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

How to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

It's getting darker and colder, and there's still a pandemic. Oh, and then there's seasonal affective disorder. Here's how to spot it and what you can do. (This episode originally aired in October 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 21, 202320 minEp. 740

How to talk to teens about drugs

Overdose deaths among teenagers have skyrocketed in the last few years due to opioids like fentanyl. Experts say drug education that focuses on harm reduction, an approach that focuses on safety rather than abstinence, could help save lives. Here's how to start the conversation with young people and how to respond in an emergency. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Dec 19, 202323 minEp. 739

Build your chosen family

Some queer and trans people may experience rejection from their families after coming out. And so instead, they may have a chosen family: a loving network of friends and other nonbiological kin. Daniel Blevins, founder of Stand In Pride, an organization that helps LGBTQI people create relationships with parent figures, explains how to find friends you can lean on for support. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Dec 18, 202314 minEp. 738

Dear Life Kit: 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 16, 202312 minEp. 737

How to minimize family fights during the holidays

Is your aunt asking too many personal questions? Is your cousin talking your ear off about politics? These coping techniques can help you navigate sticky social situations at family holiday parties. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 14, 202317 minEp. 736

The decluttering philosophy that can help you keep your home organized

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

Dec 12, 202320 minEp. 735

Amp up your gift-giving game

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 than receiving one. 'SELF magazine' editor-in-chief Rachel Wilkerson Miller shares her best tips for the holidays, birthdays or any other occasion. This episode was originally published on February 2, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Dec 11, 202317 minEp. 734

How to relieve constipation

Haven't pooped in days? Gastroenterologists explain what to do in this SOS moment — and share tips on how to avoid chronic constipation. This episode was originally published July 10, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 09, 202316 minEp. 733

First time decorating for the holidays? Here's where to begin

Designer Elaine Griffin explains her philosophy when it comes to decking the halls for Christmas, Hanukkah and all your winter festivities: Begin the process with intention — and don't be afraid to depart from tradition. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 07, 202317 minEp. 732

How to combat loneliness

1 in 4 adults says they're lonely. The consequences of long-term social disconnection can be dire — everything from an increased risk of heart attacks to dementia and premature death. Primary care physician and author of the new book Project UnLonely Dr. Jeremy Nobel offers tips to feel less lonely and open up to connection again. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Dec 05, 202317 minEp. 731

Make the most of your chilly outdoor workouts

How cold is too cold? What kind of gear should you wear? And how do you stay motivated to workout outside when the weather is dreary? Cold-loving runners and a doctor share their advice to get moving during the winter. This episode originally published January 19, 2023 Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Dec 04, 202316 minEp. 730

Kids and firearm safety

Firearms are the No. 1 cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. Take these life-saving precautions to protect kids — whether or not you own a gun. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 30, 202317 minEp. 729

5 questions to ask your partner for a healthy, lasting marriage

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

Nov 28, 202320 minEp. 728

How to donate to a charity with purpose and intention

Not sure which cause to support or how much to give? Kevin Scally of Charity Navigator has some advice to help you make the right decisions. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 27, 202318 minEp. 727

Giving thanks is good for you. Here's how to make it a habit

Being thankful doesn't have to happen just once a year. Creating a daily gratitude habit can improve our mental and physical health. This episode, ways to be grateful all year long. This episode originally published November 21, 2022. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 23, 202319 minEp. 726

Create a ritual to honor your ancestors

Your ancestors don't have to feel like a distant memory. In this episode, spiritual practitioners and Indigenous educators offer cross-cultural guidance on how to set up a special place to honor them. Plus, how to dig into genealogical records. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 21, 202324 minEp. 725

Ready to cold plunge? We dive into the science to see if it's worth it

Dipping in cold water is a growing trend. It's not just for the thrill — people who cold plunge say it helps with anxiety, metabolic health and more. But is there science to support those claims? Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 20, 202320 minEp. 724

A beginner's guide to roasting a Thanksgiving turkey

Don't be nervous — we got you! This guide explains how pick the right turkey, when to buy it, how to prep it and when to start cooking. It also comes with a foolproof recipe. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 16, 202322 minEp. 723

Find a bra that actually fits

Can't wait to take your bra off at the end of every day? A professional bra fitter explains how to find a bra that makes you feel comfortable and cute. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 14, 202322 minEp. 722

What to do if your flight gets delayed or canceled this holiday season

But if you have to, here's some advice. Scott Keyes, the founder of the travel site Going.com (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights), shares the best days to fly and what to do if your flight gets delayed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 13, 202322 minEp. 721

How to ditch the apps and date offline

Tired of swiping through dating profiles on your phone? Maybe it's time to get out there and meet people in real life. A sexuality and relationship educator shares advice about how to meet new people, strike up conversations and move on from a love interest if the vibe isn't there. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Nov 09, 202320 minEp. 720

Protect yourself from scams

Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 07, 202319 minEp. 719

How to build low-waste practices into your life

The average American generates five pounds of trash per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Reduce your household trash by listing your output and taking these simple actions. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 06, 202318 minEp. 718

How screens are changing our eyes

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise in children as a result of reduced time outside and screen usage. TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi talks to Maria Liu, an optometrist, about how to slow down this progression and how adults can protect their eyes, too. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nov 04, 202324 minEp. 716

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

Nov 02, 202311 minEp. 715

Demystifying your health insurance plan

It's open enrollment season, meaning it's time to pick a health care plan. But it can be confusing to decipher all the acronyms and lingo of health care — so how do you pick the right health care plan for you? This episode, we break down commonly used terms and offer a strategy to help crunch the numbers. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Oct 31, 202317 minEp. 714

It's soup season! Get cooking with these tips from Sohla El-Waylly

Soup can be a flexible, cozy meal that allows you to experiment in the kitchen. But to make a delicious one, you need to get some fundamentals down first. Chef Sohla El-Waylly offers her best tips on everything from creating a yummy broth to ensuring you get your cook time right. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Oct 30, 202318 minEp. 713

How to save a life with CPR

Every year, more than 350,000 people go into cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting in the United States. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can help double or triple survival rates. In this episode, we'll explain the basics of this emergency procedure so you can feel empowered to help in a life-or-death situation. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Oct 26, 202319 minEp. 712

Anxious about public speaking? We've got tips

It can be anxiety-inducing to deliver a speech in front of an audience. How do you capture people's attention? What do you do if you stumble? A speechwriter and a speech coach share their best tips. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 24, 202323 minEp. 711

Live with your parents? Here's how to create a harmonious household

Three people who've spent time living with their parents as adults share advice on how they've coped with their situation. Don't compare yourself to others, they say — and find ways to still live your life. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 23, 202322 minEp. 710