Life Kit
Episodes
Should I buy that thing? A framework to help you decide
19 Dec 2024
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...
How to optimize your circadian rhythm
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New research shows that too much light at night and not enough daylight is taking years off our lives. NPR health correspondent Will Stone has tips to...
7 tiny hacks that can improve your to-do list
16 Dec 2024
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...
Why you should take a 'fart walk' after a meal
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Post-meal walks to release gas, called 'fart walks,' have become popular on social media. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy says the science is sol...
Dear Life Kit: My family stresses me out around the holidays
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Holiday family gatherings can be stressful. But what if moments of tension could be a moment for growth? Psychotherapist Daniel Olavarría weighs in o...
How to thrive, not just survive in winter
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Winter is back. The days are shorter, the cold air hurts when breathing in and a warm bed seems more appealing than the outdoors. For some, remaining ...
How to support a grieving friend
05 Dec 2024
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....
5 ways to cut back your spending
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we enter a period of high personal spending, here are 5 tips from past Life Kit experts on how to save money during the holidays and year-round.Lea...
Give great gifts
02 Dec 2024
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...
It's ok to run slow AF
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Martinus Evans, author of Slow AF Run Club, explains what running is and what it isn't — and why anyone who wants to run can run. And for people int...
What people get wrong about hangovers
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel anxious after a night drinking? Two doctors weigh in on how to treat hangover symptoms especially 'hangxiety' after drinking too much. Plu...
Going home for the holidays? Here's how to cope with travel stress
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Holiday travel is stressful — especially if you're dealing with family baggage on top of your actual baggage. But with some patience and boundary se...
Got two left feet? A guide to dance
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A basic guide to boogying down, whether that's at a wedding, a dance studio or alone in your kitchen. In this episode, experts offer tips on how to sh...
A beginner's guide to roasting a Thanksgiving turkey
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you roast your turkey on a pre-heated pizza stone, you can avoid the dreaded task of flipping the piping hot bird midway through the cooking proces...
Clever kitchen hacks from 'Bake Off' judge Prue Leith
18 Nov 2024
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...
A stress-free guide to organizing important paperwork
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The paper of life — birth certificates, tax information, medical records and other important documents — all have to go somewhere. But keeping tra...
How long do leftovers last? And other food safety questions, answered
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you grow up in a household where food was left out all day? Do you wash chicken before cooking it? If so, you might need this refresher course on ...
How to pick the right health insurance plan
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Picking a health insurance plan can be confusing and frustrating. There are endless acronyms and it's hard to predict what your health needs will be i...
Busting myths about hydration
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you really need to drink eight glasses of water a day? Can drinking water help you lose weight? Does coffee dehydrate you? Experts explain the scie...
How to recover from a bad night of sleep
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've slept poorly, your instinct might be to sleep in or power through the day with extra cups of coffee. But those tactics may actually hurt you...
How to slow down when you eat
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Eating more deliberately can help you make better choices about nourishing your body, says Lilian Cheung, a mindful eating lecturer at Harvard. She sh...
How to find lost objects: Techniques that really work
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Finding missing items isn't a matter of "looking harder." There's an art and a science to it. The next time you misplace your wedding ring, try these ...
Dear Life Kit: I need a gut check for a sticky situation
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian and advice columnist Sophia Benoit weighs in on questions from listeners with sticky interpersonal situations and gives us a gut check on eac...
A guide to breast cancer screening
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
October is breast cancer awareness month. Here's what you need to know about detection and screening.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcast...
Should you let your kid quit something?
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You signed your kid up for the soccer team (or swimming lessons, or piano or art), paid the fee and now they're begging to quit! In these moments, it'...
How to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nearly 70 percent of people were deceived into buying a counterfeit product online at least once last year, according to research from Michigan State ...
How to cut ultra-processed foods from your diet
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
They're tasty and cheap, but they come with health risks. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy explains how to spot and avoid ultra-processed snacks a...
How "parts" therapy can help you heal
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Internal Family Systems, a type of therapy, encourages an examination of the different "parts" of your self. Listening to and learning from the voices...
How to talk to your aging parents about their finances
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There comes a time when it's the kid's turn to take care of mom and dad. Here's how to broach this sensitive subject with your parents.Learn more abou...
What to do when your house floods
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The biggest threat in a hurricane isn't the wind, it's the water. And Atlantic hurricane season isn't over yet. NPR climate correspondent Michael Copl...
How to deal with climate anxiety
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's hard to stay motivated in the face of threats like climate change — especially when it feels like you're the only one who cares. But a new cour...
How to refinance your mortgage
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mortgage rates have dropped significantly in recent months, and that means one thing for those who bought a home in the last couple years: It might be...
Personal style when your body changes
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's important to feel good in your clothes. But when your body goes through big changes — say, you've just had a baby or are recovering from an ill...
Stress-busting skills to try in everyday life
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Going through something really tough? Stress is a part of life — but we can learn to manage it. NPR ...
I ditched plastic for a week. Here's what I learned
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Plastic isn't great for your health or the planet. Here's what NPR's Claire Murashima learned from avoiding single-use plastics for a week.Learn more ...
How to talk to your loved ones about misinformation
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Misinformation and disinformation undermine democracy by making it hard for people to make informed choices. It's also used to divide communities, sca...
Your kid is having a tantrum in public. Now what?
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meltdowns, refusing to share, hitting other kids. Every child has bad behavior sometimes. At home, it's easier to deal with. But what about in public?...
How to start saving for retirement
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's never too early to start putting away money for retirement. In this episode, Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary expla...
How to vote in 2024
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are more ways to exercise your right to vote than ever before. In this episode, NPR's voting and elections correspondent Miles Parks explains th...
The dirt on bathing
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're Team Bath or Team Shower, there are some best practices to follow when it comes to cleaning your body. In this episode, dermatologists ...
Up your lunchbox game
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sulhee Jessica Woo's love language is packing lunch. When she sends her three kids off to school, she includes themed lunches, snacks cut into cute sh...
How to show platonic love
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Loneliness can be just as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day — which means that having friends might literally save your life. But o...
Dear Life Kit: I'm at my breaking point
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Family and marriage expert Moraya Seeger DeGeare weighs in on questions from listeners who have reached a breaking point in their relationships with t...
Can magnesium help you sleep?
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
TikTok users claim that drinking the "sleepy girl mocktail," a mixture of magnesium powder, tart cherry juice and other ingredients, can help you slee...
How to cut down food waste (and fight climate change)
09 Sep 2024
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. In this episode,...
Math for English majors
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If math never quite stuck for you, Ben Orlin is here to change that. He says think of math as a language. Numbers are the nouns and the arithmetic ope...
Boost your mood in 15 minutes
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes you're just feeling blah: the weather's bad, you can't get out of bed and you're struggling to shake off that listlessness. In these moments...
How to make networking less awkward
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Shaking hands, sending cold emails and asking for coffee can feel unnatural. Networking expert Robbie Samuels explains how to create meaningful job co...
Smart credit card habits to keep you out of debt
29 Aug 2024
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 help your Gen Z kid cope with their back-to-school emotions
27 Aug 2024
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 recent surv...
Dealing with neighbor drama
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Conflicts with neighbors are common. Trash, noise, parking, weeds — there are seemingly endless ways neighbors can get on each other's nerves. But i...
Fruit flies don't appear out of nowhere. Here's how to get rid of them
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Seeing a swarm of pesky fruit flies in the kitchen is frustrating. We talk with a fruit fly researcher about how fruit flies make their way into your ...
How to buy less stuff
20 Aug 2024
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 ...
Getting hitched? Protect yourself with a prenup
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Family law attorney Theresa Viera explains how to talk about it with your partner and decide whether it's...
Spending time in a forest can boost health and lower stress. Here's how
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spending time in the forest isn't just enjoyable, it's good for your health. Here are some research-backed exercises to try the next time you find you...
Build strength with a weightlifting routine
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Strong muscles are good for us. They help prevent injuries, strengthen bones and improve balance. But it can be hard to build muscle mass if you're in...
Dear Life Kit: Your most petty social dilemmas, answered
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lunch snubs, bad neighbors and needy in-laws. Advice columnist R. Eric Thomas responds to the bad behavior getting under your skin.Learn more about sp...
How to know if you're in a codependent relationship
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you always fall for people who don't like you back? Do your friendships feel one-sided? Do work obligations creep into your personal life? If you n...
Common financial mistakes to avoid
06 Aug 2024
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...
How tech experts recommend organizing your photos
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling overwhelmed by thousands of photos? Running out of storage? We spoke with a consumer tech expert, a professional photo organizer and a photo-l...
Find your singing voice
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When some of the greatest singers are Whitney Houston, Ariana Grande or Beyoncé, it's easy to feel like being a good singer is just a dream. But you ...
Overwhelmed by your smartphone? Try a boring phone
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Your phone is designed to suck you in. You might use it to check the weather or look up directions, only to find yourself doomscrolling on social medi...
What happens after someone cheats
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The pain of infidelity in a romantic relationship can often break a couple apart — but the decision to stay or go is rarely a simple one. In this ep...
Take your salads from drab to fab
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We could all be eating more vegetables. One fast way to do that: toss them in a salad. To make a crave-worthy salad you'll actually want to eat, don't...
Unhappy at work? How to plan your next move
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To find a job you actually enjoy, figure out what's making you unhappy and move forward from there, says Tessa West, author of the new book Job Therap...
Scams can happen to anyone — here's how to protect yourself
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New, sophisticated scams are popping up all the time. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudster...
How to babyproof your relationship
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With a baby on the way, you'll need to babyproof your home — and your relationship. In this episode, how to strengthen your connection with your par...
How to revamp your rental
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just because you're renting your home doesn't mean you can't make it your own. Three home décor experts share their tips to make your rental homey fo...
5 strategies to help you cope with a nagging feeling of dread
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The list of things we dread is almost endless: the Sunday scaries, deadlines, climate change — the list goes on. How can we feel better? Saleem Resh...
How to talk to a parent about their past
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You might not know a lot about your parent's life before they had you: their childhood dreams, their first love, their heartbreaks. If you're a child ...
Hiking tips for beginners
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You don't need much to go for a hike. You can enjoy nature whether you're at a national park or on a neighborhood stroll. But before you head out, you...
Why you should connect with your kid, not correct them
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologist Becky Kennedy, author of the book "Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be," urges parents to spend more time raising ...
Avoid these 6 sunscreen mistakes
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Making sure you're protected from the summer sun starts with a good sunscreen. But how do you know which sunscreen is best, how much to use or when to...
Check, please! The etiquette of splitting the tab
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dining out with a large group and not sure how to handle the check? In this episode, chef and food writer Kiki Aranita walks us through common dining ...
Set your summer reading goals
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Trying to read more can be a hard habit to stick to. If you want to read more, try setting a goal to get you motivated. To make a goal that works for ...
"Screen apnea": How our use of tech affects our breathing
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have "screen apnea?" Former Microsoft executive Linda Stone coined this term in 2007 after noticing she'd developed an unhealthy habit while an...
Keeping intimacy alive after having a baby
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's hard to find time for anything with a newborn at home. And in the months after having a baby, intimacy with your partner may fall to the wayside....
BMI is flawed. Try a body composition test
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For decades, health experts have relied on body mass index (BMI), a ratio of weight to height, to classify people as underweight, normal weight, overw...
Debunking sleep myths
24 Jun 2024
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...
Staying safe in extreme heat
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The summer's first major heat wave has arrived. Our bodies do have natural ways to dissipate heat, but when temperatures get extreme, sometimes they j...
Grilling for beginners
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Intimidated by grilling? Cooking over an open flame can do that. In this episode, learn the basics from which type of grill to choose, to how to maint...
Healthy money habits for couples
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Should you merge your finances with a significant other? Keep them separate? Or something in between? Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan Podvin breaks ...
Life advice inspired by graduation songs
15 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With graduation season here, our friends at NPR's All Songs Considered asked listeners to tell them about songs that bring back memories of the final ...
How to save a life with CPR
13 Jun 2024
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,...
Why we become bored with our lives (and how to find joy again)
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to stop noticing what we love about our lives. Even the most passionate relationships, stimulating jobs and exciting cities can lose their s...
Dear Life Kit: I can't stop thinking about my crush
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sex and relationship expert Shan Boodram weighs in on listener questions about crushes: unrequited love, romance with an expiration date, and reaching...
Coping with the loss of a sibling
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Losing a sibling is a unique and often overlooked kind of grief. Many grieving siblings aren't given the same level of support as their parents or car...
How to explore your gender identity as an adult
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're an adult starting to explore your gender identity, it can be tough knowing where to begin. Here's some advice from trans people to help you ...
These water safety tips can save lives
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the United States. To prevent drownings, make sure there's always a designated adult wat...
Where did I put the keys? Tips to improve memory
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever feel like your memory lets you down when you need it most? If you forget your keys every time you leave the house, struggle to remember ne...
Fiber has tons of benefits. Here's how to eat more of it
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fiber is a dietary superhero. It lowers cholesterol, helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps your hunger in check. But chances are, you're not get...
Summer fun on a budget
27 May 2024
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 ...
Should you be friends with your ex?
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When a romantic relationship ends, it can feel like a total loss. How do you go from being an important person in someone's life to a complete strange...
Feeling guilty? Here's how to work through it
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You broke someone's heart. You missed your kid's recital. You weren't there for your mom when she needed you. Guilt! It can be painful – but also a ...
Kids, social media and privacy: What to know before you post
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many parents share photos and videos of their babies and children on social media. But there are potential dangers to constantly posting about your ki...
Take charge of your gyno visit
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A visit to the gynecologist isn't just an essential part of your health routine. It's an opportunity to ask questions about your reproductive health, ...
Jet lag is not 'a choice' — here's what to know
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Taylor Swift claimed that "jet lag is a choice" at this year's Super Bowl. Sleep scientists like Jade Wu would like you to know they very much disagre...
How to talk about Asian American mental health
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For a lot of people from Asian American backgrounds, discussing mental health - especially with loved ones - can be difficult. Psychologist and autho...
Introducing: Wild Card with Rachel Martin
11 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Check out your new NPR podcast listen: Wild Card with Rachel Martin. On the show, Rachel rips up the typical interview script and invites guests to pl...
How to help your stepfamily grow closer
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Becoming a blended stepfamily can be fraught for everyone involved. How can your family build trust, function more smoothly and ultimately grow closer...