

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

Jul 30, 2025 • 29min
Building the best team ever, with David Burkus
David Burkus, a bestselling author and leadership expert, shares invaluable insights on building effective teams. He emphasizes the importance of company culture and psychological safety over individual talents. Listeners will learn practical strategies, such as creating a 'manual of me' to enhance collaboration. Burkus also discusses the value of nurturing dormant relationships for networking and personal growth while addressing the fears of reaching out for authentic connections. His advice on balancing professional and family life adds a relatable touch.

Jul 29, 2025 • 6min
What to do with a small windfall
Discover savvy strategies for managing a small financial windfall. Learn the importance of intentional spending and how to make your money work for you. Explore options like paying off high-interest debt, boosting your emergency fund, and investing in experiences that matter. Plus, find out how charitable giving can make a positive impact on your community. Make your extra cash count!

Jul 28, 2025 • 5min
Decide when you'll decide
Discover practical techniques for making decisions by setting specific future times for when to choose. Learn how to reduce uncertainty and prioritize your commitments effectively. Explore the importance of timing in decision-making and strategies to manage uncertainty. Find out how postponing decisions can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on other pressing tasks. This approach can lead to more informed choices and a clearer mind.

Jul 27, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: Skip the optional arguments
Discover the art of embracing peace by skipping unnecessary arguments in daily life. The discussion offers insightful advice on distinguishing between essential talks and optional conflicts, especially in parenting. Personal anecdotes illustrate the importance of choosing your battles, emphasizing that letting go of minor disagreements can lead to greater harmony and well-being. Prioritizing major issues over trivial ones is key to a more pleasant and fulfilling life.

Jul 26, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: Today is a good day for getting started
Struggling to get started on your goals? This discussion highlights the importance of taking that initial step, with insights from a psychology expert on how small actions can lead to big changes. By embracing manageable tasks, listeners can combat feelings of overwhelm and make progress toward their aspirations. Celebrating these small victories transforms the journey into a more attainable path, encouraging everyone to seize the moment and start today.

Jul 25, 2025 • 6min
Don't play jump or dive
Explore the benefits of strategic scheduling to dodge last-minute chaos. Discover how planning can reduce stress and enhance your daily routine. Learn the art of intentional planning, with valuable tips for tackling scheduling conflicts before they arise. The podcast draws clever parallels to childhood games, emphasizing the risks of spontaneity.

7 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 5min
How to lead 4000 lives
Discover how literature opens doors to new worlds, even when our own adventures are few. Dive into the idea of vicarious living through books, where readers can experience diverse emotions and perspectives. The transformative power of reading is emphasized, illustrating its ability to enrich our lives and broaden our understanding of different experiences. Join in on the exploration of how each page can take us on thrilling journeys beyond our own realities.

Jul 23, 2025 • 22min
Enjoying peaceful productivity, with Erik Fisher
Erik Fisher, host of Beyond the To-Do List, shares his wealth of knowledge from over 13 years in the productivity field. He discusses the importance of achieving a harmonious work-life balance while implementing morning rituals that foster mental clarity. Erik emphasizes mindful distraction management and the benefits of incorporating spontaneity into daily routines. He explores how creativity and fun play into productivity and hints at exciting new ventures in podcasting, encouraging listeners to embrace the journey.

Jul 22, 2025 • 5min
Add an apple
Discover a refreshing approach to healthier eating by focusing on what to add, not subtract. Embrace the power of fruits and vegetables to enhance your meals without the struggle of deprivation. This technique not only improves your diet but also opens the door to broader life enhancements, making positive changes feel more achievable. You’ll learn how simple additions can take less willpower and lead to a more balanced lifestyle.

10 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 6min
Take a working vacation
Discover the concept of a 'working vacation' where remote work meets leisure. Learn how to blend your professional duties with family fun while traveling. Gain insights on maintaining boundaries to ensure a healthy balance between work and relaxation. Explore practical tips for enriching your travel experiences without compromising your work commitments.