

The Bright Method Podcast: Realistic Time Management and Productivity for Working Women & Working Moms
Kelly Nolan
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 32min
72. Dr. Christine Koh: Micro-Decluttering, Radical Rest & More
Dr. Christine Koh, a music and brain scientist turned multimedia creative and podcaster, shares her journey from academia to helping others manage their lives. She discusses micro-decluttering, which breaks overwhelming tasks into small, manageable steps. Christine emphasizes the importance of aligning tasks with personal energy levels, especially during the busy holiday season. She also advocates for radical rest, encouraging intentional breaks and self-care to foster personal well-being and deeper connections.

Oct 14, 2024 • 22min
71. "How Do I Do Things Faster?"
Discover actionable strategies to speed up presentation preparation without sacrificing quality. Learn how to streamline processes with effective workflows, including the use of AI for tasks like meal planning. The discussion also addresses important considerations around AI, such as confidentiality and intellectual property. Embrace a proactive mindset that prioritizes planning and efficiency, moving away from just seeking shortcuts.

Oct 7, 2024 • 30min
70. Menstral Cycles & Time Management with Carmen Amador Barriero
We talk a fair bit about matchmaking your activities to your energy level patterns in a typical day or week. Let's kick this up a notch with Carmen Amador Barriero as she walks us through how those of us experiencing menstrual cycles can think about our natural tendencies during different phases of our cycles (plus how to know which phase you're even in!). Carmen is an Organizational & Business Psychologist, Community Builder at Oyster, and Women's Health Mentor. Carmen is on a mission to transform the way people see themselves, their workplaces, and the world they live in. Through her current work as the Community Lead of Oyster's People Builders Community, she regularly empowers and facilitates leaders and professionals to transform their workplaces into authentic, inclusive & thriving remote & hybrid environments. Whether speaking to hundreds of delegates at a conference or facilitating workshops virtually, Carmen is known for creating curiosity, enthusiasm and interactivity around any topic at hand. Carmen has also spent the last 3 years training as a certified Holistic Women's Wellness Mentor, Womb Awakening Practitioner, and is on a mission to guide women in reconnecting with their bodies through menstrual cycle and womb work, helping them remember their magic. To learn more about Carmen, visit: Her website Her LinkedIn profile Oyster's People Builder Community The books she recommended are: Wild Power Period Power 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.

Sep 30, 2024 • 24min
69. How to Dig Out After a Curveball Week
Unexpected challenges can wreak havoc on your schedule. Discover practical strategies to regain control after a chaotic week filled with disruptions. Prioritizing self-care is essential for managing stress effectively. Learn how to tackle backlogs and balance immediate tasks with long-term goals. This discussion offers insights for working moms navigating life's curveballs, ensuring you can emerge from chaos feeling stable and on track.

Sep 23, 2024 • 34min
68. Outsourcing the Mental Load at Home with Emily King of Faye
Emily King, Co-founder and CEO of Faye, an AI platform that helps families connect with personal assistants, shares insights on alleviating the mental load at home. She discusses her journey from VP at Blue Bottle Coffee to entrepreneur, emphasizing how technology can ease daily stress. Topics include the benefits of outsourcing household tasks, creating personalized support through local advisors, and the societal shifts needed to accept shared domestic responsibilities. Emily's practical examples show how families can regain time and energy.

Sep 16, 2024 • 19min
67. Listener Question: Handling Too Many Incoming Tasks to Calendar (Plus Meeting Overload)
Struggling to manage a flood of tasks from emails and meetings? Discover strategies to tackle task overload in today’s digital world. Learn how to streamline responsibilities into one calendar for better organization. Plus, find out ways to reduce meeting overwhelm to supercharge your productivity. Perfect for busy professionals looking to regain control!

Sep 9, 2024 • 29min
66. Practical Examples of How Everything Comes Back to Time
Discover how effective time management can transform your daily life! The discussion highlights strategies to streamline tasks, reduce stress, and tackle personal challenges. By harnessing digital calendars, you can take control of your time and foster personal growth. Listen for practical examples that illustrate how clarity and progress can be achieved in any area that may be bugging you. It's all about making the most of the time you have!

Sep 2, 2024 • 15min
65. When You're Anxious About the Next Calendared Entry
Feeling anxious about upcoming calendar events? Discover effective strategies to tackle this anxiety and improve your focus. Learn how managing scheduling fears can enhance your productivity. Explore the importance of planning and adaptability in overcoming these challenges. This conversation offers practical tips to help you stay present and engaged with your current tasks.

Aug 19, 2024 • 28min
64. How to get your partner to buy into a time management approach
Discover the art of engaging your partner in time management with insightful strategies. Learn how to tackle the challenges of gaining support, especially after life changes like having a baby. Emphasizing proactive communication and shared responsibilities, this discussion highlights the importance of collaboration in balancing household tasks. Find out how patience can help ease the adoption of a new time management approach, ensuring both partners feel valued in the process.

Aug 5, 2024 • 20min
63. It's Harder Than "Just Schedule Time for Self-Care": How to Actually Enjoy Downtime
The conversation dives into the pitfalls of modern self-care, urging a shift from consumer-driven notions to genuine enjoyment. It highlights the unique mental burdens women face, advocating for structured time management to truly relax without guilt. Listeners are encouraged to rediscover lost joys and interests, including childhood hobbies, while learning practical tips to prioritize personal happiness amidst busy schedules. It's a refreshing take on how to embrace downtime fully.