Life Kit
Episodes
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...
The social etiquette of lending money
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If a close friend or family member is in need of money, your first impulse might be to help out. But what if they don't pay you back? What if they nee...
Improve your sense of direction
06 May 2024
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...
How to prepare for a second pregnancy after a complicated first one
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pregnancy complications — like miscarriage, preterm birth or postpartum depression — are incredibly common. But expecting parents can often feel a...
How to practice 'deep reading'
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you got lost in a book? These days, the act of 'deep reading,' or reading with intention, can be difficult to practice. Maryann...
Curbing needle phobia in adults starts with making shots less painful for kids
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Approximately one in four adults has a fear of needles, according to the CDC. Many of those people say the phobia started when they were kids. Researc...
Colorectal cancer rates are on the rise. Here's what to know
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the 1990s, colorectal cancer was the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Now, it's the first in men and second in women — and rates ...
Create the birthday you want to celebrate
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No matter how old you are, having a happy birthday is one of life's great pleasures, says birthday enthusiast Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming. You just need to ...
How to plan your dream vacation
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes you crave a vacation — but actually taking one feels out of reach. Maybe you're struggling to find the time or save up the money. Or maybe...
Dear Life Kit: Your wedding etiquette questions, answered
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Etiquette coach Myka Meier revisits traditional wedding customs, including the cost of wedding gifts — and how much a mother-in-law should contribut...
What is 'communal living' and is it right for me?
16 Apr 2024
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 ...
Protect your ears from hearing loss
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
People of all ages are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, but few know how to protect against it. This episode, build out your ear care routine wi...
Negotiation tactics for everyday life
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
People often use negotiation tactics in business environments. But you can also use them to get your roommate to clean up, figure out where to eat for...
How to talk to teens about vaping
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Age-appropriate prompts and questions that can help start a productive conversation about vaping nicotine and e-cigarettes with your child.Learn more ...
Get better at gardening by using this newly updated tool
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map helps home gardeners pick which plants to grow. But recently, roughly a quarter of the country has moved zones. What...
How to introduce solid food to your baby: A nervous parent's guide
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Introducing solids to your little one can be as stressful as it is special. A pediatric dietitian and a pediatrician discuss menu choices, allergens a...
Start a financial self-care routine
02 Apr 2024
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...
You're not too late to chase the total solar eclipse
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"A total solar eclipse is so much more than something you just see with your eyes. It's something you experience with your whole body," says science w...
How to be a great roommate
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rooming with other people can be tricky. Here's how to negotiate a living environment that's safe, comfortable and pleasant for everyone.Learn more ab...
What is the new etiquette for tipping?
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tipping requests are on the rise. Businesses that never seemed to ask for a tip, like fast food joints, are now asking for one. Here's how to deal wit...
How to clean when you don't have the energy
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Having dirty dishes in the sink isn't a moral failure. Therapist KC Davis, author of How to Keep House While Drowning, has developed a framework for k...
How to take care of your eyes
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You can strain your eyes if you stare at a screen for too long, say eye doctors — and that can cause eye fatigue, headaches and blurry vision. Nip t...
Dreading your taxes? How to deal with the 'homework of life'
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Life is full of tedious and time-consuming administrative tasks. Here's how to conquer your 'life admin' so you can get back to real life. This episod...
What to know about protein and muscle mass
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our bodies need protein to maintain muscle. That's important because muscle mass peaks in our 30s and then declines. In this episode, tips about under...
Thinking of going electric? What to know about EVs
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What happens if your car runs out of power on a road trip? Is it better to buy an EV now or wait until you need a new car? A roundup of smart question...
Effective ways to rebuild your credit score
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Credit scores determine whether you can get a mortgage, credit card, auto loan and more. So if your score is subprime, how do you bump it up to above ...
Reframing procrastination
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Putting off items in your to-do list isn't a sign of laziness. It's your inner critic coming to life. In this episode, revisit your relationship with ...
Do you love seafood? Here's how to eat it responsibly
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fish populations are dwindling around the world due to overfishing. Here's how to make the right choices when dining out or buying fish at the market....