
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

Aug 4, 2024 • 4min
Second Cup: It might not take that long
Discover how small changes can lead to significant improvements in your daily routine. The discussion challenges common beliefs about time, particularly in everyday tasks like makeup application. By reassessing our perceptions of time, you can overcome procrastination and make your life more efficient. It's a fresh take on how a little adjustment in mindset can save both time and stress.

Aug 3, 2024 • 5min
Second Cup: Kindness cascades
Discover the profound impact of a single act of kindness and how it sparks a ripple effect in our daily lives. From easing traffic tensions to enhancing workplace camaraderie, the discussion showcases relatable anecdotes that inspire positivity. This deep dive highlights how small gestures can cultivate a supportive community, emphasizing that your kindness benefits more people than you realize. Tune in to explore how spreading kindness can transform lives and create a more harmonious world.

Aug 2, 2024 • 6min
Make complete plans, even if they're tentative
Discover the art of drafting complete but flexible plans to sharpen communication with friends and family. Explore how vague scheduling leads to confusion, and learn about the balance between structure and spontaneity. Dive into the benefits of adapting your plans for work calls, highlighting the richness of connections that arise from casual interactions instead of strictly pre-planned meetings.

Aug 1, 2024 • 4min
Make a wardrobe photo file
Discover the art of simplifying your daily dressing routine with a wardrobe photo file. Learn practical tips for organizing your clothing by taking pictures of outfits, making it easier to mix and match. This strategy not only enhances creativity but also boosts your confidence in choosing what to wear. Transform your dressing experience into an enjoyable and efficient process with digital lookbooks!

Jul 31, 2024 • 5min
Run into people
Discover the art of creating connections through chance encounters. The discussion delves into how social interactions with acquaintances can boost personal well-being. Practical strategies are shared to encourage these spontaneous greetings, enhancing friendships and fostering a sense of community. Embrace the opportunities for connection in our increasingly isolated lives!

Jul 30, 2024 • 5min
Hand out SASEs
Discover how self-addressed, stamped envelopes can simplify communication and encourage personal connections. The discussion highlights the charm of traditional letter writing and shares anecdotes about using SASEs. You'll learn how fostering correspondence can strengthen community ties and make it easier for others to reach out. This intriguing take on old-school communication methods might just inspire you to put pen to paper!

Jul 29, 2024 • 5min
Try 2-a-days
Discover the benefits of exercising twice a day with shorter, more engaging workouts. This approach not only enhances physical activity but also adds exciting variety to your fitness routine, especially in the summer. Learn to maximize your daily activities and manage your time for a more active lifestyle. Get practical tips on easy exercises that fit into your busy schedule and enjoy listener interaction as you explore new fitness possibilities!

Jul 28, 2024 • 5min
Second Cup: Be generous with time
Discover the transformative power of being generous with your time. Investing time in others not only strengthens relationships but also enriches your personal and professional life. The podcast explores how patience fosters love, highlighting that people are, indeed, a valuable use of time. Tune in for insights on making meaningful connections through the simple act of giving time to those around you.

Jul 27, 2024 • 5min
Second Cup: Build in a little social time
Discover how to optimize your busy days by adding bursts of social interaction. Learn the importance of brief moments before and after meetings to build stronger relationships. Find out tips for balancing tasks while nurturing connections with colleagues and friends. This episode reveals how little adjustments can make a big difference in enhancing your social life.

Jul 26, 2024 • 6min
Capture travel memories on the way home
Learn how to effectively capture and preserve vacation memories on the journey home or while still traveling. Discover the importance of documenting memories to enhance enjoyment and prevent them from fading away. Get tips for recording memories while traveling for lasting trip essence.