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
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Episodes

How to overcome FOMO

The fear of missing out isn't confined to our social lives; worrying about whether we're missing out on new experiences, content, trends and even investments can create an existential crisis. Psychologist Aarti Gupta explains how FOMO shows up in our lives and how to battle it. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

May 17, 202217 minEp. 471

How to get back what we've lost to the internet

The world has changed a lot since the internet. Remember asking people for directions? If you miss the days pre-internet (or wonder what it was like), Pamela Paul, author of 100 Things We've Lost To The Internet , gives us a few ways you can reconnect with an analog way of life. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

May 16, 202219 minEp. 470

How to pay attention to (and appreciate) what's around you

When you're in a familiar place, it's easy to go on autopilot and fail to notice the small joys that surround you. Artist and author Jenny Odell shares tips on how to pay attention to and appreciate what's right in front of you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 12, 202220 minEp. 469

How to give mothering the value it deserves

Raising kids is among the most essential work humans do, and yet it's rarely valued as skilled labor. Angela Garbes, author of Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change , guides us through a shift in mindset to help give mothering the value it deserves. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 10, 202220 minEp. 468

How to cook and eat healthy on a budget

Minding your budget while eating the foods that nourish you takes a little planning — but it's possible. Dietitian Shana Spence shares her tips to help you shop and keep your fridge stocked without breaking the bank. This episode first aired in October 2020. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 09, 202210 minEp. 467

How to arrange flowers like a professional

Whether you forgot to order flowers for that special occasion, or you just want to flex a new creative muscle, here's how to DIY a professional-looking bouquet with grocery store flowers. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 05, 202214 minEp. 466

How to give the perfect toast

It's the wild card of every big event — the toast. If you're giving a new year's toast, a best man or maid of honor speech, or any other toasts this coming year, we've got some tips to make sure people remember your toast with fondness and not horror. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 03, 202217 minEp. 465

How to get the most out of your health insurance plan

Using your health insurance doesn't have to be on an "in-case-of-emergency" basis. Learn how to make the most of your coverage by taking advantage of preventative care, strategically timing procedures and getting exercise classes covered. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 02, 202222 minEp. 464

Life Kit presents: The power in owning your 'Big Feelings'

Our friends at It's Been a Minute speak with Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy about their new book, Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay . They explore seven emotions — uncertainty, anger, burnout, comparison, perfectionism, despair and grief — with hopes to normalize conversations on these "big feelings" and share what they've learned in that process. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 30, 202222 minEp. 463

Storytelling 101

Storytelling creates connections and builds community. In this episode of Life Kit, storytelling coaches from The Moth give a step-by-step guide to telling good stories. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 28, 202227 minEp. 462

How to thrive while working in a hybrid setup

More companies are offering hybrid work schedules, allowing office workers to split their time between the office and home. A hybrid set up has plenty of benefits, but can be challenging to navigate. These tips can help you and your team ease into it. (This episode originally aired in July 2021.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 26, 202218 minEp. 461

Become a community scientist in 3 steps

From the songs of sparrows outside your apartment window to the purple crocuses bursting into bloom in a nearby park – all that nature you're observing could actually be helpful to scientists. Here's a step-by-step guide to becoming a community scientist. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 25, 202221 minEp. 460

What to know about wearing a mask on public transit

Now that a federal judge has thrown out mask mandates on public transportation, many people are wondering, "How safe is it to use these forms of travel if many people aren't masked?" In this episode Life Kit, learn how to assess your risk and make the best choice for you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 23, 20229 min

Our favorite ways to live sustainably

Climate change calls for long-term, systemic solutions, but that doesn't mean we can't all strive to live more sustainably. Life Kit is here with solutions from your kitchen to your closet. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 21, 202217 min

How to get outside and enjoy nature — on your own terms

Enjoying the outdoors can look like anything from walking the dog to celebrating Indigenous culture — you don't have to hike the tallest mountain peaks or go camping to love nature. Learn how to find your footing in nature in a way that works best for you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 19, 202221 min

Live more freely with autism, and nurture inclusivity

Autistic people are constantly forced to suppress who they are as a means of pleasing a neurotypical world. Social psychologist Devon Price not only wants to give them permission to take off that mask and be themselves, but believes that doing so allows everyone to lead happier lives. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 18, 202223 min

How to help birds during migration

Bird migration season is starting. But across North America, their populations are in trouble. We asked experts for 8 everyday steps you can take to lend them a hand. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 14, 202218 min

Tips for dealing with conflict in the workplace

When the discomfort of conflict arises, it can be hard to know what to do, especially in the workplace. Get the tips you need to become a conflict-resolving superhero. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 12, 202222 min

How to cultivate your personal style

Here's advice from the experts on cultivating a personal style — 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

Apr 11, 202221 min

How to have more fun

Do you have enough fun in life? Catherine Price, author of The Power of Fun , explains the three components of true fun and how to tap into this powerful, everyday source of joy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 07, 202217 min

How to start bike commuting: tips for a safe and easy ride

Biking is a great way to get to work – it's good for the environment, and it can be faster than driving or public transit. If you ever had an inkling that biking might be for you, now is a good time to give it a try. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 05, 202218 min

Too much pleasure can lead to addiction. How to break the cycle and find balance

Dr. Anna Lembke, psychiatrist and author, explains when too much pleasure-triggering dopamine upsets the delicate balance of pleasure and pain our brains need to feel "normal," which can lead to long-term pain and addiction. In today's dopamine-filled world, here's how keep that balance in check. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 04, 202224 min

How to start gardening

Whether you have big plans for a vegetable garden or a tiny pot of window sill herbs, this episode will help you get your green thumb. We cover the basics of hardiness zones, understanding good soil, and building raised beds so you can turn garden dreams into reality. (This episode originally ran in April 2020.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Mar 31, 202218 min

Intro to Korean American cooking

In an introduction to Korean American cooking, New York Times food writer and cookbook author Eric Kim walks us through pantry essentials, quick-fix recipes and how to start making Korean American food that feels authentic. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 29, 202216 min

Your tax refund, explained

It's tax season (insert collective groan here). But don't worry: in this episode of Life Kit, CPA and tax analyst Kimberly Washington offers helpful advice on maximizing your refund, what deductions to remember and how the child tax credit impacts your tax filings this year. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Mar 28, 202211 min

How working parents can win back some time

Calling all working parents and caregivers! We see you, and we know you don't have much time. Career coach Daisy Dowling shares time management tips to help working parents find sanity and joy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 24, 202216 min

Regret is universal, here's what to do when you feel it

Rather than striving for a life with no regrets, Daniel H. Pink, author of The Power of Regret , suggests embracing regret and learning from it. He outlines the four most common categories of regret and explains how looking back can help us move forward. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 22, 202220 min

From bills to appointments, here's how to tackle the homework of adulthood

Life seems full of ever-increasing piles of paperwork — bills to pay, appointments to make, forms to sign, carpools to organize. Here's how to conquer the responsibilities on your to-do list so you can get back to your life. (This episode originally ran in September 2019.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Mar 21, 202216 min

How to talk to customer service – and actually get what you want

Asking to speak to the manager isn't going to get the results you want. In this episode, negotiation consultant Craig dos Santos gives tips on how to make a customer service representative your collaborator instead of your enemy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 17, 202216 min

4 tips to stay connected when your friends live far away

Long distance friendships are a common reality of adulthood, as we move around for school, work or family. While they might require some planning and creativity to keep up, there's no reason to let physical distance keep you from staying connected. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 15, 202219 min
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