
The Bright Method Podcast: Realistic Time Management and Productivity for Working Women & Working Moms
Ready for a time management approach that is actually designed for professional working women – ones that help you lighten the mental load, draw boundaries with more confidence, focus on the important (not just urgent) stuff at work, and be present with friends and family?
Podcast host, Kelly Nolan, an attorney-turned-time management strategist, mom of two, and creator of the Bright Method™, delivers practical, realistic time management strategies tailored for busy professional women, working moms, and ambitious women juggling careers and home life.
We cover topics like:
How to time-block in a way that actually works and avoid common time-blocking mistakes,
How to manage the mental load around all of our roles at work and at home,
How to handle work deadlines with less stress and scramble,
How to keep distractions in check, from social media to people swinging by your office, and
How to plan in a realistic way so you can feel on top of it all and avoid overcommitment.
Whether you're a lawyer, physician, executive, woman in corporate, professor, entrepreneur, or any woman navigating a full plate, this podcast gives you tools to design a sustainable system that works for your real life—not a Pinterest-perfect version of it.
Follow now, and let's get you falling asleep proud of what you got done today and calm about what's on tap tomorrow.
Latest episodes

Feb 3, 2025 • 22min
87. The Power of the Long-Term Play (vs. Getting Hung Up On Short-Term Timelines)
This discussion highlights the power of focusing on long-term goals instead of chasing short-term results. By sharing personal stories, the speaker illustrates how this mindset promotes resilience and deeper fulfillment. They emphasize that adopting a long-term perspective can lead to sustainable changes, especially in areas like parenting and personal growth, ultimately reducing stress and enhancing relationships.

Jan 27, 2025 • 15min
86. How to Handle Surprise 15-Min Windows at Work – And Time Management Tips of Physicians
So often, when we get free 15-minute windows we didn't anticipate during work hours, we spend too much time deciding what to do and/or fritter them away on stuff that doesn't matter (cough*social media*cough). But these small windows of time add up, and using them effectively can help you leave work earlier and feel more accomplished. Let's talk about how to do that. This episode also spends some time focusing on time management strategies for phsycians in a related context. Enjoy – and share with a physician in your life! A full transcript of this episode is available on my website about two weeks after the episode is published. To find it, click here and then select the episode. -- To take my free 5-day program, the Reset and Refresh, click here: https://kellynolan.com/reset-refresh. To learn more about and sign up for the Bright Method 8-week program, click here: https://kellynolan.com/the-bright-method-time-management-course-with-kelly-nolan. I also share actionable bite-sized time management strategies on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/_kellynolan_/. Come hang out with me there!

Jan 20, 2025 • 42min
85. Home Organization: Making Time for & How to Do It with Laura Kinsella of Urban OrgaNYze
Laura Kinsella, professional organizer and founder of Urban OrgaNYze, shares her transformative journey from the arts to home organization. She offers practical strategies to declutter and personalize organization systems. Discussing the emotional benefits of a serene home, Laura emphasizes the importance of micro-habits and community support. Listeners learn how simple changes, like adding hooks, can solve everyday chaos. She encourages creativity in tackling organization challenges, reminding us to embrace our unique approaches.

Jan 13, 2025 • 20min
84. When Email/Slack/Teams Interrupt Your Focus Time
Email and/or Slack/Teams can often interrupt the time we've set aside and protected for focused, heads-down work. Let's dig into some strategies to help us get the focused time during work hours that we crave. A full transcript of this episode is available on my website about two weeks after the episode is published. To find it, click here and then select the episode. -- To take my free 5-day program, the Reset and Refresh, click here: https://kellynolan.com/reset-refresh. To learn more about and sign up for the Bright Method 8-week program, click here: https://kellynolan.com/the-bright-method-time-management-course-with-kelly-nolan. I also share actionable bite-sized time management strategies on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/_kellynolan_/. Come hang out with me there!

Jan 6, 2025 • 13min
83. When You Have No Energy After Work For "Productive" Things
I hear from many women that they have no energy after work to do "productive" things. Let's talk about what to do about that. A full transcript of this episode is available on my website about two weeks after the episode is published. To find it, click here and then select the episode. -- To take my free 5-day program, the Reset and Refresh, click here: https://kellynolan.com/reset-refresh. To learn more about and sign up for the Bright Method 8-week program, click here: https://kellynolan.com/the-bright-method-time-management-course-with-kelly-nolan. I also share actionable bite-sized time management strategies on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/_kellynolan_/. Come hang out with me there!

Dec 30, 2024 • 26min
82. Protecting Time for Your Health
One of the most common time management pain points many women experience is trying to find time (and energy) for their own health, whether that's working out, eating how they want, sleeping, and even medical appointments. Let's discuss. Referenced episodes: Ep. 33. Long-Term Planning: How to feel like YOU & create long-term plans Ep. 29. Outsourcing at Home Ep. 9. Strategies to Get More Ease In Your Life A full transcript of this episode is available on my website about two weeks after the episode is published. To find it, click here and then select the episode. -- To take my free 5-day program, the Reset and Refresh, click here: https://kellynolan.com/reset-refresh. To learn more about and sign up for the Bright Method 8-week program, click here: https://kellynolan.com/the-bright-method-time-management-course-with-kelly-nolan. I also share actionable bite-sized time management strategies on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/_kellynolan_/. Come hang out with me there!

6 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 27min
81. Too Many Meetings! Time Management Tips When You Meetings Prevent You From Doing Your Work
Tired of endless meetings eating into your productivity? This discussion dives into the challenge excessive meetings pose for working women, highlighting innovative solutions to reclaim your time. Learn how to prioritize effectively and ensure your meetings align with organizational goals. The conversation also explores the balance between managerial expectations and real work time, offering actionable strategies to enhance your daily workflow. Say goodbye to late-night catch-ups and hello to smarter scheduling!

18 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 31min
80. Getting Clear About How You Process To-Do’s & Ideas
Discover the importance of having a clear system for managing daily tasks and ideas. Learn practical strategies to capture and categorize incoming to-dos to reduce overwhelm. Unpack how clarity in processing can enhance your mental organization and boost productivity. Dive into techniques that help transform ideas into actionable steps, making your day-to-day life more manageable. Remain focused and organized amidst the chaos!

Dec 9, 2024 • 14min
79. Self-Evaluations: How to Make Your Next Performance Review A Lot Easier
Navigating performance reviews can be daunting, but strategizing early makes a huge difference. Learn how to effectively track your achievements and articulate your strengths with solid evidence. Gain insights on boosting your confidence and resilience at work through self-evaluations. Discover the broader benefits of maintaining organized records well before your review. These actionable techniques not only streamline self-evaluations but also empower you in your professional journey.

Dec 2, 2024 • 16min
78. The "Years are Short" Spreadsheet: Long-Term Planning Snapshot
Explore how to take charge of long-term planning with the innovative 'Years Are Short' spreadsheet. Discover its power in tracking personal and family milestones effectively. Learn practical strategies for managing educational progress and making informed decisions for your children. The episode also dives into the perks of programs like national parks access for young explorers. Get ready to clarify life's significant events and enhance your planning skills!