The Upgrade by Lifehacker

How to Prevent Your Mind From Being Hacked, With Robert Lustig

18 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Robert Lustig joins us in the studio to talk about his new book, “The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of...

How to Detect Bullshit, With Carl Bergstrom & Jevin West

11 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re talking about bullshit: what it is, how to detect it, and how to call it out. First, staff writer Nick Douglas joins us for a rousin...

How to Be Smarter, Faster and Better, With Charles Duhigg (RECAST)

04 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This is a recast of the week Charles Duhigg joined us to discuss the science of productivity. He's a Pulitzer-winning reporter for the New York Times ...

How to Get Smart About Microdosing, With Ayelet Waldman & Paul Austin

28 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're talking about microdosing: the use of relatively low doses of psychedelics, like LSD and psilocybin mushroom,  to improve mood, focus...

How to Be a Clean Person, with Jolie Kerr

21 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We're talking about personal hygiene with professional clean person Jolie Kerr. Jolie’s been a cleaning expert for Esquire, Deadspin and The Hairpin...

How to Have a Better Sex Life, with Cleo Stiller

14 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week Cleo Stiller, host of Fusion TV's "Sex Right Now," joins us to talk about how porn is affecting our sex lives, what happens when men get men...

How to Be Less Rude, With the Lifehacker Staff

07 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The entire Lifehacker staff convened in New York City and gathered in the studio this week to answer etiquette questions sent in by our readers. Want ...

How to Tell a Story, with Alan Alda and The Moth’s Catherine Burns

31 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Alan Alda and The Moth’s Catherine Burns join us to talk about storytelling. What makes a good story? What makes a good storyteller? How ...

How to Stay Safe, with Steve Casner

24 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We spoke with Steve Casner, author of the book CAREFUL: A User’s Guide to Our Injury-Prone Minds. Steve is a research psychologist with NASA who stu...

How to Tell If You're Dating a Psychopath with Jen Waite & Michael Stone

17 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're talking about psychopaths: what exactly is a psychopath, how to identify them and what to do if you suspect you might be dating one. W...

How to Turn Your Awkwardness Into a Social Asset, With Ty Tashiro

10 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ty Tashiro, relationship expert and author of Awkward: The Science of Why We’re Socially Awkward and Why That’s Awesome, joins us in the studio to...

How to Have Good Taste in Wine, With Marissa Ross

03 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Marissa Ross, the official wine columnist for Bon Appétit and author of the book “Wine. All the Time: The Casual Guide to Confident Drinking,” jo...

How to Find Out People's Secrets, With Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

26 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We’re living in a time of secrets. Whether it’s the health-care bill, Russia’s secret connection with our recent election, or the lies we all te...

How to Be Emotionally Correct, With Sally Kohn

19 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sally Kohn, political commentator, columnist, and one of our leading progressive voices, joins us in the studio to discuss the state of our (deeply di...

How to Not Give a Shit with Comedian Samantha Irby

12 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week we chatted with Samantha Irby, comedian, writer, the mastermind behind the blog “Bitches Gotta Eat” and the author of the new collection...

How to Find Real Love With Sharon Salzberg

05 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sharon Salzberg is one of the people who brought Buddhist meditation and mindfulness practice to the West and into mainstream culture. She co-founded ...

How to Be an Adult With Andy Boyle

29 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Andy Boyle is a writer, comedian, and web developer who has gone viral on the Internet multiple times. He’s also the author of the new book “Adult...

How to Protect Yourself Online with Hector Monsegur

22 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Hector Monsegur is a reformed black-hat hacker. Under the alias Sabu, he hacked corporations, news organizations, and Middle Eastern governments. Afte...

How to Be a Tech Podcast God with Leo Laporte

15 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Legendary tech guru Leo Laporte joins us to discuss what it means to be a geek, the mainstreaming of geek culture, why we must fight for our (geek) ri...

How to Hack Happiness With Gretchen Rubin

08 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gretchen Rubin practically invented the concept of hacking your happiness. She's the author of The Happiness Project, host of the podcast Happier with...

How to Eat Less Meat, With Brian Kateman

01 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

There are a lot of reasons why we should eat less meat, but most of us don’t want to quit cold turkey. And that’s okay. We’re talking with Brian...

Why Some People Are Born Anxious, With Daniel Keating

24 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like you’re just hard-wired for stress and anxiety? According to psychology professor Daniel Keating, how we deal with stress may b...

How to Keep Your Healthcare, With Planned Parenthood

17 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The future of healthcare in America is uncertain but Planned Parenthood is continuing their mission to provide preventative care, contraception counse...

How to Hack Your Brain, With the Bulletproof Exec Dave Asprey

10 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Dave Asprey, otherwise known as the Bulletproof Exec, has spent decades experimenting with ways to optimize his mind and body. You might know him best...

How to Drive, With Jalopnik's Kristen Lee

03 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone seems to think they’re a great driver but your scuffed bumper might disagree. How can we learn to improve our driving in the age of infinit...

How to Be Less Stupid About Money, With Felix Salmon

27 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Felix Salmon, senior editor at Fusion and co-host of Slate’s Money podcast, is our guest this week. We discuss banks debt, credit cards and other th...

How to Be Smarter, Faster and Better, With Charles Duhigg

20 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Charles Duhigg joins us this week to discuss the science of productivity. He's a Pulitzer-winning reporter for the New York Times and best-selling aut...

How to Use Improv to Change Your Life, With Ed Herbstman & Hannah Chase

13 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Upgrade we're discussing how you can apply the principles of improvisational comedy to your life and work. Improv laid the foundation...

How to Survive Starting a New Job, With Lifehacker's New Editor-in-Chief

06 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Upgrade we're starting fresh and discussing what you should and shouldn't do when you begin working at a new job. It's an exciting bu...

How to Choose Between Mac and Windows

27 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Upgrade we're taking a look at the latest iterations of the two major operating systems on the market: Windows 10 and macOS. Mac vers...

How to Make Your Voice Heard in Politics

20 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Upgrade we're learning how we can get involved with politics and make our voices heard even when it's not an election year. We discus...

How to Find Love on the Internet

06 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Upgrade we’re looking for love online and learning about the world of online dating, including the dos and don’ts of crafting the...

How to Find, Buy, and Upgrade the Perfect HDTV for You

30 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Upgrade, we show you how to shop for, buy, and set up a good HDTV for the big game--or for any game, movie night, or Netflix binge se...

Introducing: The Upgrade

26 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome (back)! We're relaunching our podcast with a new name, new logo, new tips and tricks for getting things done. See Privacy Policy at https://a...

Selling Stuff Online, Android Phones, and Podcast Goodbyes

03 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're answering your questions about prepaid cellphone carriers, selling stuff online, and choosing Android phones—plus an ...

Android Skins, Amazon Fakes, and Expensive Cable Bills

27 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we're talking about the new Android service packs, streaming your movie collection with Google Drive, and OneNote vs Evernot...

Broken Phones, Nintendo 64, and Bandwidth Hogs

20 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Microsoft OneNote's big overhaul, what do to if you break your phone, and shortcuts every Windows user s...

Ban Telemarketers, Get a Job You Love, and (Don't) Speed Read

13 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about the scam that is speed reading, taking a pay cut to work the job you really want, and getting rid of tele...

The Best TV Streaming Apps, Steam Sharing, and Camera Comparisons

06 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Steam's new sharing feature, the best TV streaming services, and communication mistakes every couple mak...

Apple's Security Flaw, Secret Job Hunts, and Gamify Everything

27 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Apple's iOS and OS X security flaw, the new Dropbox terms of service you should opt out of, and gamifyin...

Password Hacks, Downloading Movies Legally, and Bluetooth Headphones

20 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about everybody getting hacked, the best browser for privacy, and sex myths debunked. We're also answering ques...

Comcast Fiascos, Eating Healthy on a Budget, and Multi-Monitor Gaming

13 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Comcast getting hacked and merging with Time Warner, how to start exercising when you're already overwei...

Facebook Deletion, Flickr Automation, and Cheap Media Centers

06 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we're answering your questions about deleting old Facebook posts, automating Flickr uploads, and cheap ways to get a Plex me...

Blocked Videos, DIY Cable Management, and Internet Speed

30 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we’re talking about web sites listening to your microphone, explaining tech to the uninitiated, and why media companies bl...

Browser Malware, Chromecast Streaming, and Life Lessons from Warcraft

23 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Chrome extensions becoming malware, free alternatives to LogMeIn, and Life lessons from World of Warcraf...

Winamp’s Back, Net Neutrality Showdown, and Bedtime Technology

16 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we're talking about the return of Winamp, the new ruling on Net Neutrality laws, and why you make bad decisions when you're ...

Cellphone Carrier Bonanza, Fast Android Updates, and Cheap Chromebooks

09 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about making your own food substitute, why fast Android updates don’t matter anymore, and a whole bunch of ...

Holiday Special No. 2: Health, Debt, and Credit Scores

31 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking to osteopathic physician and director of ​Examine.com, ​Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, to answer your health questio...

Holiday Podcast Special No. 1: Apartments, Real Estate, and Nutrition

26 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking to former landlord and property owner Bruce Dachis and Las Vegas-based registered dietician Andy Bellatti to ge...

Cellphone Tracking, Beats by Dre Headphones, and Lots of Travel Tips

19 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about Target stores getting hacked, the emergence of SteamOS, and how to stop your phone from tracking you. ...

Buying Suits, Breaking Gadgets, and Getting Things Done with Jay-Z

05 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about buying a versatile suit for any occasion, how cholesterol works, and Jay-Z’s best productivity tips. ...

Winamp Closes Down, Laptop Manufacturers Ranked, and iOS Controllers

21 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about Winamp shutting down, laptop reliability, and training Google Now for better suggestions. We're also answ...

The Lifehacker 2013 Thanksgiving Special

15 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

We're out celebrating Thanksgiving, but that doesn't mean you have to go without a podcast! This week we're answering a backlog of your questions on c...

The Science of Breakups, Hangouts vs. Voice, and Muting Twitter Users

15 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about making the airport suck less, the science behind breakups and how to make them better, and what it really...

Google Overload, Cheap PC Games, and Essential Computer Building Tips

07 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about tons of Google news, finding great deals on PC games, and essential times for first-time computer build...

Android KitKat, iPad Upgrades, and Evil Tips Galore

31 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the new features in Android KitKat, evil tips from millionaires, and how to mooch off of your friends. ...

Cheap Amazon Goods, Great Headphones, and Too Much Apple

24 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re talking about everything Apple did, whether or not you should buy all your stuff on Amazon, and how to donate to charity without giv...

Windows and Ubuntu Updates, Android Security, and Health Myths Galore

17 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about all the new stuff in Windows 8.1 and Ubuntu 13.10, Android security, and the truth behind 10 prolific h...

IOS 7 Bugs, Podcast Downloaders, and Horrible Cellphone Reception

10 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about all the bugs in iOS 7, time saving Android shortcuts you should be using, and how to find your parked c...

Customized Androids, Prepaid Cellphone Plans, and Refurbished Laptops

03 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about how manufacturers cheat on smartphone benchmarks, creating your own customized version of Android, and aw...

Smartphone Upgrades, Office Productivity, and the Laptop Conundrum

26 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about whether it’s worth upgrading your phone every six months, how to be productive at work when everythin...

IOS 7 Madness, Android Widgets, and Quitting a Job You Hate

19 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about a little bit of iOS news, why you should take another look at widgets on Android, and how to survive insi...

IOS 7, Making Extra Money, and Awesome Hidden Google Features

12 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about iOS 7 and the new iPhones (briefly), making money in your spare time, and a few lesser-used Google servic...

Android KitKat, Netflix Hacks, and Laptop Docking Stations

05 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about Android’s new KitKat obsession, speeding up your old iPhone or iPad, and turning your phone into the ...

Tiny Apartment Hacks, Selling Your Smartphone, and Productive Pooping

29 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about hacking your tiny apartment, making the most on a smartphone sale, and buying parts for your custom PC....

YouTube Ads, BitTorrent Privacy, and the Best Ereaders

22 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about blocking YouTube ads, the difference between antivirus and anti-malware, and app updates galore. We’...

Encrypted Emails, Best College Laptops, and the Office Software Battle Royale

15 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about encrypted email, whether Microsoft Office or LibreOffice deserves your download, and why you should dit...

The Merits of Lifehacking, Amazon Prime, and IFTTT for iPhone

08 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about the merits of Lifehacking, IFTTT for iPhone, and Amazon Prime. Also, Chrome's horribly insecure password ...

Tough Decisions, Resume Lies, Personal Rituals, and Ditching Cable

01 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about making tough decisions, lying on your resume, and the health benefits of personal rituals. We’re als...

Android 4.3, Chromecast, DSLR Secrets, and the Ultimate Photoshop Rig

25 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about Android 4.3, the new Chromecast device from Google, and how stores are tracking you through your phone. ...

Crappy AT&T Plans, Airbnb Disasters, and the Transforming Go Bag

18 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about AT&T's crappy new smartphone upgrade plans, the awesome secret stuff you can get on Monoprice, and how to...

Google Maps Reborn, the Steam Summer Sale, and Organizing 3000 Bookmarks

11 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the biggest changes to Google Maps for Android, T-Mobile's crazy new Jump plan, and how to make the bes...

Google Reader Alternatives, Windows 8.1, and Lots of Gaming

27 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about all the new stuff in Windows 8.1, the imminent death of Google Reader, and gaming consoles from the pas...

Productivity Myths Debunked, Smart Watches, and the Joys of Feedly

20 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're debunking productivity myths, checking out smart watches, and migrating Google Reader to Feedly. We're also answering ...

Apple's Surfing and Easter Party, Voice Commands, and Government Spies

13 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about all of Apple's big announcements, the unseen beauty of voice commands, and government spies. We're also ...

Mechanical Keyboards, Bad Bosses, and Saving Money When Building a Computer

06 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the noisy glory of mechanical keyboards, detecting a bad boss before you take a job, and saving the mos...

Your Horrible Jobs, Healthy Habits, and Windows 8.1

30 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about the return of the start button in Windows 8.1, healthy habits you should follow, and how to create an awe...

Google, Google, and More Google

23 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about Google, Google, and more Google. Also, your questions about keeping to a budget, cold-emailing your drea...

Adobe Kills Creative Suite, Cheap Retro Gaming, and Online Embarrassments

09 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the show were discussing the death of Adobe Creative Suite, building a Raspberry Pi retro game console, and how you’re embarrassing you...

The Best Cellular Providers, How to Work from Home, and the Science of Cold Beer

02 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about costly plane tickets, the science behind cold beer, and the best computer builds for your budget. We’...

Chrome Experiements, Facebook Filters, and Better Internet Access

25 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're experimenting with Google Chrome, finding the best internet service providers, and making your own battery-powered trav...

CISPA's Back, Clever Image Searches, and Ugly Computers

18 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about CISPA returning to the House of Representatives, Clever uses for reverse image search, and building your ...

49 YouTube Search Secrets, Facebook’s Offline Ad Tracking, and Freedom from Porn

11 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking with Trevor O'Brien, product manager at YouTube, to answer your burning YouTube-related questions and learn som...

Cooking Mistakes, Unlimited Data, and Syncing Music to Your Car

04 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're talking about the cooking mistakes everybody makes, creating your own private cloud syncing service, and which Linux di...

Paranoid Workers, Syncing Nightmares, and Advice from a Landlord

27 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're just answering questions about everything from spying employers to Dropbox duplicates to many things you wish you could...

Sleep Problems, Efficient Packing, Janky Yet Awesome Life Hacks, and Google Keep

21 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the crazy things you do in your sleep, how to pack an insanely efficient travel bag, and the jankiest l...

The Impending Death of Google Reader, To Pirate or Not to Pirate, and the Beauty of Evernote

14 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast Whitson discovers he was using Evernote wrong, Thorin realizes he stopped pirating media by accident, and Dachis learns fancy...

The Big, Bad Question Backlog Episode

07 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the show we're getting to a backlog of all your questions, from jailbreak hacks to transcribing meetings to weird eBay auctions. We cove...

Facebook Annoyances, Retrieving Stolen Laptops, and Six-Strike Safety

28 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about Facebook annoyances, tracking stolen gadgets, and how much water you actually need. We’re also answe...

Achieve Inbox Zero, Optimize Your Gaming Rig, and Get Advice for Your First Job

21 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about getting to inbox zero in one hour flat, the advice you need for your first job, and tweaking your gamin...

Putting Unlimited Data to Good Use, Why We Give Google So Much Information, and the Return of CISPA

14 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the return of CISPA, re-installing Windows 8, and working an on-call job without losing your mind. We’...

The Pains and Pleasures of Jailbreaking, Live TV on XBMC, and the Best Phones for Little Old Ladies

07 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the pains and pleasures of jailbreaking your iPhone and how to record and watch live TV through XBMC. ...

Recording Calls, Rooting Your Android, Career Insurance, and the DHMO Threat

31 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about future-proofing your job, automatic extreme couponing, and rooting your Android. We’re also answerin...

Do Everything With a Raspberry Pi, Switch to an Online Bank, and Get a Job You Love

24 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about everything you can do with a raspberry pi, what documents you need to shred, and whether or not an onli...

Disaster Survival, Cable Wrangling, Online Guitar Lessons, and Better Cooking in the Microwave

17 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re discussing Facebook’s new graph search, how to survive natural disasters, and how to microwave food without ruining...

Going Paperless for Tax Season, the Best Time to Buy Anything in 2013, and Foiling RFID Thieves

10 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the best times to buy anything in 2013, negotiating when you’re a nervous mess, and Craigslist’s ne...

Better Sleep, Breaking Bad Habits, and the Cheapest Ways to Buy a Smartphone

03 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking a look back at 2012, learning about sleeping well instead of just sleeping more, and finding out if cheap fur...

Ask Lifehacker Live!

20 Dec 2012

Contributed by Lukas

This week we a had a special live show. Despite some technical difficulties, we answered as many questions you posted as we could over the course of ...

Special Report: Usenet Indexers Close Up Shop

12 Dec 2012

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's podcast we're having a discussion with Derek Bambauer, associate professor of law at Arizona State University. We'll be discussing the...

Busted Productivity Myths, Avoiding Awkward Conversations, and the Apps We Couldn’t Live Without

06 Dec 2012

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking about common productivity myths, how well gadgets survive under extreme temperatures in a car, and how to pit...