
Before Breakfast
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.
Latest episodes

10 snips
Dec 15, 2024 • 6min
Second Cup: Turn down the volume
Discover how to minimize mental stimulation for a calmer mind. Strategies focus on prioritizing calm and productive activities over distractions. Learn about mindful moments and innovative approaches to managing anxiety. Plus, explore unique gifting solutions that promote mental health, like personalized coffee subscriptions. Embrace boredom and mindfulness for a more focused, joyful life.

13 snips
Dec 14, 2024 • 6min
Second Cup: Dawn follows dark
The podcast delves into the cyclical nature of life, emphasizing that dark moments often precede brighter days. It highlights the resilience found in relationships and discusses how low points can lead to happier times. Insights from Tolstoy and research on midlife mood changes are shared. Listeners are encouraged to connect with others and consider new mental health resources like Rejoin, an app that aids in managing depression. Additionally, personalized coffee subscriptions are suggested as thoughtful holiday gifts.

8 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 6min
You need time to eat
In a fast-paced world, carving out time for meals is crucial for self-care. Mindful eating encourages enjoyment without distractions, enhancing satisfaction and self-worth. Prioritizing breakfast is highlighted as a key to a productive morning, revealing how skipping it can hinder focus and productivity. This discussion promotes making meals an essential part of daily wellness.

8 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 5min
While you're waiting
Transform waiting time into meaningful moments with creative ideas for connection. Discover how a swim parent initiated a book club during practices. Learn about a new app, Rejoin, that supports adults facing major depressive disorder, emphasizing the power of feedback. Plus, explore the unique gifting solution of Trade Coffee, offering personalized coffee subscriptions perfect for the holidays.

25 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 28min
How to get great ideas, with Sarina Bowen
Sarina Bowen, a bestselling thriller and romance novelist known for works like 'The Five-Year Lie' and the 'Brooklyn Bruisers' series, unveils her secrets to sustained creativity. She shares her inspiring journey from Wall Street to writer, emphasizing the importance of capturing fleeting ideas. Bowen discusses her strategies for prolific writing, highlighting how to cultivate a focused mental space. She also dives into crafting suspenseful thrillers and the transformative power of a conducive writing environment, offering insight into her unique creative process.

Dec 10, 2024 • 4min
Remember to enjoy yourself
Discover the importance of putting fun on your to-do list! The discussion highlights ways to prioritize personal enjoyment, especially during the busy holiday season. Listeners are encouraged to integrate joyful activities into their schedules, ensuring happiness amidst responsibilities. By making time for fun, you'll find a better balance and a more fulfilling holiday experience.

Dec 9, 2024 • 4min
Give experiences
Explore the joy of gifting experiences rather than material possessions. Hear personal stories that emphasize memorable trips and activities. Learn how creating unique gifts like coupon books can deepen family connections. Discover the lasting impact of thoughtful and heartfelt gestures that spread joy beyond just the holidays.

5 snips
Dec 8, 2024 • 7min
Second Cup: Print more photos
Discover the importance of printing photos in our digital age and how they create lasting emotional connections. Learn about the unique value that framed family photos bring compared to their digital counterparts. Hear personal stories that encourage involving children in preserving memories. Explore the joy of selecting meaningful moments to print and how these physical reminders can strengthen community ties and enhance your lifestyle.

8 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 7min
Second Cup: Start a reading project
Embark on a literary adventure by starting a reading project at your own pace. Discover the joys of engaging with challenging texts like 'War and Peace' or Shakespeare while avoiding overwhelm. Learn about the power of committing to daily reading, setting manageable goals that inspire. Embrace long-term reading projects and witness how consistency can transform your habits. Plus, find tips to incorporate reading into a busy lifestyle and celebrate the shared experiences within a community of readers.

5 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 4min
Plan a Monday adventure
Discover how to redefine your Mondays by planning fun adventures to kick off the workweek. This approach transforms the typical dread associated with Mondays into excitement and productivity. By looking forward to fresh experiences, you can boost your motivation and make weekends more enjoyable. Say goodbye to the Monday blues and hello to a rejuvenated start!