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

Your 2025 tax questions, answered

Tax attorneys Hana Boruchov and Leo Gabovich answer questions from our audience about the 2025 tax season. They explain whether or not to get an accountant, what to do if you can't pay your tax bill, and how to handle taxes when you work remotely. 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...

Feb 25, 202518 min

Techniques to help you figure out how to make a big life change

Have you been thinking about going back to school, starting your own business or moving to a new country? How do you know it's time to make the leap? Or a good idea? In this episode, journalist Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong, who's no stranger to big changes herself, shares exercises to help you make these life-changing decisions. 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...

Feb 24, 202520 min

Buy now, pay later loans are becoming more popular. Here's what to know

Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm — maybe you've noticed these platforms when shopping online. They allow you to break up large payments into smaller installments that you can pay over time, and are a popular alternative to credit cards. In this episode, we'll cover the pros and cons of these loans and how to use them responsibly. 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...

Feb 20, 202518 min

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. 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...

Feb 18, 202515 min

How caregivers can prevent burnout

According to AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, 1 in 5 Americans are acting as unpaid caregivers. The work can be meaningful but also stressful. Caregivers give advice about how to approach the job, find support and make time for self-care. This episode originally published Feb. 20, 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...

Feb 17, 202519 min

How to get on the same page about money with your partner

How financially compatible are you with your partner? Is your partner a spender while you're a saver? Are you on the same page about saving for retirement? Financial therapist Shay Harris-Pierre explains how couples can examine their spending habits, work through money conflicts and align their financial goals. 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...

Feb 13, 202521 min

The benefits of a plant-based diet on your gut

A recent study found that one key to gut health is eating a wide variety of plants. In this episode, we talk about the research with NPR's Maria Godoy and offer tips to help you mix up your diet. 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

Feb 11, 202512 min

A creative way to mend your clothing

The next time you rip a sweater, don't throw it out. Extend its life with "visible mending," a creative sewing technique that uses stitches, fabric and embellishments to artfully show off the repair. In this episode, we explain how anyone with basic sewing skills can try this method at home. This episode was originally published in May 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 Pr...

Feb 10, 202521 min

How to 'shift' your emotions

You have more power over your emotions than you think, says psychologist and neuroscientist Ethan Kross. In his new book, Shift: Managing Your Emotions — So They Don't Manage You , he says there are specific tools you can use to "skillfully push" your feelings around in a way that's useful, whether that's confronting them in the moment or avoiding them until you're ready to process them. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to mana...

Feb 06, 202522 min

How to combat parental burnout

Today's parents are more involved in their children's lives — and more stressed out — than they were two decades ago, according to an advisory from the 2024 U.S. Surgeon General. So how can they catch a break? Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle explains why parental burnout is a public health crisis and offers realistic ways to ease the pressure. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Pr...

Feb 04, 202527 min

The science behind the FDA ban on food dye Red No. 3

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration announced it is banning Red No. 3, a food dye additive in processed foods like sodas, sweets and snacks. Recently, it and other dyes were linked to negative behavioral issues in children, and decades ago, high levels of Red No. 3 were linked to cancer in rats. This episode, NPR science podcast Short Wave explains what we know about Red No. 3's harmful health effects and the other dyes that may replace it. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our ...

Feb 03, 202511 min

How to recover after a workout

It's normal to feel some pain or soreness after a workout. But how much is too much, and more importantly, how do you get relief? This episode, build out your post-workout recovery routine. A sports medicine doctor, nutritionist and professional athlete break down everything you can do from the moment your last workout finishes to right before your next one begins – to feel better in your body, minimize your injury risk and get the most out of that gym session. A previous version of this episode...

Jan 30, 202524 min

Dear Life Kit: He kissed me then took it back

The heart wants what it wants, but it's rarely that simple. Advice columnist Meredith Goldstein and psychologist Monica O'Neal — two longtime love experts and real-life friends — answer burning questions about work wives and friend zones, just in time for Valentine's Day. 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...

Jan 28, 202520 minEp. 915

Simple ways to protect yourself from scams

Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters. This episode originally published November 7, 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

Jan 27, 202519 min

How to travel on a budget

There are ways to travel on a budget without completely draining your bank account — but you might have to let go of the over-the-top luxury travel images you see on Instagram. In this episode, we'll help you travel with intention, save ahead and maximize travel tools to get the best deals and savings on the trips you want to take. 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 Poli...

Jan 23, 202522 min

How to improve your posture

Posture doesn't mean standing up straight or gliding across a room with a book on your head. This episode, a physical therapist and a biomechanist break down the meaning of healthy posture and how you can nurture it. 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...

Jan 21, 202519 min

How to be a 'supercommunicator'

Have you ever met someone who is exceptionally easy to talk to? Someone who – simply through good conversation – gets you to open up? These are all common traits of "supercommunicators" — people who are consistently able to create authentic connections with others just by listening and talking. In this episode, journalist Charles Duhigg talks about how anyone can become a "supercommunicator." This episode originally published February 20, 2024. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our colle...

Jan 20, 202522 min

Negotiation tactics for everyday life

Negotiating is for more than just salary discussions. This episode, negotiation expert Joan Moon shares techniques to help you make decisions with more confidence and get the outcome you want in your everyday life. This episode originally published April 11, 2024. 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...

Jan 16, 202520 min

The cost of being there: budget for your friend's celebrations

You want to support your loved one on their special day — but that can come with a steep financial cost. How do you choose between the three destination weddings? How do you say no to a friend's big event without damaging your relationship? In this episode, Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle breaks down the cost of being there: how much big celebrations like a bachelorette trip or baby shower might cost you and what to do if you're worried about your budget. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about ...

Jan 14, 202524 min

What you need to know about cardio

Cardio — exercise that gets your heart rate up — can support good health in many ways. It can help prevent heart disease, increase your energy levels, decrease stress and more. In this episode, we cover what exercise and activities count as cardio, how to reap its benefits and how much to do. 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...

Jan 13, 202512 min

How to cook when you're not into cooking

Even if you dislike cooking, you still have to eat every day. In this episode, Margaret Eby, author of You Gotta Eat: Real-Life Strategies for Feeding Yourself When Cooking Feels Impossible , shares practical tips for getting meals on the table. Plus, Samin Nosrat, author of Salt Fat Acid Heat , offers expert advice on how to become more confident in your kitchen. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsors...

Jan 09, 202525 minEp. 907

How a buddy system can help you reach your goals

It's easy to set big goals — but will you stick with them? The buddy system can help. In this episode, we talk about how to find an accountability partner and build a lasting, productive relationship. 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

Jan 07, 202519 min

Stressed? Try one of these quick resets

Whether your stress manifests in your mind, body or behavior (or maybe all three) there are ways to find relief quickly. Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz talks about some of the 75 evidence-based tips from her book Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes. This episode originally published Jan. 15, 2024. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of perso...

Jan 06, 202523 min

How to move more this year

Looking to be more active in the new year? Here are four expert tips on how to fit movement into your hectic schedule and stay motivated with research-backed strategies. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary 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...

Jan 02, 202515 minEp. 904

Financial habits to leave behind in 2025

As we say goodbye to 2024, let's also bid farewell to some less than ideal money habits — like unnecessary impulse purchases, credit card debt getting out of hand and the trap of lifestyle creep. This episode will give helpful tips on how to start the new year on good financial footing. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manag...

Dec 31, 202419 min

Take a moment to reflect before the new year

The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is a good time to check in with yourself and take stock of the year. Reporter Kyle Norris talks with Buddhist Lama Rod Owens about how to get reflective during this time. Plus, a creative exercise to help you look back from cartoonist Nicole J. Georges. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newsletter series: http://npr.org/dryjanuary See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship ...

Dec 30, 202420 minEp. 902

How to cut down on drinking

If you want to drink less or give up alcohol completely, it's natural to feel scared or anxious at first. What do you do at parties? What if people think you're boring? And how can you deal with temptation? Casey Davidson, sobriety coach and host of the Hello Someday podcast, has tips for those starting a sobriety journey. And she argues that everyone would benefit from an evaluation of when and how alcohol shows up in their lives. Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Dry January, our special newslet...

Dec 26, 202419 min

Clear out your clutter

Got piles of stuff you just can't seem to get rid of? Professional organizer Star Hansen explains how to let go of unnecessary items – and keep your home neat and tidy. This episode originally published December 12, 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...

Dec 24, 202420 min

How to stop overanalyzing 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. 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

Dec 23, 202425 min

Should I buy that thing? A framework to help you decide

Sometimes we buy things that we later regret spending on: a new sweater that's already falling apart, or a thrifted "vintage" vase that turns out to be a mass-produced dupe. In the moment, it's difficult to resist the temptation of making a purchase. But with a few pointed questions, you can make sure you've done your due diligence and buy something guilt-free. This episode, financial experts offer a framework to help you decide whether or not something is worth buying. See pcm.adswizz.com for i...

Dec 19, 202418 min
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