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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

Up your lunchbox game

Sulhee Jessica Woo's love language is packing lunch. When she sends her three kids off to school, she includes themed lunches, snacks cut into cute shapes, and sweet notes to give them some support while they're away. If you want to level up your kid's school lunches, she has some suggestions. This episode, Sulhee Jessica Woo shares advice from her new cookbook, Let's Make Some Lunch: Recipes Made with Love for Everyone. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR ...

Sep 17, 202418 min

How to show platonic love

Loneliness can be just as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day — which means that having friends might literally save your life. But often, we don't pay friendships the respect they deserve compared to romantic or familial relationships. In this episode, reporter Kavitha George talks with psychologist and friendship expert Marisa Franco about how to make more friends and deepen our preexisting friendships. This episode was originally published Sept. 13, 2022. Learn more about spons...

Sep 16, 202420 min

Dear Life Kit: I'm at my breaking point

Family and marriage expert Moraya Seeger DeGeare weighs in on questions from listeners who have reached a breaking point in their relationships with the people around them. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 12, 202418 minEp. 856

Can magnesium help you sleep?

TikTok users claim that drinking the "sleepy girl mocktail," a mixture of magnesium powder, tart cherry juice and other ingredients, can help you sleep. But does it really work? NPR's health correspondent Maria Godoy brings us the science behind the trend – and magnesium's effect on sleep. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 10, 202411 minEp. 855

How to cut down food waste (and fight climate change)

Tossing out overripe avocados, wilted greens and sour milk isn't just costing you money — it's also contributing to climate change. In this episode, learn how to reduce your food waste with composting strategies and creative recipes. This episode originally published December 12, 2019. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 09, 202418 min

Math for English majors

If math never quite stuck for you, Ben Orlin is here to change that. He says think of math as a language. Numbers are the nouns and the arithmetic operations are verbs. This episode, learning the language of math to help you in your day-to-day life. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 05, 202416 minEp. 854

Boost your mood in 15 minutes

Sometimes you're just feeling blah: the weather's bad, you can't get out of bed and you're struggling to shake off that listlessness. In these moments, the solution is often simpler than we think. This episode, NPR's science desk and Life Kit staff present research-backed mood boosters to instantly shake yourself out of a slump and turn your day around. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 03, 202424 min

How to make networking less awkward

Shaking hands, sending cold emails and asking for coffee can feel unnatural. Networking expert Robbie Samuels explains how to create meaningful job connections in more authentic ways. This episode originally published on October 2, 2022. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 02, 202418 min

Smart credit card habits to keep you out of debt

Even if you use a credit card all the time, it can be difficult to understand the ins and outs of how they work. Whether you're a new credit card owner or just want to make sure you're getting the most out of your card, this episode will walk through the fundamentals of the credit card game. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Aug 29, 202419 minEp. 849

How to help your Gen Z kid cope with their back-to-school emotions

Today's teens struggle with perfectionism and mood swings, and their parents struggle to have hard conversations with them, according to a recent survey. Teen psychologist Lisa Damour explains how parents can better support their kids as a new school year begins. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 27, 202423 min

Dealing with neighbor drama

Conflicts with neighbors are common. Trash, noise, parking, weeds — there are seemingly endless ways neighbors can get on each other's nerves. But it doesn't have to be that way. A mediator and a dispute resolution expert say that taking calm, measured steps to resolve conflict can lead to greater understanding and even harmony between you and the folks on your block. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Aug 26, 202421 minEp. 848

Fruit flies don't appear out of nowhere. Here's how to get rid of them

Seeing a swarm of pesky fruit flies in the kitchen is frustrating. We talk with a fruit fly researcher about how fruit flies make their way into your home, how to ripen fruit without attracting them and how to trap them. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 22, 202413 min

How to buy less stuff

If you're struggling to save for long-term goals, find yourself lost in a sea of clutter or are concerned about consumerism and climate change, there are ways to curb your shopping habits. This episode, journalist Stacey Vanek Smith talks to writers, influencers and activists in the sustainable fashion industry about how to reign in overconsumption, rethink our power as consumers and challenge ourselves to buy less. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Priva...

Aug 20, 202421 min

Getting hitched? Protect yourself with a prenup

Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Family law attorney Theresa Viera explains how to talk about it with your partner and decide whether it's right for you. This episode originally published August 31, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 19, 202418 min

Spending time in a forest can boost health and lower stress. Here's how

Spending time in the forest isn't just enjoyable, it's good for your health. Here are some research-backed exercises to try the next time you find yourself under a canopy of trees. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 15, 202416 minEp. 844

Build strength with a weightlifting routine

Strong muscles are good for us. They help prevent injuries, strengthen bones and improve balance. But it can be hard to build muscle mass if you're intimidated by the weight room or unsure of how much weight to lift. Writer and audio producer Alex Sujong Laughlin shares her weightlifting journey — and her own tips and challenges along the way. This episode was originally published October 12, 2021. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Aug 13, 202419 min

Dear Life Kit: Your most petty social dilemmas, answered

Lunch snubs, bad neighbors and needy in-laws. Advice columnist R. Eric Thomas responds to the bad behavior getting under your skin. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 12, 202415 minEp. 842

How to know if you're in a codependent relationship

Do you always fall for people who don't like you back? Do your friendships feel one-sided? Do work obligations creep into your personal life? If you notice that your needs aren't being met or that your boundaries aren't respected in your relationships, these connections may have grown codependent. Luckily, there are ways to break the pattern and reclaim your sense of self. Journalist Gina Ryder explains how to spot signs of codependency in your relationships and how to forge stronger, reciprocal...

Aug 08, 202426 min

Common financial mistakes to avoid

Financial educator Yanely Espinal shares her don'ts when it comes to money. Don't co-sign loans. Don't make hype-driven investments. Don't spend money you don't have. If you've been making these missteps, don't worry — Espinal has advice on how to create a path forward. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 06, 202420 minEp. 840

How tech experts recommend organizing your photos

Feeling overwhelmed by thousands of photos? Running out of storage? We spoke with a consumer tech expert, a professional photo organizer and a photo-loving tech entrepreneur to get their tried-and-true methods for sorting digital photo collections — whether you're doing simple, routine prevention of photo bloat or starting a big archiving project. This episode originally published December 31, 2020. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Aug 05, 202414 min

Find your singing voice

When some of the greatest singers are Whitney Houston, Ariana Grande or Beyoncé, it's easy to feel like being a good singer is just a dream. But you don't need to be a Grammy-level artist to have fun at karaoke or sing along to the radio in the car. These tips will help you find your voice. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Aug 01, 202422 min

Overwhelmed by your smartphone? Try a boring phone

Your phone is designed to suck you in. You might use it to check the weather or look up directions, only to find yourself doomscrolling on social media. If you're worried about your screen time or find it difficult to unplug, switching to a simple phone could help, says Jose Briones, author of Low Tech Life. Devoid of distracting apps and features, these phones are basic and boring — which is exactly what you might want in a device you carry around all day. In a previous version of the audio of ...

Jul 30, 202421 min

What happens after someone cheats

The pain of infidelity in a romantic relationship can often break a couple apart — but the decision to stay or go is rarely a simple one. In this episode of Life Kit, psychologist and affair recovery specialist Talal Alsaleem answers your questions about cheating, infidelity and affairs. We cover everything from how to spot red flags to how to rebuild trust if you choose to stay together. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 29, 202423 min

Take your salads from drab to fab

We could all be eating more vegetables. One fast way to do that: toss them in a salad. To make a crave-worthy salad you'll actually want to eat, don't be afraid to experiment with flavors (like kimchi or sauerkraut), add texture (think candied nuts or thinly sliced red cabbage) — and treat yourself to a freshly made homemade dressing. This episode originally published July 24, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 25, 202419 min

Unhappy at work? How to plan your next move

To find a job you actually enjoy, figure out what's making you unhappy and move forward from there, says Tessa West, author of the new book Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You . West offers practical exercises to help assess your strongest skill sets, your stressors and what you need next from your career. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 23, 202418 min

Scams can happen to anyone — here's how to protect yourself

New, sophisticated scams are popping up all the time. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters. This episode originally published on November 11, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 22, 202419 min

How to babyproof your relationship

With a baby on the way, you'll need to babyproof your home — and your relationship. In this episode, how to strengthen your connection with your partner and survive the newborn phase. Learn how to navigate fairness in domestic responsibilities, keep a cool head on little sleep, and your new roles. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 18, 202424 minEp. 832

How to revamp your rental

Just because you're renting your home doesn't mean you can't make it your own. Three home décor experts share their tips to make your rental homey for the long term. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 16, 202421 minEp. 831

5 strategies to help you cope with a nagging feeling of dread

The list of things we dread is almost endless: the Sunday scaries, deadlines, climate change — the list goes on. How can we feel better? Saleem Reshamwala, host of the podcast More Than a Feeling, shares practices for managing that nagging feeling of impending doom. The episode originally published November 28, 2022. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 15, 202420 min

How to talk to a parent about their past

You might not know a lot about your parent's life before they had you: their childhood dreams, their first love, their heartbreaks. If you're a child of immigrants, there might be even less you know due to language barriers or traumatic experiences. But all of these things are passed down through generations. This episode, journalist and writer Aarti Shahani interviews Min Jin Lee, author of Pachinko , and three other writers about how to unpack your parent's past with them — and how doing so ca...

Jul 11, 202425 min