Life Kit
Episodes
Start an exercise routine that you'll actually stick with
05 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling blocked with it comes to starting an exercise habit? You can actually get the health benefits of exercise with just 22 minutes of exercise a d...
Is It Better To Rent Or Buy A House?
03 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Owning a home is part of the quintessential American dream, but how do you know if it's right for you? These 6 tips will help sort out the pros and co...
5 Ways To Prevent And Prepare For The Coronavirus
28 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You might be wondering how to prevent coronavirus and protect your family if the virus continues to spread. Nancy Messonnier from the Centers for Dise...
'Tiny Habits' are the key to behavioral change
27 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Want to start a new habit? Think small. That's the counterintuitive idea in BJ Fogg's book, Tiny Habits. Fogg explains that making small behavior chan...
To give better advice, try less fixing and more listening
25 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When someone comes to you for advice, where do you start? This very meta episode of Life Kit explores how to give good advice to the people you care a...
Your guide to navigating birth control
20 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Between pills, patches, IUDs, implants, shots and condoms, picking a form of birth control can be overwhelming. It involves understanding how birth c...
How to buy a car (without being taken for a ride)
18 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're a pro at car buying or intimidated by the thought of stepping into a car dealership, there are always ways to play the car-buying game ...
Can I date that co-worker? What to consider before an office romance
13 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The workplace still ranks as one of the top five places where people meet their mates. Love is intoxicating, but you don't want a workplace romance to...
What your teen wishes you knew about sex education
11 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Consent, dating, masturbation, porn. It can be difficult having conversations about sex and relationships with teens. NPR's Life Kit has a few tips to...
Helping a child whose parent is struggling with addiction
06 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What can you do if you suspect a child is being impacted by a family member's addiction? Experts say you don't need to be an addiction expert, just a ...
Feeling Anxious? Here's a Quick Tool To Center Your Soul
04 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We all need strategies to push back against conflict, anger and worry. One of the globe's leading mindfulness teachers distills the practice of mindf...
How Race And Racism Affect Our Friendships
01 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How do race and racism affect our friendships? In this special episode, NPR's Code Switch team and WNYC's Death, Sex & Money podcast answer your quest...
Picking A Lightbulb, Made Easy
30 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
LED or incandescent? How many watts? What's a Kelvin? We help focus your lightbulb search to make the decision easy.Learn more about sponsor message c...
How to recognize postpartum depression and get help
28 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
One in seven women experiences postpartum depression. But it's easy to feel alone — especially when you're told having a baby is supposed to be blis...
How to start therapy
23 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If the mere thought of going to therapy seems overwhelming, you're not alone. Plenty of people put off seeking therapy because of the stigma, cost and...
Thinking About Returning To College? Here's How To Start
21 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
"Should I go back to college?" If you're asking yourself this question, here are tips to help you figure out how to do it — whether it's to change j...
How to quit smoking, with help from science
16 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Trying to quit smoking can be hard. The good news is the science behind how to quit smoking is very clear. This episode gives you strategies to help b...
How To Start A Book Club That Actually Meets
14 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Here's how to start a book club that actually meets, has a focus, fosters good discussion and steers clear of logistical nightmares.Learn more about s...
The Right Way To Quit Your Job
09 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're completely fed up at work or just ready for the next thing, quitting a job can be stressful and complicated. You don't want to quit a j...
Making art is good for your health. Here's how to start a habit
07 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Professional artists aren't the only people who can make art. In this episode, learn how to weave art into your everyday life. Because whether you're ...
6 strategies to help you take a break from drinking alcohol
02 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to cut back on alcohol, here's how to make a plan, navigate tricky social situations and reassess your relationship with alcohol so you ca...
Why treating your weekend like a vacation can make you happier on Monday
31 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
So many weekends get filled up with errands, plans and work. These relaxation techniques can make your days off feel less taxing and more rejuvenating...
Choose The Best Diet For You
26 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
There are so many food tribes out there — everything from Keto to vegan. We help you understand how to choose a diet approach that's right for you.L...
This 22-Minute Workout Has Everything You Need
24 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you've got 22 minutes, you can get an effective total-body workout. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's personal trainer Bryant Johnson wal...
This 22-Minute Workout Has Everything You Need
24 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you've got 22 minutes, you can get an effective total-body workout. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's personal trainer, Bryant Johnson, w...
How Do I Get This Out? Your Guide To Stain Removal
19 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
There are so many different kinds of stains — grass stains on your shorts, a wine stain on your carpet or a grease stain on your shirt — but with ...
Tips For Talking To Kids About Sex
17 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Sex, genitals, consent, self-touching — it's tricky to talk to younger kids about these topics. This episode helps parents get past the confusion an...
Welcome to Life Kit
12 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
NPR's Life Kit is a how-to advice podcast on personal finance, health, parenting, personal growth and more. Because everyone needs a little help being...
How to cut down food waste (and fight climate change)
12 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Tossing out overripe avocados, wilted greens and sour milk isn't just costing you money — it's also contributing to climate change. Reduce your food...
How To Harness The Power Of Emotions In The Workplace
10 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Emotions are everywhere, even at work. It might be tempting to hide them — but you can use them to your advantage.Learn more about sponsor message c...
How To Focus While Reading
05 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you'd like to read more, but you're finding it difficult — maybe you can't focus, you feel slow or like you're not enjoying the books you tried —...
How to read more books
03 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Got an intimidating tower of unread books looming on your nightstand? This episode will help you pick up more books and get through them quicker.Learn...
Is It OK To Lie About Santa And The Tooth Fairy?
28 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Magical thinking is part of childhood, and when it comes to characters like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, parents often play along with elaborate c...
A Saner Mindset For Weight Loss
26 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The way many of us think about weight loss is totally counter-productive. Focus on healthy habits you can sustain instead of the numbers on the scale....
Special Announcement From Life Kit
25 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Life Kit is excited to bring you more episodes but we're making some changes to how we organize things. Starting in the new year, this three-part guid...
Special Announcement From Life Kit
25 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Life Kit is excited to bring you more episodes but we're making some changes to how we organize things. Starting in the new year, this three-part guid...
Special Announcement From Life Kit
25 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Life Kit is excited to bring you more episodes but we're making some changes to how we organize things. Starting in the new year, this three-part guid...
Planning A Trip? Pack And Plan Like A Pro
21 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We asked three road warriors to share their traveling expertise. The result? Seven tips to help you pack light and plan a trip, like a pro.Learn more ...
Dealing With Holidays At Work: Forced Cheer And Awkward Parties
19 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Holiday parties, gift exchanges — dealing with the holidays at work can be awkward and fraught. Alison Green of Ask a Manager shares advice on workp...
Holiday Survival Guide: Family Style
14 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The holidays can be joyful and celebratory. They can also cause stress and unearth familial trauma. Life Kit talks to Dr. Andrea Bonior, a licensed cl...
The Truth About Carbs And Calories
12 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Carbs get a bad rap. Here's the science behind why eating too much starch isn't good for you — and smart tips to integrate more slow carbs into your...
Be The Master Of Your Budget
07 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
For many, creating a budget is a dreaded task. But you can do it. These tools will help — and maybe even make it fun.Learn more about sponsor messag...
Trust Your Gut: A Beginner's Guide To Intuitive Eating
05 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Knowing when and what to eat may sound simple, but dieting can mess up our connection to hunger cues. The practice of intuitive eating can help people...
Do This Today To Sleep Well Tonight
03 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
From the moment you wake up, your body starts to prepare for sleep. We show you how to adjust your daytime habits to get the best possible night of re...
Fake news: How to spot misinformation
31 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Where can you find accurate news? Life Kit wants to empower you to become a savvy, critical media consumer. This episode has five takeaways that will ...
How To Help A Child Struggling With Anxiety
29 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
When a child is scared of the dark or being left alone, it can be hard for adults to know the difference between an age-appropriate fear and full-blow...
When Is Snoring A Sign Of A Serious Health Issue?
26 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
When is snoring just annoying or the sign of a bigger health issue? Life Kit's Allison Aubrey and Maddie Sofia, host of NPR's new daily science podcas...
How to talk to kids about climate change
24 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Today's kids are bombarded with the realities of climate change — whether through extreme weather or in the news. These tips will help you and your ...
How to run for office
17 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
You're motivated to make a change and run for office. But where do you even begin? NPR politics reporter Miles Parks explains how to navigate campaign...
The key to raising brilliant kids? Play a game
15 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We all want our kids to succeed, but that doesn't mean running math drills. Author Kathy Hirsh-Pasek explains the "six C's" that kids need to thrive a...
6 Food Rules That Could Help You Live Longer
09 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Healthy eating can be easy if you follow a few simple rules. We guide you through three types of healthy food you should add to your diet, and three n...
Mortgage Secrets That Will Save You Money
02 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It's hard to imagine a more boring (and dreaded) word than "mortgage." But if you know where to look, you might find a mortgage that will save you tho...
Paperwork, Appointments And Repairs: Managing Adult Responsibilities
25 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Life seems full of ever-increasing piles of paperwork – bills to pay, appointments to make, school forms to sign, carpools to organize. Here's how t...
From First Phones To Online Porn: Answers To Your Screentime Questions
18 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
NPR's Life Kit answers parents' questions about their kids' screen use. Education consultant Ana Homayoun says it's all about empowering your kids to...
How To Save For Your Kid's College Education
11 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Don't let the sticker price of college paralyze you. This episode gives you smart saving strategies — including how to prioritize your own retiremen...
How To Get A Job After College
06 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Before you earn your diploma, you need to focus on a different piece of paper: a resume. Here's how to think about what you want to do, and then go ou...
How To Do Well (And Be Happy!) In College
04 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Should you hand-write your notes or use a laptop? What about flashcards? Does highlighting even do anything? Here's how to improve your study habits a...
College Checklist: Ace Your Freshman Year
03 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Congratulations! You've been accepted into college. Now you've got to find your way around campus, pick out classes, make new friends and figure out a...
How Men Can Have Better Friendships
23 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The typical definition of masculinity is the polar opposite of what makes strong friendships. In this episode, we talk to men about their struggles wi...
When Friendship Changes, How To Cope
21 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we show how to manage friendships as your life changes — and as your friends' lives change, too. You'll get practical advice on kee...
Make New Friends (And Keep Them)
19 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Friendship is hard, but the best way to tackle it is to talk about it. In this episode, you'll learn from the experts about how to make new friends an...
Rx For Medical Debt
09 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
One in 5 Americans struggles with medical bills. Here are things you do to get medical bills reduced — or even forgiven.Learn more about sponsor mes...
Crush Debt Fast (While Staying Motivated)
07 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It is possible to get out of debt fast, but it's a gritty marathon to get to a better place. Here's how to keep up the momentum.Learn more about spons...
7 Strategies For Digging Out Of Debt
05 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you're in debt, you're not alone. Here's how to make a plan and get yourself out.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adcho...
Why Travel? Find Joy When You Leave (Or Stay) Home
26 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What is all our wandering for? In this episode, we find meaning in the journey, not just the destination, with help from a professional traveler and a...
Group Travel: How To Keep The Peace
24 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Life Kit shows you how to handle personality clashes and thorny social problems when you travel together.Learn more about sponsor mes...
Planning A Trip? Pack And Plan Like A Pro
22 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We asked three road warriors to share their traveling expertise. The result? Seven tips to help you pack light and plan a trip, like a pro.Learn more ...
Millennials And Money
16 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, Sam Sanders of NPR's "It's Been A Minute" talks with financial journalist Hannah Seligson and Aminatou Sow from the podcast "...
How To Be A Better Caregiver When A Loved One Gets Sick
12 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
None of us is prepared to be caregivers — the role is thrust upon us. More than 40 million Americans are caring for an elderly parent or loved one. ...
Take Control Of Your Care When You're Seriously Sick
10 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Finding out you have a serious medical condition can leave you reeling. These strategies from medical and lay experts will help you be in control as y...
How To Get The Best From Your Doctor
08 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Going to a doctor who puts you at ease can actually improve your health. We have six tips for finding a primary care doctor you click with — and how...
Parents, Check Your Own Screen Habits
28 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
From distracted parenting to "sharenting," an honest look at our own use of electronic media can make us into more skillful parents and better role mo...
The Darker Side Of Screen Time
26 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Emotional outbursts. Lost sleep. These are signs that your kids are spending too much time with digital devices. Here's what you can do about it.Learn...
The Brighter Side Of Screen Time
24 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The family that plays video games together, stays together. When parents become digital mentors, children can learn empathy, resilience, and prepare f...
Paying For College: What To Know Before You Go
14 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Don't let college anxiety rush you into a financial mistake that could haunt you for years. This Life Kit episode lays out the do's and don'ts of payi...
Survive College When You're Paying Your Own Way
12 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
You've taken the leap and enrolled in college! But money issues don't end when you accept your financial aid. Paying your way through school can be st...
Pay Off Student Loans The Smart Way
10 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Paying off student loans can be a financial nightmare. But if you know how to navigate the system, you can find a payment plan that's more affordable....
'We Wanted To Show Children Real Life': Sesame Street's Sonia Manzano
31 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Actress Sonia Manzano is beloved by millions as Maria on Sesame Street. Her character r on TV mirrored many of Manzano's real-life milestones, like ...
Free-Range Food Labels: Can My Groceries Really Help The Planet?
29 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
So many food labels proclaim their eco-virtues these days — organic. Pasture-raised. Cage-free. Non-GMO. What do they actually mean? Here are six wa...
Trust Your Gut: A Beginner's Guide To Intuitive Eating
27 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Knowing when and what to eat may sound simple, but dieting can mess up our connection to hunger cues. The practice of intuitive eating can help people...
What Cookie Monster Taught Us About Self-Control
17 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Self-regulation skills, including self-control, help us reach our goals, learn in school and get along with others. Millions of children struggle to d...
Raising Kids Who Love Math — Even If You Don't
15 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Up to 93% of American adults have some degree of math anxiety. The problem often starts in elementary school, but parents can do a lot to fix it. We t...
Kindness Can Be Taught. Here's How
13 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Most kids value success and achievement more than caring for others, according to Harvard's Making Caring Common project. Who is to blame? We are. We ...
A Saner Mindset For Weight Loss
03 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The way many of us think about weight loss is totally counter-productive. Focus on healthy habits you can sustain instead of the numbers on the scale....
The Biology Of Weight Loss
01 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Our biology makes it hard to lose weight. In this episode, we won't tell you how to lose weight — or whether you even need to. We will give you fi...
Boost Your Body Acceptance For Better Health
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We all can feel the effects of weight stigma, no matter what our size. Here's how to feel good about the body you're living in and improve your health...
Should You Pay For Financial Advice?
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We help you understand whether you need an adviser, and if you do want one, how to find someone who will act in your best interest.Here's what to reme...
Your Cheat Sheet For Smarter Investing
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Investing doesn't have to be hard. We explain how to grow a nice nest egg and avoid that four-letter word that starts with F ... fees. Here's what to ...
Get Started Saving
29 Apr 2019
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 ...
When The News Is Scary, What To Say To Kids
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Whether a school shooting or a deadly tornado, scary events in the news can leave parents struggling to know when — and how — they should talk wit...
'What If We Lived In Two Houses?' Talking Kids Through Divorce
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Even the most amicable split is world-changing for young children. Here are a few key tips for grown-ups trying to help their kids navigate this big t...
The Problem With Toy Guns And Princesses
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it's mini-makeup kits, gross-smelling slime or semi-automatic foam-dart guns, every parent or caregiver has fielded requests for toys that the...
Death: Talking With Kids About The End
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it's a goldfish or Grandma, every child will experience a death at some point — and their parents will likely struggle to explain it. Here's...
Talking Race With Young Children
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Even babies notice differences like skin color, eye shape and hair texture. Here's how to handle conversations about race, racism, diversity and inclu...
Is It OK To Lie About Santa And The Tooth Fairy?
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Magical thinking is part of childhood, and when it comes to characters like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, parents often play along with elaborate c...
Anxious Thoughts? 5 Tips To Help You Sleep
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Difficulty sleeping can cause anxiety, which often leads to more trouble sleeping. Life Kit host Allison Aubrey talks to sleep experts about how cogni...
Don't Count Sheep: Better Bedtime Rituals
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
From mediation to melatonin to putting on a pair of socks, we all have routines to help us reach that blissful state of slumber. These are the ones th...
Do This Today To Sleep Well Tonight
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
From the moment you wake up, your body starts to prepare for sleep. We show you how to adjust your daytime habits to get the best possible night of re...
Boost Your Credit Card IQ
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you use credit cards in a intentional way, you can free up some valuable perks. We geek out on strategies to make credit cards work for you, withou...
Never Pay An Unnecessary Fee Again
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Don't get caught in a cycle of unnecessary overdraft fees, credit card interest and high-cost loans. A few simple tools can help you hold onto those h...