Life Kit
Episodes
Stressed about talking about finances with a new partner? This framework can help
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It can be awkward to discuss money when you're in a new relationship. Financial therapist Amanda Clayman suggests following what she calls the "five c...
Dear LK: My folks guilt-trip me into spending the holidays with them
01 Dec 2022
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 apply the rules of improv to everyday life
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Improv comedy is about more than making people laugh. It can help performers be more creative and self-assured — and combat anxiety, both on and off...
Transform the way you deal with dread
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Worried about deadlines, errands or your holiday to-do list? Reframe your relationship with dread with these simple exercises, from drawing the things...
How much money do you need to become a parent? An episode from This Is Uncomfortable
26 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A couple clashes about how much money they need to save before having children. This episode is from our friends This Is Uncomfortable's podcast serie...
How to set boundaries with family
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Maintaining healthy boundaries is a way of taking care of your closest relationships, but setting those boundaries can be hard. The process starts wit...
Make holiday travel less stressful
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There will probably be long lines, delays and overbooked flights, says aviation journalist Benét Wilson. So take steps to prepare for these situation...
Get better at being grateful
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Being thankful doesn't have to happen just once a year. Here are two meaningful ways to show gratitude all year long, a practice that can improve your...
Dear LK: My boyfriend is too close with his former coworker
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
My partner is constantly texting his former coworker and even spent the night at her house. He says they're just friends, but I don't like it. How can...
Michelle Obama's philosophy on relationships
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In her new memoir, 'The Light We Carry,' the former first lady shares her philosophy on the relationships we have with our partner, our family and our...
How to deepen your connection with your ancestors
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your ancestors don't have to feel like a distant memory. Spiritual practitioners share cross-cultural guidance on how to set up a ritual and an altar ...
How to rethink the way you spend your time — and life
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Assuming you live to be eighty, you have just 4,000 weeks to live. While that may come as a brutal dose of reality, it's also an opportunity to think ...
Life Kit answers your pressing questions about inflation
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The prices of goods and services have gone up. How much of that is due to Ukraine or the pandemic? What can our elected officials do to lower prices? ...
Credit card points are for everyone. Here's how to get into them
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Credit card rewards programs can offer big perks like airline miles and hotel upgrades. Finance journalist Katherine Fan explains how to choose the ri...
Dear LK: My son is upset his brother didn't make him best man. Should I intervene?
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A mother debates whether she should talk to the groom about the issue. Catherine Newman, an etiquette columnist for Real Simple magazine, gives her ad...
Mexican cooking 101
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Want to start making authentic Mexican cuisine at home? Here's what you'll need in your pantry and your fridge to get started, according to two Mexica...
How to stay safe during a night out
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Safety experts explain how to prevent harm in nightlife settings like bars and clubs. That includes how to project an air of confidence with your body...
How to throw a clever theme party
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Party planning experts say to send out invites at least 6 weeks in advance. That can give guests ample time to mark their social calendars — and pre...
How to wake up early, even if you're a night owl
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Waking up at dawn with the bakers and the baristas may not be for everyone — especially night owls. Whether you have to wake up early or you'd like ...
Student loan forgiveness Q&A
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Life Kit teams up with NPR Education to answer some common questions about student loan relief, including: What's the application process like? What l...
Dear LK: I cared for our dad. Now my greedy siblings want the inheritance
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
She cared for her stepdad through illness and death. Now she's disheartened that her siblings only seem to care about the inheritance. Financial thera...
Braving the 'quarterlife' crisis
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Stuck between two conflicting desires and can't seem to move forward? Psychotherapist Satya Doyle Byock shares an exercise called "My Two Conflicting ...
The 5-minute daily playtime ritual that can get your kids to listen better
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Called "special time," the strategy is widely recommended by children's health professionals to help reduce behavioral issues in young children. Here'...
How to use music to express your authentic self
15 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For R&B darling Omar Apollo, music has been a powerful way to showcase his Mexican American culture and queer identity. In an episode with NPR's Alt.L...
Why rest is an act of resistance
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Known to her fans as the 'nap bishop,' Tricia Hersey, author of the new book 'Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto,' explains why relaxation and leisure ar...
Tips for finding relief from IBS
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
More than 25 million Americans have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. While IBS symptoms present in the gut, it turns out that stress and anxiety can actually...
How to recreate a beloved family recipe
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Step 1? Throw your expectations out the window, says NPR's Noor Wazwaz. Your dish won't be the same as the one you grew up eating — and that's OK. H...
Dear LK: Should I give my boyfriend an ultimatum?
08 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pop musician and reality dating series host Betty Who gives advice to a letter writer who asks if she should give her boyfriend an ultimatum because s...
Protect yourself from election disinformation
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's almost time to vote. NPR's Miles Parks explains what research can tell us about how to combat fake political news — and why it's so tricky to s...
How to start professional networking (and feel good about it)
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Networking expert Robbie Samuels explains why adapting the attitude of a croissant is more likely to create meaningful job connections — and shares ...
The markets are down. Here's how to handle your investments
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The markets have fallen lately. Your knee-jerk reaction might be to sell. Here's why that's not a good idea.Learn more about sponsor message choices: ...
Dear LK: My dad's wife died and he won't leave the house
01 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Psychotherapist David Defoe offers advice to a letter writer who is concerned about how to help their grieving father.Learn more about sponsor message...
What to do when driving during flood conditions
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hurricane Ian is rapidly intensifying, and with that there are predicted storm surges of up to 18 feet. We'll walk you through how you can to stay saf...
When something feels personal, here's how to cope
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Being offended by something that someone did or said can be upsetting — but it doesn't have to eat away at us. Mental health experts share how to sl...
When it comes to parenting, lead with connection
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It all starts with the assumption that your kids have good intentions and want to do the right thing, says Becky Kennedy, a psychologist and host of t...
Dear LK: My parents ran a background check on my boyfriend
24 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A daughter tries to rebuild trust with her parents after they secretly ran a background check on her boyfriend. Therapist and author Nedra Glover Taw...
How much water does your body really need?
22 Sep 2022
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...
Stuck doing all the household chores? This practical guide can help
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In four steps, experts Eve Rodsky and Jacqueline Misla explain how to fairly split domestic work with a partner or roommate. Don't forget to print out...
How to start a new job
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Life Kit host Marielle Segarra asks friends and family for advice on how to overcome her new-job jitters, meet new colleagues at NPR — and stay conf...
Dear LK: Do I have to read the book my husband wrote?
17 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What's more, the letter writer hates her husband's writing style. Should she bite the bullet and read his novel? Or can she pass? Family therapist Kia...
How to counteract common thinking traps
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Humans have a tendency to make snap judgments and assumptions due to our cognitive biases, says Woo-kyoung Ahn in her book 'Thinking 101.' So how do w...
A friendship expert shares the science of making and keeping friends
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologist Marisa Franco, author of a new book on the science of making and keeping friends, shares how to deepen the bonds in our platonic relation...
The omicron boosters are here. What you should know about them
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
They target the original coronavirus strain and the omicron subvariants causing most of the current infections. And they're available at pharmacies, c...
Dear LK: I uninvited my sister-in-law from our wedding
10 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The bride said she was "pissed" because her future sister-in-law was bringing two unauthorized guests. Rachel Wilkerson Miller, editor-in-chief of Sel...
How to gamify your exercise routine
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Exercising doesn't have to feel like a chore if you approach it like a video game, say fitness gamification researchers Dr. Mitesh Patel and Elizabeth...
3 tips for talking to your Latinx parents about mental health
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shame and stigma play a huge role in discouraging folks in the Latinx community from seeking mental health care — and talking about it with their fa...
Simplify dinner (and cleanup) with these clever one-pan meals
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks to food writer Melissa Clark about her new book, "Dinner in One: Exceptional & Easy One-Pan Meals" — and gets tips on how ...
Dear LK: My co-worker posted a terrible review about me!
03 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A secretary asks if she should tattle-tale on a colleague who wrote an anonymous negative review about her. Career coach and HR professional Shanita W...
Learning a new skill can be easy — if you have the right mindset
02 Sep 2022
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...
The sex ed most queer students never got
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
School health classes in the U.S. rarely include instruction about sex for LGBTQ students. Here's what it could look like if they did. (This episode o...
4 exercises that can prevent (and relieve!) pain from computer slouching and more
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Vinh Pham, physical therapist and author of "Sit Up Straight: Futureproof Your Body Against Chronic Pain with 12 Simple Movements," explains why mobil...
What is 988? And is it safe to call? What to know about the new mental health hotline
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched in July, some advocates and people who had experiences with the mental health system voiced concerns a...
How to transition to natural hair — and learn to love it
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For many Black people, transitioning to natural hair can feel frustrating, especially if you're doing it for the first time. Experts share what you ne...
How to deal with online harassment — and protect yourself from future attacks
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you're posting frequently on social media, there's a chance that someday, one of those posts may make you a target of online harassment. Digital se...
Why being resilient might matter less than you think
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is the ability to endure hardship and adapt to difficult life situations always a good thing? Psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker Lour...
How to make the perfect playlist
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
So you're planning the perfect candlelit evening — or the perfect road trip, or the perfect afternoon at home. Where do you start? A playlist, of co...
The power in embracing your sadness
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the U.S., there's a relentless focus on positivity. But as we all know, with life comes death — and with happiness, sadness. Susan Cain, author o...
How to protect yourself from inflation
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
High inflation and a possible recession is making life more expensive. Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary explains how to ...
Survival 101 with Bear Grylls
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Survivalist and adventurer Bear Grylls shares his advice on facing fear, preparing for the worst and the power of courage to get you through any situa...
How to move in with your partner
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Deciding to move in with a partner can be an exciting step. Cohabitating can also be challenging and bring up anxieties. Here's what to think about —...
How to take better (and more distinctive) photos on vacation
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When your smartphone can hold thousands of photos, it's tempting to snap away. But that approach may not actually help you capture the best moments. T...
You can choose a new name for yourself. Here's how
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many trans and nonbinary people choose new names during their transition. Here's advice if you're considering adopting a new name — from brainstormi...
How to reset your digital life
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Take this quiz to assess your digital habits — then learn how to engage with your electronic devices in a way that's intentional and appropriate.Lea...
How to have a healthy adult relationship with your parents
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to having an adult relationship with your parents, there's plenty of baggage: the friction of family history or the weight of unsaid exp...
How to financially plan for a baby
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Having a baby is one of the biggest and most expensive life changes a person can experience. Farnoosh Torabi, editor-at-large at CNET Money, shares wh...
Crypto 101: blockchains, currencies and security
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If the words "crypto," "Bitcoin," "blockchain," "mining," feel overwhelming or confusing Life Kit is here to help. In this episode, experts to demysti...
How to talk to kids about abortion
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Talking about abortion can be complicated, even with adults. How do you talk about the medical procedure and the politics around it with kids? NPR's A...
Making ethical, sustainable clothing choices
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fast fashion takes a toll on the environment and on workers. Here's how you can shop more sustainably and build a closet with a better impact. This ep...
How to help a child at risk of suicide
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
More families are dealing with their children feeling anxious, depressed – even thinking about or attempting suicide. But mental health professional...
How to avoid 'lifestyle creep'
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Making more money tends to lead to spending more money. It's a phenomenon known as "lifestyle creep." Paco de Leon, author of Finance for the People, ...
How to deal with a crush
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Having a crush is natural - they're a part of human biology. Sometimes, acting on it is a great, healthy step — or it can create a lot more trouble ...
A beginner's guide to green cleaning
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Environmentally-friendly living isn't an all-or-nothing equation: think of it as a spectrum of greens. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, green clean...
How to set boundaries in your daily life
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt resentful or responded passive-aggressively to a request on your time or energy? That's a sign your boundaries are being crossed –...
Car maintenance 101
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Car ownership can be intimidating — and expensive — especially when it comes to upkeep. Auto educator and journalist Chaya Milchtein shares tips t...
How to stay safe during extreme heat
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
About 600 people in the U.S. die from heat related causes each year. While our bodies have ways to dissipate heat, sometimes they just can't keep up w...
How to talk to kids about radicalization
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's a horror to think your kid could be a victim in a violent act of racism, sexism or other radicalization. It's a whole different kind of fear to t...
How to reframe your beliefs about aging
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Negative age beliefs can impact us on social, psychological and even physiological levels. Here's how to deconstruct ageism and reframe your beliefs a...
How to raise a good citizen
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Talking to kids about civics is kind of like talking to kids about sex - avoiding the conversation can have some really negative consequences. Here's ...
How to stop stress spending
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We could all stand to stretch our cash a little further right now. Life Kit teamed up with financial expert Tiffany Aliche, also known as the Budgetni...
Find freedom and create your own path in your first queer relationship
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The dating game can be hard, but navigating the dating world for the first time as a queer person can mean even more complexity – and a lot of room ...
How to celebrate your heritage through food
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Food is more than just fuel for your body. Food is a connection to the stories of your ancestors, and the stories of your descendants. In this episode...
Life Kit presents: What's in a dad?
18 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Code Switch host Gene Demby and comedian Hari Kondabolu are both new fathers, and they're both learning to raise kids who will have very different ide...
How to stop revenge bedtime procrastination
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When your days are packed, it can be hard to find some "me time" time to unwind. You might find yourself staying up past your bedtime, scrolling on so...
How to find a new hobby
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you did something just for fun — not to make money, or be productive, or because someone else wanted you to? These five tips ...
How to cope with a fear of flying
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're a nervous flyer, you'll do almost anything to avoid flying, or you have an actual flying phobia, these tips from associate professor of...
Your reproductive health options without Roe v. Wade
09 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For decades, the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision protected abortion access and reproductive health decisions. Now, that has been overturned. Here...
How to be an activist without burning out
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Activism can look like big gestures of protest, but it can also look like baking cupcakes for a charity bake sale or reading at an after school progra...
How to make dating apps work for you
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The idea behind dating apps is to make finding a connection easier — but that's not always the case. These expert tips will help you make the experi...
Life Kit answers your personal finance questions
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you want to save for a vacation or retirement, build generational wealth for your kids or figure out how to split expenses with a partner, Lif...
How to learn your parents' language
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Heritage language learners are different from people learning a second language for the first time. They often grow up hearing it, but that can come w...
How to prepare for a hurricane
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Atlantic hurricanes are more intense and have heavier rainfall due to the effects of climate change. These tips will help you prepare for hurricane se...
What to say to kids when the news is scary
28 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The news can be devastating, and tragic events can be incomprehensible for adults — so how do we talk about them with kids? Child development expert...
How to talk about Asian American mental health
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Saying 'no,' speaking up for yourself and being less than perfect can be hard for many Asian Americans to do. Psychologist Jenny Wang has tips on how ...
A beginner's guide to grilling: How to start a fire, adjust your heat and more
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Intimidated by grilling? Cooking over an open flame can do that! In this guide, learn the basics from which type of grill to choose, to how to maintai...
How to get a job after college
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Now that you have your diploma, you'll need to focus on a different piece of paper: a résumé. Here's how to think about what you want to do and then...
Singing 101: How to find your voice
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Follow these exercises to help you build the skills and confidence to start singing, whether in your car or at the karaoke bar.Learn more about sponso...
How to overcome FOMO
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The fear of missing out isn't confined to our social lives; worrying about whether we're missing out on new experiences, content, trends and even inve...
How to get back what we've lost to the internet
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The world has changed a lot since the internet. Remember asking people for directions? If you miss the days pre-internet (or wonder what it was like),...
How to pay attention to (and appreciate) what's around you
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you're in a familiar place, it's easy to go on autopilot and fail to notice the small joys that surround you. Artist and author Jenny Odell share...
How to give mothering the value it deserves
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Raising kids is among the most essential work humans do, and yet it's rarely valued as skilled labor. Angela Garbes, author of Essential Labor: Mother...