

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 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.

Jul 20, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: How not to overcommit
Listeners discover effective time management strategies through weekly planning. A personal story illustrates how assessing obligations can prevent overwhelm. The importance of prioritizing tasks is highlighted to ensure a balanced agenda and reduce stress, allowing for a more manageable week ahead.

Jul 19, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: Be easy to work with
Being pleasant can be a game changer in the workplace. Discover how being approachable and reliable opens doors to new opportunities. Small gestures like timely communication and expressing gratitude strengthen professional relationships. Learn how a positive attitude can set you apart from the competition.

Jul 18, 2025 • 6min
Who's interrupting you?
Explore strategies to combat interruptions, both internal and external, that disrupt productivity. Learn how recognizing the dynamics of workplace distractions can help you reclaim your time. Delve into actionable tips to minimize self-inflicted distractions and enhance your focus. Discover the significance of tracking interruptions to create a more productive environment. Tackle the challenges of staying on task and find ways to enhance your overall workplace efficiency.

Jul 17, 2025 • 5min
Stay in your sphere
Discover how focusing on one type of work at a time can supercharge your efficiency! Learn practical tips for organizing tasks and using physical cues to minimize distractions. The importance of intentional planning is highlighted, encouraging a structured approach to prioritize daily activities. Say goodbye to reactive work and embrace a more balanced routine that boosts overall productivity!

7 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 25min
Making time management personal, with Anna Dearmon Kornick
Time management coach Anna Dearmon Kornick, also the host of the It's About Time podcast, dives into how personality shapes our scheduling. She shares personalized time management techniques tailored to individual lifestyles. The discussion explores the complexities of time management in political life and offers insights on mastering daily routines for productivity. Anna emphasizes balancing structure with flexibility, particularly for parents, and introduces themed weeks for enhanced enjoyment and organization.

Jul 15, 2025 • 5min
You're paying for the experience, not the duration
Discover why quality experiences trump mere duration. Enjoy a fascinating story about a trip to Versailles that reveals the art of knowing when to leave a place for maximum joy. It’s a refreshing take on valuing moments rather than just minutes, encouraging listeners to rethink how they measure enjoyment. This insightful discussion invites you to prioritize the richness of experiences over the time spent.

4 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 5min
Be realistic about on-the-road productivity
Discover how to maximize productivity while traveling! The discussion highlights effective strategies for making the most of your time on airplanes. Learn to balance work and leisure by embracing enjoyable activities during flights. Explore the challenges of maintaining focus on the road and hear tips for effectively utilizing travel time. The speaker invites listeners to share their own experiences, turning travel into an opportunity for both productivity and enjoyment.