Life Kit
Episodes
How to make ethical investing work for you
13 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Money talks, but how do you make sure your money is sending the right message? Ethical investing isn't magic, but it's one way to try and put your mon...
How to work through a creative rut
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever try to be creative, but no matter how hard you try, struggle to access that spark in your head? This episode explains how to escape that c...
How to enjoy single life
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Singlehood is not the waiting room of life. It's unfair to think single people can't create meaningful lives that are filled with purpose and love. We...
A pediatrician's advice on omicron, daycare and travel for kids under 5
08 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amid the omicron surge, there is understandable anxiety among parents, particularly those with kids under 5. In this episode, infectious disease docto...
How to curb money avoidance and face financial woes head-on
07 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you wince every time you open up your credit card app or feel stressed just thinking about personal finances, here's how to curb money avoidance an...
How to divest from diet culture
04 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In 2022, 40% of New Year's resolutions in the U.S. were based on weight loss. Why do we set these goals for ourselves? Diet culture, the social expect...
Mindfulness For Beginners
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's counterintuitive, but an effective way to manage our negative reactions to life's stressors actually involves slowing down and paying very close ...
When it comes to exercise, "all movements count"
30 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling blocked with it comes to starting an exercise habit? You can actually get the health benefits of exercise with just 22 minutes of exercise a d...
How to give the perfect toast
28 Dec 2021
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...
6 tips on taking a break from drinking
27 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about taking a break from drinking? Here are ways to help you make a plan, navigate tricky social situations and reassess your relationship w...
How solitude can help you regulate your mood
23 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone needs a little alone time, but during this pandemic, you may have felt like you had too much "me" time or not enough. Let's get that balance ...
How to give thoughtful holiday gifts on a budget
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Holiday gift exchanges can feel like a burden, especially if you're shopping on a budget. Here are tips from a shopping expert on how to give more tho...
Your questions on holiday anxieties, answered by psychologist Andrea Bonior
20 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We asked for your questions on navigating the holiday blues. Clinical psychologist Andrea Bonior guides us through some rough patches involving family...
What happens in our brain when we grieve — and how it helps us stay afloat
18 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When we lose a loved one, it can feel like we've lost a part of ourselves. And for good reason, our brains are learning how to live in this world with...
How to shop for sustainable holiday gifts
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shopping secondhand can ease the environmental burden of holiday consumption — and save you money, too. Here are three tips to help you start cuttin...
How to squash negative self-talk
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Being self-critical comes naturally for a lot of people. It's easy to focus on the one bad review or the tiny flaw in an otherwise perfect presentatio...
How to host a meaningful holiday gathering
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hosting family and friends during the holidays can be stressful, but it doesn't need to be. Conflict resolution facilitator Priya Parker discusses way...
Omicron variant, COVID booster shots — and how to stay safe during the holidays
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The holiday season is well underway, and with it, a fresh batch of worries over the latest COVID-19 variant, omicron. For those planning end-of-year c...
How to talk about money with friends, from planning a hangout to splitting the bill
10 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Even among the closest of friends, conversations about money and privilege can be awkward. In this episode from Life Kit and The Cut, author Otegha Uw...
How to stop being late
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
People are late for lots of reasons — being overly optimistic, not accurately gauging how much time it takes to actually get somewhere, even being a...
Coping with grief during the holidays
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As we inch toward the holidays, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith shares how she's processing grief, a subject at the center of much of her w...
How to be a kinder, more caring neighbor
04 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to be a kinder, more caring neighbor? From Daniel Tiger's world of make-believe to Winnipeg, here's how to plug into your community,...
How to decide if freezing your eggs is right for you — and where to get started
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Freezing your eggs can open doors for your fertility. It's also emotional, time-consuming and expensive. Here are some things to think about before yo...
How to give good advice by less fixing, more listening
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When someone comes to you for advice, where do you start? This episode explores how to give good advice to the people you care about. Hint: It's not a...
How To Have Meaningful Conversations At Holiday Gatherings
25 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Having good conversations is an art form. To help you out at end-of-year gatherings, NPR's Sam Sanders tapped longtime radio host and podcaster Celest...
How To Make Tastier, Prettier Pies, According To A Self-taught Pie Artist
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Just in time for Thanksgiving, self-taught baker Lauren Ko shares her tips for making tastier — and more beautiful — pies.Learn more about sponsor...
This Thanksgiving, You Can Carry On Family Recipes In Your Own Way
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Making a family recipe for the first time can be daunting. Will it turn out just like you remembered? For those cooking for the holidays, podcaster No...
How To Document Family Stories
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Learning stories about our loved ones helps us understand their lives and make sense of our own story. Here are five tips to guide you as you document...
Remembering Petra Mayer: Everyone's a 'real writer.' Here's how to write that book
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Beloved books editor Petra Mayer believed that all you have to do to be a 'real writer' is to write. We're re-running this episode in honor of Petra w...
How to simplify your Thanksgiving menu
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family. New York Times food writer Eric Kim shares easy recipes for salt-and-pepper roast turkey bre...
Suleika Jaouad On Working Through Isolation And Life's Interruptions
12 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Writer Suleika Jaouad has made a career out of covering folks living in the 'in between' spaces — starting with herself. Diagnosed with leukemia at ...
5 Tips For Transferring Colleges
11 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Most students who want to transfer colleges don't. The process can be complicated and confusing and differ from state to state and institution to inst...
How To Build A Sleep Routine For You And Your Children
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Getting enough sleep helps you focus, retain information and helps to fortify your immune system. For parents and caretakers struggling to get their l...
How To Wake Up Early, Even If You're Not A Morning Person
05 Nov 2021
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 ...
What To Do When There's A Flash Flood Warning While You're Driving
02 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What should you do when there's a flash flood warning? In this episode, we'll walk you through why we're seeing an increase in flood events, what you ...
How To Start A Budget. (And Why You Might Actually Enjoy It)
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're paying down credit cards or saving for daily necessities, the best place to start is with a budget. Some simple tools can help. (This e...
From Family Planning To Recycling: Your Climate Questions Answered
30 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ahead of the U.N. climate talks in Glasgow this weekend, we're sharing this episode from our friends at It's Been A Minute with Sam Sanders.In this ep...
Your guide to a simple skin care routine
28 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Your skin is your largest organ. If you want to care for it without getting sucked into a wormhole of pharmacological-sounding jargon, this guide to b...
How To Learn A New Skill
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It can be incredibly gratifying to harness mastery of a skill. But why is learning new things so hard? In this episode, we'll explore that question an...
Climate Anxiety Is Real. Here's How To Address It
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The climate crisis is here, and if you feel climate anxiety, that's a totally normal response. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or numb when you start th...
Inbox Zero Isn't The Goal Anymore. Try Inbox Infinity
21 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Unread emails can be a source of anxiety for a lot of people. So instead of trying to read, filter or delete everything in your inbox, what if you jus...
Finding agency with a birth plan
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For expectant parents, navigating pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum can raise a range of emotions. There are so many things to think about and prep...
How To Choose A Health Insurance Plan
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Open enrollment is back again and with it, its confusing health insurance jargon. Here are some of those terms defined to help you choose the best pla...
How To Rethink What You Spend Your Time — And Life — Doing
14 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You've only got 4,000 weeks to live — give or take. While that may come as a brutal dose of reality, it's also an opportunity to think about how you...
5 Tips For Getting Started With Strength Training
12 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Strength training is a great way to exercise efficiently while preventing injury. But it can be nerve-wracking if you're worried about what other peop...
How You Can Honor Your Heritage — And Improve Your Health — Through Food
11 Oct 2021
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 o...
Get Your Pantry Organized With These Tips From Smitten Kitchen's Deb Perelman
07 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel like you're not an organized person? Deb Perelman of the blog and cookbook Smitten Kitchen says she can relate. But when it comes to the k...
The Case For A 4-Day Workweek
05 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The five-day workweek can feel as preordained as the number of minutes in an hour, but it hasn't always been the norm. Workers fought for a Monday-to-...
How To Reframe Jealousy In Relationships
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rage, fear, possessiveness, sadness or all of the above — we all experience romantic jealousy differently, but the common denominator is the feeling...
It's FAFSA Time! Here's How To Apply For College Financial Aid
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens to potential college students to fill out on Oct. 1 for the 2022-2023 school year. Here's how to fi...
How You Can Help Someone At Risk Of Suicide
28 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Research shows that suicide is preventable. And while surveys have shown that Americans know this, they might not know how to help someone who may be ...
How Reading Aloud Can Help You Bond With Your Kids
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Reading at school is one thing, but reading at home is important too. Though with busy schedules filled with after school activities, homework and lot...
Is It Laziness, Or A Sign You Need To Slow Down?
23 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We don't question whether our pets, friends or family have earned their right to exist, so why do we sometimes think about our own lives in those term...
How To Stop Getting Interrupted At Work
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Getting interrupted. Getting ideas stolen. Being talked over and ignored in meetings. This happens to women, people of color and marginalized workers ...
In 'We're Not Broken,' Author Eric Garcia Takes On Myths About Autism
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you know it or not, you know somebody who is autistic. So if you think autism doesn't affect you, you're wrong, says Eric Garcia.In this episo...
Dating over 50: It's OK to be nervous, but don't let that stop you
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Contemplating dating when you're 50 or older can feel daunting. But to find love, you usually have to date.In this episode, relationship experts give ...
There's More To Getting In Shape Than How You Look
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Exercise is important, but balancing exercise with mental health and your own body confidence can be a tricky thing to pull off.In this episode, we ta...
How To Start Hormone Replacement Therapy
13 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Medical transition-related treatments like hormone replacement therapy are associated with overwhelmingly positive outcomes in terms of both physical ...
How To Tap Into The Good Anxiety In Your Life
09 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Anxiety can feel like the enemy, and it's easy to want to obliterate those feelings. But that might not be the best approach, according to Wendy Suzuk...
How to thrive while working in a hybrid setup
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
More companies are offering hybrid work schedules, allowing office workers to split their time between the office and home. A hybrid setup has plenty ...
7 Tips To Help You Get Out Of Debt
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to get into debt, but harder to get out of it — especially if you don't have a plan. This episode offers strategies to help you pay off de...
How To Receive Feedback
02 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Receiving feedback doesn't necessarily have to be terrifying, according to Shanita Williams, a feedback coach, professor and author of Feedback Mental...
How To Rent Smarter
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it's an apartment or a house, finding a place to rent can be taxing. It takes research, a disciplined budget and a strong sense of your priori...
How To Keep Your Kids Safe From The Delta Variant
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Returning to in-person schooling is both a relief — and a source of great anxiety — for a lot of parents this year. The pandemic is still happenin...
Sci-Fi And Fantasy Recommendations For Your Summer Reading
26 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to dip a toe in the starry seas of fantasy and science fiction, but you just don't know where to start, Pop Culture Happy Hour is teaming ...
'Can I Ask That?' Tips For Navigating Questions About Booster Shots And More
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
People are making up for time lost during the pandemic. Weddings are happening again. People are hosting cookouts, and going on vacation. Some people ...
How To Give Good Feedback
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Massella Dukuly understands that the simple act of giving somebody feedback can be terrifying. But her job as director of learning and development at ...
5 Tips For Becoming A Stepparent
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Becoming a parent is challenging, and the same is true for those becoming stepparents. In this episode, we talk to experts — some of whom are steppa...
5 Ways To Rethink Money In Your Relationship
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Talking about money can feel intimidating, even taboo. But it's also the key to fostering a closer connection with your partner. In this episode, fina...
Do's And Don'ts For Parents Whose Kids Have Gained Weight In The Pandemic
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you've noticed that your kid put on some weight during the pandemic and you're not sure what — if anything — to do about it, you're not alone.W...
Life Kit Presents: CNN's Chasing Life
14 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hi Life Kit listeners! We want to share an episode from another podcast we think you'll really enjoy. It comes from our friends at CNN's Chasing Life....
How To Navigate The World Of Dating Apps
12 Aug 2021
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...
Letter Writing 101: Tips From A Hallmark Card Writer
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Be it snail mail, a text message, a work email or a birthday card to grandma: good personal writing can foster authentic connection, boost your creati...
A Business-Minded Way To Make Tough Family Decisions
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Having elementary-aged kids at home can mean a maze of tough decisions about how to run your family and what's right for your small children. Economis...
The Process Of Becoming A Mother Has A Name: Matrescence
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Becoming a mother is a huge, complicated life transition that can rock every fiber of a person's being. The process even has its own name: matrescence...
Money Talks: How To Teach Kids About Finance
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Money can feel like a taboo topic in a lot of households, but talking about it regularly can take the awkwardness out of it.Kids see and do everything...
Here's How Relationship Contracts Can Help Couples
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Despite its legal-sounding moniker, a relationship contract isn't a binding agreement. Rather, it's a tool for couples to express their needs and work...
Summer Reading Starter Kit: Young Adult Novels
29 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you're a longtime fan or just thinking about how and where to get started in YA, we've got you covered with some recommendations, some thought...
Smart Investing Tips For Beginners
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Investing is the most powerful way that we can save for retirement, college for our children and similar long-term goals. But if you're just getting s...
How To Talk About Divorce With Your Children
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Even the most amicable split is world-changing for young children. Here are a few key tips for grown-ups trying to help their kids navigate this big t...
What You Should Know About The Delta Variant
24 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We're in another unsettling moment in the pandemic. Even people who are vaccinated are wondering if it's time to be cautious again, given the rise in ...
4 Tips For Cleaning Up Your Social Media Diet
22 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Social media is designed to be addicting, but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're looking for a full detox or just trying to find balance, here are ...
'Managing Up' And The Art Of Leadership At Work
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Career development expert Kimberly B. Cummings went from studying her bosses to becoming one, and that process shaped how she approaches being a leade...
4 Tips To Beat Extreme Heat
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Record-breaking temperatures resulting from climate change are a global problem. And while our bodies have ways to dissipate heat, sometimes they just...
How To Host: The Art Of Having People Over
15 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hosting can be stressful, but it doesn't need to be. Conflict resolution facilitator Priya Parker discusses ways anyone can host a meaningful, memorab...
How To Use Less Plastic
13 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's not your fault that single-use plastic is everywhere. But with a little planning, you can curb your use of disposables and maybe even save some m...
Flirting Advice That Will Help You Talk To Anyone
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Flirting can be scary. What if you get rejected? Reframing that mindset is key to an enjoyable flirting experience, according to experts. We got concr...
Retirement 101: How To Save What You Need
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's never too early to start putting away money for retirement. In this episode, NPR's Chris Arnold decodes what you should know — from the types o...
Tricks To Improve Your Credit Score
08 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A strong credit score can make major purchases and financial transactions much easier. Here's how to make yours better and keep it high. (This episode...
Spend Savvier, Save Smarter: 5 Tips to Stop Stress Spending
07 Jul 2021
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...
How To Navigate A Financial Crisis
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you lose your job or the economy is in a recession, weathering a financial crisis is tough. Personal finance expert Michelle Singletary guides...
5 Steps To Eating Healthy On A Budget
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dietitian Shana Spence joins Life Kit to share her tips to making nutritious meals without spending more than necessary. (This episode originally ran ...
How To Find Art You Love For Your Space
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How you decorate your home can be a form of self-expression and a way to share personal stories. Curator and author Kimberly Drew explains how to find...
Making The Workplace More Equitable For Trans People
29 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How can your workplace be truly equitable to transgender people? Gender Reveal host Tuck Woodstock answers questions about making the workplace safer ...
So You Want To Start A Podcast. NPR Pros Have Advice
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you have a podcast idea, you've come to the right place. In this episode, NPR producer (and frequent Life Kit host) Lauren Migaki guides us through...
Summer Reading Starter Kit: Romance Novels
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's hard not to love romance books. They're flirty, steamy, and by definition, they end on a high note. Life Kit teamed up with NPR's Pop Culture Hap...
What 'likeability' really means in the workplace
22 Jun 2021
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...
Supporting A Teen Through An Abusive Relationship
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Teens face dating violence at alarming rates — but don't always have the experience to know what to do. Adults play a critical role in supporting th...
A Personal Antiracism Tool For People Who Think They're Allies
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Me And White Supremacy author Layla Saad explains the work of undoing white supremacy and why being an ally isn't enough. (This episode first ran in J...
You're Probably Apologizing All Wrong
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We all screw up. What comes afterwards can make or break a relationship. In this episode, psychologist Harriet Lerner shares her tips for apologizing ...