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

Start learning your family's language

Heritage language learners are different from people learning a second language for the first time. They often grow up hearing it, but that can come with its own set of challenges. Experts offer their advice on how to learn your heritage language. This episode originally published May 31, 2022. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Aug 10, 202324 minEp. 679

Millennial? Gen Z? It may be time for colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer cases are on the rise among people under 50. In this episode, we explain the risk, symptoms to look out for and how to get screened. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 08, 202314 minEp. 678

Looking for a job? Advice to help you land the gig

How helpful are personal connections? When should you send a thank you email? Cynthia Pong, founder and CEO of the career coaching firm Embrace Change, answers questions about how to find a job. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 07, 202317 minEp. 677

Dear LK: How should I talk to my kids about their incarcerated uncle?

My brother-in-law was convicted of murder and is serving a life sentence. We haven't shared any of these details with our kids, ages 7 and 9. When should we tell our children where he is and what he did? Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 03, 202312 minEp. 676

Let's have some cheap fun

You don't need to spend a lot of money to have fun. Have you ever done a chocolate bar taste test? Hosted a themed hangout? Ideas to keep yourself entertained (and on a budget). Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 01, 202313 minEp. 675

Minimize your back pain while cooking

Many of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. It might not disappear entirely, but you can find ways to comfortably perform everyday tasks like cooking. This episode offers strategies for minimizing your pain when making a meal – like chopping and loading an oven with minimal discomfort. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 31, 202317 minEp. 674

Start your own business

It's time to get your MBA — the easy way. We're sharing an episode from Planet Money's Summer School. In this lesson: Everyone has a million dollar business idea (e.g., "Shazam but for movies"), but not everyone has what it takes to be an entrepreneur. You'll hear two case studies with founders who learned the hard way what goes into starting a small business and a biz school professor who chimes in to explain the fundamentals. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoic...

Jul 29, 202332 minEp. 673

Bring more play into your life

Play isn't just fun. Researchers argue it can help you adapt to difficult circumstances, collaborate better and problem-solve. We'll help you figure out your play personality and how to prioritize play in your life. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 27, 202320 minEp. 672

Losing a pet is hard. Here's how to cope

Losing a pet can be devastating. Here's how to process the loss of your special friend and open yourself up to the love and lessons they left behind. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 25, 202322 minEp. 671

How to make a salad you want to eat

Salads are so often hit or miss. Here's how to make a salad that's nutritious, easy to make and a joy to eat. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 24, 202319 minEp. 670

Find books you'll love

Traci Thomas, host of the hit reading podcast The Stacks , explains how she finds books she can read from start to finish. Some of her ideas may surprise you! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 20, 202317 minEp. 669

How to be an amazing auntie or uncle

Parents aren't the only people who help raise kids or invest in their wellbeing. Uncles, aunties and family friends make great role models too. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 18, 202322 minEp. 668

How to buy a car with confidence

Buying a car can be intimidating. This episode will help you strategize to avoid all the potential pitfalls, so you can drive away with a good deal. This episode originally published February 18, 2020. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 17, 202324 minEp. 667

How to tell your own story

Everyone has a story to tell. Writing a memoir is more than just documenting your life — it can help you process what you've gone through, capture a moment in history for descendants and help others make sense of their own lives. Here's how to get started. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 13, 202325 minEp. 667

How to choose a bank

It's easy to feel stuck with a bank account you've had forever, even if it's inconvenient or racking up fees. But there are lots of other options out there. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 11, 202317 minEp. 666

What to do when you're constipated

We've got a step-by-step guide for that SOS moment when you haven't pooped in days and days. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 10, 202316 minEp. 665

Dear LK: My group chat is toxic

In college, I became close with a diverse friend group. Years later, we still stay in touch via text. Some people rely on our group to manage their anxiety. The norm in the group is to reassure whoever is most upset, even when that person is wrong. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 06, 202311 minEp. 664

Coping with a fear of flying

Whether you're a nervous flyer, you'll do almost anything to avoid flying or you have an actual flying phobia, these tips from psychotherapist Luana Marques can help you overcome a fear of flying. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jul 04, 202322 minEp. 663

How to prepare for the return of student loan payments

The Supreme Court has decided to strike down the Biden administration's plan to discharge some or all federal student loan debt. The decision impacts tens of millions of Americans – so what can student loan borrowers do to prepare now that the plan is over? NPR's education correspondent Cory Turner gives context and advice for borrowers. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jul 03, 202314 minEp. 662

It's never too late to become a strong swimmer

Knowing how to swim can help you have fun at the pool or beach this summer. But it could also save your life. Here are some tips to start swimming at any age. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jun 29, 202320 minEp. 660

How to stop overthinking romantic relationships

Romance makes us feel vulnerable, and dating can feel high stakes. We talk about how to keep things in perspective and take care of your mental health in relationships. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jun 27, 202324 minEp. 659

Get grilling this summer

Intimidated by grilling? Cooking over an open flame can do that! In this episode, learn which type of grill to choose, how to maintain a fire, how to create different temperature zones, and other basics and safety tips. This episode originally published May 24, 2022. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jun 26, 202322 minEp. 658

How to start running in the body you have

Ready to kickstart a new running habit? Coach Martinus Evans breaks down a common misconception to get you into the mindset — and offers quick tips on pace, form and more. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jun 22, 202324 minEp. 657

Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Here's how to avoid them

Ultra-processed foods are tasty, cheap and everywhere. But they come with health risks. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy lays out ways to spot and avoid ultra-processed foods during your next grocery run. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jun 20, 202314 minEp. 656

Get more rest

It's time to make room for more naps. Tricia Hersey, also known as the 'nap bishop' and author of the book "Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto," explains why relaxation and leisure are human rights — especially for communities of color. This episode originally published October 13, 2022. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jun 19, 202325 minEp. 655

The do's and don'ts of being a plus-one

It's wedding season. If you've been invited as a plus-one, here's the etiquette you need to be the best guest. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jun 15, 202321 minEp. 654

How to spot AI-generated and other fake content

It's easy to be fooled by AI-generated images and other content. We talk about how to identify them, how media literacy can help, plus how to use these tools responsibly. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jun 13, 202321 minEp. 653

Renting? Learn to be your own best housing advocate

Does your landlord have to fix that leak? Should you be worried about that clause in your lease? If you live in one of the nearly 44.1 million renter households in the U.S., here's how to spot rental red flags, learn how to speak the language of landlords and how to decode a lease. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jun 12, 202325 minEp. 652

How to protect yourself from poor air quality

The health effects of wildfire smoke are dangerous. Here's how to stay safe when the air quality is unhealthy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Jun 08, 202312 minEp. 651

Get more out of your dreams

Dreams have inspired works of art, led to breakthroughs in organic chemistry and helped people process their deepest fears and emotions. They're not just weird little movies our brains put on while we sleep. In this episode, we explain why we dream — and how to get more out of them. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Jun 06, 202319 minEp. 650