Life Kit

What to do when your health insurance denies coverage

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you get a medical bill for something your insurance should have covered? KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér outlines who talk...

Overcoming romantic obsession

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When a crush turns into a harmful obsession, you might experience limerence, romantic infatuation characterized by extreme emotional highs and lows, i...

Debunking sleep myths

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are a lot of misconceptions about sleep. Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins and her colleagues looked into common myths about sleep to help everyon...

Samin Nosrat's recipe for gathering with friends

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For chef Samin Nosrat, one of the most valuable parts of life is sharing food with the people you love. Samin joins Life Kit to discuss her new cookbo...

Budgeting for college students

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new semester has begun, which means college students across the country are taking on debt, opening credit cards and navigating meal plans and housi...

Lost your keys? A better way to find them

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Searching for an item you've misplaced, like a passport, wedding ring or keys, can get frustrating quickly. Luckily, there are tips to help make your ...

A head-to-toe check-in for the fall

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not just school kids who could use a back-to-school reset. Your body could use one too. This episode of Life Kit, medical professionals share a...

Teens are using AI. Here’s how parents can talk about it

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

High school and college students graduating in 2026 will have had access to artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT since their freshman year. Tee...

Boost your mood in 15 minutes

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes you're just feeling blah: maybe the weather's bad, you can't get out of bed and you're struggling to shake off that listlessness. In these m...

Dear Life Kit: When money makes relationships murky

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Behavioral scientist Wendy De La Rosa and personal finance expert Katie Gatti Tassin answer murky money questions from Dear Life Kit listeners. Follow...

Road safety for pedestrians and cyclists

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

No matter whether you're walking, biking or driving, there are things you can do to stay safe on the road. NPR health correspondent Pien Huang shares ...

How to deal with intrusive thoughts

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a disturbing thought pop up into your head? Thoughts that are distressing, repetitive and unwanted are called intrusive thoughts. NP...

Ouch, I've got a crick! Neck pain 101

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever woken up with a crick in your neck after a bad night's sleep? Or feel like you can't rotate your head? Many people will experience nec...

A better way to support your teens as they go back to school

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's teens struggle with perfectionism and mood swings, and their parents struggle to have hard conversations with them, according to a 2024 Walton...

Quitting isn't always bad. How to know when it's time to walk away

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Quitting is often associated with failure. But choosing to walk away from a goal can help you save time, identify what you truly want and create space...

What eating disorders do to the brain and body

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Eating disorders are complicated illnesses that are often misunderstood. Dr. Eva Trujillo, a specialist in eating disorders, says eating disorders "...

Tiny pep talks for everyday problems

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We use encouragement and support to get through life's big moments. But what about a little pep talk for those smaller moments, like when it's rainin...

How to talk to your parents about their money

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Helping an aging parent with end-of-life planning? Financial journalist Cameron Huddleston explains how to broach the topic with your parents — and ...

Is your phone becoming a time suck? Try a boring phone

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Phones can be addicting: There are endless texts to answer, notifications to check and games to play. We often end up on our phones without intending ...

Be a houseguest who gets invited back

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're sleeping on your old friend's couch or staying with a family member for a long weekend, we have tips to make sure your presence is a gi...

How to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Almost 7 in 10 consumers were misled into purchasing counterfeit items online at least one time in the last year, according to a 2023 study from Michi...

Are seed oils really bad for you? Researchers unpack RFK Jr.'s claims

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others have said that seed oils, like soybean, corn and sunflower oils, are poisoning Americans. But what d...

Hidden ways technology can influence your parenting decisions

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From pregnancy tracking apps to smart baby monitors, technology is ingrained in parenthood at every turn. But at what cost? In this episode, Amanda He...

How journaling can help you through hard times

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For Suleika Jaouad, journaling has been a source of solace through life's ups and downs for as long as she can remember. Writing in her journal helps ...

How to embrace the mess and teach your kids to cook

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you have kids, cooking with them might sound like a daunting prospect. But David Nayfeld, the chef behind the new book, Dad, What's for Dinner?, sa...

Dear Life Kit: I'm jealous of my partner's weight loss

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Author and body-acceptance advocate Katie Sturino joins Ronald Young Jr., host of the podcast Weight For It, to answer listener questions about body i...

Don't make these financial mistakes

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Financial educator Yanely Espinal shares her don'ts when it comes to money. Don't co-sign loans. Don't make hype-driven investments. Don't spend money...

Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit d...

Should I buy it? A framework to help you decide

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes we buy things that we later regret spending on: a new sweater that's already falling apart, or a thrifted "vintage" vase that turns out to b...

Why it's so hard to accept compliments

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Receiving praise can feel good. But it can also feel uncomfortable. Should you say something nice back? Brush it off? Make a self-deprecating comment?...

Grow your dating confidence and ask someone out IRL

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the era of online dating, asking someone out in real life has become a lost art. This episode, confidence coach Regina Bonds shares tips on putting...

How to crave movement more than screen time

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Oftentimes, it's easier to scroll through our phones than do some squats. So what can we do to motivate ourselves to pick movement? In this episode of...

How to avoid mosquito bites

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Life Kit, reporter Andee Tagle talks to entomologist Sammy Ramsey and environmental health professor Brian Byrd about why some peop...

How to bring more play into your life

07 Jul 2025

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 communal living might change your life

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are options beyond living solo or with roommates — and one of them is called 'communal living.' In this arrangement, people don't just simply ...

Make your savings work harder

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Typical savings account interest rates can earn you pennies. In this episode, you'll learn about other high-interest savings options to earn more in i...

What a break from sex can teach you

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sex, and the pursuit of it, can feel amazing. But sometimes, cravings for sex lead to unhealthy obsessions, poor choices or a loss of identity. If you...

Want to build muscle? Eat more plants

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's long been thought that eating protein from animals (eggs, meat, chicken, fish) can help you become stronger. But a new study out of the Universit...

Stay safe this heat wave

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's a heat wave hitting much of the United State this week. Our bodies do have natural ways to dissipate heat, but when temperatures get extreme, ...

How to keep cool while saving energy

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As summer heats up, we often crank the air conditioning, which uses a lot of energy. NPR's Climate Solutions Correspondent Julia Simon has five simple...

It's tick season. Here's how to protect yourself.

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More than 31 million people in the United States get bitten by ticks each year, and some of those ticks carry diseases such as Lyme disease, according...

Flight cancelled again? Try these tips.

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Air travel can be frustrating. According to the Department of Transportation, in 2024 flights were delayed about 20% of the time and there were over 4...

Your pelvic floor is essential. Here's how to take better care of it

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your pelvic floor helps with all sorts of bodily functions — it helps you go to the bathroom, breathe, and orgasm, and it supports your internal org...

Protect your home this hurricane season

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hurricane season can feel unnerving for many, especially as hurricanes grow more intense due to climate change. WUSF climate and environment reporter ...

Budget friendly things to do this summer

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ideas on how to have fun this summer without breaking the bank. Go on a "penny date." Throw a movie marathon party. Swap houses with a friend. With a ...

Easy practices for online privacy

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're online, your personal data is at risk. It might feel impossible to protect your data from hacks and breaches, but there are methods to make ...

Our favorite tips on exercise, sleep, and play

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Harris of the 10% Happier podcast interviews Life Kit host Marielle Segarra as part of their Get Fit Sanely series. Marielle talks her favorite ti...

So you got laid off. What next?

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you saw it coming or were completely blindsided, getting laid off is one of the most stressful experiences in life. It can also be a huge hit ...

How to make decisions you won't regret

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should you move across the country? Take that job? Have a baby? Life is full of big decisions and it can be easy to get stuck in the "what-ifs" of the...

Avoid debt with these credit card tips

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Even if you use a credit card all the time, it can be difficult to understand the ins and outs of how they work. Whether you're a new credit card owne...

How to pack for your summer travel

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nailing the vacation packing list is a difficult art. Overpacking or underpacking can make an already unpleasant travel day go off the rails. But when...

5 essential water skills to know this summer

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Knowing how to swim can help you have fun at the pool or beach this summer. But it could also save your life. Here are some tips to start swimming if ...

Dear Life Kit: I'm having neighbor drama

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What should you do if your next-door neighbor plays the drums all the time? Or shows up uninvited? Or leaves trash in their front yard? In this episod...

How to lead a more creative life

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Psychologist Zorana Ivcevic Pringle says creativity isn't a trait. It's a choice, something you can foster and prioritize. In this episode of Life Kit...

How to keep old friends

19 May 2025

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...

How to stay calm in emergency situations

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are some emergency scenarios we don't want to think about: medical accidents, mass shootings or suicidal crises. But when these situations happe...

The connecting power of 'magical questions'

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want to cut through small talk at your next mixer? Try asking a "magical question," says Priya Parker, a conflict resolution facilitator and author of...

How to save big on groceries

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Groceries aren't cheap, but there are ways beyond just looking for sales to make budget meals. To help cut down your grocery bill, we have practical t...

How to bring the house down at karaoke

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Karaoke isn't just a crowd-pleasing pastime. When well-executed, it can unite a room of strangers and help you build your internal power. Zak Rosen, r...

How to maintain your friendships after kids

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It can be tough to navigate adult friendships when kids come into the picture. Parents assume their child-free buds don't want to hang out with them, ...

Often ignored spring cleaning tips

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Spring is a great excuse to tackle those hard-to-clean appliances and furniture. In this episode, Kyshawn Lane of the Weekly Home Check walks through...

Here's why your feet hurt — and what you can do about it

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're struggling with foot pain from bunions, Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, it might be time to reevaluate your foot care routine. In ...

What to eat for better sleep

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your diet affects your sleep. What foods can help you be your most rested self? Nutrition scientist and researcher Marie-Pierre St-Onge has research-b...

How to handle your money during tariff uncertainty

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With stock market volatility and fears of price increases driven by the new tariffs, you may be worried about your finances. In this episode, certifie...

Improve your sense of direction

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel like you always need to use GPS to get around? Never quite sure if it's a left or a right turn — even though you just looked at a map? I...

Why spending time in the woods makes you feel calm

22 Apr 2025

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...

The etiquette of texting

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, tips on how to manage your text messages, from dealing with chaotic group chats to getting an unresponsive friend to message you back...

Can I afford to buy a house?

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Buying a home can feel out of reach for many. But if you're an aspiring homeowner, there are ways to make it a reality. In this episode, mortgage repo...

The art and pleasure of writing a letter

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In her new book, Syme's Letter Writer, Rachel Syme of The New Yorker explains how to write a delightful letter to a loved one. Unlike texting and emai...

5 simple ways to minimize stress

14 Apr 2025

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...

DLK: In our relationship, her dog comes first. Now I'm having doubts about us

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

That uncertainty you might feel in romantic relationships is common — and not always a bad thing, say Haley Nahman, writer of the Maybe Baby newslet...

How to relieve constipation

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Haven't pooped in days? Gastroenterologists explain what to do in this SOS moment — and share tips on how to avoid chronic constipation. This episod...

How to pack a go bag for emergencies

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As climate emergencies like wildfires and hurricanes become more prevalent, it's important to have essentials like food and medicine on hand and ready...

How to find a supportive queer community

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're exploring your sexuality or gender identity for the first time, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. You might be processing mixed emotions, gr...

A beginner's guide to bartering

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bartering can help you mind your budget and build relationships with your community. In this episode, we cover how to suggest bartering as an option a...

Over-the-counter pain medications 101

31 Mar 2025

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 ...

How to raise kids in a multilingual home

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are a lot of benefits to raising a child speaking two or more languages: a better understanding of their culture and their relatives, cognitive ...

Start your financial self-care routine

25 Mar 2025

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...

Car safety 101: Crashes, road rage, weather and more

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You might know the basics of car safety, like buckling your seatbelt or using your turn signal. But what do you do in car emergencies? This episode, H...

How to maintain an exercise routine as you age

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's important to exercise as we age. Regular movement can help not just with cardiovascular health and maintaining muscle mass — it can also foster...

Don't panic when the markets are down

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

About 60% of Americans have some money in the stock market — and the markets are not doing great. Your knee-jerk reaction might be to sell. But expe...

What's in your lotion? A guide to personal care product safety

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's easy to get overwhelmed by long ingredient lists when it comes to personal care products like shampoo, makeup and lotion. Which substances could ...

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

13 Mar 2025

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 ...

OMG how embarrassing! How to stop feeling so awkward

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cringing at the time you gave a speech with spinach in your teeth, or accidentally liked an ex's picture on social media? Still reliving that incident...

It's time to make your dream vacation a reality

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jealous of your friends' spring break plans? This year, get your summer trip out of the group chat. Condé Nast Traveler's articles director Lale Ari...

The key to happiness? Know thyself, says Gretchen Rubin

06 Mar 2025

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...

Freshen up your resume

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do's, don'ts and current best practices for resume-writing from career coach Cynthia Pong. One tip? Keep the format simple and make it easy to read. T...

Dear Life Kit: Can I tell my friend she texts me too much?

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to friendship, how honest is too honest? Friendship experts, and real-life friends, Danielle Bayard Jackson and Marisa G. Franco weigh i...

How to create your own spiritual practices

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you looking to connect to something greater than yourself, but aren't sure how? In this episode, a spiritual psychiatrist and a professor of theol...

Your 2025 tax questions, answered

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tax attorneys Hana Boruchov and Leo Gabovich answer questions from our audience about the 2025 tax season. They explain whether or not to get an accou...

Techniques to help you figure out how to make a big life change

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you been thinking about going back to school, starting your own business or moving to a new country? How do you know it's time to make the leap? ...

Buy now, pay later loans are becoming more popular. Here's what to know

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm — maybe you've noticed these platforms when shopping online. They allow you to break up large payments into smaller install...

Meal prep made easy

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What's for dinner? It's a question that can lead to overspending on delivery, unhealthy meals and dread. FitMenCook founder Kevin Curry shares meal pr...

How caregivers can prevent burnout

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

According to AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, 1 in 5 Americans are acting as unpaid caregivers. The work can be meaningful but also stre...

How to get on the same page about money with your partner

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How financially compatible are you with your partner? Is your partner a spender while you're a saver? Are you on the same page about saving for retire...

The benefits of a plant-based diet on your gut

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A recent study found that one key to gut health is eating a wide variety of plants. In this episode, we talk about the research with NPR's Maria Godoy...

A creative way to mend your clothing

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The next time you rip a sweater, don't throw it out. Extend its life with "visible mending," a creative sewing technique that uses stitches, fabric an...

How to 'shift' your emotions

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

How to combat parental burnout

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's parents are more involved in their children's lives — and more stressed out — than they were two decades ago, according to an advisory fro...

The science behind the FDA ban on food dye Red No. 3

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration announced it is banning Red No. 3, a food dye additive in processed foods like sodas, sweets and snacks. ...