Best Laid Plans

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Welcome to Best Laid Plans -- a podcast all about planning and the planning tools we love. From planning techniques and organizing philosophies to planners and notebooks, we cover it all. Host Sarah Hart-Unger is a mother of 3, physician, podcasting pro, and a lover of lists and all things paper! Listen in weekly for conversations about planning and productivity as well as product reviews and interviews with planning experts!

Recent Episodes
  • The Gap Between Planning and Doing EP 245
    Apr 7, 2025 – 24:01
  • 10 Benefits of Planning That Have Nothing to Do With Productivity EP 244
    Mar 31, 2025 – 24:39
  • Recovery Routine, New Planners, and Amazing Answers to the "Too Many Tabs!" Question EP 243
    Mar 24, 2025 – 25:00
  • Planning Your Spring: Quintile 2 Planning Deep Dive Bonus Replay EP 242
    Mar 17, 2025 – 28:55
  • Unexpected Things Happen: Sarah's Current Challenges EP 241
    Mar 10, 2025 – 19:42
  • Intentional + Sisterly Planning with Azizi and Malika of the Happier Ladies! EP 240
    Mar 3, 2025 – 40:00
  • 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
    Feb 24, 2025 – 27:16
  • Top 10 Tools: Planning & Planning Adjacent Favorites EP 238
    Feb 17, 2025 – 25:45
  • Morning Routines + Some Exciting News EP 237
    Feb 10, 2025 – 27:42
  • Curating and Editing your Wardrobe with Stylist Gab Saper EP 236
    Feb 3, 2025 – 35:42
  • 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
    Jan 27, 2025 – 21:36
  • Tidy Up Your Life: Organizing Inspiration for 2025 with Tyler Moore (aka Tidy Dad) EP 234
    Jan 20, 2025 – 35:54
  • January Energy + 3 Essential Systems EP 233
    Jan 13, 2025 – 28:26
  • Planning and Goal-Setting for Health with Carolyn Cohen EP 232
    Jan 6, 2025 – 33:53
  • Sharing 2025 Goals! EP 231
    Dec 30, 2024 – 21:05
  • Setting Up My 2025 Planner Sidekick + December Q&A EP 230
    Dec 23, 2024 – 26:39
  • Mindful Social Media Use and More with Shunta Grant EP 229
    Dec 16, 2024 – 33:56
  • Revealed: 2025 Planner Stack! EP 228
    Dec 9, 2024 – 27:33
  • Planning Your Spending with Jen Smith EP 227
    Dec 2, 2024 – 36:06
  • Your Mini-Guide to 2025 Annual Planning EP 226
    Nov 25, 2024 – 20:56
  • 10 Reasons to Take a Break from Social Media EP 225
    Nov 18, 2024 – 23:55
  • Planning Changes for Next Year, Just Scribbles Planner Mini-Review, and Nested Goals Example EP 224
    Nov 11, 2024 – 25:04
  • Welcome to Q5: Reflection Season! EP 223
    Nov 4, 2024 – 24:21
  • Planner Mini-Reviews: Full Focus Wellness, Ashley Shelly Daily, and Organize 365 EP 222
    Oct 28, 2024 – 30:24
  • October Q&A: 99% Paper Planner Peace, Hot Tips, and Can Chat GPT Pick Your Planner? EP 221
    Oct 21, 2024 – 31:49
  • How a Full Time Academic + Mother of 5 Gets it Done (with Joy!), Featuring Sarah Jedd EP 220
    Oct 14, 2024 – 33:34
  • Top 10 Ideas for Your Paper Planner, Digital Displays, Screen Time Consciousness + more EP 219
    Oct 7, 2024 – 32:00
  • Your New Month Guide EP 218
    Sep 30, 2024 – 24:32
  • Sept Q&A: Quintiles Idea, Annual Planning, Family Communication Tools, Extra-long Term Goals, and Studying for a Big Test (MCAT) EP 217
    Sep 23, 2024 – 26:44
  • The Plan (and Planning!) with Kendra Adachi EP 216
    Sep 16, 2024 – 46:24
  • Mixed Bag Ep: Planner Peace, Planner News, and Dealing with Stressful / Uncertain Times EP 215
    Sep 9, 2024 – 22:19
  • How to Build More Intentionality Into Your Life EP 214
    Sep 2, 2024 – 25:36
  • August Q&A: Inbox Zero, Big Projects, Working Speed, Mindfulness, and More! EP: 213
    Aug 26, 2024 – 29:17
  • Mixed Bag: PTO Tracking, Post-Vacation Analysis + 2025 Planner Preview (Hobonichi + More) EP 212
    Aug 19, 2024 – 26:58
  • Quintile 4 + Q&A Deep Dive: Sticking to Your Plan EP 211
    Aug 12, 2024 – 24:20
  • You Only Die Once: Mortality, Planning, and So Much More with Jodi Wellman EP 210
    Aug 5, 2024 – 42:57
  • Best Laid Plans Academy: Honing Your Planning Systems at Every Level EP 209
    Jul 29, 2024 – 23:53
  • July Q&A: Planner Peace x 2, Task Management on Paper, Notetaking, and More! EP 208
    Jul 22, 2024 – 35:31
  • Planners, Goals, and Fun with MakseLife Founder Sierra Friend EP 207
    Jul 15, 2024 – 42:50
  • Summer Reading: Reading Habits, TBR Lists, Paper vs Digital, and Favorites of 2024 (so far!) EP206
    Jul 8, 2024 – 26:15
  • July 1 is the New January 1? Your Virtual Midyear Retreat EP 205
    Jul 1, 2024 – 21:52
  • Thoughts on Time Block Planning EP 204
    Jun 24, 2024 – 24:53
  • June Q + A: Working in Distracting Environments, Budget Planning, Mental Health and More EP 203
    Jun 17, 2024 – 27:22
  • Summer Ideas + Inspiration EP 202
    Jun 10, 2024 – 25:36
  • Planning-Adjacent: A Marathon Journey EP 201
    Jun 3, 2024 – 22:25
  • May Q&A: Margins, Travel, Laurel Denise Planners, and Avoiding That "Am I Missing Something?" Feeling EP 200
    May 27, 2024 – 24:29
  • Top 5 Things Episode (in honor of my birthday!) EP 199
    May 20, 2024 – 25:10
  • Using ClickUp to Organize it All with Jade Boyd EP 198
    May 13, 2024 – 30:40
  • Those Projects That Just Won't Go Away EP 197
    May 6, 2024 – 23:56
  • Decor, Cozy Minimalism, and Creating a Functional Home with Myquillyn Smith EP 196
    Apr 29, 2024 – 31:59
Recent Reviews
  • MJPEncinitas
    An organized, informative and interesting planning podcast.
    I don’t exactly fit in the demographic that Sarah does but nevertheless, I find her podcast informative, organized, and interesting. As an exercise physiologist I especially liked her podcast on planning for health changes in the New Year. I am going to pass this on to clients and friends. Listening to Sarah’s podcast has encouraged my planning and goal setting, which has made my life better. One of the few podcasts I listen to at 1.0 (regular) speed. Looking forward to the next one!
  • Just Tamz
    The Best
    Enjoying the variety of ideas and inspiration from Sarah. I’m not a mom or runner. I do enjoy planning and ideas for making life easier. Sarah shares so many every week.
  • @wildplumlane.quilts
    Love love love this podcast!
    Best Laid Plans makes me feel much more connected to others in both my love of planning and the struggle to “fit it all in.” Sarah provides numerous practical tips and strategies that have made my life (and therefore the lives of my family members!) so much better. I love learning about new planners and how others plan out their lives (other women in particular!), so this podcast is #1 for me!
  • KarlaBea
    Game-Changer
    The Best Laid Plans podcast with Sarah Hart-Unger is a game-changer! Sarah’s advice is spot-on and so relatable—you’ll feel like you’re chatting with a friend who really gets it. Highly recommend for anyone looking to make the most of their time without the overwhelm!
  • paigeamberbacani
    Great Questions
    Sarah, I just listened to your interview with Sarah Jedd and I am leaving very inspired!! You asked Sarah so many wonderful questions that really allowed her to encourage us mama's that there is SO much freedom in planning with and for our family! She also reminded us that there are seasons for everything!! Thank you so much for the wisdom you are sharing on this platform!!
  • Sandytots
    So many pearls in this podcast!
    I always take something away from these episodes and Sarah is so warm, intelligent and a pleasure to listen to.
  • c23cano
    My #1 Podcast
    I listen to BLP on a continuous loop. I discovered it back in 2022 and was hooked! I’ve since gone back to listen to every episode and play old episodes every morning on my way to work. Sarah is so knowledgeable, easy to listen to, clearly explains her concepts, provides awesome content and insights, and keeps her listeners in mind at all times. You’re the best Sarah!
  • Amberangel1216
    Amazingly helpful and inspiring
    I love listening to Sarah‘s advice and insight! It’s helped me to see planning as a tool to unlocking more from life rather than a chore. Super appreciative of this content!
  • Michfrommich
    Monday Motivation
    Listening to Sarah on my Monday morning commute helps me feel motivated and more in control of the week ahead. She is inclusive and invites listeners in as a community. Even though she’s a skilled planner, she lets listeners see her struggles and roadblocks.
  • KFD87
    ❤️Sarah Hart-Unger I love you!!!❤️
    I have been listening to this podcast for about a year now and I LOVE it. I look forward to it every week. Sarah’s calm and reassuring attitude, her no nonsense and functional approach, and her example of career/motherhood/personhood is so inspiring to me. Listening to this helps me a lot with planning and building my skills as a home and family manager. Highly recommend.
  • Heather35626
    Love this podcast!
    This podcast popped up in my suggested section today, so I checked it out. Oh my goodness, it’s as if I’ve found someone just like me! Planners just make me happy, and I’m always looking for better ways to use them. This podcast seems perfect for that, and the speaker is so easy to listen to.
  • Rymonkey
    Good listen
    Love this podcast! Great practical tools that I can apply to my life same day :)
  • boilerhk
    Speaks my language
    I really enjoy Sarah’s content. Her views on planning are similar to mine and her tips are great.
  • AG in Austin
    Such great content!
    I always listen on Mondays on my way into work and it makes me feel like I can plan my way through it all!
  • Sunnybearfarm
    Incredibly wonderful!
    Easily the best organizing and planning source. Practically and not too much wasted space. Perfect!
  • Ashtangee
    My Monday (or Tuesday) morning ritual
    Sarah is a great speaker and gives practical advice about planing and life and lots in between. I also love how she does use “ums” or “like” while she is speaking - leads me to believe she has carefully thought out what she wants to say. Thanks for all you do!
  • sarahpodcasts
    Meeting my goals and enjoying life more
    Hard to credit a podcast with improving my life, but I do feel like this podcast achieves that. For the first time, I set new years goals that are actually achievable and meaningful thanks to SHU. I am tracking things and feel like I am accomplishing more than ever. I don’t use paper planners (only digital) but I still really enjoy this show and its teachings.
  • 50srunner
    Fun and Inspirational
    This is a fun podcast that will help you organize your life! Listening to this podcast feels like talking to a friend- Sarah is funny, compassionate, smart, and very relatable. She doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but the answers she does have are super helpful.
  • Ssava
    Fantastic Pod!!!
    I’ve been following Sarah for a long time now…on both of her podcasts! I love BLP it gives me info on how to plan my life as I move into new challenges and eras! I love her knowledge of planning and her cheerful demeanor as she provides the most helpful info!!! Thanks Sarah!!!
  • Britmherrin
    Great show
    I listen to this show on my morning walks. It’s informative and motivating. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us, Sarah!
  • Brookichu
    Stress Free Planning for All
    Sarah’s planning frame works and philosophies truly work for anyone on any platform. If you want to build your own planning system to plan your days and accomplish your big goals - this podcast is for you!
  • Zlassenp
    Cheerful and Helpful
    I love listening to Sarah - I hadn’t used planners since college, but started listening because she is so positive and inspirational and gives so many great productivity and time management tips - but now I’m starting to get into planners! I don’t have kids, but learning how to plan has greatly helped me accomplish so many goals and reduce stress in my life.
  • daniashrich
    Bite sized and practical
    Sarah does a great job giving a great mix of helpful planning strategies, tips and products. She has great, practical insights. A great way to start any Monday morning on the right track
  • LisaCNg
    Fun planner podcast
    Love the reviews, guests, and great tips to stay organized
  • JaxPenny
    Love the detail
    I love the details that SHU puts into her episodes. I love that I can see how (and why) she does her planning her way, thank you SHU for all the great information.
  • obliger mama
    Perfect podcast for productivity and planning lovers
    I really enjoy this podcast despite the fact that I’m a bit of an armchair planner myself and unable to stick with a planning routine! Sarah is so positive and upbeat, but has a definite point of view that makes it fun to listen to. I especially love her interviews, insights on using both paper and electronic planning tools, little tidbits about her own work and family life, and her unique seasonal planning style. Keep it up Sarah! I wish I could be as organized as you are… thanks for providing inspiration and commiseration with the challenges we working moms face!
  • lucyhoffy
    Great 🤓 podcast
    Updating this review to add: I cannot count the number of fantastic and practical tips I have learned on this podcast! Sarah provides great planning ideas to try out. And if one doesn’t work for you, there is always another one coming in a new episode 🌟
  • ktaylor127
    Love love love
    I love this show! I get great insights from every episode and it’s just fun to listen to
  • Rebecca Brosnan
    The Most Organized Person I Know!
    Everyone has one- the friend that is doing a million things and seeming has it all in hand. With Sarah’s help- you can be that person. Even as a busy working mom, I always make time for this podcast which is an oasis of practical tips that make a difference in my life. Filled with joy, empathy and laughter- Sarah is the best friend we all need!
  • Ronna B.
    Sarah is fantastic!
    I have been a faithful listener of Best of Both Worlds and Best Laid Plans since the very beginning. I listen to many podcasts, but this is the one that I always make sure to listen to as soon as it comes out. Sarah is so knowledgeable about planning but doesn’t overwhelm her listeners. She is relatable and authentic, offers suggestions that actually work for personal and professional planning, and is just an overall pleasure to listen to. I have learned so much from her and can’t wait to hear what else she has in store for us. I also highly suggest taking her Best Laid Plans Academy class. The deep dive into Sarah’s systems was invaluable, and there were tons of actionable takeaways.
  • SLS625
    Love this podcast!
    I am a fellow pediatric endocrinologist and have been listening to this podcast for about a year. Such helpful tips every week to balance work, family, and life with intentional planning. I also listen regularly to best of both worlds. I am still working on finding my “planner peace” with a combination of digital and paper planning.
  • TripleL2000
    Sarah for PRESIDENT!!
    Ok. Maybe she shouldn’t be President, but Sarah and this podcast are outstanding and my go-to source for ideas, advice, and suggestions for planning, goal-setting, and, well, just living life to its fullest! Sarah is authentic, knowledgeable, and simply a pleasure to listen to! She strikes the perfect chord in her shows between expert and compassionate friend. After listening to her share advice and ideas, I never feel preached at, but definitely do feel enlightened and inspired! As a recent empty-nester, not all things discussed here apply to me or my life anymore. However, I still always glean a nugget or two of wisdom from every show. Keep up the great work, Sarah & THANK YOU for producing such a truly valuable podcast!
  • ysc40
    Perfect for the planner lover!
    I love listening to this podcast. Sarah has great tips and strategies for optimally using planners and I love the “planning adjacent” topics as they help me think through how to be more intentional with my time. The overall podcast is a great mix of tips, questions, reviews, guests, etc. I look forward to it every week!
  • Liz - Charleston
    Great resource
    I love all the practical tips and Sara is very easy to listen to.
  • Mr. Coffin
    Planner Nerds Unite!
    I find Sarah provides really useful planning advice - on tools and techniques as well as mindset.
  • ashrei
    Every Monday without Fail… it’s in my planner
    I love this podcast and listen faithfully every Monday morning. I can actually say i am more organized and on top of things (though i still have a long way to go) than I was before I found Sarah and this podcast. She is clearly a naturally organized person who plans things gracefully and easily and i find this so inspiring even though I struggle in this realm. Still, baby steps, I am getting better and better thanks to this podcast.
  • LauraH50
    Planning Inspiration
    I love this podcast! I’ve listened to every episode and still want more. My favorite thing about Mondays.
  • The Lost Maple
    Great Show On Planning
    This show is somehow relaxing and energizing at the same time! The host is so relatable and knowledgable. Her voice is so comforting and her advice on planning is both unique and universal. Would highly recommend listening if you’re a productivity junkie like me!
  • Lizzy Drysdale
    Thank you SHU!
    Sarah share the most helpful, practical and relatable tips.
  • PhyllisAnn
    Sarah makes planning easy for those of us who aren’t planners.
    I have learned so much from Sarah’s show. She’s innovative and breaks down the process in a way that it easy to incorporate into my life.
  • lilu2887
    A planning must!
    My go to podcast for planning and planning tools. I always find helpful and thoughtful strategies for organizing my thoughts and planning my year. Also great for the neurospicy.
  • Quilty296
    Fascinating information about planning.
    Sarah continually presents ideas I am not hearing anywhere else. Her content is very innovative and I appreciate the opportunity to hear the thought processes that have made her an Olympic level planner.
  • CarrieMos
    Love listening and planning
    Love listening and planning each week! Meal planning episode was so helpful
  • Teacher Runner
    Must Listen Podcast
    Absolutely love listening each week to Sara! I have gotten so many tips and tricks and suggestions that I am grateful for as it has helped improve my planning and although might sound silly- it has also improved my life because I now make better use of my time daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. This is a go-to, must listen to podcast for me!
  • JO Robinson1
    Paper Lover
    This is a good podcast the reviews and tips have been excellent and very informative.
  • PDanfandall
    Love this podcast!
    I have listened to this podcast since the first episode (also a huge fan of Best of Both Worlds so I heard about it there) and I really love this podcast and look forward to each episode. Because of SHU, I found my planner peace (Wonderland 222) and am working on adopting her nested goals as well. I like the variety in content, the planner reviews are thorough, and her approach to the podcast overall is very thoughtful.
  • Fitz1229
    Great ideas for scatterbrains like me 🤣👍🏻
    I know people who don’t need lists , planners or organizers ..and somehow stay productive .,I unfortunately am not one of them …so thank goodness for this most useful podcast …Thank you !
  • AK Tay
    For the love of paper!
    If you love paper products, making lists and dreaming big, this podcast is for you! Sarah offers lots of great, pragmatic tips for organizing your time so you can make the most of your days. I love the product review episodes, as she explains the pros (and very politely the cons) of a lot of planners out in there to help you figure out what would be the best fit for you. Thank you Sarah!
  • MarianneMaybe
    Time well spent!
    I have been listening to this podcast for a few months and feel that I have already gained so much value from Sarah’s insights! She is relatable as a busy mom with a demanding job. Her new school year planning episode was fantastic and I already feel that our family is off to a better start to the year. I love that Sarah meticulously prepares for each episode and moves quickly through her points, with no needless rambling. Her excitement and passion for these topics is evident, and I’m so grateful she offers this podcast.
  • lottieg231
    Mood Boost
    If I’m having a rough day, this is my go-to podcast. Makes me feel productive and energized. She shares so much good knowledge (while being funny and kind). A great resource. Also love hearing the planner peace segments.
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