Life Kit

The ingredients for a 'nice life'

23 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If chasing a "perfect" life feels exhausting, try for a nice life instead, says Rachel Wilkerson Miller. In her upcoming book, The Nice Life: How t...

Should I take a probiotic? And other gut questions, answered

22 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Research shows that our gut microbiome -- the trillions of microbes that populate our intestines -- isn't just involved in digestion. It's intimately ...

Practical advice for modern dads

18 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We often talk about the mental load of parenting as something mothers carry. But active, involved dads have questions, too, and not many places to ask...

How to reclaim the magic of summer, according to Gretchen Rubin

16 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How do you want to make this summer special? Whatever it is, now is a good time to think through your goals before the season flies by. In this episod...

Stop overthinking skin care. What's essential and what's hype

15 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The list of skin care products being sold as “essential” can feel endless. What do all those serums, creams, acids and toners actually do — and ...

Tired of eating leftovers? Turn your odds and ends into creative meals

11 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do you always buy cucumbers just to watch them slowly become mush in the fridge? Or save your half-eaten pasta only to forget about it for a month? If...

Used to be an avid reader? How to get back into books

09 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this distracted age, settling in and actually focusing on a book can feel like a challenge. But retraining your reading muscles is doable. In this ...

How to have a safe, healthy summer

08 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tips to help you thrive this season. We've got tips on how to effectively apply mosquito repellent (you need more than you think!), prevent tick bites...

5 simple ways to minimize stress

04 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Need a break? Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, author of The 5 Resets, offers quick, easy ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big...

Make your small space feel bigger

02 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Floating your furniture, zoning, floor arrangements and art -- there are lots of ways to make a small space or a small home feel bigger. In this episo...

Why spending time in the woods makes you feel calm

01 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Decades of research have shown that "forest bathing" is good for your health. It can boost your immune system, lower blood pressure and help with depr...

Gold is having a moment. Is now the time to invest?

28 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the world of investing, gold is having a moment. Last year, the price of gold crossed $4,000 an ounce for the first time ever. But does that mean i...

On the fence about parenthood? Listen to this

26 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Could you see your life just as easily with children as without? What if you're not cut out for parenthood? What if you grow lonely in your old age? O...

How to bring more play into your life

25 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Play isn't just for kids. Research shows it can help you adapt to difficult circumstances, collaborate better and problem-solve. In this episode, play...

Why you should kill your lawn

21 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Green, grassy lawns are bad for the environment. They need a ton of water, they’re inhospitable to wildlife and gas-powered mowers contribute to gre...

The dos and don'ts of baby talk

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you have a baby in your life, you may not find them the most intellectually stimulating conversation partner. But your baby is soaking up everythin...

The dos and don'ts of taking over-the-counter pain medications

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin — there are many over-the-counter pain medications available, but are they all the same? And how much should yo...

Are there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water?

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Virtually all of us have PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in our drinking water. These manmade substances have been linked to cancer, high cholesterol, t...

Secrets to a successful couple's trip

12 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Going on vacation this summer with your significant other? Listen to this episode beforehand so you understand each other's expectations, dreams and g...

5 tips to help you poop better

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Think you know how to go No. 2? Think again. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, author of the new book You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movem...

Unsure which retirement account to choose? We have some tips

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Retirement accounts are not just a vehicle to let your money grow over time for when you're ready to stop working. They're also a tax shelter. In this...

Going beyond 'sorry for your loss' when a friend is grieving

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When a friend's loved one has died, what do you do? Send flowers? Condolences? Distract them? It can be hard to know how to support a grieving friend....

Stressed? Try one of these quick resets

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Whether your stress manifests in your mind, body or behavior (or maybe all three) there are ways to find relief quickly. Clinical psychologist Jenny T...

Shop less and save more with a 'no-buy challenge'

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you're struggling to save for long-term goals, find yourself lost in a sea of clutter or are concerned about consumerism and climate change, there ...

Explosive power: exercises to boost mobility and prevent injury

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Explosive power is the ability to generate a lot of force quickly. It combines strength and speed. We use it in our daily lives to walk up stairs, sta...

You don't have to use dating apps. But if you do - some tips!

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you use dating apps, you'll know that they often suck. They're not the only way to find a romantic connection, but if you want to use them, we have...

Do you have a financial self-care routine?

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There are things we're supposed to do routinely for our health: brush our teeth, shower and exercise. There's a version of that for financial health t...

Feeling drained? Here's how to lighten your mental load

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Did you remember to pick up milk? Or reschedule that dentist appointment? Oh, and pick up cupcakes for the meeting? The never-ending tending to the ne...

Make the most of a high-deductible health plan

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that if you have a high-deductible health plan, some services like immunizations and screenings are free (even if you haven't met your de...

Don't rely only on anti-histamines this allergy season

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Spring has sprung, and so too seasonal allergies. This episode, what you can do to stay more comfortable if you suffer from pollen allergies. Dr. Prat...

The power of an accountability buddy to help get things done

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It’s easy to set big goals — but will you stick with them? The buddy system can help. In this episode, we talk about how to find an accountability...

How to be a working parent? Lower your standards

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

From brain fog to identity crises to complicated feelings of guilt (or relief), returning to work as a new parent can be daunting. Luckily, you don't...

Give your to-do list a makeover

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is your to-do list helping you reach your goals? Or is it holding you back? Productivity experts explain how to level up your list so it prioritizes w...

What it takes to get a book published

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Writing and publishing a book is just as much about money as it is about creativity. Planet Money co-host Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi walks us through how pu...

Protein is personal. Here's how to calculate your optimal intake

06 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Protein is having a moment. Coffee chains are adding it into lattes. Many snack companies are labeling their products as high-protein. But how much pr...

Using AI chatbots can impact your teen's mental health. Here's what to do

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Using chatbots for emotional support can pose risks to teens' mental health. How should parents talk to their teens about using chatbots safely? And w...

How to get 'financially naked' with your partner

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

How much money do you make? What assets and debts do you have? What are your spending habits? These are all questions you should ask your partner, say...

Looking for analog hobbies? Try writing a letter

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Unlike texting and email, old-fashioned letters, hand-addressed and sent in the mail, are "read intentionally," says Rachel Syme of The New Yorker. In...

Drowning in toys? Here’s how to handle kid clutter

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Having kids comes with a lot of clutter - some of it even shows up before your baby does. From toys that overflow from the toy chest, to unwanted hand...

"Just A guy, not THE guy," and other advice Marielle loves

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Marielle joins Raj Punjabi-Johnson and Noah Michelson, hosts of the podcast Am I Doing It Wrong? about the art of giving advice. The three talk about...

The key to happiness? Know thyself, says Gretchen Rubin

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What is happiness? How do you define it? Maybe it's feeling good, having a sunny disposition or being fulfilled, even if you don't feel pleasant all t...

Don't get taken for a ride by your car insurer

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Between the start of 2022 and the start of 2025, car insurance rates jumped by more than 50%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Luckily, th...

Good vibes only? The science behind optimism and manifestation

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Psychologist Deepika Chopra says that optimism isn’t about being positive all the time. It’s about staying open, curious and resilient. In her new...

How to recover after a workout

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It's normal to feel some pain or soreness after a workout. But how much is too much, and more importantly, how do you get relief? This episode, build ...

How to avoid this year's common tax scams

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There's a lot of tax advice on social media, but not all of it is sound. This episode, certified public accountant Mark Gallegos breaks down how to id...

How to get better at staying off your phone

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

So you want to be on your phone less? But what actually works when it's easier than ever to just keep scrolling. This episode, 5 expert-backed tips th...

DIY home hacks that your landlord probably won't hate

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Just because you're not a homeowner doesn't mean you can't put your stamp on the place. Three home décor experts share their tips to make your rental...

The key to keeping old friends? Stop keeping score

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Nina Badzin, host of the podcast Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, has spent a lot of time thinking about the richness that old friends add t...

Dr. Sanjay Gupta wants you to reframe your understanding of pain

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why do we have pain in the absence of injury, or long after our tissue has healed? How can the same pain stimulus feel so different, depending on who ...

Common mistakes parents make when installing a car seat

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a new parent, picking out a car seat can be stressful. Do you need to spend extra on special features to keep your kid safe? How long should...

4 myths about women's health

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do women really need to focus on cardio? Worry about heart health? Do a yearly mammogram? Meghan Rabbitt, author of the new book The New Rules of Wom...

Want to protect your money? Diversify your investments

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to investing money, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Spread out your investments among different types of assets and sectors, so y...

How to plan your dream vacation

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes you crave a vacation — but actually taking one feels out of reach. Maybe you're struggling to find the time or save up the money. Or maybe...

Tired of being tired? Natural ways to get the energy you crave

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel like you're sleepwalking through the week? Instead of reaching for your third coffee of the day, consider tweaking your lifestyle habits. ...

How to 'shift' your emotions

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You have more power over your emotions than you think, says psychologist and neuroscientist Ethan Kross. In his book, Shift: Managing Your Emotions —...

4 negotiation tactics to try in everyday life

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Negotiating is for more than just salary discussions. This episode, negotiation expert Joan Moon shares techniques to help you make decisions with mor...

Don't mess with your cuticles (and other nail advice)

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is there a right way to trim your nails? Are manicures bad for your hands? Can a supplement help with nail growth and health? We'll answer all these q...

Health insurance hell: Why do I need a prior authorization?

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Some medical procedures and treatments require prior authorization from your health insurance company, meaning you'll need pre-approval before you can...

Why "we should hang out" won't make you real friends

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to turn that work bestie into a real friend? Or maybe you want to hang outside run club with your fun jogging buddy? In this episode, Kat Vellos...

Dear Life Kit: My boyfriend’s female friendships stress me out

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Relationship expert Amy Chan and sex educator and researcher Emily Nagoski dig into listener questions about jealousy, desire, and modern relationship...

Money tips no one taught you

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

You have a budget and an emergency fund (or at least know you need both) - but you want to go deeper. What else do you need to know about managing you...

7 kinds of rest (other than sleep)

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's book, Sacred Rest, she outlines different kinds of rest you may be craving. From the mental to the physical, Dalton-Smi...

Shoveling snow can be dangerous. Here's how to protect yourself

31 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of another winter storm, Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep talks with a cardiologist about how to stay safe while shoveling.Listen to our episo...

Clever kitchen hacks from ‘Bake Off’ judge Prue Leith

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Chef and TV host Prue Leith may be an exacting judge with the bakers on The Great British Bake Off. But when it comes to the rest of us, she thinks we...

How to save a life with CPR

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Every year, more than 350,000 people go into cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting in the United States. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation,...

How to interpret the new dietary guidelines

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In January, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released new dietary guidelines calling for a significant reset in nutrition policy and "an end to ...

A snowstorm is on the way. Here’s what to do.

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This weekend, much of the country is expecting to be hit by Winter Storm Fern. Experts say there are several precautions to take before a winter storm...

The 5-minute daily playtime ritual that can get your kids to listen better

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Children's health professionals widely recommend a strategy known as 'special time' to help reduce behavioral issues in young children. This episode e...

Too many goals and too little time? How to focus your attention

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Time is precious and we never seem to have enough of it. We have to work, feed ourselves, clean our homes, take care of kids or family members, catch ...

How to make your solo trip a success

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Traveling alone can be a great opportunity to relax, try a new experience and learn more about yourself. But if you're interested in planning a solo t...

A proven method to make a habit stick

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

BJ Fogg, a behavior scientist at Stanford University and author of Tiny Habits, says you’ve got to start small if you want your habit to stick. H...

Tips to save money across all parts of your life

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at [email protected]...

Stressed about sleep? Don't make these mistakes

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Will I be able to show up for work? For my kid? For my partner? When you find yourself awake when you should be asleep, it’s easy to let those middl...

How to build a village

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us crave stronger community, especially in the areas we live. Imagine how nice it would be to know all of your neighbors, have third spaces yo...

The science of losing weight

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to weight loss, there are many misconceptions about what works. So if you want to lose weight this year, here's what the science says ab...

How to set resolutions you'll actually keep

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year! If you want to achieve a goal (big or small) this year, make sure it's specific, concrete and realistic. In this episode, writer Gretc...

Get into strength training in 2026

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are a lot of myths about strength training. But one thing is true: resistance training has massive benefits for your physical and mental health....

Avoid these common financial mistakes

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Personal finance can be a tricky subject to navigate. There's a lot of conflicting guidance on which savings account to use, how to budget properly an...

Want to take a break from alcohol? Here's where to start

25 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Giving up alcohol for any amount of time can be challenging. Alcohol is embedded into countless norms and customs, from date nights to office happy ho...

How to be a better gift giver

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Searching for the perfect gift for a loved one doesn't have to be stressful. With some clever thinking, buying a present can be even more fun than rec...

How to talk about death and dying

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Death can be an uncomfortable and scary topic. But J.S. Park, a hospital chaplain and author of As Long as You Need: Permission to Grieve, says talki...

How to get a great haircut

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Getting a good haircut can take some trial and error. Three professional stylists break down how to find a salon you can trust, what a successful cons...

Dear Life Kit: I have the same holiday drama with my family every year

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The holidays bring all kinds of family drama: the sibling who won't compromise, the grandparents who won't travel and different expectations of everyt...

How to cope if you can't find a job

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Long-term unemployment can lead to more than just financial worries. It can weigh on relationships and affect your self-esteem and motivation. Financi...

Watch out for these holiday scams

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Don't get swindled while buying gifts this holiday season. This episode, Amy Nofziger of AARP's Fraud Watch Network explains how to safeguard yourself...

How to maintain emotional intimacy in long-term relationships

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to relationships, being comfortable is not necessarily the same as sharing emotional intimacy. But if you're in a long-term relationship...

What to know about prostate cancer

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Most of the time, diagnosis happens through routine screenings. This ep...

How to optimize your circadian rhythm

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's research showing that too much light at night and not enough daylight is taking years off our lives. NPR health correspondent Will Stone has t...

Curious about investing? Here's what to know

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Investing can be intimidating. How do you know which funds to choose? How do you diversify? How much should you be setting aside in a retirement plan ...

The key to a less frantic holiday season

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There can be a lot of stress when it comes to the holidays: figuring out travel plans, preparing the perfect meal, spending time with the whole family...

It's OK to run slow AF

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Martinus Evans, author of Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run, explains why anyone who wants to run can run. He shares t...

Don't fall for these marketing tactics this holiday season

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're surrounded by ads and sales pitches — in our inboxes, on our phones and when we walk down the street. And everyone loves a good deal, but what...

How to actually look forward to winter

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Winter tends to get a bad rap: people complain endlessly about its shorter days, darker skies and plummeting temperatures. It's true that parts of win...

What to do if you're losing your hair

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

People may think of hair loss as a guy thing. But by some estimates, half of all women experience hair loss in their lifetime. While there are some so...

How to work with your social anxiety

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's easy to spiral and feel anxious when you're on a first date, at your office holiday party or heading to your high school reunion. The stakes feel...

5 fitness and mental health tips for men

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why is muscle power so important? What do you really need to know about your testosterone levels? What are some free, research-backed tools for managi...

Dear Life Kit: I’m sick of all this unwanted attention

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Clinical psychologist Adia Gooden and NPR's It's Been A Minute host, Brittany Luse, answer questions from Dear Life Kit listeners and they share th...

Having good posture doesn't just mean sitting up straight

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does your back hurt after a long day at your desk? Do you wake up with a sore neck every morning? Muscle aches in your body could be a sign you need ...

How to afford food when money is tight

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Millions of people have been left without access to food as a result of funding delays for SNAP benefits. Kevin Curry of Fit Men Cook, an online food...

How to repair after a fight with your partner

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a big blowup or recurring fight with your partner or spouse, how do you reconnect? Couples therapist Baya Voce offers a five-step process for co...