

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

Sep 17, 2025 • 25min
Creating routines that work, with Chelsi Jo
Chelsi Jo, a productivity expert and host of the Systemize Your Life podcast, shares her journey from event planning to transforming chaos into structured productivity. She discusses the importance of meal planning for family meals and offers tips for engaging everyone in meal prep. Chelsi also explores balancing education, fitness, and personal well-being, along with navigating bedtime routines for children. With a focus on positive self-talk and creating lasting family memories, she provides practical strategies to enhance daily life.

Sep 16, 2025 • 6min
Give yourself a roundtrip ticket
Planning your return to work is as crucial as taking the break itself! Discover practical tips for communicating with colleagues and managing tasks before you leave. Learn effective strategies to ease your transition back into daily life after vacation, from scheduling your to-do list to leveraging helpful services. With the right preparation, re-entering your routine can be a breeze!

5 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 5min
You won't come back to it
Discover strategies for boosting productivity while juggling work and family life. Learn about maximizing educational resources to enhance your skill set. The importance of acting now is emphasized, debunking the myth that you'll have more energy in the future to tackle tasks. Instead, it advocates for handling responsibilities today to reduce stress and keep your productivity high.

Sep 14, 2025 • 7min
Second Cup: Take a better break today
Discover the power of intentional breaks to boost your productivity and well-being. Learn how structured downtime can rejuvenate your workday, contrasting it with mindless distractions. Explore practical strategies to optimize your breaks, making them a blend of relaxation and enjoyment. Planning your downtime can transform your routine, keeping you balanced and energized for whatever tasks lie ahead.

7 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 6min
Second Cup: When to make do and when not to
Explore the fascinating balance between making do with what you have and knowing when it's time to invest in new purchases. Discover how our choices can affect joy and financial well-being, and the importance of mindful spending. Delve into how social connections can enhance life satisfaction through shared tips. The conversation highlights sustainability, encouraging listeners to consider the environmental impact of their consumer habits.

Sep 12, 2025 • 4min
Avoid the tyranny of how
Discover the power of clarity in pursuing your goals. Learn why identifying what you truly want is essential before getting bogged down in logistics. This insightful discussion emphasizes that having a clear vision can reduce stress and confusion, leading to more effective decision-making in both your personal and professional life.

Sep 11, 2025 • 4min
Buy the umbrella
The discussion highlights the impact of small purchases on enhancing life experiences, illustrated by a personal beach vacation story. Listeners are encouraged to prioritize spending that enriches meaningful moments instead of strict saving. Additionally, practical tips are shared to boost productivity and achieve a better work-life balance, showcasing how minor adjustments can lead to major improvements in both personal and professional realms.

Sep 10, 2025 • 24min
Embracing the miminalist life, with Shira Gill
Shira Gill, an organization expert and author of 'Minimalista', dives into the art of minimalism and clarity. She shares her journey as a professional organizer and unveils strategies to declutter one's life. Gill emphasizes intentional decision-making for possessions and offers practical tips for balancing work and family commitments. Travel light with her minimalist packing tricks and learn how a structured daily routine can boost productivity. Plus, discover how food can enhance connections while embracing a simpler lifestyle.

Sep 9, 2025 • 5min
If it can wait
Discover how to effectively rethink your to-do list by eliminating unnecessary tasks that don’t need immediate attention. Learn the power of postponing certain duties, which can ultimately lead to greater productivity and reduce stress. Embrace the concept of essentialism and experience the freedom that comes from a simplified schedule. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own task management journeys, fostering a community of shared insights and strategies for better prioritization.

5 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 4min
Call it an experiment
Transforming new ideas into experiments can ease the burden of change. By adopting an experimental mindset, stress and fear diminish, allowing for more relaxed acceptance of potential failure. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration and feedback in this process. An example shares how a cook beta-tests her recipes, showcasing the power of constructive criticism. This approach fosters a culture where creativity thrives, and perfection isn't the goal.