Best Laid Plans
Best Laid Plans is a podcast about planning and the planning tools we love. Host Sarah Hart-Unger, a mother of three and physician, discusses planning techniques, organizing philosophies, planners, and notebooks. Each week features conversations about productivity, product reviews, and interviews with planning experts.
Episodes
Climbing Out of a Hard Phase with Lisa Woodruff EP 309
Lisa Woodruff is the founder of Organize 365 and author of multiple books, most recently Escaping Quicksand. Sarah always loves her ideas about planning and time, and in today's episode they chat overcoming overwhelm, but through the lens of planning. You can find more from Lisa at organize365.com in addition to @organize365 on Instagram.Resources Mentioned from Lisa:
How I divide my year into th
5 Lessons from Time Tracking That Aren't What You'd Think EP 308
Sarah tracked her time for over 2 weeks (something she has struggled with in the past). What were her conclusions? Did she find 10 hours of free time that she didn't know she had? Will she continue for 10 years like her good friend and podcast cohost Laura Vanderkam? Listen to find out, and you can also visit the detailed show notes at theshubox.com!
Episode Sponsors:
IXL: Best Laid Plans listen
Midyear Planner Stack Report (Techo Kaigi!) - Video Available! EP 307
Today's episode is a podcast with optional video! Sarah goes through a detailed midyear status report on her 2026 Planner Stack, sharing the analog notebooks and planners she uses regularly.Items mentioned:
Midori Hibino 2026Hobonichi 5-Year JournalAshley Shelly Monthly (Amanda's Favorites Collab)Hobonichi WeeksHobonichi Cousin A5Hobonichi Day-Free A5 (monthly pages then plank)Want more video? Le
June Q&A: Mostly Analog Planner Peace, Small Task Overwhelm, Family Source of Truth, and More! EP 306
In today's episode, Sarah answers listener questions! Topics included are:- A wonderful planner peace submission from a recent retiree looking to keep meaning and structure in her life- A listener looking for help with "small task overwhelm" and a million open tabs- Routine tracking ideas- Family calendar source of truth + tools/ideas for getting a partner on board
Sponsors:
IXL: Best Laid Plan
Need a Summer Fresh Start? Taja Fitness Planner + The Dailee EP 305
In today's episode, Sarah reviews two planners for listeners looking for some fresh start energy this summer!First is the Taja: https://www.tajaacademic.com/product/fitness-workout-journal-for-women-men-a55-5-x-8-5-workout-log-book-planner-for-tracking-progress-and-achieving-your-wellness-goals-lavenderc-blue/ or https://amzn.to/4nRysfV (Amazon affiliate link)This A5 sized undated planner has a to
Plan Your Summer with Me! EP 304
In today's episode, Sarah shares step-by-step how she thinks through planning her summer (including her real-life plans and goals for this summer!). You can use this episode as your own summer planning guide by pausing it and answering the question for yourself!Looking for more episodes like this?Plan the Week Together: https://theshubox.com/2026/03/ep-294-lets-plan-the-week-together.htmlEmpty You
More Planning x Money Talk + Sarah's Current Thoughts on AI EP 303
In today's episode, Sarah shares some follow up listener comments to the prior discussion about the intersection between spending (or saving!) and planning, and then she delves into a (somewhat raw!) discussion of her feelings around AI, starting with a historical example -- her 2010s thoughts on the emerging iPhone!Feel free to share your thoughts on technology (sarah hart unger at gmail, or leav
May Q&A: New Fave Pen, Does Planning Help Save Money? and More EP 302
In today's episode, Sarah provides a few life updates and then shares a wonderful planning tip from a listener.Then, topics discussed include:- Does planning help to save money?- How do you avoid rewriting daily lists when things don't get done?- What are some analog ways to track workouts?- Ideas for using monthly spreads of paper planners if you don't feel the need for an extra calendar- New pen
The Intersection of Time Management x Planning with Laura Vanderkam EP 301
Today, author and Sarah's good friend Laura Vanderkam joins Sarah on the show to talk about ways -- planning and planning-adjacent! -- that we can manage our time so that it feels expansive and worthwhile. Sarah and Laura chat tracking (time + otherwise), tackling big project little by little, the challenge of "golden hours", and much more.Find Laura's book, Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundan
Gratitude Episode: Thank You for 300! EP 300
In today's episode, Sarah expresses gratitude to listeners for helping BLP reach the milestone of 300, and then shares two gratitude-themed lists.The first is 5 planning or planning-adjacent things (or people) she is incredibly grateful for, in terms of inspiration and ideas for the podcast they've provided over the years. The second is the top 5 things Sarah is grateful planning has done for her!
Can AI Help You Plan Your Life? A Real-Life Experiment with Emilie Schario EP 299
Emilie Schario is a mother of 3 (5 & under!) and an AI expert in the tech space, as VP of engineering at Kilo Code. She's also a BLPA alumnus who still loves to plan on paper! Emilie joins Sarah today to talk planning, productivity, and how she uses AI tools every day in her planning and life management systems. She shares her own simple (and very appealing!) use cases and ideas for how even the l
April Q&A: Planning vs Execution, Delegating Tasks, and Spring Planner Releases EP 298
In today's ep, Sarah answers questions for the month of April! Topics include:
Why no planner reviews lately + notes on spring releases
Tips for reminding others of tasks you are attempting to delegate (with a listener tip as one possible answer!)
To-be-read list management
Struggles with planning vs execution
Resources + Links:
Simplified planners: emilyley.comHobonichi April sta
Sarah's Planner Peace: 10 Tactics Working Well in 2026 EP 297
In today's episode, Sarah answers a question about Disney planning and then delves into her own current planner peace, with 10 tactics working really well for her in 2026!You can find images of the tracking spreads she talks about on the show notes page at theshubox.com!Interested in BLPA2.0 this summer? Course info available at theshubox.com/coursesAPRIL SPONSORS:
IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners
Your Busy Season Survival Guide EP 296
In today's episode, Sarah shares 10 tips for getting through a particularly full season of life, inspired by a very travel-heavy spring schedule coming up for her.Interested in BLPA2.0? Be sure you are getting Sarah's newsletter, out in early April with signup details. Visit theshubox.com/newsletter!
Episode Sponsors
IXL: Make an impact on your child’s learning, get IXL now. Best Laid Plans
li
Where To START, and Planning to Revolutionize Your Social Life EP 295
In today's episode, Sarah answers a question from Nate (who heard Sarah on Cal Newport's Deep Questions Podcast), who asked where it makes sense to START in terms of implementing all of the planning systems she talks about on this podcast (and in her book!). How does one begin to build a system - all at once, or piece by piece?Useful references mentioned:Airtight Task Management Episode: https://t
Let's Plan the Week Together! EP 294
In today's episode, Sarah plans her week on-air! Well, it's a bit of a reenactment (mostly because she needed a quiet house to record), but she goes through all the steps and there are visual aids (please see the show notes @ theshubox.com for photos!).Steps in her weekly planning process:
Looking back - reflection & review (including migration/review of any prior undone tasks, plus a look at
Decluttering with Dana K White (Plus An Update from Sarah!) EP 293
Dana K. White is a decluttering expert -- NOT an organizing expert! She shares her mess-free 5-step method in today's podcast, with advice for those who struggle to get started. The 28-day plan she mentions on the episode can be found in her first book, How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind.You can find Dana at https://www.aslobcomesclean.com, her most recent organizing book is Organizi
March Q&A: Planning Your Planning (!), Nested Goals at Work, Email Integration Solutions, and More EP 292
Welcome to the March Q&A episode!Topics discussed include:- Do Nested Goals work in the work setting, and if so, would you do the planning for both at the same time, or separate things out?(Episode mentioned: https://theshubox.com/2026/01/ep-285-sextiles-morning-pages-goals-lists-and-more-listener-tips-qa.html)- How to plan your planning (very meta - but seriously!) - both at larger and smaller ti
Planner Peace: Logistics + More in a Family of 8 EP 291
Jessica lives in California with her husband and is a mother of 6! In today's episode, she shares her own detailed planned peace, discussing how she keeps things organized in such a large and active household.Apps/topics mentioned: Apple's Reminders, Things (for task capture), Laurel Denise Anne layout (https://laureldenise.com/products/2026-the-anne-planner-pemberly-gardens), Essential Calendar (
Tracking All The Things: How Much is Too Much? EP 290
In the first part of this episode, Sarah shares some listener follow up to the Task Management episode from 2 weeks ago, including use of Apple Reminders voice entry feature, a simple Notes strategy, Teux Deux, and one listener's analog solution.Then, Sarah delves into her current thoughts on tracking, which have shifted a bit since her initial episode on the topic. She shares ways in which tracki
We Can Do This: A February Pep Talk EP 289
This can be a HARD time of year for many! In today's episode, Sarah shares her own February struggles and provides a pep talk for all of us who might be stuck in winter doldrums or feeling less excited about our 2026 goals.Books recommended: Meditations for Mortals or 4000 Weeks By Oliver BurkemanReminder: BLP Live will be Nov 5-7 2026 - be one of the first to be notified by signing up for Sarah's
Your Guide to Airtight Task Management EP 288
Sarah opens up with a little update on how 2026 is going so far (as we head into February!), and then dedicates the rest of today's episode to airtight task management! She talks inboxes (collecting tasks) and creating a strategy for processing all of the to-do items that tend to come our way in all sorts of forms and timelines.
Our Sponsors
Mint Mobile: Affordable wireless plans that let you
Analog Is Trending! EP 287
Analog is definitely trending, and Sarah is here for it! In today's episode, she discusses the trend, her take on choosing analog when possible, and the unexpected effects on the planner world (!). She also addresses a listener who would like to use more tangible paper tools in her planning system, but struggles with a work system that is all digital.
Link to the WBEZ article: https://www.wbez.or
Planning Your 2026 Fitness Goals EP 286
In today's episode, Sarah chats about the evolution of her own fitness goals and interviews Meg Olander, personal trainer and certified group fitness coach. Meg has years of experience helping people with their fitness goals, and in today's episode, she shares her favorite strategies for success in fitness goals, from planning and prioritizing to avoiding optimization to accountability.
You can f
Sextiles, Morning Pages, Goals Lists and More: Listener Tips & Q&A EP 285
In today's episode, Sarah shares listener tips and answers questions!Topics & references include:- Stationery Store Spotlight: Wonder Fair in Lawrence, KS- Alyce's alternative to January 1- Sextiles: A listener creates her own seasons that work for her- An A-to-Z 26 in 2026 list- Feedback on the Friends Spreadsheet: A Notion Friends CRM (Customer Relationships Management) Tool- Corporate uses for
Welcome to 2026! Top 10 Tips for Making The Most of Your Annual Goal Setting EP 284
In today's episode, Sarah welcomes listeners to 2026 and shares 10 tips for making the most of your annual goal setting efforts!
Link to mentioned episode on Nested Goals:https://theshubox.com/2024/01/episode-182-nested-goals-explained.html
YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@BestLaidPlansVideo
Episode Sponsors:
PrepDish: Start the year off with healthy meal plans from prep dish! Get yo
Sharing 2026 Goals + A Few Q&A! EP 283
In today's episode, Sarah shares her own 2026 goals list, set in 5 domains (Self, Relationships, Family/Home, Work, and Fun)! She goes into detail about each of the items on her list and the strategies she hopes to employ to help some of them come to fruition.Additional info:- Sarah's email - sarah hart unger at gmail - feel free to send your goals lists along, or message 305-697-7189- Sarah's BOO
Systems Switchups for 2026 + Sarah Dissects a Big Gnarly Goal EP 282
In the first half of this episode, Sarah talks METAPLANNING - intentional dissection of one's systems and planning tactics. Then she shares some of her own potential systems upgrades for 2026, from seasonal planning with her husband to digital organization and a possible new screen time tracker.Then, Sarah dissects her own Big Gnarly Goal for 2026! She answers the questions she posed in her own ep
December Q&A: Sarah's Morning Routine + Using the Planner You Have, Plus Listener Tips EP 281
In today's episode, Sarah shares a listener tip, a store spotlight, and some great Q&A centered around morning routines and actually USING one's planner on a daily basis!Keep your questions coming - Sarah can be reached via email (sarah hart unger at gmail) or via 305-697-7189!PS: Sarah's book, Best Laid Plans: A Simple Planning System for Living A Life That You Love is out tomorrow! Visit theshub
Another Innovative Planning Technique: Monthly Workflows with Ronna EP 280
In today's episode, Sarah opens by reminding listeners of her upcoming book launch (T-8 days and counting - you can still get the preorder bonuses by visiting theshubox.com/preorders). And, she shares the happy news that Best Laid Plans was named by Amazon as one of 9 nonfiction editor's picks for December!(See the full list here: https://www.amazon.com/b?ref=r_ess_dp_epicks&node=17276799011)Then,
Planner Stack 2026: Audio AND Video! EP 279
In today's episode, Sarah goes through the physical tools she used in 2025 and shares her 2026 Planner Stack!This episode has a video component if you'd like to see the planners -- visit
https://youtu.be/Bf5G8_pSr2s to get a visual!
Products mentioned:- Hobonichi Cousin Avec- Hobonichi Weeks- Hobonichi Day Free- Ashley Shelley x Amanda's Favorites collab- Erin Condren 18 month Monthly Planner (J
Empty Your Inbox (with me!) and Hemlock & Oak Daily/Weekly/Monthly Planner Review EP 278
In today's episode, Sarah empties her email inbox (and some other life inboxes) in real time! Find out how much time it took her to get from ~140 messages (half a week's worth of accumulation) in her primary gmail inbox to 0, what she did with all of those little pieces of information, and some takeaways for you if you struggle with task management or collecting all of your inputs. She then takes
Life Updates, BLP Live Takeaways, and Your Mini DIY Planning Primer for 2026 EP 277
In today's episode, Sarah shares some life updates coming off of a tough week! Then she delves into an overview of BLP Live and some of her own key planning takeaways from the event. Finally, she responds to a listener request for a "DIY Planning Primer", providing a list of 15 episodes that cover essential planning topics -- from building a system from scratch to daily planning, seasonal planning
Planning Spotlight: Annual Rituals, Spontaneity, and More with Jodi Wellman EP 276
In today's episode, Sarah interviews Jodi Wellman, author of You Only Die Once: How to Make it to the End with No Regrets. This is Jodi's second visit to the podcast, and this conversation is all about the planning rituals that Jodi herself uses to ensure the (finite) life she is living has all of the elements that make it feel truly well-lived. They get into the weeds about her monthly vision boa
Your Celebration Season On Ramp with Jen Ludwig EP 275
Jen Ludwig loves holiday planning -specifically, she loves planning around her traditions of Christmas. However, this episode is for you no matter what you love to celebrate at the end of the year! In today's episode, Jen shares her tips for creating a celebratory season that is filled with fun and not overwhelm. She also has some fantastic gift tips + hacks!Find Jen's book, Embracing Advent: Redi
Inspiration for Your Analog Fall, Updates & More EP 274
In today's episode, Sarah shares an update for the listener seeking high-contrast planner options, with products mentioned including the Marjolein Delhaas Planner from Wms&Co, Rad & Happy, and Passion Planner.
Then, she shares a listener's story of ordering the Personal Planner from Sweden -- and being extremely surprised by fees (over 4x the value of the planner!).
Following, Sarah gets into th
Feeling Stuck? 6 Practices to Get Your Dreams and Reflections Flowing EP 273
In today's episode (and inspired by her recent girls' trip!), Sarah shares 6 practices to help you think through your big picture goals and dreams as we gear up for Reflection Season and starting to think about annual planning for 2026!
These include:- Inspiring reading (or audio)- 100 Dreams List- 10, 5, or 1-year Visioning Exercises- The gift of a notebook just for dreaming and scheming- Deep c
October Q&A: An All-Paper Planner Peace, Paper/Digital Hybrid Tips, Managing a Life with Many Moving Parts, and More EP 272
Today's episode is a very planner-centric Q&A episode (since it's that time of year!).
First, Cynthia opens with her planner peace - a mashup of prior BLP mentions, from the Passionate Pennypincher Planner to Planner Pad and a Stalogy notebook!
Then, Kristin shares a pro tip for melding her digital planning (via Google calendar) with a paper system that allows for daily notes jotted in pen and a
ADHD-Friendly Planning Solutions with Skye Waterson EP 271
In today's episode, Sarah interviews Skye Waterson, ADHD strategist, host of a podcast in the ADHD space, and an expert in building systems that help entrepreneurs and execs with ADHD (or suspected ADHD) scale their businesses. Skye shares the strategies that she's currently using herself, as well as some great tips for prioritizing when everything feels urgent. She also shares ideas for procrasti
Course News + The Case For Planning In Fun (and tips for how to do it!) EP 270
In today's episode, Sarah opens with news about upcoming courses - both Best Laid Plans at Home: Planning 2026 AND Planning By Season will be back for next calendar year! Get details about the courses at theshubox.com/courses and be sure to sign up for her newsletter for registration info (newsletter drops 10/1).Newsletter: theshubox.com/newsletterThen, she talks all about FUN - the case for ensur
10 Things To Consider If You’re Feeling Scattered EP 269
Inspired by her own recent period of feeling a bit overwhelmed and all over the place, Sarah shares 10 tips for those feeling scattered.Please be sure to sign up for the newsletter if you'd like to receive October's edition:theshubox.com/newsletterEmail Sarah with questions or comments at sarah hart unger @ gmail or text (305) 697-7189
Episode Sponsors:
IXL: Make an impact on your child's learn
Planner Peace & Accessibility + Discussing Wirecutter's 2026 Planner Picks EP 268
In today's episode, Sarah shares a Planner Peace submission from R, a lover of paper planners with a vision issue that makes small print and light colors difficult to work with. Please send Sarah any ideas for bright and bold planner brands to share with our listener!Then, Sarah shares her notes on Wirecutter's picks for next year's planners!The article can be found here:https://www.nytimes.com/wi
September Q&A: Planner News, Planner Peace from a SAHM, Work/Life Separation, and More EP 267
In today's episode, Sarah shares some recent planner news. She discusses price changes at Hobonichi (she compares her recent order to years prior), and then shares about the new Minimalist option available from Full Focus.Then, she goes through Q&A, tips & planner peace submissions for September! Topics include:- Feedback from a teacher about separating work + life into different planner systems-
Sarah's Systems Update: What's Working, What's Not, and What's In Store for 2026! EP 266
In today's episode, Sarah goes through a techo kaigi -- her own assessment of how her current tools are working for her, along with some musing about what's up ahead for 2026!
Products mentioned:Hobonichi Cousin AvecErin Condren B6 18 Month SoftboundHobonichi 5-Year JournalErin Condren WhiteboardEssential Calendar (affiliate link: https://www.theessentialcalendar.com/BESTLAIDPLANS + use code BEST
August Q&A: Hobonichi, Taylor Swift, and More EP 265
In today's episode, Sarah shares two things that made her (tough) week, and then answers 6 questions from the August Q&A collection!Topics include:- Can you use Apple Notes to include attachments + graphics- Big projects: fewer longer sessions, or consistent shorter ones?- Ideal week during the newborn phase: yay or nay, and suggestions for an alternative if not?- Are there circumstances where a '
Planning to Travel for Less with Kathleen Paley EP 264
If you've ever been curious about how you can leverage your planning and organizing skills to help you save money, this episode is for you, especially if yo love to travel. Kathleen Paley is a litigator, mother of 2, and podcast host who loves saving and having fun with her family. She joins Sarah today to share her top 5 strategies for traveling on credit card points -- everything from which card
5 Things (Other Than Planners) To Consider Carefully Heading Into Back-to-School EP 263
In today's episode, Sarah shares her thoughts on 5 aspects of life to reflect on (other than planners!) as you head into the back-to-school season, whatever that means for you.
She provides a detailed overview of routines to think through / audit / consider tweaking, and then discusses sleep, communication strategies, mood management, and fun.
Share your favorite planners for kids/teens or best
ADHD or Neurodivergent? Two Planner Mini-Reviews For You! EP 262
Sarah reviews two planners specifically designed to help those with different planning needs.
First, she discusses the Order Out of Chaos Planner, designed by ADHD parent and ADDItude Magazine columnist Leslie Josel. This planner is designed for students and might be particularly helpful for those with ADHD, though it could definitely serve other students well, too!
Link to the planners: https:/
Planner Peace + Efficiency Hacks from Seasoned Professor Sarah McConnell EP 261
It's not QUITE back to school season, but depending on where you live, it may be closer than you think! In today's episode, Sarah interviews Sarah McConnell, a professor of anatomy and histology for undergrads, graduate students and med students. Professor Sarah McConnell shares own current planner peace lineup and functional system, and then provides some fantastic tips for others in academic, fr
Mental Load Expert Allison Daminger Answers Your Burning Questions About Planning and Household Management EP 260
In today's episode, sociology professor Allison Daminger joins Sarah for a fascinating discussion about mental load, division of labor, and the role of planning! She answers three great questions from listeners, tackling challenging questions about a partner not interested in long-range planning, a partner with little predictability to his job, and a partner with ADHD.
Find more from Allison and
Real Talk: Podcast Behind the Scenes with Sarah EP 259
In today's episode, Sarah shares some real behind-the-scenes podcast talk with listeners. She chats about how Best Laid Plans came to be, how she chooses guests, how she tracks podcast logistics, what she outsources, how she handles listener emails, and much more!
Visit her website, theshubox.com, if you haven't been for links to all of her prior episodes.
Newsletter: theshubox.com/newsletterCou
July Q&A: Airtight Task Capture, Planning Time Away from Work, and More! EP 258
In today's episode, Sarah answers accumulated questions for July!
Topics include:
Laurel Denise + Full Focus is too much -- what do use instead?
Task management (2 questions on various angles of this common challenge!) and how not to lose all of those great ideas that come to you that you want to see at the right time
Discussion of the Alistair Method for the listener struggling to fit
Mid-Year Check In: Tips & Sarah's Own Midyear Review EP 257
In today's episode, Sarah shares rationale and ideas for completing your own mid-year check in session, where you take stock of where things are, look at annual goals, and decide how you'd like to move forward. She provides ideas for the setting/scope of this session, and then shares her very own mid-year check in - processing her own progress on the air!
If you are interested in a guided mid-yea
June Q&A: Planner Swapping, Partner/Friend Planning Dilemmas, Planning with Unpredictable Time Blocks, Planners for Tweens/Teens with ADHD, and More EP 256
It's a Q&A podcast! Topics include:
- Ways to plan/manage tasks when your time is unpredictably chopped up (gig worker)?- How to move into a new planner midyear?- How to talk with a partner who feels your planning systems are over the top (and you feel like they are absolutely necessary for a functional family life)?- How to handle a close friend or relative who refuses to make firm plans?- Plann
Travel Planning: Strategic Planning + Anticipatory Fun at Every Time Horizon EP 255
Today's episode centers around strategies for travel planning, from super-long range (5-10+ years) to daily planning while on vacation! Sarah shares her favorite strategies at each time horizon to craft travel plans that reflect your values and highest priorities, while meeting your actual real-life needs (budget, kids' ages, etc!).
Mentioned:Kelsey's "The Years Are Short" sheet:https://www.risin
Where Planning Meets Etiquette with Lizzie Post of the Emily Post Institute EP 254
Lizzie Post is the great-great-grandaughter of famed etiquette expert Emily Post and serves as co-president at the Emily Post Institute along with her cousin Daniel Post Senning. In today's episode Sarah interviews her on all things planning AND etiquette adjacent! First, Sarah inquires about Lizzie's current favorite planning tools and rituals, and then she asks questions that get at some of the
10 Quirky Planning Habits that Might Work for You! EP 253
In today's episode, Sarah welcomes listeners into summer (and southern hemisphere listeners into winter!). Then, she shares 10 less common (possibly quirky!) planning habits that work for her, from her tracking methods to her use of "defaults" and strategic use of break times, and more. She also shares a listener follow up to the new mom wondering how to deal with tasks that come to mind when she
Monthly Planning Rhythms + Completist Mini-Review EP 252
Today's episode is dedicated to monthly planning rhythms! Sarah discusses why the monthly planning level can be a challenging one, but then provides reasons to try giving it some attention!
Elements Discussed:
- Ways to add to the "fresh start" energy - screen backgrounds + monthly tracking- Monthly work plan (new element for Sarah!)- Monthly goal setting (middle piece of the Nested Goals method
Mini-Review of Kendra Adachi's Playbooks + Planner Peace from A Completist Listener EP 251
In today's episode, Sarah shares a detailed Planner Peace submission (from a listener who listened to all 250 episodes of the BLP back catalog!) and provides a mini-review of Kendra Adachi's The Playbook, designed to be planner companions for each season, rather than planners themselves!
Find The Playbook here: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/merch/p/the-playbooks-bundle or here for a pag
Out of the Weeds + Listener Q&A: Processing Paper, Ideas for Digital/Paper Hybrid Systems, Planner Peace from NZ, and Visualizing Summer EP 250
In today's episode, Sarah share the strategies that got her feeling much less "in the weeds", including airtight task capture and inbox cleaning, plus monthly work planning!
Then, she shares a Planner Peace segment from Ross in NZ, who uses mostly digital tools plus a paper daily and has an incredibly well-thought-out and organized overall ecosystem!
Topics for the Q&A:
- Finding planners with
In the Weeds: Thoughts on Climbing Out from Overwhelm + Overload EP 249
In today's episode, Sarah gets real: she shares her current feelings of being "in the weeds", how she got there, and the strategies she hopes to employ to climb out.
Additional Notes:Best Laid Plans LIVE in Florida: Planning 2026 has very few remaining slots - grab yours now at theshubox.com/blplive
Sign up for the newsletter at theshubox.com/newsletter
Share your own tactics for getting out of
Planning Meals and the Rest of Life with Allison Schaaf, Business Owner and Mother of 4 EP 248
Allison Schaaf is the creator and owner of PrepDish (longtime BLP sponsor!) and her business is based on planning, specifically around meals! But she also has plenty of wisdom to share around planning the rest of life, from long term goals to handling emails and managing a team. She is also highly interested in streamlining tasks as she is a mother of 4 (including a baby!).
Shared by Allison:
-
Routines (general thoughts + personal revamp!) + Planning Your Weekends EP 247
In today's episode, Sarah reflects on routines, noting that her recent episode on morning routines is already obsolete (as it applies to her own morning routine, anyway!). She shares thoughts about being flexible as you set your routines, and the need to continually re-evaluate, as well as her new morning routine.
Then, she pivots to all things weekend planning, as inspired by her friend noting t
Spring Planner Releases + Thinking About Summer EP 246
In today's episode, Sarah reflects on where we are in the year and offers encouragement and ideas to help you start thinking through summer.
She also provides an overview of some fun planner releases for spring, including new editions from Erin Condren, Simplified, and Laurel Denise.
Episode of Amanda's Favorites where she describes designing a planner with Laurel Denise: https://www.youtube.com
The Gap Between Planning and Doing EP 245
Sometimes there is vast space (and struggle) between planning and executing on our plans. In this episode, Sarah delves into why that might be an offers some solutions.
She also mentions Lisa Woodruff's Medical Binder and Carolyn Cohen's Wellness While Walking podcast.
Episode where Carolyn was a guest: https://theshubox.com/2025/01/blp-ep-232-planning-and-goal-setting-for-health-with-carolyn-co
10 Benefits of Planning That Have Nothing to Do With Productivity EP 244
Some might think the purpose of planning is to get more done. That may be true in some cases, but there is so much more to the story than that. In this episode, Sarah shares 10 benefits of planning that have nothing to do from productivity, from stress reduction to anticipation to creativity to having more fun.
Other news:
BLP Live is open for registration!! Join Sarah and Laura Vanderkam in Sout
Recovery Routine, New Planners, and Amazing Answers to the "Too Many Tabs!" Question EP 243
In today's episode, Sarah shares an update on how her recovery is going in addition to some great wisdom on the idea of a "recovery routine" from a listener. Then, she shares a planner mini-review and new additions to her 2025 Stack:
- Full Focus Spiral-Bound
- Excello Essential Weekly + Monthly (https://excellobrands.com/calendar-year/essential-monthly-weekly-planner-7-x-9-cy-2025-frosted/ or vi
Planning Your Spring: Quintile 2 Planning Deep Dive Bonus Replay EP 242
Sarah checks in + introduces the show. Then, the main part of the episode is a re-air from 2024. Sarah hopes it is helpful as we approach the spring season!
Sarah opens with a discussion of the idea of planner page as "outside observer" and how seeing her day laid out in physical form can help alleviate stress and provide some helpful objectivity. (She is curious if this is a familiar feeing for
Unexpected Things Happen: Sarah's Current Challenges EP 241
A common question sent into BLP is about planning in the face of hard things or uncertainty. This episode is a raw/current one about some challenges Sarah is going through now and how she is going to try to handle them. Please note: this episode was recorded from a hospital room with no special mic so the sound quality might be a little different.
Episode Sponsors:
Green Chef: Thrive all year wi
Intentional + Sisterly Planning with Azizi and Malika of the Happier Ladies! EP 240
Today, Sarah has a really fun and conversational chat with Azizi Williams and Malika Amandi, otherwise known as the Happier Ladies! These sister started a podcast inspired by the work of Gretchen Rubin and Elizabeth Craft, and share a love for planning, experiments, goal setting, and accountability (to each other, as well as their listeners). Azizi and Malika share their favorite tools, planning r
February Q&A: Planning for the Family, Managing Goals Lists + Big Projects, Planning in Pregnancy, and Keeping Track of Things You Want to Read (Eventually) EP 239
In today's episode, Sarah answers questions accumulated in the month of February! Topics include:
- How do you deal with planning events for family members (ie camp, bday parties, etc!)
- How do I integrate goals lists into my planning when I feel like I have endless detailed lists dedicated to complicated projects?
(Nested Goals ep: https://theshubox.com/2024/01/episode-182-nested-goals-explained
Top 10 Tools: Planning & Planning Adjacent Favorites EP 238
In today's episode, Sarah shares her top 10 (plus maybe a bonus!) Planning + Planning Adjacent Tools! For specific links, visit https://theshubox.com/organize!
1) Kokuyo Campus Notebooks
2) Uniball Jetstream Pens (0.5 and 0.38 size)
3) Zebra Mildliners in pastel colors - especially used to create little squares for checkboxes!
4) Apple's Screen Time App + Widget
5) Stalogy Short Sticky Notes (plus
Morning Routines + Some Exciting News EP 237
Today's episode is dedicated to all things morning routine! Sarah shares her own (in detail) and discusses all of the questions to ask yourself if you're looking to add a bit more to your mornings (or not!).
And, she shares some exciting book news -- Best Laid Plans: A Simple Planning System for Living a Live That You Love will be out in January 2026!!
Episode Sponsors:
Prose: Custom skin and hai
Curating and Editing your Wardrobe with Stylist Gab Saper EP 236
We all have to get dressed, right? This is just one more area rife for planning an organizing strategies, and stylist Gab Saper (aka The Wardrobe Editor) is here to deliver! She chats with Sarah about all things wardrobe curation and organization, and Sarah also gives a brief update on recent organizing wins in her closet!
Ways to find and connect with Gab:
Website: https://wardrobeeditor.com
Inst
January Q&A: Google-Centered Planner Peace, Commonplace Books, Storing Yearly Goals, Planner Display Options, and Can You Skip Planning and Goal-Setting for a Season? EP 235
In today's monthly Q&A ep, Sarah shares a Planner Peace vignette, 2 stationery shop recs, and answers 4 listener questions:
Planner Peace comes from a healthcare provider who has cut her documentation time in half after reflecting and listening to Sarah's Efficiency Tips ep. She uses Google products for almost everything, plus a daily paper planner (filled out fresh each day, referring to her digi
Tidy Up Your Life: Organizing Inspiration for 2025 with Tyler Moore (aka Tidy Dad) EP 234
If you have any kind of organizing or decluttering goals on your 2025 goals list, today's episode is for you. Sarah interviews Tyler Moore (known as Tidy Dad), a teacher and author with a passion for organizing and curating spaces to meet the needs of life as they ebb and flow through the seasons - and his current season is 3 young kids in a small NYC apartment!
This interview offers plenty of ins
January Energy + 3 Essential Systems EP 233
In today's episode, Sarah checks in with a January energy report and provides some words of caution about this high-motivation time -- it's fun and you should enjoy it, but be prepared for it to be transient!
She shares her thoughts on 3 essential systems for life management: a comprehensive and accurate Master Calendar, Airtight Task Management, and her Nested Goals framework.
Resources/other epi
Planning and Goal-Setting for Health with Carolyn Cohen EP 232
Carolyn Cohen is a health coach passionate about helping others reach their wellness goals, and she chats with Sarah today about how planning and goal-setting intersect with health and wellness. She discusses the pros and cons of having a separate wellness planner, effective habit tracking, the benefits of data from wearables, and more. She also introduced the idea of a health planning retreat!
Fi
Sharing 2025 Goals! EP 231
In today's episode, Sarah shares her goals for 2025 in 4 domains: personal, work, relationships, and household! If you love listening to others share their plans and dreams for the year, this episode is for you :) Topics include fitness and health goals, goals related to kids, work goals, organizing aspirations, and more.
Thank you for listening this year, and wishing you a wonderful start to 2025
Setting Up My 2025 Planner Sidekick + December Q&A EP 230
In today's episode, Sarah goes through her setup of her 2025 Goals/Lists planner, a Hobonichi Weeks she will use for tracking and various collections. Then, she answers additional questions sent in the past month.
Topics discussed:
- Request for planner shop recs around the world + recommendation of Good Postage in Charlotte, NC
- Ways to track continuing education data + resources - Sarah recomme
Recommended
Self Love Chats: Money Mindset & Personal Growth for Ambitious Women
Dad V Girls After Hours
Saints‘ Hill Church Podcast
The Arab Film Club Podcast
AI Fire Daily
The Fifteenth Page Show | AI Systems, Marketing Tips, andContent Marketing Strategy for Busy Teams
Intrigue Outloud
The Daily
Doctor Zhivago Slow Read
Conspiracy Files with Paige Carter
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
The Theory of Psychoanalysis - Carl Jung
