

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

8 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 4min
Shop for the holidays all year
Discover the perks of year-round gift shopping for a stress-free holiday season. Get practical tips on how to organize your gift list and spread out purchases. Enjoy the joy of early planning and avoid the December rush. Embrace a clever approach to those special occasions!

17 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 27min
Setting boundaries when there's too much to do, with Amy Wilson
Amy Wilson, co-host of 'What Fresh Hell?' and author of 'Happy to Help,' dives into the complexities of people pleasing and establishing boundaries. She shares insights from her eighth-grade diary, illustrating her lifelong journey with the desire to make others happy. The discussion includes strategies for managing overwhelm and the challenges of 'eldest daughter syndrome.' Amy emphasizes the need for self-care and realistic planning, advocating for embracing discomfort to find balance and happiness.

17 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 6min
What's your favorite work?
Discover how identifying and prioritizing what you love to do can transform your work experience. Practical strategies are shared to enhance job satisfaction for everyone involved. Learn the importance of aligning team members' tasks with their favorite activities to foster a positive work culture. Reflecting on enjoyable work helps boost performance and appreciation for daily responsibilities.

10 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 4min
Don't be afraid of a little wasted time
Discover the unexpected benefits of embracing wasted time. The speaker shares personal anecdotes highlighting inefficiencies as a path to prioritizing what truly matters. It's a refreshing take on time management, emphasizing balance and well-being. By valuing moments of downtime, you can enrich your relationships and enhance your overall life satisfaction. Sometimes, it's the unproductive moments that lead to the most meaningful insights.

8 snips
Jan 5, 2025 • 6min
Second Cup: Use the headline test
Discover how the 'headline test' can guide you in making thoughtful decisions by evaluating public perception. Learn the importance of framing your choices for better communication. Plus, explore innovative solutions for managing depression, including a new app called 'Rejoin' that supports adults with major depressive disorder. This tool encourages users to take an active role in their mental health alongside professional advice.

4 snips
Jan 4, 2025 • 7min
Second Cup: Maybe it's just your job
Explore the complexities of job dissatisfaction and why quitting might not always be the best option. Discover how to navigate career transitions thoughtfully. Learn to identify opportunities within your current organization, including the potential benefits of departmental transfers. Embrace challenges as a path to fulfillment and find ways to engage with your work that spark joy and growth.

20 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 6min
If you don't get paid time off, you still need time off
Balancing work and life is crucial, even without paid time off. The discussion emphasizes the importance of scheduling breaks to maintain well-being. Practical strategies are shared for planning unpaid time off and managing expectations about income. Listeners are encouraged to take control of their time to avoid burnout and improve overall quality of life.

10 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 5min
Rescheduling without a new date is canceling
The discussion emphasizes the power of proactive rescheduling. It highlights the importance of not letting commitments slide without action. Timely communication is key to maintaining accountability in both personal and professional spheres. This approach helps to boost productivity and strengthen relationships.

51 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 24min
The first step to spending your time better
Discover how to reclaim your time with strategic time management tips. Learn why tracking your time can unveil surprising truths about your daily habits. The discussion highlights the difference between how we perceive our work hours versus reality. Gain motivation through a week-long challenge that encourages reflection on leisure activities. Uncover the power of time tracking to boost memory and refine your personal management skills for a more fulfilling life.

12 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 4min
Put your goals where you can see them
Learn how visibility can supercharge your goal-setting journey. Discover practical tips to keep your aspirations front and center in your daily life. From visual reminders to environmental cues, find out how to make your goals unforgettable. Stay motivated and committed by turning abstract ideas into tangible realities. Embrace strategies that keep your ambitions alive, even amidst everyday distractions.


