Everyone needs a little help being a human. From sleep to saving money to parenting and more, host Marielle Segarra talks to experts to get the best advice out there. Life Kit is here to help you get it together. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org . You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening and helpful curated playlists by topic for Life Kit.
The podcast explores the joys and methods of letter writing, advocating for its unique benefits in forming deeper connections. Rachel Syme, author of "Syme's Letter Writer," shares insights on initiating correspondence with both friends and strangers, suggesting icebreakers like complimenting stationery or expressing a...
The podcast addresses the challenges of decluttering, especially when kids are involved, emphasizing that less is often more. It highlights the emotional difficulties parents face when discarding items associated with their children, suggesting a shift in mindset from creating a "donate pile" to a "share the love pile"...
The podcast features a conversation between Marielle Segarra, host of NPR's Life Kit, and Raj Punjabi-Johnson and Noah Michelson, hosts of Am I Doing It Wrong?, exploring the nuances of giving and receiving advice. They discuss the best advice they've personally received, ranging from practical tips like cleaning tomat...
The podcast explores the multifaceted nature of happiness, challenging the notion that it's a constant state of joy. Gretchen Rubin, a writer who studies happiness, good habits, and human nature, suggests happiness comprises feeling good, feeling right (aligning with values), and experiencing growth, even if these elem...
The rising cost of car insurance is addressed, offering strategies for consumers to mitigate expenses. Recommendations include shopping around for different providers, as savings could be significant. Credit scores, job type, and zip code can impact premiums, so comparing quotes from multiple companies is crucial, as d...
The podcast explores the concept of real optimism, distinguishing it from toxic positivity and emphasizing its roots in resilience and curiosity. Behavioral scientist Deepika Chopra explains that optimism is a skill that can be developed, with only a small percentage being genetic. She argues that optimism is crucial, ...
The podcast addresses how to prevent workout injuries and optimize recovery. It highlights the importance of gradually increasing exercise intensity after a break to avoid overstressing the body. Dr. Natasha Desai, a sports medicine doctor, explains how overuse injuries often stem from repetitive movements without adeq...
This episode of Life Kit addresses how to identify bad tax advice and scams, especially on social media. It emphasizes that tax law is technical and advice should be grounded in official sources like the Internal Revenue Code. CPA Mark Gallegos warns against inflating deductions, such as claiming false income for tax c...
This episode of Life Kit addresses how to reduce screen time and improve one's relationship with technology. It suggests tuning into how screen time makes you feel and resisting the urge to constantly check your phone by "urge surfing," a technique from addiction research. Increasing friction, such as turning off notif...
Making a rental feel like home is achievable through DIY projects and creative repurposing. The podcast features Adjoa Gemma Brempong, who shares insights on transforming rental spaces, emphasizing understanding the space and oneself to align the home's energy with personal needs. Interior design dreams, like Amanda Po...
Maintaining long-term friendships is explored, emphasizing the effort and understanding required as life circumstances evolve. Nina Badzin, host of the "Dear Nina" podcast, shares insights on redefining effort in friendships, suggesting that complementary skills are more valuable than equal contributions. The conversat...
The podcast explores surprising developments in pain science and non-opioid treatments for chronic pain. It highlights the brain's central role in pain perception, even in the absence of injury, citing phantom limb pain and differing post-surgery experiences as examples. The discussion challenges the traditional R.I.C....
The podcast addresses the overwhelming task of choosing and installing car seats safely. Emily Thomas, auto safety expert at Consumer Reports, provides guidance, emphasizing that all car seats meet federal safety standards. The discussion covers different car seat stages—infant, convertible, all-in-one, and booster—str...
This podcast addresses common myths surrounding women's health. It features Meghan Rabbitt, author of "The New Rules of Women's Health," who dispels misconceptions about breast cancer detection, the importance of both strength training and cardio, menopause, and maximizing workouts based on the menstrual cycle. Rabbitt...
Diversifying investments is crucial to avoid financial risk. A key strategy involves balancing stocks, representing company ownership with potential growth, and bonds, which are government or corporate contracts offering more predictable returns through interest payments. The rule of 120 (120 minus your age) can serve ...
Planning a fulfilling "big trip" involves setting clear goals, considering budget and time constraints, and traveling responsibly. Lale Arikoglu from Condé Nast Traveler suggests that travelers should first define their objectives—relaxation, adventure, or solo exploration—to guide destination choices. Creative budgeti...
The podcast addresses the pervasive issue of fatigue and offers strategies for boosting energy levels. It emphasizes the importance of gut health, detailing how processed foods trigger inflammation and drain energy, while fibrous foods promote beneficial gut bacteria and increase serotonin production. Listeners are enc...
This episode of Life Kit explores strategies for managing and shifting emotions, emphasizing that all emotions provide useful information. Psychology professor Ethan Kross, author of "Shift," debunks the myth of universal approach, suggesting that avoiding or distracting oneself from emotions can be beneficial for gain...
Negotiation strategies for daily life are explored, focusing on compromises and creative solutions. Joan Moon, negotiation coach at Harvard Kennedy School, highlights that negotiation improves contentment and provides a sense of agency. The discussion covers benchmarking to determine appropriate standards, using the AP...
This episode of Life Kit focuses on nail health, emphasizing that nails are not just aesthetic but also indicators of overall health. The podcast highlights the importance of cuticles as a protective barrier for nail growth, advising against trimming or picking them. It debunks the myth of biotin as a nail strengthener...
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