

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

Nov 1, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: Switch up your exercise routine
Switching up your exercise routine can keep motivation high. Explore the benefits of variety, from running streaks to mixing strength training, biking, and hiking. Adapt workouts to seasonal changes and discover new activities like spinning or swimming. Try different types of runs within the same sport to maintain freshness. Planning workouts in advance and making them social can enhance the experience. Remember, it's all about finding what you enjoy, ensuring you stick with it long-term!

Oct 31, 2025 • 5min
Save your symptoms for the doctor
Health complaints can often dominate conversations, but they don't have to. It's suggested to keep medical updates brief to maintain interest. Serious diagnoses deserve more attention, but personal anecdotes reveal that friends often prefer short updates. To shift away from lengthy symptom talk, self-awareness and humor can help change the subject. If someone else monopolizes the conversation with their ailments, gentle nudges towards other topics can be effective. Ultimately, seeking medical help is preferable over reciting symptoms to friends.

5 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 4min
Share low stakes hot takes
Discover how low-stakes hot takes can energize conversations and break the ice! Learn why typical hot takes might derail discussions and hear practical examples of lighthearted topics to spark debate. Explore the benefits of playful arguing, which can elevate group dynamics without causing conflict. Laura shares insights on how these casual opinions reveal personalities and make gatherings more engaging. Plus, listeners are encouraged to share their own low-stakes hot takes for even more fun!

Oct 29, 2025 • 2min
Introducing: Health Stuff
Dive into a lively discussion where Dr. Priyanka Wali clarifies type 1 diabetes with engaging insights on its autoimmune roots. Uncover the amusing debate around mangoes and their cultural significance, while humorously exploring whether chia seeds truly pack a health punch. The hosts emphasize the importance of listening to patients' stories, showcasing a blend of comedy and genuine health talk. Expect laughter and learning as they tackle the quirky side of health!

Oct 29, 2025 • 27min
Creating excellent conversations, with Charles Duhigg
Join Charles Duhigg, a journalist and bestselling author known for his insights on habits and communication, as he shares powerful techniques for enhancing conversations. He discusses the three types of conversations—practical, emotional, and social—and how to avoid pitfalls from mismatched types. Charles emphasizes the importance of asking deeper questions, creating psychological safety in meetings, and crafting clear emails. His advice on setting intentions and decluttering for focus can transform your daily interactions!

Oct 28, 2025 • 7min
Is it for now or forever?
This discussion emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between temporary and permanent challenges. It covers effective strategies for managing short-term crises, including prioritizing tasks and seeking support. The conversation also delves into the need for sustainable solutions for ongoing difficulties, such as adjusting schedules and hiring assistance. Practical advice for caregiving challenges is provided, highlighting shared responsibilities and community resources. Lastly, maintaining healthy relationships during prolonged stress is explored, advocating for mutual support.

5 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 5min
Conversation breeds conversation
Engaging in frequent conversations can deepen relationships and enhance communication. Group texts are a fun way for families to share daily moments, enriching in-person visits. Alternatives like emails and quick calls also help maintain connections while setting healthy boundaries. Familiarity with shared details can spark more meaningful in-person chats. Regularly sharing specifics can make future conversations smoother and more enjoyable.

Oct 26, 2025 • 6min
Second Cup: Be smart about your fears
Explore the wisdom behind fears and learn how to differentiate useful fears from harmful ones. Discover how repeated exposure, like practice in public speaking, can diminish anxiety. Find practical steps to tackle career-blocking fears while embracing personal limits in risky situations. Understand fears as protective signals and the importance of building financial safety nets to reduce anxiety. Gain a practical framework for evaluating fears, deciding when to conquer, lessen, accept, or heed them.

5 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: Study ahead of time
Preparation can elevate your enjoyment of events! Discover how studying artists or plays beforehand helps you sing along and appreciate performances more deeply. Learn the difference between rushing to see the Mona Lisa and recognizing multiple artworks in a museum. Laura offers practical tips for enriching your experiences, from listening to recordings to reading plays. While some surprises should remain intact, being familiar with characters enhances enjoyment. Get ready to stretch out the fun by being prepared!

6 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 5min
Make friends for your ideas
Discover the power of socializing your ideas before formal proposals. Learn how informal testing can reveal connections and refine concepts, like when gauging conference themes. Hear about discussing leadership nominations to build consensus and test changes in meeting frequency with your team for effective accountability. Early feedback not only sharpens your proposals but fosters a sense of ownership, ensuring your ideas resonate before they're fully launched.


