
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

Mar 31, 2025 • 6min
Don't assign it if you won't do it
Discover the art of crafting a realistic to-do list that truly reflects what you can achieve. The discussion critiques long, vague lists and emphasizes accountability as a personal contract for productivity. Learn how overcommitting can impact your motivation and uncover strategies for keeping your tasks manageable. Prioritizing essential tasks becomes key, as the focus shifts to a minimalistic approach, maximizing productivity through intentional task selection.

10 snips
Mar 30, 2025 • 6min
Second Cup: Invest this in your memory bank
Discover the powerful impact of spending on experiences rather than things. The discussion emphasizes how investing in memorable activities can enhance happiness, particularly for children. Personal stories illustrate the long-lasting joy that comes from creating memories. Thoughtful spending is highlighted as a pathway to foster connections and fulfillment, showing the psychological benefits that come from prioritizing what truly matters in life.

5 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 7min
Second Cup: You'll regret it (and that's OK)
Explore the unavoidable nature of regret in major life decisions and how embracing it can liberate your mind. Learn to tackle the anxiety of choices by recognizing the trade-offs involved in decision-making. Delve into practical advantages that can bring joy despite the lurking feelings of remorse. Plus, get refreshed for spring with the latest beauty trends and budget-friendly self-care tips that will uplift your style and routine. It's all about making empowered choices and looking fabulous while doing it!

12 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 4min
Store things wisely
Discover how changing seasons can inspire you to reassess your belongings. Learn practical tips for storing seasonal items, including cleaning and decluttering. Dive into smart strategies for organizing your home and workspace, focusing on essentials and efficient storage solutions. Transform chaos into order and make the most of your space!

6 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 4min
Visualize a specific date
Unlock the secrets of visualization to achieve your goals! Discover how envisioning a specific date can inspire transformative changes, much like brides picturing their wedding day to motivate weight loss. Learn to craft vivid scenarios that instill a sense of urgency and excitement, prompting you to take action. By setting clear goals and imagining your future self, you can make better choices today and pave the way for personal and professional growth.

25 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 24min
How to read the classics, with Emily Kwilinski
Emily Kwilinski, a Shakespeare scholar and magazine editor, shares her passion for classic literature and practical tips to integrate it into busy lives. She discusses the charm of audiobooks as a gateway to classics, advocating for starting with children's literature for a timeless experience. Kwilinski also reflects on the challenges of reading lengthy novels and emphasizes patience in developing appreciation. She provides strategies for crafting personal routines and managing reading alongside productivity, inspiring listeners to rekindle their love for literature.

Mar 25, 2025 • 5min
What can I own, not how can I help
Discover how sharing household responsibilities can lighten the mental load for everyone. Explore the concept of vertical ownership, where individuals are empowered to take charge of specific areas. Learn how this approach not only boosts efficiency but also fosters teamwork and skill development in both adults and kids. The discussion invites you to reflect on your own task management, prompting a shift from dependence to active contribution.

10 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 5min
Set quarterly goals
Discover the transformative power of quarterly goal setting to boost your motivation. Learn how breaking down big ambitions into 90-day plans can bring clarity and adaptability to your journey. Reflect on your progress regularly to stay focused and manage competing commitments. Get inspired to proactively set actionable goals and remember to celebrate your wins along the way. This structured approach can turn your aspirations into concrete achievements!

5 snips
Mar 23, 2025 • 7min
Second Cup: Make time for you a habit
Explore how making time for your passions can enhance your life. Learn practical strategies for parents to carve out personal time amidst family demands. Discover the importance of intentional leisure and how trying new hobbies can bring joy and fulfillment. Embrace the idea that personal interests are vital for a balanced and happy life.

Mar 22, 2025 • 9min
Second Cup: Like all but 20 percent
Discover how job satisfaction often hinges on finding the right balance between positive and negative experiences. Significant dissatisfaction might be a sign that it's time for a change, encouraging self-reflection on work life. Plus, connect with exciting promotions for spring beauty products and fashion finds, including a much-loved nap dress, ensuring you stay stylish while you assess your career happiness.