Life Kit
Episodes
Transforming Kids' Worries Into Superpowers
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kids have anxiety — but it's not always a bad thing. Renee Jain and Dr. Shefali Tsabary have some ideas about how to help children use those feeling...
Checking In On Your Aging Loved Ones
12 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The coronavirus makes things a lot lonelier, especially if you're older and separated from family and friends. In this episode, NPR's Denise Guerra ta...
Improving Your Credit Score
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A strong credit score can make major purchases and financial transactions much easier. Here's how to make yours better and keep it high.Learn more abo...
How Using (Not Hiding) Emotions Can Help Your Career
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Emotions are everywhere, even at work. It might be tempting to hide them — but you can use them to your advantage. (This episode originally ran in D...
How To Take Care Of Yourself This Election Season
05 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
2020 has been a lot. In this special episode from NPR's It's Been A Minute, host Sam Sanders talked with therapist Lori Gottlieb about taking care of ...
Make Journaling Work For You
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There's a lot to think about right now. Journaling might help — and you don't need a fancy notebook or lots of time. Here's where to start.Learn mor...
How To Raise Good Citizens
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Now is a good time to talk to the kids in your life about how to engage in civics. Here's a primer from our Life Kit parenting team.Learn more about s...
Dealing With Your Seasonal Affective Disorder
29 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's getting darker and colder, and there's still a pandemic. Oh, and then there's seasonal affective disorder. Here's how to spot it and what you can...
Rights To Remember If Police Stop You
28 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What should you do if a police officer pulls you over while you're driving, or stops you while you're peacefully protesting?Learn more about sponsor m...
Coping With Anxiety From Constant Headlines
27 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Between the endless stream of headlines and the ongoing pandemic, the news can be overwhelming. Here's neuroscientist Judson Brewer's advice on coping...
Ibram Kendi Reflects On Anti-Racism — And Wants You To Do It Too
24 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author and renowned scholar Ibram Kendi's new book asks readers to examine their own relationship with race. NPR's Eric Deggans spoke with him about i...
FAFSA 2021: Here's How To Apply For College Financial Aid
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is now open to potential college students to fill out. Here's how to fill out the form to get money for c...
Making Social Change, With Help From Meditation
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When the world feels upside-down, it might seem counterintuitive to turn inward to create change. But that's exactly what meditation teacher Sharon Sa...
Tips For Better Conversations, From A Pro
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Having good conversations is an art form. NPR's Sam Sanders tapped longtime radio host and podcaster Celeste Headlee for her tips for really listening...
Prepping For Election Day: What You Need To Know To Vote Safely
15 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
NPR's Allison Aubrey spoke with Myrna Pérez of the Brennan Center for Justice about how voters can make election day go smoothly — from what they n...
The Life Kit Guide To Online Privacy
13 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
NPR's Laurel Wamsley talked with the experts about how to protect your information — from your text messages to your location — while you're on th...
7 tips for coping with uncertainty about the future
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Uncertainty can be hard to live with — especially when it feels never-ending. Three people who have survived tough times and gained perspective shar...
Eating Healthy Without Overspending
08 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Minding your budget while eating the foods that nourish you takes a little planning — but it's possible. Dietitian Shana Spence shares her tips to h...
How To Make A Career Change, From Someone Who Has Done It
06 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Making a career switch can be daunting — but it's doable. Audio producer Keisha "TK" Dutes breaks down how she made her own switch, and how you can ...
Retirement 101: How to save and why
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you're just starting out in your career, it's not too early to start saving funds in a retirement account. But you might have questions: How much s...
Vaccines 101: How They Work And Why You Need Them
01 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Just because you (or your kids) are home all day doesn't mean you can skip your vaccines, including a flu shot. Here's how vaccines work and why they'...
How to vote in 2024
29 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to make a plan to vote. NPR's Miles Parks joins Life Kit to guide us through all the ways you can vote this year and how to do each, from re...
Simple Steps To Take Now To Make Your Pandemic Winter Easier
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The sun is going down earlier and temperatures are dropping. We know we're not the only ones getting worried about winter during a pandemic. Rachel Mi...
Do You Love It Or Just Want It? How To Stop Stress-Spending
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We could all stand to stretch our cash a little further right now. Life Kit teamed up with financial expert Tiffany Aliche, also known as the Budgetni...
Saying No To People-Pleasing
22 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Constantly saying 'yes' to everything and everyone drains us of time and energy. This episode helps explain the roots of people-pleasing behaviors and...
Lift Your Head And Lower Your Arms: A Better Work From Home Setup
21 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Is working from home causing all sorts of aches and pains? An ergonomics expert talked us through how to avoid the most common home setup pitfalls.Lea...
How To Survive at Work as a Person of Color
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Changing workplace culture isn't the job of marginalized employees. But knowing how to manage your boss or document your daily work can help employees...
Make A Wildfire Plan Before You Smell Smoke
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Wildfires are raging in California and the Pacific Northwest. Here's how to prepare for a wildfire and what to do if one is approaching.Learn more abo...
Making Online College Work For You
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you (or your kids) are in college, there's a good chance you're going through online classes this semester — maybe for the first time. Learning r...
What To Know If You Can't Make Rent
10 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you're unable to pay rent, you're not alone. Here's what to know.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy ...
A Simple Equation to Help Kids Love Math
08 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Math anxiety is real for kids and adults. But parents can help. The solution goes beyond equations and textbooks.Learn more about sponsor message choi...
Workplace Diversity: Steps for Leaders and Managers
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You might've heard the phrase "workplace diversity" in recent months. If you're a leader in your workplace — especially if you're white — this epi...
Mentorship: A Career Game-Changer
03 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A strong mentor can change your career and help you outside of work. In this episode, we'll give you tips on finding the right mentor to help you achi...
Study Strategies That Keep You From Getting Overwhelmed
01 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
No one teaches you how to study. Laptop or paper notes? Highlighter or flashcards? And does music help? Here's how to take better notes and study so t...
How To Win An Argument: Brainstorm Instead
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's normal to avoid conflict. This episode gives you tools for turning what could be a heated argument into a constructive brainstorming session — ...
Life Kit Talks LDRs: All About Long-Distance Relationships
27 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Maybe you're trying to make it work with a partner in another state. Or maybe your best friend lives across the country. Long–distance relationships...
Steps You Can Take to be Anti-Racist
25 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Even white supremacists don't like to be called racist. That's why, NPR's Eric Deggans says, "not racist" doesn't feel like quite enough. In this epis...
It's Hurricane Season. Here's How To Prepare To Evacuate
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This year's Atlantic hurricane season will be one of the most active on record, say forecasters. Tips and strategies to help you weather the storm.Lea...
Simple Steps to Smarter Investing, Even During COVID-19
21 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When COVID-19 began, the stock market fell off a cliff — leaving less experienced investors wondering, "should I sell to stop the pain!?" The answer...
Braving Your Student Loan Payments
20 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The student loan system is confusing. Sometimes it can seem designed to make borrowers fail. But if you know how to navigate it, you're more likely to...
It's A Good Time To Save More. Here's How
19 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you're not good at saving money, it's not your fault: Humans are hard-wired to focus on the present. But there's a way to beat evolution and build ...
Your Plan To Become Debt-Free
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to get into debt, but harder to get out of it — especially if you don't have a plan. This episode offers strategies to help you pay off de...
Your Plan To Become Debt-Free
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to get into debt, but harder to get out of it — especially if you don't have a plan. This episode offers strategies to help you pay off de...
Budgeting basics to get you more money
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're paying down credit cards or saving for daily necessities, the best place to start is with a budget. Some simple tools can help.Learn mo...
Budgeting Basics To Get You More Money
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're paying down credit cards or saving for daily necessities during COVID-19, the best place to start is with a budget. Some simple tools c...
How To Make Sure Your Child Learns This School Year
13 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Families with children are in a serious bind. Whether you're looking for options for child care or need resources to keep your kid entertained, this e...
How To Vote By Mail: A Guide
11 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you're planning on voting this fall — which you should be — you can probably mail in your ballot instead of voting in person. Here's how to do ...
Biking is for everyone. Here's how to start
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Biking is good for the environment and can be faster than driving or public transit. Plus, regular exercise is good for your mental and physical healt...
Friendships Change. Here's How To Deal
06 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Friendships inevitably shift over time — and during COVID-19, you might be facing more changes than usual. But those shifts in relationships aren't ...
Navigating The Sticky Social Situations Of COVID-19
04 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How do you tell a stranger to be better at social distancing? What do you do when a backyard gathering suddenly has one too many unmasked guests? This...
What 'The Rocket Years' Can Teach Us
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There's often a lot of pressure put on a person's 20s. Stay career focused? Or make it a time of exploration? In this episode, Elizabeth Segran talks ...
Why Forgiving Others Actually Heals You
30 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Deciding to forgive is a big step. After all, you're the one who's been harmed! But it turns out that forgiving someone actually has benefits for your...
How To Brew A Better Cup Of Coffee
28 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You don't need to get super fancy with your morning coffee at home. All it takes are a few strategies to elevate your coffee game. Whether you use a d...
Regulate Your Mood With Solitude
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone needs a little alone time, but with the current pandemic, you might have either too much "me" time or not enough. Let's get that balance back...
If you're new to camping, here's how to get started
23 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Attention new campers! This episode will get you ready for your first car camping trip so you'll feel comfortable and confident in being a responsible...
How To Work With — Not Against — Screen Time
21 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Some parents think the best way to manage a child's screen time is to set hard limits. But those rules are particularly difficult to keep during a pan...
How to pick the right sunscreen for you
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
No matter your skin tone, sunscreen keeps your skin safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays. This is your guide to sunscreen — what SPF to use, how often...
The Grandparents Want To See You. Is It Worth The Risk In A Pandemic?
16 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about making a trip to visit family? In the age of the coronavirus, there are questions you need to answer before showing up at your relative...
Getting Out Of Medical Debt Can Feel Impossible. Here's How To Do It
14 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
One in five Americans struggles with medical bills. The secret is that there's something you can do about it — you just have to know where to look a...
Getting Out Of Medical Debt Can Feel Impossible. Here's How To Do It
14 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
One in five Americans struggles with medical bills. The secret is that there's something you can do about it — you just have to know where to look a...
What You Need To Know About Protective Face Masks
13 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Face masks are crucial for curbing the spread of the coronavirus. This episode goes over some best practices when it comes to face masks, including ho...
'Me And White Supremacy' Helps You Do The Work Of Dismantling Racism
09 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There's been a lot of talk about the work white people need to do to understand their role in racism. Layla Saad's book, Me and White Supremacy, helps...
Your Boss Wants You Back. But Is It Safe?
07 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic? This episode helps workers understand their rights, including current rules about unemployment, safety...
Why Does My Plant Look Sad? 6 Tips For Raising Happy Houseplants
06 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Anyone can have a green thumb with a little time and attention. We'll walk you through how to care for your houseplants properly, step by step. Plus, ...
Anxiety Is Overwhelming. Here's A Mindfulness Tool That Works
02 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We all need strategies to push back against conflict, anger and worry. Tara Brach distills the practice of mindfulness into a simple 4-step tool from ...
Why writing a will and planning for your death is a 'lifetime gift' to loved ones
30 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Talking about death makes many of us uncomfortable, so we don't plan for it. But the reality is that even a small amount of planning ensures our final...
Want to be happier? Evidence-based tricks to get you there
29 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone wants to be happy, and science has some answers. In this episode, Laurie Santos, the host of The Happiness Lab podcast, shares the science of...
Navigating the coming out conversation — from both sides
25 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Coming out looks different for everyone and is a continuous process. WNYC Studio's Nancy hosts talk with people about their coming out stories to lear...
Kids Know How To Occupy Themselves. We Need To Let Them Do It
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
American parents often feel like event planners for their kids. There's a pressure to make sure kids are entertained and content every minute of the d...
'Interrupt The Systems': Robin DiAngelo On 'White Fragility' And Anti-Racism
18 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You may not think of yourself as racist, but Robin DiAngelo says that "nice white people" are still complicit in racist structures. DiAngelo has tips ...
4 ways to make your workplace equitable for trans people
16 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Gender Reveal host Tuck Woodstock answers questions about making the workplace safer and more inclusive for trans people and provides simple ideas to ...
Want to have better conversations about racism with your parents? Here's how
15 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
For some, talking to your parents and elders about racism can lead nowhere, or even backfire. Ijeoma Oluo, author of So You Want To Talk About Race, o...
Discussing 'The Talk'
11 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's Been A Minute host Sam Sanders talks with his colleague Kenya Young, executive producer of Morning Edition and mother of three boys about "the ta...
Microaggressions are a big deal: How to talk them out and when to walk away
09 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Microaggressions are the everyday, thinly veiled instances of racism, homophobia, sexism and other biases that come across in gestures, comments or in...
Sleep better with these bedtime rituals
08 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How do you get a good night's sleep? Many of us have routines we use to try to reach that blissful state of slumber — from meditation to melatonin t...
How To Sleep Better With These Bedtime Rituals
08 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How do you get a good night's sleep? Many of us have routines we use to try and reach that blissful state of slumber — from meditation to melatonin ...
How White Parents Can Talk To Their Kids About Race
04 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
NPR's Michel Martin talks with Jennifer Harvey, author of Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America, about how to talk wit...
Code Switch: A Decade Of Watching Black People Die
02 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The last few weeks have been filled with devastating stories about the police killing black people. In this episode of Code Switch, Jamil Smith, a sen...
Telehealth Tips: How To Make The Most Of Video Visits With Your Doctor
01 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A visit to the doctor's office looks a little different during the pandemic. Doctors are using telemedicine services to treat patients more frequently...
From Camping To Road Trips: Here's How Experts Rate The Risks Of Summer Activities
30 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Summer is here, but the typical summer activities don't feel quite as carefree. How do you know if it's safe to hit the beach, rent a vacation home or...
Be Honest And Concrete: Tips For Talking To Kids About Death
28 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it's a family pet or a loved one, every child will experience a death at some point — and their parents will likely struggle to explain it. ...
Picking A College For The Fall? Here's How To Decide For An Unknown Future
26 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
While it's hard to know what college will look like this fall, college decision day is almost here. So what can students do to make a sound choice dur...
How Body Positivity Can Lead To Better Health
25 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Weight stigma can hurt more than just your feelings. Negative messages about weight are actually bad for your health. This episode, a case for ditchin...
Congress could allow banks to charge higher overdraft fees. How to avoid extra costs
21 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On Tuesday, the House is expected to vote on the resolution to lift the overdraft fee cap. A few simple tools can help you hold onto your hard-earned ...
Don't Fall For The Unnecessary Fee Trap
21 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to get caught in a cycle of mounting overdraft fees, credit card interest and high-cost loans. A few simple tools can help you hold onto tho...
How to be a supportive friend
19 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When we see a friend going through a rough patch, it can be hard to know how to help. What do you say? What if you say the wrong thing? In the second ...
Why Caring For Yourself Helps You Care For Others
18 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You can't fully show up for the people in your life until you know how to do the same for yourself. In this episode, we talk with Rachel Wilkerson Mil...
Grief for beginners: 5 things to know about processing loss
14 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We're all experiencing some kind of grief these days. As this pandemic progresses, more of us will experience losing someone important to us. This epi...
'When Will This Be Over?' Sesame Workshop's Tips For Parenting In A Pandemic
12 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Many parents are struggling right now — juggling kids at home 24/7 and coping with their own losses. In this episode, Rosemarie Truglio, a developme...
Your Guide To Adopting A Dog During The Coronavirus Pandemic
11 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Dog adoptions are up now that people are spending more time at home. Before you get in over your head, here are some things to consider before adoptin...
Sesame Street's Grover On Coping During Coronavirus: Just For Kids
10 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hey kids! Sesame Street's Grover is here and he's got some great ideas for making your days brighter during coronavirus. Grover explains how to make v...
Want To Get Creative? Easy Art Projects For Quarantine
07 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for a creative outlet? Sarah Urist Green, author of Your Are An Artist, shares ideas for art projects you can do while at home during the coro...
Love on lockdown: Tips for dating during the coronavirus crisis
05 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lots of people want to find love, but the pandemic makes doing so more complicated. In this special episode, Sam Sanders of NPR's It's Been a Minute s...
Screen Time Overload? Here's How To Find Balance
30 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Screens keep us connected while we're socially distant, but phone fatigue is real. It's important to take breaks from your device to destress. In this...
If you've always wanted to write a book, here's how
28 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone has a book in them. Everyone also has a crummy inner voice telling them it's never going to happen. This episode will help shut down those di...
Juggling Student Loans During A Pandemic
27 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The CARES Act provides relief to many student loan borrowers during the coronavirus pandemic. But how do you know if you qualify? What if you're enrol...
Peter Sagal Teaches Us How To Run
23 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You don't need fancy equipment or a gym to start running. Grab your headphones and some sneakers and let Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me host Peter Sagal te...
A step-by-step guide to planting an edible garden this spring
21 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Transform your outdoor space into a fruit and vegetable garden. Find out which plants to grow, what kind of soil you'll need and whether to start from...
Fake News Can Be Deadly. Here's How To Spot It.
20 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Experts say the coronavirus outbreak may be the biggest source of Internet misinformation ever. Fake cures, unscientific tips, and conspiracy theories...
Coronavirus Panic: How To Get Your Thinking Brain Back Online
16 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shame spirals, toilet paper panic and bingeing on news — it's easy to worry, but harder to stop. Psychiatrist Judson Brewer explains why panic can b...