

Before Breakfast
iHeartPodcasts
In each bite-sized, daily episode of Before Breakfast, host Laura Vanderkam shares a time management strategy or an answer to a listener’s schedule question. How can listeners make the most of their time, both at work and at home? The mission is to give listeners practical tools to feel less busy and get more done.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 18, 2026 • 6min
Second Cup: Don't give yourself homework
Discover strategies to lighten Future You's load! Learn why avoiding post-meeting homework can enhance teamwork. Find out how addressing quick tasks on the spot keeps your to-do list manageable. Hear tips on utilizing one-on-one time for deeper discussions. Empower others by allowing them to take the initiative for follow-ups. It’s perfectly fine to buy time before committing to longer requests. This enlightening talk wraps up with a light-hearted reminder to finish tasks ahead of schedule!

Jan 17, 2026 • 6min
Second Cup: It's OK to throw it away
Letting go of unwanted items can be liberating. It's time to discard those gifts you didn't want after the holidays. Remember, not everything can be recycled or donated, and that's okay! Objects have a lifecycle; reducing clutter can start with choosing experiences over things. Before making purchases, take a moment to consider if you'll truly use the item. Embrace the practice of thoughtful buying to minimize future waste.

Jan 16, 2026 • 5min
You've got 60 hours
Weekends are a treasure trove of time—about 60 hours if you plan right! Dive into how, with typical sleep included, you still have 36 waking hours to enjoy. Treat your weekends like a full-time workweek and prioritize activities that leave you refreshed. Balance chores with fun, and discover simple ways to savor those hours, from walks to movie nights. Make every moment count and kickstart your Monday feeling great!

Jan 15, 2026 • 5min
Whose time is it anyway?
The host emphasizes that your time is fundamentally yours, despite various obligations. She discusses common feelings of time being claimed by work and family. Practical tips include tracking time to identify reclaimable moments and reframing chores as purposeful tasks that serve personal goals. Encouraging listeners to align commitments with their values, she suggests making mundane tasks more enjoyable, like listening to audiobooks while driving. The closing message inspires taking control of your time and making it meaningful.

11 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 25min
Making remote work work, with Meredith Monday Schwartz
Meredith Monday Schwartz, CEO of Here Comes the Guide and co-host of Currently Reading, dives into the dynamics of remote work. She discusses the transition to a fully distributed company, emphasizing the mistakes of mistrust and micromanagement. Meredith highlights effective remote management practices, such as role-based metrics and meaningful virtual meetings. She also shares her structured workday strategies, including time blocking and a four-day work week, along with her unique approach to reading and end-of-day reflections.

Jan 13, 2026 • 5min
You can track some of your time
Discover how tracking just parts of your week can unveil valuable scheduling insights. Learn which time segments to focus on—mornings, work hours, or evenings—to identify productivity issues. Explore tracking weekends to uncover patterns in chores and personal time. Laura offers tips on recording your tracking effectively and explains how partial tracking can lead to a more manageable full-week approach. Plus, understand the fascinating link between your evenings and your mornings for better overall performance.

4 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 5min
What time data would be useful to you?
Explore the art of time tracking and how to make it meaningful. Discover the importance of identifying specific questions you want answered. Learn to analyze your weekly 168 hours to inform lifestyle choices. Delve into the difference between tracking big-picture hours versus granular details like email and meetings. Consider monitoring your sleep patterns for better health insights. Finally, distinguish between fulfilling hobbies and time-wasting activities, ensuring your tracking aligns with your priorities.

Jan 11, 2026 • 7min
Second Cup: When you outsource, you're still a resource
Outsourcing can lighten your load, but it doesn't mean total freedom from responsibility. While hiring help saves time, oversight and management are still key components. Whether it's house cleaners or grocery deliveries, some tasks will always require follow-up. Even passive income streams need maintenance. Instead of fretting over leftover responsibilities, celebrate the significant time savings outsourcing can provide. Engage with the ideas and share your own outsourcing successes!

10 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 6min
Second Cup: Full time doesn't mean all of the time
Full-time work doesn’t have to consume all your time! Laura Vanderkam breaks down the math of a week, revealing more hours for life than many believe. She busts the myth that we spend most of our waking hours at the office and argues that part-time work doesn't always mean a more balanced life. By tracking time, listeners can discover pockets of potential for exercise, socializing, and hobbies. Plus, she shares practical scheduling tips to maximize free time, shifting the mindset from 'no time' to 'what will you choose to do?'

6 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 5min
What do you want to see on your time log?
Explore the power of intentional time management and envision what you'd love to see on your time log. Discover creative ways to swap tasks and align your activities with your priorities. Learn how accountability can shape your choices and increase fulfillment. Engage in a challenge that encourages you to track meaningful activities while reducing time spent on dislikes. Reflect on what you'll cherish remembering, and consider sharing your intentions with others for added motivation.


