Before Breakfast

Discover the power of asking better questions to gather useful information. Instead of simply inquiring what's new, learn to ask what's coming up that you should know about for actionable insights. This technique can enhance professional pitches and keep personal responsibilities in check. Even seemingly non-actionable updates can provide value, enriching your understanding of those around you. Tune in to transform your approach to communication at work and home!

Discover the art of creating a family visiting groove! The importance of regular gatherings is emphasized, with unique ideas like using the 4th of July and the last night of Hanukkah to foster traditions. Learn how to intentionally choose visit frequencies and match them to convenient times, making family reunions easier and more enjoyable. Overcoming logistical challenges is also discussed, encouraging strategies for long-distance visits. Listeners are invited to share their own family visiting routines.

Mita Mallick, a marketing and HR executive and author of "The Devil Emails at Midnight," delves into the intricacies of bad bosses and effective leadership. She discusses the impact of late-night emails and the importance of boundaries. Mita explores whether bad bosses are made or born, emphasizing self-awareness and feedback in personal growth. She shares tips for spotting red flags during interviews and suggests alternative strategies for dealing with toxic management, advocating for ally-building and proactive planning.

Discover strategies to tackle distractions during deep work. Learn to capture distracting thoughts on paper, enabling you to acknowledge them without losing focus. Explore a mindful approach—treating off-topic thoughts like meditation by writing them down and letting them pass. Find out why using pen and paper trumps digital tools for maintaining concentration. Finally, process your notes only after your work block to keep interruptions at bay.

There's still time this year to achieve your big goals! Discover how the fourth quarter opens up a 13-week window for making significant changes. Reflect on what goals have lagged, and identify concrete steps to push them forward. It's time to assess which goals to keep, let go, or recommit to. Plus, learn how to leverage year-end timing to showcase your accomplishments effectively. Get ready to embrace the final stretch!

The host emphasizes the power of a strong, one-sentence thesis for clarity in writing. She shares personal habits and highlights how a clear stance can enhance memorability. With concrete examples, she illustrates effective thesis construction and outlines a structured approach to writing. By engaging readers right from the start and anticipating objections, writers can create compelling arguments. Ultimately, knowing what you mean makes the writing process smoother and keeps readers focused.

Discover how cutting unnecessary words can dramatically improve your writing. The host shares personal anecdotes about how strict word counts at USA Today and Reader's Digest honed her brevity skills. Practical tips are provided on eliminating extraneous phrases and passive voice. Aiming to reduce your writing by 10–15% can enhance your editing abilities. Join the conversation by sharing feedback and tips on social media!

Discover how small actions lead to significant changes. Learn to make habits irresistible with tiny steps, like just showing up in workout clothes. Laura highlights how starting small can transform big projects, from job searches to learning a new language. Even short leisure activities, like ten minutes of reading or cooking, can hold great value and expand over time. Embrace the power of little moments!

Discover the power of sincere appreciation in reducing resentment, especially when labor isn't evenly split at home or work. Learn about the often unnoticed mental labor involved in coordinating tasks and how it impacts relationships. Delve into research highlighting gender disparities in mental work distribution. Laura shares practical ways to express gratitude, emphasizing that acknowledgment can boost happiness and bond. Finally, she encourages open communication when appreciation is lacking.

Allison Daminger, a sociologist and professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, delves into the unseen cognitive labor in households, particularly how it disproportionately falls on women. She defines the mental load and shares her research methods for measuring decision-making stress. Allison offers practical advice on task allocation, suggesting strategies like making work visible and setting clear decisions, along with discussing routines that minimize decision fatigue. Her insights aim to help listeners lighten their mental load and foster shared responsibilities in family life.