Life Kit
Episodes
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...
How to cook and eat healthy on a budget
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Minding your budget while eating the foods that nourish you takes a little planning — but it's possible. Dietitian Shana Spence shares her tips to h...
How to arrange flowers like a professional
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you forgot to order flowers for that special occasion, or you just want to flex a new creative muscle, here's how to DIY a professional-lookin...
How to give the perfect toast
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's the wild card of every big event — the toast. If you're giving a new year's toast, a best man or maid of honor speech, or any other toasts this...
How to get the most out of your health insurance plan
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Using your health insurance doesn't have to be on an "in-case-of-emergency" basis. Learn how to make the most of your coverage by taking advantage of ...
Life Kit presents: The power in owning your 'Big Feelings'
30 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our friends at It's Been a Minute speak with Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy about their new book, Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not...
Storytelling 101
28 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Storytelling creates connections and builds community. In this episode of Life Kit, storytelling coaches from The Moth give a step-by-step guide to te...
How to thrive while working in a hybrid setup
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
More companies are offering hybrid work schedules, allowing office workers to split their time between the office and home. A hybrid set up has plenty...
Become a community scientist in 3 steps
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From the songs of sparrows outside your apartment window to the purple crocuses bursting into bloom in a nearby park – all that nature you're observ...
What to know about wearing a mask on public transit
23 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Now that a federal judge has thrown out mask mandates on public transportation, many people are wondering, "How safe is it to use these forms of trave...
Our favorite ways to live sustainably
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Climate change calls for long-term, systemic solutions, but that doesn't mean we can't all strive to live more sustainably. Life Kit is here with solu...
How to get outside and enjoy nature — on your own terms
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Enjoying the outdoors can look like anything from walking the dog to celebrating Indigenous culture — you don't have to hike the tallest mountain pe...
Live more freely with autism, and nurture inclusivity
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Autistic people are constantly forced to suppress who they are as a means of pleasing a neurotypical world. Social psychologist Devon Price not only w...
How to help birds during migration
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bird migration season is starting. But across North America, their populations are in trouble. We asked experts for 8 everyday steps you can take to l...
Tips for dealing with conflict in the workplace
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When the discomfort of conflict arises, it can be hard to know what to do, especially in the workplace. Get the tips you need to become a conflict-res...
How to cultivate your personal style
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Here's advice from the experts on cultivating a personal style — from purging your closet to taking fashion risks in a way that feels true to you.Le...
How to have more fun
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have enough fun in life? Catherine Price, author of The Power of Fun, explains the three components of true fun and how to tap into this powerf...
How to start bike commuting: tips for a safe and easy ride
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Biking is a great way to get to work – it's good for the environment, and it can be faster than driving or public transit. If you ever had an inklin...
Too much pleasure can lead to addiction. How to break the cycle and find balance
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Anna Lembke, psychiatrist and author, explains when too much pleasure-triggering dopamine upsets the delicate balance of pleasure and pain our bra...
How to start gardening
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you have big plans for a vegetable garden or a tiny pot of window sill herbs, this episode will help you get your green thumb. We cover the ba...
Intro to Korean American cooking
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In an introduction to Korean American cooking, New York Times food writer and cookbook author Eric Kim walks us through pantry essentials, quick-fix r...
Your tax refund, explained
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's tax season (insert collective groan here). But don't worry: in this episode of Life Kit, CPA and tax analyst Kimberly Washington offers helpful a...
How working parents can win back some time
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Calling all working parents and caregivers! We see you, and we know you don't have much time. Career coach Daisy Dowling shares time management tips t...
Regret is universal, here's what to do when you feel it
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rather than striving for a life with no regrets, Daniel H. Pink, author of The Power of Regret, suggests embracing regret and learning from it. He out...
From bills to appointments, here's how to tackle the homework of adulthood
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Life seems full of ever-increasing piles of paperwork — bills to pay, appointments to make, forms to sign, carpools to organize. Here's how to conqu...
How to talk to customer service – and actually get what you want
17 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Asking to speak to the manager isn't going to get the results you want. In this episode, negotiation consultant Craig dos Santos gives tips on how to ...
4 tips to stay connected when your friends live far away
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Long distance friendships are a common reality of adulthood, as we move around for school, work or family. While they might require some planning and ...
Our most valuable lessons from 2 pandemic years
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's been two years since our lives changed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Producers of NPR's Life Kit look back on the most valuable lessons th...
How to deal with mental health issues at work
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it's depression, anxiety, burnout or something else, if you're struggling with your mental health at work, it can be hard to know what your op...
Four ways to combat everyday indecision
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We make so many basic decisions each day that it's easy to fall into "analysis paralysis." We explore where indecision comes from, why so many of us a...
How to pick a birth control that works for you
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Picking a form of contraception can be overwhelming. It involves understanding how birth control works, your preferences, side effects and more. This ...
The basics to home maintenance
03 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
DIY home maintenance can be intimidating. Mercury Stardust, better known as the Trans Handy Ma'am on TikTok, is a maintenance technician with 14 years...
4 tools to help unblock your creativity
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way and architect of the famous creative practice "Morning Pages," has spent her career teaching "creative unblo...
How to deal with anxiety from the news
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The news is overwhelming right now. Neuroscientist Judson Brewer shares tips on calming your nerves when the headlines won't stop. Take a break and le...
Food substitutions 101
27 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Improvising in the kitchen takes a lot of practice. But when you get to that point in the recipe where you realize you're out of white wine/fresh garl...
What to say to kids when the news is scary
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whether a school shooting or a deadly tornado, scary events in the news can leave parents struggling to know when and how they should talk with their ...
What to know and how to talk about disability
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
July is Disability Pride Month. Do you find yourself avoiding conversations on disabilities? A disability rights activist shares ways to be a better a...
How to train for your first marathon
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A running coach and athlete with a background in exercise science shares tips on building your mileage and finishing your first race injury-free.Learn...
Why passing on wealth requires strategy
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Wealth isn't just cold hard cash, says strategic investor Pamela Jolly. It's whatever you value, meaning generational wealth can take lots of forms. H...
What's your attachment style?
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
According to the field of attachment theory, each person has a unique attachment style that informs how that person relates to intimacy: secure, anxio...
How to let more joy into your life
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Poet Ross Gay sees joy all around him. In infinity scarves, orchards, pawpaws, even weeds. He explains the subtle mindset shift that allows him to let...
How to get over someone
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Breakups come in all shapes and sizes — slow dissolves, out-of-nowhere endings — and maybe you even initiated the breakup. But they all have a few...
How to lose well — and why it matters
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How to turn failure into an opportunity — and walk away a winner even in the face of defeat.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices...
Financial advice for artists who think they're 'bad with money'
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Getting your finances in order can be intimidating, especially for freelancers, creatives and side-giggers. Financial planner and artist Paco de Leon ...
How to talk to your Latinx parents about mental health
04 Feb 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...
Pick a card, any card: How to get into tarot
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Even if you've gotten a tarot reading before, you may be intimidated by the cards or wondering whether you're cool enough to learn. Tarot reader and w...
It's OK to not be passionate about your job
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Passion and work often feel inextricably linked, but that's a fairly new phenomenon — and maybe it shouldn't be the expectation. Sociologist Erin A....
What 'likeability' really means in the workplace
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"Likeability" is a loaded word. And try as we might, none of us has full control over who likes us. Journalist and podcaster Alicia Menendez, author o...
How to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
27 Jan 2022
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...
Dog training 101 — How to set realistic goals and where to get started
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you recently searched the internet for "dog trainers near me," there's a good chance you became immediately overwhelmed by the options, certificati...
How to make sure you're paid for your time and work
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Time is money. But often, especially in the creative industries, trying to advance your career can mean literally selling yourself short. It's commonp...
The case for being ordinary
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For those in emerging adulthood, there's endless pressure from all sides to chase an extraordinary standard in every aspect of life. But writer Raines...
Need to make a change in your life? Behavioral science can help
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When's the best time to start a new habit? And what makes some stick while others fall by the wayside? Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman's new book, H...
How to talk about the COVID vaccine with people who are hesitant
15 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Jasmine Marcelin shares how she has conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine with people who have doubts about getti...