Life Kit
Episodes
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....
Enjoying travel with a baby
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, there will be meltdowns. But there will also be joy. Tips on which baby gear to pack, how to prepare your child (and yourself) for the long journ...
How to have a 'grown up' relationship with a sibling
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The longest relationship of your life might be with your sibling. But there aren't many tools for navigating the complex dynamic that can develop betw...
It's leap day! Here's what to do with your extra time
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy leap day! What will you do with your extra 24 hours? Whether you want to slow down and make time stop or just make sure to enjoy the time you've...
Thoughts on Ozempic from a body-positive doctor
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The popular weight loss drug Ozempic makes shedding pounds seem like magic. But the reality is more complicated, says family physician Dr. Mara Gordon...
Improve your chances of learning a new skill
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mastering a new hobby, like bowling or baking, can be a frustrating process. But experts say it doesn't have to be that way. If you set yourself up fo...
How to be a 'supercommunicator'
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Called 'supercommunicators,' these people have the exceptional ability of creating authentic connections with others — just by listening and talking...
Investing for beginners
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You don't need to be an expert to grow a nest egg. We'll cover how to build your portfolio, when to sell (or not sell) stocks and how to avoid fees.Le...
What to do with your childhood stuff
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have boxes filled with photos, artwork and artifacts from when you were a kid? Here's how to decide what to keep and toss — and manage the em...
How to 'fight right' with your partner
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Gottmans have been studying marriage and relationships for 40 years. In a new book, Fight Right, they explain how successful couples resolve their...
Save money on streaming services
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just about every major streaming service has raised its subscription fees. At the same time, there are more programming bundles, membership deals, ad-...
5 tips for starting a new job
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just starting your career? Elainy Mata, host of the Harvard Business Review podcast New Here, offers advice on how to deal with issues that aren't par...
5 simple ways to minimize stress
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Aditi Nerurkar offers five accessible ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big life changes necessary.Learn more ...
How to talk to kids about sex, bodies and consent
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's tricky to talk to younger kids about sex. This episode helps parents get past the confusion and embarrassment around sex education so they can ra...
Thinking of getting inked? Start with a tiny tattoo
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are many decisions that go into getting a tattoo. You need to choose the right artist, design, style and placement. Veteran tattoo artist Noemi ...
Improve your indoor air quality
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Want fresher, cleaner air at home? Researchers share practical tips from researchers on how to clean your house (and your air), test your air quality ...
How to mind your own business
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you often find yourself in the center of other people's drama? Intervening when you wish you didn't? These practical tips can help you draw boundar...
How to have a healthy relationship with caffeine
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Worry you're drinking too much coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks? A gastroenterologist and a caffeine researcher share surprising insights about the ...
The emotional rollercoaster of being a new mom
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Becoming a mother is a complicated life transition. That postpartum feeling of being on an emotional rollercoaster, not recognizing your body in the m...
How to prevent stress from escalating into distress
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've been experiencing negative feelings like panic or anxiety for more than a few days, you might be in distress, says psychiatrist Dr. Kali Cyr...
How to save for a big financial goal
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When money's tight, it's hard to save for a rainy day or pay off credit card debt. But it's not impossible, says Monique White, a financial expert and...
Fitness as your body fluctuates
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Life happens. Sometimes we get injured or sick — and of course we get older. As we change, so should our exercise routine. Here's how to adapt your ...
Soothe stress in minutes
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling overwhelmed, panicked or anxious? Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz offers simple techniques to improve your mood and calm your body and mind ...
What happens when you move your body throughout the day
13 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last fall, NPR's Body Electric challenged listeners to take part in a study with Columbia University. Over 20,000 people signed up to incorporate move...
It's not too late to learn a new instrument
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you grew up playing music or you never progressed beyond "Hot Cross Buns," it's not too late to pick up a new instrument. Let fun lead the way...
Freshen up your resume
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For many employers, the resume is still a must-have in the job process, says career coach Cynthia Pong. Here's how to write a CV that's competitive an...
How to start an exercise habit
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You don't have to be a marathoner or a gym rat to get meaningful health benefits from exercise. And that sort of "go big or go home" mentality can act...
Refresh your budget with these simple finance tips
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The new year is a great time to update your budget, say financial experts. Here's what you can do to curb your spending, save for emergencies and keep...
How to make resolutions you'll keep
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year! If you want to make a resolution that sticks, the key to success is creating what's known as a SMART goal. This episode outlines how S...
Ready to get running? A starter guide
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Running is a classic form of exercise for a reason. You don't need equipment or a gym membership and it provides cardiovascular benefits. But many peo...
How to slow down and reflect ahead of 2024
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is a good time to check in with yourself and take stock of the year. Reporter Kyle Norris talks with Bud...
How to find a book you won't want to put down
25 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Traci Thomas, host of the hit book podcast 'The Stacks,' shares 6 surprising tips on how to find your next great read. One tip? Don't be afraid to jud...
How to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
21 Dec 2023
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...
How to talk to teens about drugs
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Overdose deaths among teenagers have skyrocketed in the last few years due to opioids like fentanyl. Experts say drug education that focuses on harm r...
Build your chosen family
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Some queer and trans people may experience rejection from their families after coming out. And so instead, they may have a chosen family: a loving net...
Dear Life Kit: My folks guilt-trip me into spending the holidays with them
16 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Between long-held traditions, unfair expectations and clashing personalities, the holidays can be a perfect storm for conflict. Therapist John Kim hel...
How to minimize family fights during the holidays
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is your aunt asking too many personal questions? Is your cousin talking your ear off about politics? These coping techniques can help you navigate sti...
The decluttering philosophy that can help you keep your home organized
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Got piles of stuff you just can't seem to get rid of? Professional organizer Star Hansen explains how to let go of unnecessary items – and keep your...
Amp up your gift-giving game
11 Dec 2023
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...
How to relieve constipation
09 Dec 2023
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...
First time decorating for the holidays? Here's where to begin
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Designer Elaine Griffin explains her philosophy when it comes to decking the halls for Christmas, Hanukkah and all your winter festivities: Begin the ...
How to combat loneliness
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
1 in 4 adults says they're lonely. The consequences of long-term social disconnection can be dire — everything from an increased risk of heart attac...
Make the most of your chilly outdoor workouts
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How cold is too cold? What kind of gear should you wear? And how do you stay motivated to workout outside when the weather is dreary? Cold-loving runn...
Kids and firearm safety
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Firearms are the No. 1 cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. Take these life-saving precautions to protect kids — whether or not you own...
5 questions to ask your partner for a healthy, lasting marriage
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
These conversation starters get at the heart of your values, including how you deal with conflict, your attitude toward gender roles and your relation...
How to donate to a charity with purpose and intention
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Not sure which cause to support or how much to give? Kevin Scally of Charity Navigator has some advice to help you make the right decisions.Learn more...
Giving thanks is good for you. Here's how to make it a habit
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Being thankful doesn't have to happen just once a year. Creating a daily gratitude habit can improve our mental and physical health. This episode, way...
Create a ritual to honor your ancestors
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Your ancestors don't have to feel like a distant memory. In this episode, spiritual practitioners and Indigenous educators offer cross-cultural guida...
Ready to cold plunge? We dive into the science to see if it's worth it
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dipping in cold water is a growing trend. It's not just for the thrill — people who cold plunge say it helps with anxiety, metabolic health and more...
A beginner's guide to roasting a Thanksgiving turkey
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Don't be nervous — we got you! This guide explains how pick the right turkey, when to buy it, how to prep it and when to start cooking. It also come...
Find a bra that actually fits
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Can't wait to take your bra off at the end of every day? A professional bra fitter explains how to find a bra that makes you feel comfortable and cute...
How to ditch the apps and date offline
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tired of swiping through dating profiles on your phone? Maybe it's time to get out there and meet people in real life. A sexuality and relationship ed...
Protect yourself from scams
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters.Learn more about sponsor...
How to build low-waste practices into your life
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The average American generates five pounds of trash per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Reduce your household trash by lis...
How screens are changing our eyes
04 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise in children as a result of reduced time outside and screen usage. TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi talk...
Dear LK: My kids are enemies. What should I do?
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A sister relentlessly picks on her brother despite their mom's best attempt to make peace between them. Psychologist Becky Kennedy shares advice wi...
Demystifying your health insurance plan
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's open enrollment season, meaning it's time to pick a health care plan. But it can be confusing to decipher all the acronyms and lingo of health ca...
It's soup season! Get cooking with these tips from Sohla El-Waylly
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Soup can be a flexible, cozy meal that allows you to experiment in the kitchen. But to make a delicious one, you need to get some fundamentals down fi...
How to save a life with CPR
26 Oct 2023
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,...
Anxious about public speaking? We've got tips
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It can be anxiety-inducing to deliver a speech in front of an audience. How do you capture people's attention? What do you do if you stumble? A speech...
Live with your parents? Here's how to create a harmonious household
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Three people who've spent time living with their parents as adults share advice on how they've coped with their situation. Don't compare yourself to o...
A shame-free guide to digging out of debt
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Life happens, and so does debt. Unexpected car trouble, the high price of food, a family emergency — there is no shortage of reasons why debt can pi...
Can't decide on a Halloween costume? These 5 questions can help
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's hard to nail down a costume idea. You could be anything from an alien to Taylor Swift! Here's how to pick a getup without spending big bucks, or ...
How to talk to kids about the violence in Israel and Gaza
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Last weekend, militants from the terrorist group Hamas killed more than a thousand people, including children, in an attack on Israel while also takin...
How to actively heal from an injury or illness
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you're recuperating after an illness or injury, it's normal to not feel like yourself. Your body needs time to heal so you can get back to your reg...
Can I afford to totally change my life?
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Longing to quit your job and follow your passion? Or perhaps take a break to travel? Or move to a new place? First, you'll need to look at your financ...
Dear Life Kit: Your most petty social dilemmas, answered
05 Oct 2023
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...
6 big purchases that can save energy and money at home
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To live a more climate friendly life, invest in home appliances and vehicles that run on electricity, not fossil fuels, say sustainability experts. He...
The new rules of laundry
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Patric Richardson, host of 'The Laundry Guy' on HGTV, wants you to change the way you wash your clothes. Go ahead and wash those darks in warm water —...
What to know if you're exploring non-monogamy
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When we think about romance, many of us have a specific script in mind. Two people date, fall in love and get married. But that traditional path doesn...
Teeth: an owner's manual
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Brush twice a day. Remember to floss. Visit the dentist twice a year. We know the drill...or maybe not? In this episode, how to take care of your teet...
Ace Your Freshman Year of College
21 Sep 2023
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 ...
We've heard we need more fiber in our diets. Here are 8 easy tips for getting there
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rethink your relationship with fiber, the dietary superhero of food — and learn clever ways to add more of it to your diet.Learn more about sponsor ...
The consequences of overindulging your kids
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Giving in to your kid too much can be harmful to their development. Take the 'Test of Four' to examine your relationship with your child — then find...