

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

Dec 20, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: You have time to be human
If a few minutes would make you feel a lot better, take themSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 19, 2025 • 5min
Know what you're good at
Discover the power of recognizing your strengths to boost your confidence in job hunting. Learn to gather feedback from colleagues and listen closely to compliments as valuable data. By recording these strengths with real examples, you can effectively showcase your abilities in performance reviews. Plus, find out how to match your strengths with job postings to nail those interview questions. Embrace the insight from others to enhance your career journey!

Dec 18, 2025 • 5min
Try a 'good morning' routine
Kickstart your day with connection and positivity! Emphasizing small gestures like greetings and snuggles can strengthen bonds with partners and pets. Morning rituals, such as prayer or enjoying coffee while watching the sunrise, help set a positive mindset. Physical activity like yoga can energize your body. For parents, uplifting greetings can transform a child's morning mood, while cheerful hellos in the workplace foster teamwork and productivity. Discover how these simple morning habits can shape your day for the better!

Dec 17, 2025 • 26min
Seeing possibilities, with Lisa Canning
Lisa Canning, known as the Possibility Mom, is a former HGTV designer and life coach for Catholic moms raising large families. She shares her journey from television to coaching, emphasizing the importance of balancing ambition with faith. Canning discusses her 'Wealth Without Guilt' concept, and offers practical tips for structuring routines and delegating tasks. She also highlights holiday planning strategies, stressing the value of intentional family time and creating lasting memories without overwhelm.

Dec 16, 2025 • 5min
January comes right after December
The host highlights how the mental slip between December and January can lead to missed deadlines. Paper calendars contribute to this illusion, making planning feel distant. Personal anecdotes about January birthdays reveal the need for early planning. Tips include calculating lead times and adjusting project timelines for smoother transitions. Building reminders in advance can counteract the January surprise, ensuring a smoother start to the year.

Dec 15, 2025 • 6min
Prepare for the week after Christmas
Holiday cheer doesn't have to stop on December 25th! Discover tips on managing kids' school breaks and coordinating schedules with partners. Plan a post-holiday fun list filled with activities like ice skating and festive lights. Don't let bad weather derail plans—find indoor options and enjoy family visits. Avoid the post-holiday slump by keeping days structured and fun. Let creativity flourish and make the most of the week after Christmas!

Dec 14, 2025 • 6min
Second Cup: You don't have to explain
Discover the liberating idea that you don't need to explain every choice you make. From holiday pressures to everyday interactions, learn when it's okay to keep things brief. Laura highlights how people often focus on their own lives, freeing you from the burden of over-explaining. Explore scenarios like canceling appointments and maintaining work boundaries, where less is more. Embrace the notion that your personal decisions are yours alone—saving you mental energy for what truly matters.

Dec 13, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: Create small miracles
Discover the magic of creating small miracles through simple acts of kindness. Learn how little favors can strengthen your network and boost your influence. Reconnect with acquaintances to fuel your social circles, even amidst your busy life. Laura shares specific generous actions to show sincere thoughtfulness, like sharing articles or making introductions. Embrace the idea that habitual generosity not only builds loyalty but also fosters a sense of wealth in your personal and professional life.

Dec 12, 2025 • 5min
Try a DIY day
Discover the concept of a 'DIY day' where everyone can pursue their own interests! This idea works best for families with older kids or no kids at all. Learn tips on how to schedule these days effectively, including when to set screen time limits. The host emphasizes the importance of communal moments amidst independent activities. It's a refreshing way for individuals, especially women, to reclaim their personal time and break free from the role of weekend planner.

Dec 11, 2025 • 5min
Try a collaborative riff
Explore the art of collaborative riffing as a fun twist on small talk. Discover why typical conversations often fall flat and learn techniques like bridge phrases and shared jokes to foster deeper connections. Hear examples of co-creating movie lists and how playful discussions can ignite brainstorming in meetings. Uncover the benefits of this approach that can transform mundane chatter into engaging dialogue, making social interactions enjoyable and inspiring.


