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

Why you should play video games with your kid

Video games get a bad reputation that's often unwarranted. But kids do need guidance in using them wisely. Here's how to help them, starting with spending some time with the games your kids can't put down. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jun 05, 202317 minEp. 649

Dear LK: I'm happily married but hate our sex life. Should I ask for a divorce?

I've been in a loving relationship with my husband for years. We're incredibly compatible except for our sex life. The sex started off great, became less interesting over the years, and now it's non-existent. I'm considering divorce even though the rest of our relationship is fine. Initiating a divorce feels cruel, but I also feel like I'm settling and watching time slip away. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jun 01, 202311 minEp. 648

To save money on groceries, try these tips before going to the store

Groceries aren't cheap, but there are ways beyond just looking for sales to make budget meals. To help cut down your grocery bill, we have practical tips for saving money on the food you cook at home. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 30, 202317 minEp. 647

Pick the right sunscreen for you

No matter your skin tone, sunscreen keeps your skin safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But to use it right, you need to know a few things: What SPF to use, how often to reapply and the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen. We explain what to look for on the back of a sunscreen bottle and how to use it effectively. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

May 29, 202320 minEp. 646

Extend the life of your clothes with visible mending

Extend the life of your clothing with this creative sewing technique. All you need are a few basic sewing skills, thread and scrap material to get started — oh, and maybe a pair of ripped jeans. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 25, 202321 minEp. 645

What to do when you're feeling anxious

Anxiety can feel awful and overwhelming. But it can also be a helpful warning signal — telling us when we're in danger or out of alignment with our true feelings. We share tips on how to turn down the dial on your anxiety symptoms, so you can listen to what they're trying to tell you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

May 23, 202320 minEp. 644

How to have healthy dating expectations

Dating in search of "the one"? Relationship therapist Jeff Guenther, known as Therapy Jeff on TikTok, says that might not be practical. If your goal is a successful, long-term partnership, having realistic expectations and a clear understanding of your values is vital. We'll help you break up with your fantasy partner, do some relationship math and learn what it takes to build a successful partnership based in reality. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Pr...

May 22, 202318 minEp. 643

Making friends anywhere you move

Whether you're moving into a summer sublet or your forever home, friendships are important to feeling settled in a new place. So how do we do that? A friendship coach walks us through how we can be more vulnerable and resourceful in adult friendships. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 18, 202319 minEp. 642

Create 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 to you. This episode originally published Jan. 5, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 16, 202314 minEp. 641

Thrifting 101: Your guide to finding quality pieces

Shopping secondhand is a good way to be more sustainable, explore your personal style or score a deal. We have tips from some diehard thrifters so you can find those hidden gems. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 15, 202322 minEp. 640

Pregnant? Here's how to deal with the new you

Pregnancy is hard work – for the body, mind and soul. There are seemingly endless resources for all the physical and logistical aspects of pregnancy but far fewer for renegotiating your sense of self. Life Kit spoke with author and journalist Chelsea Conaboy about how pregnancy impacts the brain and how to embrace the changes that parenthood brings. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

May 11, 202324 minEp. 639

Improve the indoor air quality in your home

Want fresher, cleaner air at home? Researchers share practical tips on how to limit indoor air pollution. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 09, 202316 minEp. 638

5 ways to explore your gender identity

If you're an adult starting to explore your gender identity, it can be tough knowing where to begin. Here's some advice from trans people to help you on this intimate and powerful journey. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 08, 202318 minEp. 637

Dear LK: My parents pay my tuition. Do I have to show them my grades?

If your parents pay for your college, do they have a right to demand to see your grades? Berna Anat, the author of Money Out Loud , shares advice on defining financial expectations and boundaries. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 04, 202313 minEp. 636

A better way to talk to your doctor

Ever leave the doctor's office confused or with unanswered questions? Talking to doctors and other medical professionals can be hard — whether they're good at their jobs or not. We'll give you the tools to get more out of your appointments. We'll talk about how to choose a provider, prepare for your visit, ask the right questions, and get your provider's attention if they're not hearing you. To support our work at NPR and listen to the show sponsor-free, sign up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lif...

May 02, 202318 minEp. 635

Want to create a stronger bond with your kids? First relinquish control

It may sound counterintuitive, but if you want to take charge as a parent, stop trying to control your child, says psychologist and author Shefali Tsabary. Her new book, "The Parenting Map," lays out a step-by-step guide for creating conscious parent-child relationships. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

May 01, 202320 minEp. 633

When a partner keeps a financial secret

How do you cope when your partner keeps a secret that impacts your personal finances? Meredith Goldstein of the Love Letters podcast from The Boston Globe talks with a couple who worked through financial troubles in their marriage that threatened their hard-earned sense of security. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 29, 202343 minEp. 634

How to break up with your therapist

Getting into therapy comes with its own hurdles, but what about knowing when to stop it? Moraya Seeger DeGeare, a licensed marriage and family therapist, has advice on how to figure out when it's time to end therapy and what actually to say when you do. Depending on the situation, ending with your therapist could involve anything from ghosting to a sit-down conversation. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 27, 202321 minEp. 632

A field guide for fledgling birders

You don't need binoculars and a trip to a nature preserve to go birding. If you've ever paused to appreciate a bird, you're already well on your way. Here are some tips to up your game. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 25, 202322 minEp. 631

Put your savings to work

The current inflation rate in the US is 5 percent. And most big bank savings accounts offer interest rates much lower than that. In this episode, you'll learn how to protect your savings against inflation. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 24, 202316 minEp. 630

How to clean when you don't feel like cleaning

Too overwhelmed to tidy up? KC Davis, author of the book "How to Keep House While Drowning," suggests a clean-up strategy that homes in on trash and clutter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 20, 202316 minEp. 629

Your guide to running for office

If you've ever thought about running for office — your town council or school board, the state legislature, or even Congress, this episode is for you. We'll tell you where to start and how to navigate everything from campaign fundraising to building a "kitchen cabinet." This episode was originally published on October 17, 2019. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 18, 202325 minEp. 628

So you don't want kids. How to build a child-free life

If you've decided not to have kids, your life will look different from what you might have seen growing up. Here's how to build your child-free life, with or without a long-term partner. We talk about finding community, planning for the future, making a financial plan and responding to some of the comments and judgments of other people. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 17, 202319 minEp. 627

Find your way to a (high-paying) trade job

There are lots of jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree and pay well. Here's what to consider if you're thinking about a job in the trades — from assessing your options to choosing a training program. This episode originally published April 26, 2021. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 13, 202323 minEp. 626

Get your debt under control

Life happens, and so does debt. Unexpected car trouble, the high price of food, a family emergency — there is no shortage of reasons why debt can pile up. In this episode, we offer shame-free solutions for digging out of debt. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 11, 202314 minEp. 625

Practicing the art of saying goodbye

Saying goodbye can be tough, especially if you're parting ways for good. But grief counselor and patient advocate Isabel Stenzel Byrnes says the art of saying goodbye to loved ones can be learned and practiced. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 10, 202319 min

Tips for acing that job interview

How should you prepare in advance for a job interview? We discuss what questions to prep for, how to choose an outfit you feel your best in, and what to do if you get nervous. Plus, we walk through a mock interview to model how to answer common questions. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 04, 202320 minEp. 622

Planning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro

Getting ready for a trip is fun until you have to start packing. These tips for packing a carry-on will help you figure out what you need in your bag (and what you don't!) so you can have peace of mind while traveling. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 03, 202317 minEp. 621

How to show up for teens when big emotions arise

Being a teenager is hard. There are emotional highs and lows every day. Clinical psychologist Lisa Damour says instead of jumping into problem-solving mode, parents can learn to ride the wave of emotional management with their teens. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Damour about her book "The Emotional Lives of Teenagers." Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Mar 30, 202321 minEp. 620