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

The social etiquette of lending money

If a close friend or family member is in need of money, your first impulse might be to help out. But what if they don't pay you back? What if they need more than you can provide? How do you ensure your financial agreement doesn't harm your relationship? There are no hard and fast rules around lending money. Expectations may depend on culture, financial status or even your marital status. Advice on when to give — and how to say no. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adch...

May 07, 202424 min

Improve your sense of direction

Do you feel like you always need to use GPS to get around? Never quite sure if it's a left or a right turn — even though you just looked at a map? It can be anxiety-inducing to get around when you don't have a great sense of direction. This episode, experts explain how to gain more confidence while navigating. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

May 06, 202417 min

How to prepare for a second pregnancy after a complicated first one

Pregnancy complications — like miscarriage, preterm birth or postpartum depression — are incredibly common. But expecting parents can often feel alone if they are experiencing these conditions, or like a second pregnancy is out of reach. This episode, Emily Oster, co-author of 'The Unexpected', on how to deal with complications when they arise, and make your next pregnancy a little smoother. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

May 02, 202417 min

How to practice 'deep reading'

When was the last time you got lost in a book? These days, the act of 'deep reading,' or reading with intention, can be difficult to practice. Maryanne Wolf, an expert in the science of reading, explains what we lose when we skim — and how to create an environment conducive to deep reading. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 30, 202425 min

Curbing needle phobia in adults starts with making shots less painful for kids

Approximately one in four adults has a fear of needles, according to the CDC. Many of those people say the phobia started when they were kids. Researchers developed a five step plan to prevent what they call "needless pain" for kids getting injections or their blood drawn. NPR's Short Wave talks with Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, who works with a team to implement the plan at his own hospital, about how to eliminate pain during shots. Learn more about sponsor me...

Apr 29, 202414 min

Colorectal cancer rates are on the rise. Here's what to know

In the 1990s, colorectal cancer was the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Now, it's the first in men and second in women — and rates are rising among people under age 50. This episode, we explore how you can lower your risk and make sure you catch colorectal cancer early. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 25, 202414 min

Create the birthday you want to celebrate

No matter how old you are, having a happy birthday is one of life's great pleasures, says birthday enthusiast Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming. You just need to figure out what that means for you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 23, 202413 min

How to plan your dream vacation

Sometimes you crave a vacation — but actually taking one feels out of reach. Maybe you're struggling to find the time or save up the money. Or maybe you just can't seem to launch those plans out of the group chat. Overcome that planning inertia and take the big trip of your dreams. Here's where to start your search, organize your logistics and enjoy yourself. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 22, 202422 min

Dear Life Kit: Your wedding etiquette questions, answered

Etiquette coach Myka Meier revisits traditional wedding customs, including the cost of wedding gifts — and how much a mother-in-law should contribute to the matrimonial budget. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 18, 202415 min

What is 'communal living' and is it right for me?

There are options beyond living solo or with roommates — and one of them is called 'communal living.' In this arrangement, people don't just simply live together, but share resources and create community. In this episode, co-living enthusiasts explain how it works and how to decide whether it's right for you. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 16, 202423 min

Protect your ears from hearing loss

People of all ages are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, but few know how to protect against it. This episode, build out your ear care routine with the help of hearing experts — and get surprising advice on phone volume, noise exposure and Q-tips. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 15, 202424 min

Negotiation tactics for everyday life

People often use negotiation tactics in business environments. But you can also use them to get your roommate to clean up, figure out where to eat for dinner or decide on which car to buy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 11, 202420 min

How to talk to teens about vaping

Age-appropriate prompts and questions that can help start a productive conversation about vaping nicotine and e-cigarettes with your child. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 09, 202422 min

Get better at gardening by using this newly updated tool

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map helps home gardeners pick which plants to grow. But recently, roughly a quarter of the country has moved zones. What does this mean for your backyard plants? This episode, how to understand the changes to the hardiness zone map and other factors to think about when planning out your garden. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 08, 202415 min

How to introduce solid food to your baby: A nervous parent's guide

Introducing solids to your little one can be as stressful as it is special. A pediatric dietitian and a pediatrician discuss menu choices, allergens and safety to help you and your little one succeed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 04, 202425 min

Start a financial self-care routine

There are things we're supposed to do routinely for our health: brush our teeth, shower and exercise. There's a version of that for financial health too. We'll talk about those tasks — and go beyond the number-crunching to explore how our mental health affects our finances. This episode originally published August 15, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

Apr 02, 202416 min

You're not too late to chase the total solar eclipse

"A total solar eclipse is so much more than something you just see with your eyes. It's something you experience with your whole body," says science writer David Baron. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 01, 202422 min

How to be a great roommate

Rooming with other people can be tricky. Here's how to negotiate a living environment that's safe, comfortable and pleasant for everyone. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 28, 202418 min

What is the new etiquette for tipping?

Tipping requests are on the rise. Businesses that never seemed to ask for a tip, like fast food joints, are now asking for one. Here's how to deal with unexpected requests and more. A previous version of this story incorrectly said the company Square takes a "chunk of your tip." A representative from Square says while they charge a fee based on the whole transaction, including tip, the worker still gets the full amount of their tip. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/ad...

Mar 26, 202413 min

How to clean when you don't have the energy

Having dirty dishes in the sink isn't a moral failure. Therapist KC Davis, author of How to Keep House While Drowning, has developed a framework for keeping up with house cleaning without feeling overwhelmed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 25, 202416 min

How to take care of your eyes

You can strain your eyes if you stare at a screen for too long, say eye doctors — and that can cause eye fatigue, headaches and blurry vision. Nip those symptoms in the bud with these eye care tips. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 21, 202423 min

Dreading your taxes? How to deal with the 'homework of life'

Life is full of tedious and time-consuming administrative tasks. Here's how to conquer your 'life admin' so you can get back to real life. This episode originally published September 25, 2019. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 19, 202415 min

What to know about protein and muscle mass

Our bodies need protein to maintain muscle. That's important because muscle mass peaks in our 30s and then declines. In this episode, tips about understanding how much protein you really need. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 18, 202421 min

Thinking of going electric? What to know about EVs

What happens if your car runs out of power on a road trip? Is it better to buy an EV now or wait until you need a new car? A roundup of smart questions from our listeners. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 14, 202424 minEp. 777

Effective ways to rebuild your credit score

Credit scores determine whether you can get a mortgage, credit card, auto loan and more. So if your score is subprime, how do you bump it up to above a 700? In this episode, find out how to read your credit report, navigate collections and negotiate payments. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 12, 202424 minEp. 776

Reframing procrastination

Putting off items in your to-do list isn't a sign of laziness. It's your inner critic coming to life. In this episode, revisit your relationship with procrastination — and learn tools to kick the habit. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 11, 202420 minEp. 775

Do you love seafood? Here's how to eat it responsibly

Fish populations are dwindling around the world due to overfishing. Here's how to make the right choices when dining out or buying fish at the market. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 07, 202418 min

Enjoying travel with a baby

Yes, there will be meltdowns. But there will also be joy. Tips on which baby gear to pack, how to prepare your child (and yourself) for the long journey – and how to make the trip fun for everyone. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 05, 202423 minEp. 773

How to have a 'grown up' relationship with a sibling

The longest relationship of your life might be with your sibling. But there aren't many tools for navigating the complex dynamic that can develop between childhood and adulthood. This episode addresses childhood misunderstandings, resentment, forgiveness and more. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 04, 202424 minEp. 772

It's leap day! Here's what to do with your extra time

Happy leap day! What will you do with your extra 24 hours? Whether you want to slow down and make time stop or just make sure to enjoy the time you've got, we've picked tips from some of our favorite episodes on how to spend your time wisely. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Feb 29, 202418 minEp. 771