This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer sits down with author, career expert, and bookstore owner Fran Hauser to discuss her new book, Twenty Minutes Is the New Hour: The Ambitious Woman’s Guide to Doing Less and Achieving More.

Fran shares how women can rethink their relationship with time by recognizing the “Four P’s”—perfectionism, people-pleasing, procrastination, and padding—and challenging the idea that everything needs as much time as we give it. She and Jennifer explore creating more space for meaningful work, managing meetings, inboxes, and social media, and Fran’s weekly practice for making sure her calendar reflects her priorities.

They also step inside Bedford Books, the independent bookstore Fran opened in Bedford, New York, and discuss the community of readers and writers that has formed since it opened its doors.

In This Episode

• Why “twenty minutes is the new hour” is a mindset, not just a productivity hack
• The difference between Chronos and Kairos time
• The Four P’s stealing our time: perfectionism, people-pleasing, procrastination, and padding
• How shorter meetings, stronger boundaries, and more intentional use of email and social media can give us time back
• Fran’s lifelong dream of owning a bookstore and the story behind Bedford Books
• The surprising lesson Fran learned while opening Bedford Books in just eight weeks
• How author events, workshops, and book clubs are creating community and connection in Bedford

Meet Fran Hauser

Fran Hauser is a leading career expert and vocal champion of women in the workplace, a former President of Digital at Time Inc., and a startup investor. She is also the owner of Bedford Books in Bedford, New York, and the acclaimed author of The Myth of the Nice Girl. Her forthcoming book, Twenty Minutes Is the New Hour, will be published by Penguin Random House/Crown Currency in September 2026.

She has spoken at over 200 organizations, including Meta, Google, Unilever, BlackRock, Mastercard, and The Conference for Women. Fran’s insights have appeared in Fortune, CNBC, Fast Company, Elle, Refinery29, and Business Insider.

Fran lives outside NYC with her husband, two sons, and beloved mini Goldendoodle.

Connect with Fran

franhauser.com

Follow Fran on Instagram @fran_hauser

Bedford Books

Follow Bedford Books @bedfordbooks_

Purchase a copy of Fran’s new book: Twenty Minutes is the New Hour

Books Mentioned:

• The Myth of the Nice Girl by Fran Hauser
• Embrace the Work, Love Your Career by Fran Hauser
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
• Walk with Me New York: Holiday by Susan Kaufman

STAY CONNECTED

The Literary Lounge

Follow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation.

Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:

• The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)
• The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore)
• Recommended reads
• Literary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates

Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co

Jennifer Cash

Host, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge

Instagram: @readwithjennifer