Life Kit - podcast cover

Life Kit

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

Practical tips for exercising in the cold

Athlete and activist Alison Mariella Désir and sports medicine specialist Dr. Kelechi Okoroha explain how runners should dress when temperatures drop to the 50s, 30s and below. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 23, 202316 minEp. 590

'Terrestrials,' a new kid's show from Radiolab, uncovers the strangeness on Earth

This is the story of one particularly devious octopus who lost a limb, was captured by humans — then managed to make an escape from its aquarium tank back into the ocean. This episode comes from our friends at 'Terrestrials,' a podcast presented by Radiolab for Kids. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jan 21, 202325 minEp. 589

Looking for a job? Advice to help you land the gig

How helpful are personal connections? When should you send a thank you email? Cynthia Pong, founder and CEO of the career coaching firm Embrace Change, answers questions about how to find a job now. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 19, 202316 minEp. 588

Pushing back against 'anti-fatness'

All Things Considered host Juana Summers interviews Aubrey Gordon, author of the book " 'You Just Need To Lose Weight': And 19 Other Myths About Fat People." Gordon explains how the concept of 'anti-fatness' keeps fat people on the margins of society. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 17, 202320 minEp. 587

How to reduce your climate footprint in 2023

Lowering individual greenhouse emissions may be easier than you think. Here are some New Year's resolutions experts agree have an impact in addressing climate change. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 16, 20238 minEp. 586

Dear LK: I'm tired of my boyfriend's lack of ambition

Can you successfully motivate someone else to change? Clinical psychologist Jody Adewale shares advice with a letter writer feels put off by her partner's lack of direction. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 12, 202311 minEp. 585

How to look at art (and have a perception-altering experience)

Everyone can have a profound connection with a work of art. You just need the right mindset and attitude. Art professionals share tips on how to navigate museums and observe paintings and sculptures. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 10, 202320 minEp. 584

Find your authentic personal brand

Life Kit's Andee Tagle talks to networking coach Lynda Peralta about how to present her personal life and her professional life on Instagram. See how her experiment went, then try it out for yourself. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 09, 202319 minEp. 583

How to make a better to-do list

Is your to-do list helping you reach your goals? Or is it holding you back? Productivity experts explain how to level up your list so it prioritizes what matters. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 05, 202314 minEp. 582

Clear out your clutter

Got piles of stuff you just can't seem to get rid of? Professional organizer Star Hansen explains how to let go of unnecessary items – and keep your home neat and tidy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 03, 202320 minEp. 581

New Year's resolutions from Life Kit

Happy New Year! Team members at Life Kit share some of their favorite tips they are looking to trying in 2023, from how to start an art habit to how to get kids to listen better. For more great New Year's resolution ideas, check out npr.org/newyears. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 02, 202318 minEp. 580

How to start an exercise routine that works for you

You don't have to be a marathoner or gym rat to get meaningful health benefits from exercise. In fact, that die-hard mentality can actually deter you from getting movement. Here's how to start a fitness routine that you'll actually stick to. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 29, 202215 minEp. 579

Ready to make a change for New Year's? Behavioral science can help

When is the best time to start a new habit? And why are some habits easier to practice than others? Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman, author of 'How to Change,' explains how to get a behavior to stick. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 27, 202220 minEp. 578

This acronym will help you give the perfect toast

It's the wild card of every big event — the toast. Done well, it can be a memorable highlight. Done badly, it can be a total cringefest. Here's a helpful way to remember how to give a terrific toast, whether it's at a New Year's party or at wedding reception. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 26, 202220 minEp. 577

How to help someone at risk of suicide

If you know someone struggling with despair, depression or thoughts of suicide, you may be wondering how to help. Psychologists and researchers explain how to recognize the warning signs and what to do and say when a loved one is in crisis. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 22, 202220 minEp. 576

How to be a better movie watcher, according to film critics

This guide — which comes with a fun brochure you can download and print at home — offers advice on how to pick a film, get outside your comfort zone and deepen your enjoyment of movies. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 20, 202221 minEp. 575

How to cut down your alcohol intake

Want to skip the champagne and cocktails this holiday season? Here's how to take a break from drinking alcohol — including in social settings — and start healthy habits. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 19, 202222 minEp. 574

Can therapy save their friendship?

Would you ever consider going to therapy with a friend? In this episode from NPR Invisibilia, two best friends — who are so close they call themselves brothers — were drifting apart, so host Yowei Shaw asked psychotherapist Esther Perel to help. This episode was recorded in collaboration with Perel's podcast, Where Should We Begin? Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Dec 17, 202239 minEp. 573

Dear LK: We bought a dog instead of rescuing one. It cost me a friend

An ideological difference over adopting versus shopping for a pet causes a rift between friends. Tania Israel, a professor of psychology, shares advice about how to have difficult conversations with people you care about. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 15, 202211 minEp. 572

How to support people with long COVID

One in five Americans who have had COVID have experienced symptoms lasting three months or more. How can patients navigate this chronic illness? And how can the people in their lives provide comfort and strength? In this episode from our friends at It's Been a Minute, host Brittany Luse talks to the editor and a contributor of a new book, 'The Long COVID Survival Guide.' Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Dec 13, 202221 minEp. 571

Build a healthy relationship with your in-laws

Creating a relationship with your partner's family can be hard work. Experts share how to navigate 5 tricky situations, including dealing with in-laws who can't seem to stop giving unsolicited advice. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 12, 202224 minEp. 570

How to start new traditions that feel right to you

Traditions can foster a sense of unity with the people we love and help pass down cultural values. But what happens when these events no longer make sense in our lives? Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 08, 202221 minEp. 569

Piece together your family tree

If you're interested in learning more about your family history, genealogist Mica Anders says to get creative. Look through newspaper archives, census data, vital records and more. And who knows, you may find some unexpected gems in the process. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 06, 202219 minEp. 568

Stressed about talking about finances with a new partner? This framework can help

It can be awkward to discuss money when you're in a new relationship. Financial therapist Amanda Clayman suggests following what she calls the "five components of financial intimacy" to get the conversation started. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 05, 202219 minEp. 567

Dear LK: My folks guilt-trip me into spending the holidays with them

Between long-held traditions, unfair expectations and clashing personalities, the holidays can be a perfect storm for conflict. Therapist John Kim helps untangle three holiday conundrums. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 01, 202212 minEp. 566

How to apply the rules of improv to everyday life

Improv comedy is about more than making people laugh. It can help performers be more creative and self-assured — and combat anxiety, both on and off stage. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 29, 202222 minEp. 565

Transform the way you deal with dread

Worried about deadlines, errands or your holiday to-do list? Reframe your relationship with dread with these simple exercises, from drawing the things that scare you to scheduling worry time. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 28, 202220 minEp. 564

How to set boundaries with family

Maintaining healthy boundaries is a way of taking care of your closest relationships, but setting those boundaries can be hard. The process starts with asking yourself what you need. (This episode originally ran in January 2021.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 24, 202220 minEp. 562

Make holiday travel less stressful

There will probably be long lines, delays and overbooked flights, says aviation journalist Benét Wilson. So take steps to prepare for these situations and make the journey a little more pleasant. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 22, 202213 minEp. 561