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

A shame-free guide to digging out of debt

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. This episode originally published on April 11, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Oct 19, 202315 minEp. 709

Can't decide on a Halloween costume? These 5 questions can help

It's hard to nail down a costume idea. You could be anything from an alien to Taylor Swift! Here's how to pick a getup without spending big bucks, or buying a prepackaged 'fit from the Halloween store. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 17, 202318 minEp. 708

How to get the most out of your library

Baking pans, legal help, language classes and more — libraries can provide so much more than books. See if your local branch offers these free or discounted resources and services. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 16, 202316 minEp. 707

How to talk to kids about the violence in Israel and Gaza

Last weekend, militants from the terrorist group Hamas killed more than a thousand people, including children, in an attack on Israel while also taking hostages. Israel has ordered a full siege of Gaza, where nearly half of residents are under 18 years of age. The news is alarming for anyone — especially for children, who may be left grappling with questions about why other children are among those affected, and whether they are safe. In this episode of Life Kit, NPR's Becky Sullivan gives us ad...

Oct 12, 202314 minEp. 706

How to actively heal from an injury or illness

If you're recuperating after an illness or injury, it's normal to not feel like yourself. Your body needs time to heal so you can get back to your regular activities. Physician Gavin Francis shares practical tips on active healing, deciding which activities to spend your energy on, and pacing yourself while still testing your limits. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Oct 10, 202319 minEp. 705

Can I afford to totally change my life?

Longing to quit your job and follow your passion? Or perhaps take a break to travel? Or move to a new place? First, you'll need to look at your finances. In this episode, Jill Schlesinger, a certified financial planner and business analyst for CBS News, walks through her five steps for assessing your financial situation before a possible life change. This episode was originally published on February 28, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Poli...

Oct 09, 202319 minEp. 704

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

Oct 05, 202315 minEp. 703

6 big purchases that can save energy and money at home

To live a more climate friendly life, invest in home appliances and vehicles that run on electricity, not fossil fuels, say sustainability experts. Here are a few energy-saving solutions to consider. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 03, 202319 minEp. 702

The new rules of laundry

Patric Richardson, host of 'The Laundry Guy' on HGTV, wants you to change the way you wash your clothes. Go ahead and wash those darks in warm water — and embrace the express cycle. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Oct 02, 202320 minEp. 701

What to know if you're exploring non-monogamy

When we think about romance, many of us have a specific script in mind. Two people date, fall in love and get married. But that traditional path doesn't work for everyone. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 28, 202324 minEp. 700

Teeth: an owner's manual

Brush twice a day. Remember to floss. Visit the dentist twice a year. We know the drill...or maybe not? In this episode, how to take care of your teeth, from finding a good dentist, to home teeth whitening, to the best brushing techniques. This episode originally published on February 27, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 26, 202321 minEp. 699

How to talk to your parents about their money

Helping an aging parent with end-of-life planning? Financial journalist Cameron Huddleston explains how to broach the topic with your parents — and the documents and plans they should have in place. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 25, 202319 minEp. 698

Ace Your Freshman Year of College

Congratulations! You've been accepted into college. Now you've got to find your way around campus, pick out classes, make new friends, and figure out a plan to graduate — on time. Here's how to make it easier. This episode originally published on September 3, 2019. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 21, 202317 minEp. 697

The consequences of overindulging your kids

Giving in to your kid too much can be harmful to their development. Take the 'Test of Four' to examine your relationship with your child — then find out how to say 'no' and enforce rules that stick. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 18, 202320 minEp. 695

What to know about the new COVID boosters

Updated versions of the mRNA vaccines roll out this week. Experts say they offer good protection against current COVID variants. Who should get them, and when's the best time to roll up your sleeve? Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 14, 202316 minEp. 694

How to avoid 'lifestyle creep'

Making more money tends to lead to spending more money. It's a phenomenon known as "lifestyle creep." Paco de Leon, author of Finance for the People , shares advice on keeping your long-term financial goals in check and fending off the subconscious urge to automatically increase spending when your income increases. This episode originally published on July 14, 2022. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Sep 12, 202322 minEp. 693

Scarfing down your food? Here's how to slow down and eat more mindfully

When we scarf down our food, we don't get a chance to properly digest or appreciate it. Lilian Cheung, a mindful eating lecturer at Harvard, shares techniques on how to slow down the pace. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 11, 202317 minEp. 692

Stomp, scrape, repeat: What you can do to stop the spotted lanternfly

An entomologist shares surprising insights about the invasive bug, which is wreaking havoc on crops and trees across 14 U.S. states. Plus: A poster with our facts that you can print out at home. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 05, 202315 minEp. 690

Don't 'get' art? You may be looking at it wrong

Art professionals explain how to look at paintings and sculptures like an expert — and how to make the most out of a museum visit. This episode originally published January 10, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Sep 04, 202320 minEp. 689

Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Here's when to consider one

Everyone should consider a prenuptial agreement before getting married, says family law attorney Theresa Viera. Here's how to talk about it with your partner and decide if it's right for you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 31, 202318 minEp. 688

Student loan repayment is resuming. Here's what you need to know

The three-year federal pause on student loans is expiring soon. If your financial circumstances have changed, or you just need an explanation of the many payment plans out there, here's a refresher course on how to pay off your student debt. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 29, 202314 minEp. 687

Start cleaning your home more sustainably with these tips

Environmentally-friendly living isn't an all-or-nothing equation: think of it as a spectrum of greens. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, green cleaning is one easy way to dip your toe into the green living waters. These tips will help you get started. This episode originally published July 11, 2022. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Aug 28, 202318 minEp. 686

A guide to forest bathing

Studies have shown that spending time in the forest, what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku , can significantly improve mood and reduce stress. Here's how to reap these benefits on your next hike. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 24, 202316 minEp. 685

When is it OK to lie?

When are white lies harmless or hurtful? Experts weigh in on when it's appropriate to tell a lie, explain how lying can lead to more lying and share tips for cutting back if you want to break the habit. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 22, 202319 minEp. 684

Meal prep made easy

What's for dinner? It's a question that can lead to overspending on delivery, unhealthy meals and dread. FitMenCook founder Kevin Curry shares meal prep techniques that can alleviate stress and save money. This episode originally published January 31, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 21, 202315 minEp. 683

Protect your hearing and ears

Go easy on the Q-tips. Watch your phone volume. And if you're experiencing hearing issues like muffled sounds or tinnitus, see a professional. This comic offers advice on how to care for your ears. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 17, 202324 minEp. 682

Start a financial self-care routine

Just like your health, your finances need checkups too. Here are 5 good habits to do every year to help you reach your financial goals. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 15, 202316 minEp. 681

The 5-minute playtime ritual that can help your kids listen

Children's health professionals widely recommend a strategy known as 'special time' to help reduce behavioral issues in young children. This episode explains how to do it and why this simple and free tool is so powerful. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Aug 14, 202314 minEp. 680