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.

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Episodes

Summer fun on a budget

Ideas on how to have fun this summer without breaking the bank. Go on a "penny date." Throw a movie marathon party. Swap houses with a friend. With a little imagination, you can bring delight and joy — at a low cost — into your sunny days ahead. This episode originally published August 1, 2023. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

May 27, 202413 min

Should you be friends with your ex?

When a romantic relationship ends, it can feel like a total loss. How do you go from being an important person in someone's life to a complete stranger? But experts say it doesn't have to be all or nothing. On this episode: Three questions to ask yourself before building a platonic connection with a former romantic partner. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

May 23, 202417 minEp. 808

Feeling guilty? Here's how to work through it

You broke someone's heart. You missed your kid's recital. You weren't there for your mom when she needed you. Guilt! It can be painful – but also a powerful tool for connection. In this episode, learn how to have a healthy relationship with guilt with help from a psychologist and an ethics researcher. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

May 21, 202423 min

Kids, social media and privacy: What to know before you post

Many parents share photos and videos of their babies and children on social media. But there are potential dangers to constantly posting about your kid online, says Leah Plunkett, a faculty member of Harvard Law School who specializes in children, family law and technology. This episode, Plunkett explains what adults should consider about a kid's privacy and personal data before hitting the upload button. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for spons...

May 20, 202424 min

Take charge of your gyno visit

A visit to the gynecologist isn't just an essential part of your health routine. It's an opportunity to ask questions about your reproductive health, from birth control to painful periods to a decreased interest in sex. Dr. Rachel Bervell, co-founder of The Black OBGYN Project, explains how women and trans or non-binary people can structure their next visit — and get the answers they need. A previous version of this podcast defined endometriosis as a condition that happens when menstrual tissue ...

May 16, 202425 min

Jet lag is not 'a choice' — here's what to know

Taylor Swift claimed that "jet lag is a choice" at this year's Super Bowl. Sleep scientists like Jade Wu would like you to know they very much disagree. The disorder can throw your body clock out of whack and leave you feeling sluggish — not great when you're on a big vacation abroad. Wu explains how to make jet lag less miserable and more manageable. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferenc...

May 14, 202419 min

How to talk about Asian American mental health

For a lot of people from Asian American backgrounds, discussing mental health - especially with loved ones - can be difficult. Psychologist and author Jenny T. Wang has advice on everything from working through guilt to defining home on your own terms. The episode originally published on May 26, 2022. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

May 13, 202421 min

Introducing: Wild Card with Rachel Martin

Check out your new NPR podcast listen: Wild Card with Rachel Martin. On the show, Rachel rips up the typical interview script and invites guests to play a game about life's biggest questions. In this episode, she talks with actor and writer Issa Rae. They discuss questions you can try asking a loved one, like: What's a moment when you felt proud of yourself as a kid? How do you stay connected to people you've lost? See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data...

May 11, 202434 min

How to help your stepfamily grow closer

Becoming a blended stepfamily can be fraught for everyone involved. How can your family build trust, function more smoothly and ultimately grow closer? In this episode, NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy shares research on stepsiblings and blended families that can make this process easier. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy...

May 09, 202417 minEp. 802

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use ...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to ...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for inf...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship p...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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 live together, but share resources and create community. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Apr 16, 202426 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and us...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. 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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Mar 21, 202423 min
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