing moments without stress.

6 snips
May 20, 2024 • 25min
Top 5 Things Episode (in honor of my birthday!) EP 199
Host shares top 5 reasons for planning, essential elements of a functional system, and hopes + dreams for next year. Birthday celebration suggestions include leaving reviews and recommending content. Teases upcoming Q&A episode, marathon recap, and special newsletter for subscribers.

May 13, 2024 • 31min
Using ClickUp to Organize it All with Jade Boyd EP 198
Business and production coach Jade Boyd discusses using ClickUp as a comprehensive organizational tool for work and life, emphasizing the value of combining digital and paper planning methods. Topics include overcoming planner angst, task clarity, and blending digital tools with paper planners for enhanced productivity.
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