Life Kit
Episodes
Masculinity doesn't have to be restrictive. Here's how to redefine it for yourself
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Restrictive expectations of masculinity can be perpetuated by anyone and impact how we view ourselves and others. We spoke with experts for tips on ho...
5 questions to ask your partner before getting hitched
14 Mar 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...
Braving the 'quarterlife' crisis
13 Mar 2023
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 ...
Finding joy in the face of sorrow
11 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Poet Ross Gay knows a thing or two about finding joy in life's most difficult moments. He talks with It's Been a Minute host Brittany Luse about his n...
So you want to be a mentor
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about who can be a mentor, how to structure the relationship, and how to have tricky conversations with your mentees. Also, ...
The truth about caffeine
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you drinking too much coffee? A gastroenterologist and a caffeine researcher share surprising insights about the psychoactive drug.Learn more abou...
This is the period talk you should've gotten
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We asked two experts how they would give the period talk. Here are six pieces of advice — including the science of periods, management techniques, a...
Dear Life Kit: Do I have to listen to my boss complain?
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An employee struggles to cope with her boss's constant oversharing and negativity. Journalist and host of the podcast Work Appropriate Anne Helen Pete...
Can I afford to quit my job?
28 Feb 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...
'Do I really need to floss?' and other common questions about dental care
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We asked experts to answer five questions about how to properly care for your teeth. Here's what they said about finding a dentist, whitening your tee...
How to file your tax returns: 6 things you should know this year
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For something that's legally required, taxes can be confusing. This guide covers the latest credits and deductions — and helps you plan ahead for ne...
Define your personal style
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fashion may not have been at the top of your priority list over the last two years. If you're ready to shake the dust off, here's advice from the expe...
How caregivers can prevent burnout
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Two women who took care of their moms as unpaid caregivers share advice about how to approach the job, find support and make time for self-care.Learn ...
Earthquake preparedness in 6 steps
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Earthquakes strike at a moment's notice. That's why having a plan in place is key. In this episode, emergency and disaster experts share their tips to...
The science of finding a partner
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Logan Ury, a behavioral scientist at the dating app Hinge, says making dating decisions based on initial chemistry alone is a losing battle. In this e...
Why the 5-minute walk break is so powerful
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sitting all day isn't good for your health. Long stretches glued to a chair can increase the risk of heart disease and early death. Thankfully, new re...
Dear LK: My husband is still living under COVID lockdown
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Three years into the pandemic, one spouse is ready to lift lockdown. The other? Not so much. Epidemiologist and science communicator Jessica Malaty Ri...
Creative ways to get kids to eat their veggies
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Veggies help kids grow and develop, but it can be hard to convince them to eat their broccoli. These research-backed tips can help you encourage your ...
Budgeting for dating
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How much should you spend on a date? Who should pick up the bill? Can you talk money on the first date? Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance,...
Be an awesome gift giver
02 Feb 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 that rec...
Meal prep made easy
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What's for dinner? It's a question that can lead to overspending on delivery, unhealthy meals and dread. FitMenCook founder Kevin Curry shares meal pr...
The five kinds of perfectionists
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a 'Parisian perfectionist'? How about a 'messy perfectionist'? Psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler believes there are 5 kinds of perfect...
Dear LK: My kids are enemies. What should I do?
26 Jan 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...
Helpful financial advice for creative types
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Got a side hustle and not sure how to handle your money? Financial coach Paco de Leon, author of 'Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finan...
Practical tips for exercising in the cold
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Athlete and activist Alison Mariella Désir and sports medicine specialist Dr. Kelechi Okoroha explain how runners should dress when temperatures drop...
'Terrestrials,' a new kid's show from Radiolab, uncovers the strangeness on Earth
21 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is the story of one particularly devious octopus who lost a limb, was captured by humans — then managed to make an escape from its aquarium tan...
Looking for a job? Advice to help you land the gig
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How helpful are personal connections? When should you send a thank you email? Cynthia Pong, founder and CEO of the career coaching firm Embrace Change...
Pushing back against 'anti-fatness'
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
All Things Considered host Juana Summers interviews Aubrey Gordon, author of the book " 'You Just Need To Lose Weight': And 19 Other Myths About Fat P...
How to reduce your climate footprint in 2023
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lowering individual greenhouse emissions may be easier than you think. Here are some New Year's resolutions experts agree have an impact in addressing...
Dear LK: I'm tired of my boyfriend's lack of ambition
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Can you successfully motivate someone else to change? Clinical psychologist Jody Adewale shares advice with a letter writer feels put off by her partn...
How to look at art (and have a perception-altering experience)
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone can have a profound connection with a work of art. You just need the right mindset and attitude. Art professionals share tips on how to navig...
Find your authentic personal brand
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Life Kit's Andee Tagle talks to networking coach Lynda Peralta about how to present her personal life and her professional life on Instagram. See how ...
How to make a better to-do list
05 Jan 2023
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...
Clear out your clutter
03 Jan 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...
New Year's resolutions from Life Kit
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year! Team members at Life Kit share some of their favorite tips they are looking to trying in 2023, from how to start an art habit to how t...
How to start an exercise routine that works for you
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You don't have to be a marathoner or gym rat to get meaningful health benefits from exercise. In fact, that die-hard mentality can actually deter you ...
Ready to make a change for New Year's? Behavioral science can help
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When is the best time to start a new habit? And why are some habits easier to practice than others? Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman, author of 'How ...
This acronym will help you give the perfect toast
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's the wild card of every big event — the toast. Done well, it can be a memorable highlight. Done badly, it can be a total cringefest. Here's a he...
How to help someone at risk of suicide
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you know someone struggling with despair, depression or thoughts of suicide, you may be wondering how to help. Psychologists and researchers explai...
How to be a better movie watcher, according to film critics
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This guide — which comes with a fun brochure you can download and print at home — offers advice on how to pick a film, get outside your comfort zo...
How to cut down your alcohol intake
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Want to skip the champagne and cocktails this holiday season? Here's how to take a break from drinking alcohol — including in social settings — an...
Can therapy save their friendship?
17 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Would you ever consider going to therapy with a friend? In this episode from NPR Invisibilia, two best friends — who are so close they call themselv...
Dear LK: We bought a dog instead of rescuing one. It cost me a friend
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
An ideological difference over adopting versus shopping for a pet causes a rift between friends. Tania Israel, a professor of psychology, shares advic...
How to support people with long COVID
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One in five Americans who have had COVID have experienced symptoms lasting three months or more. How can patients navigate this chronic illness? And h...
Build a healthy relationship with your in-laws
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Creating a relationship with your partner's family can be hard work. Experts share how to navigate 5 tricky situations, including dealing with in-laws...
How to start new traditions that feel right to you
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Traditions can foster a sense of unity with the people we love and help pass down cultural values. But what happens when these events no longer make s...
Piece together your family tree
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you're interested in learning more about your family history, genealogist Mica Anders says to get creative. Look through newspaper archives, census...
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...