Life Kit
Self-Improvement
About
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. Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. You'll support the show and unlock exclusive curated playlists and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit
Episodes
- 5 tips to help you poop better
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, author of "You've Been Pooping All Wrong," provides advice on improving bowel movements. She discusses practices to avoid, such as holding poop, and offers tips to reduce strain during toilet use.
- Unsure which retirement account to choose? We have some tips
This episode of Life Kit discusses choosing a retirement account, including tax benefits, the difference between pre-tax and post-tax accounts, and how to decide which to prioritize. It offers tips on how much you can expect to save and ad…
- Going beyond 'sorry for your loss' when a friend is grieving
This episode of NPR Life Kit discusses how to effectively support a friend who is grieving a loss, drawing on expert advice and personal experiences to offer practical guidance.
- Stressed? Try one of these quick resets
Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz discusses quick, evidence-based stress relief techniques from her book, Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes. The episode offers strategies for managing stress that manifests mentally…
- Shop less and save more with a 'no-buy challenge'
This episode of Life Kit explores the 'no-buy challenge' as a way to save money, reduce clutter, and combat consumerism's environmental impact. Journalist Stacey Vanek Smith interviews experts from the sustainable fashion industry on rethi…
- Explosive power: exercises to boost mobility and prevent injury
This Life Kit episode explains explosive power, the combination of strength and speed used in daily tasks and sports. It details specific exercises designed to train for this ability, helping to improve mobility and prevent injuries.
- You don't have to use dating apps. But if you do - some tips!
This episode offers advice for dating app users, including suggesting a video call early on to gauge compatibility. It also notes that dating apps are not the only way to find a romantic connection.
- Do you have a financial self-care routine?
This episode discusses financial self-care routines, likening them to daily health habits. It delves into both the practical tasks involved and the connection between mental well-being and financial health.
- Feeling drained? Here's how to lighten your mental load
The 'mental load' refers to the constant mental tasks of managing a to-do list. Sociologist Leah Ruppanner offers strategies to reduce this mental burden in her book, 'Drained.'
- Make the most of a high-deductible health plan
This episode of Life Kit explains how to get the most out of a High-Deductible Health Plan, including utilizing free preventive services before meeting your deductible and potentially investing HSA funds. Reporter Jackie Fortiér offers pra…
- Don't rely only on anti-histamines this allergy season
This episode of Life Kit provides strategies for managing seasonal pollen allergies, offering relief methods beyond antihistamines. Dr. Prathyusha Savjani shares advice for both indoor and outdoor allergy management.
- The power of an accountability buddy to help get things done
This episode of Life Kit discusses the benefits of using an accountability buddy to achieve goals. It covers how to find a partner and foster a productive relationship.
- How to be a working parent? Lower your standards
This episode discusses the challenges of returning to work as a new parent, addressing issues like brain fog, identity crises, and guilt. Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle shares advice from working parents and experts on balancing work, paren…
- Give your to-do list a makeover
This episode of Life Kit features productivity experts sharing strategies to transform your to-do list into a tool that helps you achieve your goals. Learn how to prioritize effectively and make your list work for you.
- What it takes to get a book published
Planet Money co-host Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi explains the book publishing process, covering financial and creative elements, the journey from draft to print, and the nuances of self-publishing versus traditional routes for fiction and nonfict…
- Protein is personal. Here's how to calculate your optimal intake
This episode of Life Kit discusses the personal nature of protein intake. Host Marielle Segarra talks with NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey about the various factors to consider when determining your optimal protein consumption.
- Using AI chatbots can impact your teen's mental health. Here's what to do
This episode discusses the potential risks to teens' mental health from using AI chatbots for emotional support. It provides guidance for parents on how to talk to their teens about safe chatbot usage and how to support their mental well-b…
- How to get 'financially naked' with your partner
Vivian Tu, founder of Your Rich BFF, explains on NPR's Life Kit how couples can achieve financial transparency by discussing income, assets, debts, and spending habits.
- Looking for analog hobbies? Try writing a letter
This episode explores the analog hobby of letter writing with Rachel Syme of The New Yorker. Syme discusses the intentionality of reading physical letters and offers guidance on content and stationery choices.
- Drowning in toys? Here’s how to handle kid clutter
Learn how to manage the clutter that comes with having children, including toys, hand-me-downs, and artwork, with advice from psychotherapist Denaye Barahona.
- "Just A guy, not THE guy," and other advice Marielle loves
Marielle joins the hosts of Am I Doing It Wrong?, Raj Punjabi-Johnson and Noah Michelson, to discuss the art of giving advice. They share their thoughts on the best advice they've received, their strengths in offering advice, and their met…
- The key to happiness? Know thyself, says Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin explains that happiness involves growing in the right direction, not just attaining joy. She details how to implement small changes and leverage self-awareness to enhance overall happiness. This episode originally aired on M…
- Don't get taken for a ride by your car insurer
Car insurance premiums have increased significantly since 2022. This episode discusses strategies for finding affordable coverage, including comparing quotes and understanding factors that influence rates.
- Good vibes only? The science behind optimism and manifestation
Psychologist Deepika Chopra discusses optimism, defining it as openness, curiosity, and resilience rather than constant positivity. She explores the science behind optimism and manifestation, including how effective affirmations can contri…
- How to recover after a workout
This episode of Life Kit discusses post-workout recovery, offering guidance from experts on minimizing injury risk and improving physical well-being between workouts. It covers strategies from the end of a session to the beginning of the n…
- How to avoid this year's common tax scams
Certified public accountant Mark Gallegos explains how to identify unreliable tax advice found on social media and details the most common tax scams to watch out for this year.
- How to get better at staying off your phone
This episode of Life Kit discusses practical strategies for reducing phone usage. It features 5 expert-backed tips to help listeners unplug and improve their focus on real-life activities.
- DIY home hacks that your landlord probably won't hate
Three home décor experts share DIY hacks for renters aiming to make their living space feel more permanent and personalized, even without owning the property. This episode, originally published on July 16, 2024, focuses on making a rental…
- The key to keeping old friends? Stop keeping score
This episode of Life Kit discusses how old friends enrich our lives and offers strategies for maintaining longstanding friendships, featuring insights from friendship podcast host Nina Badzin.
- Dr. Sanjay Gupta wants you to reframe your understanding of pain
Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores the complexities of pain, addressing its occurrence without injury and its variability. The episode touches on surprising advancements in pain science and introduces non-opioid treatment possibilities.
- Common mistakes parents make when installing a car seat
Life Kit addresses common errors parents make when installing car seats, covering topics like safety features, rear-facing duration, and securing the seat properly.
- 4 myths about women's health
Author Meghan Rabbitt discusses and clarifies four common myths regarding women's health, covering topics like cardiovascular exercise, heart health, and mammogram screenings. The episode also includes a correction regarding the definition…
- Want to protect your money? Diversify your investments
This Life Kit episode discusses the importance of diversifying investments to protect your money. It covers different asset types, how investment strategies should adapt to age and needs, and a simple method for calculating stock versus bo…
- How to plan your dream vacation
Life Kit's episode 'How to plan your dream vacation' provides guidance for overcoming common obstacles to taking a trip, such as saving money and initiating plans. It covers how to start your search, organize logistics, and ensure you enjo…
- Tired of being tired? Natural ways to get the energy you crave
Dr. Amy Shah discusses how small changes in diet and sleep can naturally boost energy levels. The episode also explores finding activities that bring personal fulfillment to help you feel more energized.
- How to 'shift' your emotions
Psychologist and neuroscientist Ethan Kross discusses tools from his book 'Shift: Managing Your Emotions — So They Don't Manage You' to help manage feelings. The episode covers strategies for confronting or avoiding emotions when ready to…
- 4 negotiation tactics to try in everyday life
Negotiation expert Joan Moon shares four tactics to help you negotiate more confidently in everyday life, moving beyond just salary discussions to achieve desired outcomes. This episode originally aired April 11, 2024.
- Don't mess with your cuticles (and other nail advice)
This Life Kit episode discusses proper nail trimming techniques, the impact of manicures on hand health, and whether supplements can promote nail growth and improve nail condition.
- Health insurance hell: Why do I need a prior authorization?
This episode explains the concept of prior authorization in health insurance, where pre-approval is needed for certain medical treatments. Reporter Sarah Boden offers advice on streamlining this process to ensure quicker access to necessar…
- Why "we should hang out" won't make you real friends
Author Kat Vellos discusses strategies for transforming acquaintances into real friends, a topic explored in her book "We Should Get Together." This episode of NPR's Life Kit offers guidance on fostering desired connections.
- Dear Life Kit: My boyfriend’s female friendships stress me out
NPR's Life Kit addresses listener questions about jealousy and modern relationships with expert insights from relationship expert Amy Chan and sex educator Emily Nagoski.
- Money tips no one taught you
This episode of Life Kit goes beyond basic budgeting and emergency funds, with finance experts sharing advanced strategies for managing debt, investing, and taxes.
- 7 kinds of rest (other than sleep)
This episode explores Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's concept of seven types of rest, expanding on her book 'Sacred Rest.' It details how to recognize your specific rest needs, encompassing mental, physical, and other forms of respite.
- Shoveling snow can be dangerous. Here's how to protect yourself
This NPR Life Kit episode features a discussion with a cardiologist on the dangers of shoveling snow and provides safety tips to prevent injury during winter storms.
- Clever kitchen hacks from ‘Bake Off’ judge Prue Leith
Prue Leith shares 65 years of culinary experience, offering practical kitchen hacks and simple recipes from her book "Life
- How to save a life with CPR
Life Kit explains the basics of CPR, highlighting its importance in increasing survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, which affect over 350,000 people annually in the U.S.
- How to interpret the new dietary guidelines
NPR's Life Kit episode discusses new dietary guidelines released by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Correspondent Allison Aubrey explains the updated food pyramid, which includes red meat, full-fat dairy, and fats, and provides expe…
- A snowstorm is on the way. Here’s what to do.
A major snowstorm is forecast for much of the country. Experts including a meteorologist and an emergency preparedness specialist offer crucial tips for securing your home, vehicle, and family before the heavy snowfall arrives.
- The 5-minute daily playtime ritual that can get your kids to listen better
This episode of Life Kit explains the 'special time' strategy, a 5-minute daily playtime ritual recommended by children's health professionals to help improve behavior in young children by reducing behavioral issues. The episode details ho…
- Too many goals and too little time? How to focus your attention
This Life Kit episode addresses the feeling of having too many goals and insufficient time. Experts offer advice on being intentional and making space for passion projects.