Life Kit

Start Therapy (And Make It Work For You)

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Plenty of people put off seeking therapy because of the stigma, cost and inconvenience. Here are four tips to help you make your first appointment, ev...

Supporting A Loved One In An Abusive Relationship

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Intimate partner violence is widespread and traumatic. Here's how you can help a friend or loved one in an abusive relationship.Learn more about spons...

Making Ethical, Sustainable Clothing Choices

08 Mar 2021

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.Learn mo...

Understanding (And Practicing) Consent

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone has different boundaries. In this episode, we'll talk through what consent is and how to get clear about what you're comfortable with — so ...

What You Can (And Can't) Do After The Vaccine

02 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, NPR's Sam Sanders talks with Short Wave host Maddie Sofia for answers to listener questions about the vaccine. (Here's the story we r...

Deciding when to have a baby

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you've always wanted to be a parent or not, starting a family is a big decision. Experts talk through what to consider.Learn more about sponso...

Quitting Your Job The Right Way

27 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're completely fed up or just ready for the next thing, quitting a job can be stressful and complicated. Here's how to make a game plan and...

Surviving At Work As A Person Of Color

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Changing workplace culture isn't the job of marginalized employees. But knowing how to manage your boss or document your daily work can help employees...

Tips For Making A Career Change, From Someone Who Has Done It

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Making a career switch can be daunting — but it's doable. In this episode, audio producer Keisha "TK" Dutes breaks down how she made her own switch,...

How to ask for a raise

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Negotiations expert Mori Taheripour shares her tips on asking for more money at work — and what to do when the answer is no, or there's just not mon...

Starting Your Career After College

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

From informational interviews to applications, landing your first job after college is always hard. A pandemic makes it even tougher. This episode ori...

The Right Mentor Can Change Your Career

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A strong mentor can help you inside and outside of work. In this episode, we'll give you tips on finding the right one to help you achieve your goals....

Getting Comfortable With Self-Pleasure

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Human touch is essential. But in a socially distanced world, lots of people are starved for it. Figuring out what feels good to you, from a long hot b...

The Smart Way To Fall In Love

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You might remember Mandy Len Catron from her hit Modern Love essay about going through 36 questions to fall in love. You might have even tried those q...

Stop Arguing, Start Brainstorming

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's normal to avoid conflict. But if you approach conflict as problem-solving, it might not be so bad. Here's how to turn a fight into a constructive...

Hitting A Pandemic Wall? Remember To Show Up For Yourself

13 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You can't fully show up for the people in your life until you know how to do the same for yourself. In this episode, we talk with Rachel Wilkerson Mil...

How To Savor Chocolate Like A Cocoa Expert

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Making (and tasting) chocolate is an art. In this episode, a cocoa expert guides us through the world of chocolate and how you can appreciate it to it...

F*** The Spark: The Science Of Finding A Partner

09 Feb 2021

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...

How Solitude Can Improve Your Mood

08 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone needs a little alone time, but these days, you might have either too much "me" time or not enough. Here's how to find a balance and get the r...

Making A Side Gig Work For You

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Making money from a hobby takes a lot of work — and strategy. In this episode, host Ruth Tam gets some advice from independent business owners and f...

Poet Maggie Smith On 'Trying On' Hope

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In her most recent book, poet Maggie Smith compiled notes to self, and says that writing them was her way of 'trying on' hope.Learn more about sponsor...

Tackling Impostor Syndrome

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Impostor syndrome: it's the voice in the back of your mind telling you that you're a fraud, and that your peers are all smarter and more creative than...

Why you procrastinate — and how to stop

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Putting off items in your to-do list isn't a sign of laziness. It's your inner critic coming to life. Revisit your relationship with procrastination —...

Setting boundaries with family

26 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Maintaining healthy boundaries is a way of taking care of your closest relationships, but setting those boundaries with family can be hard. The proces...

Olympic Runner Alexi Pappas On Learning To Ask For Help

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Alexi Pappas is an Olympic runner, an actor and, now, a memoirist. In her new book, Bravey, she shares her struggles with mental health and learning t...

How To Relax More And Work Less

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time you had a meal without looking at your phone, or took a day off without answering a work email? Journalist Celeste Headlee spok...

Get Back Into Your Home Workout Routine

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If your home workout routine isn't much of a routine, we're right there with you. A personal trainer joined NPR's Maria Godoy to talk tips for carving...

Coping With Anxiety Around The News

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The news is overwhelming right now. Neuroscientist Judson Brewer can help. Take a break from the headlines and press play. (This episode originally ra...

5 Steps To Get Into A Deep Cleaning Routine

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A clean home can feel like a fresh start. Here's how to build a cleaning routine without getting overwhelmed.Learn more about sponsor message choices:...

What To Say To People Hesitant About The Coronavirus Vaccine

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many Americans remain unsure about whether to get the coronavirus vaccine. If you're talking to people in your life about getting it, make sure to lea...

The art of breaking up

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Breaking up is tough, no matter how sure you are in your decision. In this episode, certified dating coach Damona Hoffman walks us through the steps t...

What To Tell Kids When The News Is Scary

07 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When the headlines are terrifying, how can parents make sure kids get the facts without traumatizing them? Whether it's a school shooting, a global pa...

5 Steps To Saving Money On A Move

05 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. Here's how to plan for a move — and save money in the process.Learn more about sponsor message choices: po...

How to make a hard decision

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Making a hard decision can be agonizing. What if you pick the wrong thing? In this episode, an Oxford professor walks us through a different approach:...

7 Steps To Get Your Photos Organized

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling overwhelmed by thousands of photos? Here's how to organize them, from tagging them to backing them up. We've got tips from the experts.Learn m...

Trying To Form A Habit? Start Small

29 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

BJ Fogg's book "Tiny Habits" explains that making small changes in behavior requires just a little motivation and lots of celebrating — and can have...

Understanding The Biology Of Weight Loss

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Biology makes it hard to lose weight, so don't beat yourself up. In this episode, we won't tell you how to lose weight — or whether you even need to...

Want To Read More Books? Here's How

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Got an intimidating tower of unread books looming on your nightstand? This episode will help you pick up more books and get through them quicker. (Thi...

Finding Your Inner Sneakerhead

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Being a sneakerhead looks different in a digital world, where shoes sell out in minutes and YouTubers review new kicks. NPR's Jeff Pierre shows us how...

Should You Lie To Your Kids About Santa And The Tooth Fairy?

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to characters like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, parents often play along with elaborate charades. But what should grown-ups do when ...

Tricks To Stay Warm During Outdoor Winter Hangouts

19 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Socializing in the great outdoors is safer during the pandemic, but lower temperatures can make it tough. NPR's Sam Gringlas got some tips to stay toa...

Cutting Back On Pandemic Drinking

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Alcohol sales are high and Americans are drinking more during the pandemic. If you're thinking of cutting back or even taking a break, you're not alon...

How To Help A Someone At Risk Of Suicide

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Americans are reporting an increase in mental health challenges and suicidal ideation because of the coronavirus. If someone you know is struggling, h...

A Therapist's Advice For Getting Through Pandemic Holidays

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The holidays are extra stressful this year. Psychologist and author Andrea Bonior offers some tips, whether you're feeling stressed, angry, lonely or ...

Helping Kids (And Parents) Cope During The COVID-19 Pandemic

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kids and teens have had their lives upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what parents can do to help them stay positive and feel supported.Learn m...

The Secret To Building Better Playlists

08 Dec 2020

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...

Giving thoughtful holiday gifts, without breaking the bank

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Human connection can seem out of reach this year, but there are still ways to show your loved ones that you care. Harper's Bazaar editor Tiffany Dodso...

Finding Your Own Language For Loss: Grief In The Holidays

01 Dec 2020

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...

Lessons In The Hard Work Of Healing

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

America is divided. How can we move forward together? Michel Martin, host of NPR's Weekend All Things Considered, speaks with leaders in mediation and...

Peter Sagal Teaches Us How To Run

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You don't need fancy equipment or a gym to start running. Grab your headphones and some sneakers and let Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me host Peter Sagal te...

Scientifically Proven Ways To Be Happier

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We could all use a little boost these days. Laurie Santos teaches a class on the science of happiness at Yale University, so we got her advice. (This ...

How To Have A Safe Thanksgiving

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

All gatherings carry risk during COVID-19. If you're meeting with people outside your immediate household during Thanksgiving, you can mitigate that r...

How To Make Better (And Prettier) Pies

19 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Just in time for Pi Day 2023, self-taught baker Lauren Ko shares her simple tips for making better — and more beautiful — pies.Learn more about sp...

Recreating A Family Recipe

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Making a family recipe for the first time can be daunting. Will it turn out just like you remembered? In this episode, podcaster Noor Wazwaz walks us ...

Transforming Kids' Worries Into Superpowers

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kids have anxiety — but it's not always a bad thing. Renee Jain and Dr. Shefali Tsabary have some ideas about how to help children use those feeling...

Checking In On Your Aging Loved Ones

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The coronavirus makes things a lot lonelier, especially if you're older and separated from family and friends. In this episode, NPR's Denise Guerra ta...

Improving Your Credit Score

10 Nov 2020

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.Learn more abo...

How Using (Not Hiding) Emotions Can Help Your Career

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Emotions are everywhere, even at work. It might be tempting to hide them — but you can use them to your advantage. (This episode originally ran in D...

How To Take Care Of Yourself This Election Season

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

2020 has been a lot. In this special episode from NPR's It's Been A Minute, host Sam Sanders talked with therapist Lori Gottlieb about taking care of ...

Make Journaling Work For You

03 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There's a lot to think about right now. Journaling might help — and you don't need a fancy notebook or lots of time. Here's where to start.Learn mor...

How To Raise Good Citizens

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Now is a good time to talk to the kids in your life about how to engage in civics. Here's a primer from our Life Kit parenting team.Learn more about s...

Dealing With Your Seasonal Affective Disorder

29 Oct 2020

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...

Rights To Remember If Police Stop You

28 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What should you do if a police officer pulls you over while you're driving, or stops you while you're peacefully protesting?Learn more about sponsor m...

Coping With Anxiety From Constant Headlines

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Between the endless stream of headlines and the ongoing pandemic, the news can be overwhelming. Here's neuroscientist Judson Brewer's advice on coping...

Ibram Kendi Reflects On Anti-Racism — And Wants You To Do It Too

24 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Author and renowned scholar Ibram Kendi's new book asks readers to examine their own relationship with race. NPR's Eric Deggans spoke with him about i...

FAFSA 2021: Here's How To Apply For College Financial Aid

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is now open to potential college students to fill out. Here's how to fill out the form to get money for c...

Making Social Change, With Help From Meditation

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When the world feels upside-down, it might seem counterintuitive to turn inward to create change. But that's exactly what meditation teacher Sharon Sa...

Tips For Better Conversations, From A Pro

19 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Having good conversations is an art form. NPR's Sam Sanders tapped longtime radio host and podcaster Celeste Headlee for her tips for really listening...

Prepping For Election Day: What You Need To Know To Vote Safely

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

NPR's Allison Aubrey spoke with Myrna Pérez of the Brennan Center for Justice about how voters can make election day go smoothly — from what they n...

The Life Kit Guide To Online Privacy

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

NPR's Laurel Wamsley talked with the experts about how to protect your information — from your text messages to your location — while you're on th...

7 tips for coping with uncertainty about the future

12 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Uncertainty can be hard to live with — especially when it feels never-ending. Three people who have survived tough times and gained perspective shar...

Eating Healthy Without Overspending

08 Oct 2020

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 Make A Career Change, From Someone Who Has Done It

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Making a career switch can be daunting — but it's doable. Audio producer Keisha "TK" Dutes breaks down how she made her own switch, and how you can ...

Retirement 101: How to save and why

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you're just starting out in your career, it's not too early to start saving funds in a retirement account. But you might have questions: How much s...

Vaccines 101: How They Work And Why You Need Them

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Just because you (or your kids) are home all day doesn't mean you can skip your vaccines, including a flu shot. Here's how vaccines work and why they'...

How to vote in 2024

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to make a plan to vote. NPR's Miles Parks joins Life Kit to guide us through all the ways you can vote this year and how to do each, from re...

Simple Steps To Take Now To Make Your Pandemic Winter Easier

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The sun is going down earlier and temperatures are dropping. We know we're not the only ones getting worried about winter during a pandemic. Rachel Mi...

Do You Love It Or Just Want It? How To Stop Stress-Spending

24 Sep 2020

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...

Saying No To People-Pleasing

22 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Constantly saying 'yes' to everything and everyone drains us of time and energy. This episode helps explain the roots of people-pleasing behaviors and...

Lift Your Head And Lower Your Arms: A Better Work From Home Setup

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is working from home causing all sorts of aches and pains? An ergonomics expert talked us through how to avoid the most common home setup pitfalls.Lea...

How To Survive at Work as a Person of Color

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Changing workplace culture isn't the job of marginalized employees. But knowing how to manage your boss or document your daily work can help employees...

Make A Wildfire Plan Before You Smell Smoke

15 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wildfires are raging in California and the Pacific Northwest. Here's how to prepare for a wildfire and what to do if one is approaching.Learn more abo...

Making Online College Work For You

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you (or your kids) are in college, there's a good chance you're going through online classes this semester — maybe for the first time. Learning r...

What To Know If You Can't Make Rent

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you're unable to pay rent, you're not alone. Here's what to know.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy ...

A Simple Equation to Help Kids Love Math

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Math anxiety is real for kids and adults. But parents can help. The solution goes beyond equations and textbooks.Learn more about sponsor message choi...

Workplace Diversity: Steps for Leaders and Managers

07 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You might've heard the phrase "workplace diversity" in recent months. If you're a leader in your workplace — especially if you're white — this epi...

Mentorship: A Career Game-Changer

03 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A strong mentor can change your career and help you outside of work. In this episode, we'll give you tips on finding the right mentor to help you achi...

Study Strategies That Keep You From Getting Overwhelmed

01 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

No one teaches you how to study. Laptop or paper notes? Highlighter or flashcards? And does music help? Here's how to take better notes and study so t...

How To Win An Argument: Brainstorm Instead

31 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's normal to avoid conflict. This episode gives you tools for turning what could be a heated argument into a constructive brainstorming session — ...

Life Kit Talks LDRs: All About Long-Distance Relationships

27 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Maybe you're trying to make it work with a partner in another state. Or maybe your best friend lives across the country. Long–distance relationships...

Steps You Can Take to be Anti-Racist

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Even white supremacists don't like to be called racist. That's why, NPR's Eric Deggans says, "not racist" doesn't feel like quite enough. In this epis...

It's Hurricane Season. Here's How To Prepare To Evacuate

24 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This year's Atlantic hurricane season will be one of the most active on record, say forecasters. Tips and strategies to help you weather the storm.Lea...

Simple Steps to Smarter Investing, Even During COVID-19

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When COVID-19 began, the stock market fell off a cliff — leaving less experienced investors wondering, "should I sell to stop the pain!?" The answer...

Braving Your Student Loan Payments

20 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The student loan system is confusing. Sometimes it can seem designed to make borrowers fail. But if you know how to navigate it, you're more likely to...

It's A Good Time To Save More. Here's How

19 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you're not good at saving money, it's not your fault: Humans are hard-wired to focus on the present. But there's a way to beat evolution and build ...

Your Plan To Become Debt-Free

18 Aug 2020

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...

Your Plan To Become Debt-Free

18 Aug 2020

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...

Budgeting basics to get you more money

17 Aug 2020

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.Learn mo...

Budgeting Basics To Get You More Money

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're paying down credit cards or saving for daily necessities during COVID-19, the best place to start is with a budget. Some simple tools c...

How To Make Sure Your Child Learns This School Year

13 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Families with children are in a serious bind. Whether you're looking for options for child care or need resources to keep your kid entertained, this e...