Life Kit

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 ...

The Importance Of Mourning Losses (Even When They Seem Small)

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's normal to grieve when someone close to you dies. But what about the feelings that come with the loss of a job, or a long-awaited milestone? That'...

How to Harness and Transform Anger

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anger can be a powerful teacher — if we know how to use it. In this episode, Lama Rod Owens, a teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, explains how he learned ...

Navigating The Coming Out Conversation

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Coming out looks different for everyone. Kathy Tu and Tobin Low (formerly of the podcast Nancy) talk with people about their coming out stories to lea...

Honoring Your Heritage Through Food

07 Jun 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...

A Field Guide To Birding

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You don't need binoculars and a trip to a nature preserve to go bird watching. If you've ever paused to appreciate a bird, you're already well on your...

What You Need To Start Biking

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bike sales shot up last year and lots of cyclists dusted off their old wheels. If you're itching to get out there, this episode covers what you'll nee...

Breaking Ground On A Garden

02 Jun 2021

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...

A Sunscreen Evangelist Explains The Importance Of SPF

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're making plans to enjoy the weather, don't forget to pack your sunscreen. What's that? You don't need it? Yes, you do. Here's why, and how to ...

New To Camping? Here's Your Orientation

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Life Kit is heading outside! We're sharing our favorite episodes about getting out there, just in time for summer. Today, we're talking cam...

Why Leaving A Legacy Takes Self-Reflection

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wealth isn't just cold, hard cash, says strategic investor Pamela Jolly. It's whatever you value — and that means generational wealth can take lots ...

Rational Advice For A Chaotic Housing Market

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Home prices have shot up in the last year. But with so many people eager to buy, the competition is stiff. If you're in the market to buy a home, this...

Understanding — And Coping With — Racial Trauma

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Psychotherapist April Preston speaks with Tonya Mosley of NPR's Here and Now about what racial trauma is, how it can be passed down, and how to addres...

Understanding The Latest CDC Mask Guidance

22 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The CDC says vaccinated folks don't need masks in most settings. NPR's Short Wave team breaks down that guidance and the pushback.Learn more about spo...

Be a better bystander

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What would you do if you saw someone being harassed on the bus or attacked in broad daylight? Most of us would like to think we know how we'd respond,...

Need To Make A Change? Behavioral Science Can Help

18 May 2021

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...

Feeling Foggy? It's Not Just You

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The stress and trauma from the past year have taken a toll on all of our brains. Mental health care providers say their patients are reporting brain f...

You Need A Hobby. Here's How To Find One

13 May 2021

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? In this episode,...

Why Talking About Hard Things Makes 'Whole Dimensions Open Up'

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

NPR's Noel King talks to Anna Sale of the podcast 'Death, Sex & Money' about her new book, "Let's Talk About Hard Things."Learn more about sponsor mes...

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Going Maskless

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are lots of things to consider if you're planning on shedding your mask. In this episode, NPR science editor Maria Godoy joins us to walk throug...

Finding The Perfect Name For Your Baby

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Picking a name for a baby can be overwhelming. With all the possibilities out in the world, it can be hard to even begin to choose. On this episode of...