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

Tips for negotiating your medical bills

There's an estimated $195 billion of medical debt in America. But just because a medical bill comes in the mail doesn't mean you have to pay that exact price. Here's how to eliminate, reduce or negotiate a medical bill. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 28, 202317 minEp. 619

6 tips for raising happy houseplants

From monstera to snake plants, we'll walk you through how to care for your houseplants properly. Plus, troubleshooting tips for knowing when your plant needs water and how to get rid of pests. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 27, 202320 minEp. 618

How an aerialist uses trapeze to teach students about consent

How do we learn to trust what our bodies tell us and express it to others? Aerialist Adie Delaney speaks with TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi about how communication, trust and safety in trapeze can provide valuable lessons on consent. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 25, 202317 minEp. 617

5 things to remember when a friendship ends

Not all friends are meant to last forever. Here are 5 things to remember if you're processing the loss of a friendship — or trying to save one that matters to you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 23, 202318 minEp. 616

How to have the STIs conversation

With Dr. Evalene Dacker, we lay out the science of STIs and then give you language to talk about them and, more broadly, about sex, with a potential partner. Because for something so fun, sex can be hard to talk about. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 21, 202317 minEp. 615

Tricks to boost your credit score

A strong credit score can make major purchases and financial transactions much easier. Here's how to make yours better and keep it high. (This episode originally ran in November 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 20, 202319 minEp. 614

Masculinity doesn't have to be restrictive. Here's how to redefine it for yourself

Restrictive expectations of masculinity can be perpetuated by anyone and impact how we view ourselves and others. We spoke with experts for tips on how you or those in your life can begin to redefine masculinity. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 16, 202325 minEp. 613

5 questions to ask your partner before getting hitched

These conversation starters get at the heart of your values, including how you deal with conflict, your attitude toward gender roles and your relationship with money. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 14, 202320 minEp. 612

Braving the 'quarterlife' crisis

Stuck between two conflicting desires and can't seem to move forward? Psychotherapist Satya Doyle Byock shares an exercise called "My Two Conflicting Selves" to help people find a compromise. (This episode originally ran in October 17, 2022). Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 13, 202316 minEp. 611

Finding joy in the face of sorrow

Poet Ross Gay knows a thing or two about finding joy in life's most difficult moments. He talks with It's Been a Minute host Brittany Luse about his new book of essays, "Inciting Joy" — which covers the complexity of joy, the beauty of grace, and meaning in life. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 11, 202320 minEp. 610

So you want to be a mentor

In this episode, we talk about who can be a mentor, how to structure the relationship, and how to have tricky conversations with your mentees. Also, how to make sure it's not a one-sided relationship. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 09, 202321 minEp. 609

The truth about caffeine

Are you drinking too much coffee? A gastroenterologist and a caffeine researcher share surprising insights about the psychoactive drug. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 07, 202323 minEp. 608

This is the period talk you should've gotten

We asked two experts how they would give the period talk. Here are six pieces of advice — including the science of periods, management techniques, and how to know when something is wrong. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 06, 202322 minEp. 607

Dear Life Kit: Do I have to listen to my boss complain?

An employee struggles to cope with her boss's constant oversharing and negativity. Journalist and host of the podcast Work Appropriate Anne Helen Petersen shares advice for establishing boundaries ... with your boss. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 02, 202313 minEp. 607

Can I afford to quit my job?

Longing to quit your job and follow your passion? Or perhaps take a break to travel? Or move to a new place? First, you'll need to look at your finances. In this episode, Jill Schlesinger, a certified financial planner and business analyst for CBS News, walks through her five steps for assessing your financial situation before a possible life change. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Feb 28, 202319 minEp. 606

'Do I really need to floss?' and other common questions about dental care

We asked experts to answer five questions about how to properly care for your teeth. Here's what they said about finding a dentist, whitening your teeth at home, and whether daily flossing is necessary. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 27, 202321 minEp. 605

How to file your tax returns: 6 things you should know this year

For something that's legally required, taxes can be confusing. This guide covers the latest credits and deductions — and helps you plan ahead for next year. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 23, 202313 minEp. 604

Define your personal style

Fashion may not have been at the top of your priority list over the last two years. If you're ready to shake the dust off, here's advice from the experts — from purging your closet to taking fashion risks in a way that feels true to you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 21, 202321 minEp. 604

How caregivers can prevent burnout

Two women who took care of their moms as unpaid caregivers share advice about how to approach the job, find support and make time for self-care. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 20, 202319 minEp. 602

Earthquake preparedness in 6 steps

Earthquakes strike at a moment's notice. That's why having a plan in place is key. In this episode, emergency and disaster experts share their tips to help prepare you and your family. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 16, 202318 minEp. 601

The science of finding a partner

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 episode, dating coach Damon Hoffman speaks with Ury about her book, How to Not Die Alone. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 14, 202320 minEp. 600

Why the 5-minute walk break is so powerful

Sitting all day isn't good for your health. Long stretches glued to a chair can increase the risk of heart disease and early death. Thankfully, new research shows that five minute walk breaks can be powerful in offsetting those risks. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 13, 202311 minEp. 599

Dear LK: My husband is still living under COVID lockdown

Three years into the pandemic, one spouse is ready to lift lockdown. The other? Not so much. Epidemiologist and science communicator Jessica Malaty Rivera shares ideas on finding compromise and managing a risk budget. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 09, 202312 minEp. 598

Creative ways to get kids to eat their veggies

Veggies help kids grow and develop, but it can be hard to convince them to eat their broccoli. These research-backed tips can help you encourage your kids to eat more veggies — or at least try them. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 07, 202319 minEp. 597

Budgeting for dating

How much should you spend on a date? Who should pick up the bill? Can you talk money on the first date? Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, shares the results of a recent survey on finances and dating. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 06, 202319 minEp. 596

Be an awesome gift giver

Searching for the perfect gift for a loved one doesn't have to be stressful. With some clever thinking, buying a present can be even more fun that receiving one. 'SELF magazine' editor-in-chief Rachel Wilkerson Miller shares her best tips for birthdays, Valentine's Day or any other occasion. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Feb 02, 202316 minEp. 595

Meal prep made easy

What's for dinner? It's a question that can lead to overspending on delivery, unhealthy meals and dread. FitMenCook founder Kevin Curry shares meal prep techniques that can alleviate stress and save money. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 31, 202315 minEp. 594

The five kinds of perfectionists

Are you a 'Parisian perfectionist'? How about a 'messy perfectionist'? Psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler believes there are 5 kinds of perfectionists in the world. Find out which one you are. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 30, 202321 minEp. 593

Dear LK: My kids are enemies. What should I do?

​A sister relentlessly picks on her brother despite their mom's best attempt to make peace between them. Psychologist Becky Kennedy shares advice with a parent who feels out of ideas — and patience. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jan 26, 202311 min

Helpful financial advice for creative types

Got a side hustle and not sure how to handle your money? Financial coach Paco de Leon, author of 'Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances,' explains why you should put your freelance funds into a separate bank account and how to prepare yourself for tax season. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jan 24, 202322 minEp. 591