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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Unlike texting and email, old-fashioned letters, hand-addressed and sent in the mail, are "read intentionally," says Rachel Syme of The New Yorke r. In her book, Syme's Letter Writer , Syme offers advice on what to write about, how to find the perfect stationery, and why we should communicate more through snail mail. This episode originally published April 15, 2025. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us a...
Having kids comes with a lot of clutter - some of it even shows up before your baby does. From toys that overflow from the toy chest, to unwanted hand-me-downs, and piles of art your kids make, you can't keep it all. Psychotherapist Denaye Barahona offers advice for parents on the whys and hows of decluttering. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it spon...
Marielle joins Raj Punjabi-Johnson and Noah Michelson, hosts of the podcast Am I Doing It Wrong? about the art of giving advice. The three talk about the best advice they've been given, what they're good at giving advice about, and how they select topics for their respective shows. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Lif...
What is happiness? How do you define it? Maybe it's feeling good, having a sunny disposition or being fulfilled, even if you don't feel pleasant all the time. Gretchen Rubin, host of the Happier podcast and author of The Happiness Project, says happiness is less about attaining joy than it is about growing in the right direction. In this episode, she explains how to make small changes that can move you toward happiness, and why knowing yourself helps contribute to this emotion. This episode was ...
Between the start of 2022 and the start of 2025, car insurance rates jumped by more than 50%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Luckily, there are tried-and-true tactics for finding the cheapest deal you can -- from comparing rates from multiple insurance companies to not letting your teen get their license just yet. NPR's cars and energy correspondent, Camila Domonoske, breaks down the surprising factors that contribute to high rates and how to make sure you don't get taken for a rid...
Psychologist Deepika Chopra says that optimism isn’t about being positive all the time. It’s about staying open, curious and resilient. In her new book, The Power of Real Optimism , she explains the science behind optimism and evidence-based manifestation, and how affirmations done the right way can lead to success. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it...
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. This episode was originally publis...
There's a lot of tax advice on social media, but not all of it is sound. This episode, certified public accountant Mark Gallegos breaks down how to identify bad tax advice and avoid this year's most common tax scams. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com for information...
So you want to be on your phone less? But what actually works when it's easier than ever to just keep scrolling. This episode, 5 expert-backed tips that will help you unplug and stay focused on what matters IRL. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com for information abou...
Just because you're not a homeowner doesn't mean you can't put your stamp on the place. Three home décor experts share their tips to make your rental homey for the long term. This episode was originally published on July 16, 2024. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com f...
Nina Badzin, host of the podcast Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, has spent a lot of time thinking about the richness that old friends add to our lives. In our lows and in our highs, our old friends can remind us of who we are. But time can also do a number on those relationships. So on this episode of Life Kit: how to maintain your longstanding friendships. This episode was originally published on May 19, 2025. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have ...
Why do we have pain in the absence of injury, or long after our tissue has healed? How can the same pain stimulus feel so different, depending on who you are, or even what day it is? Neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, author of It Doesn't Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life , talks about some of the surprising developments in pain science, including non-opioid treatments you may not know about. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our new...
If you're a new parent, picking out a car seat can be stressful. Do you need to spend extra on special features to keep your kid safe? How long should your child be rear-facing? How do you know if the car seat is secure enough? In this episode of Life Kit, we cover common mistakes parents make when installing car seats. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen t...
Journalist Meghan Rabbitt, author of "The New Rules of Women's Health," clarifies crucial topics often misunderstood due to inadequate health education. She corrects myths about annual mammograms being sufficient for breast cancer detection, the importance of both cardio and strength for heart health, the unexpected upsides of menopause, and the ineffectiveness of tailoring workouts to menstrual cycles. The discussion emphasizes listening to your body and prioritizing consistent, evidence-based lifestyle choices over wellness trends.
When it comes to investing money, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Spread out your investments among different types of assets and sectors, so you're not overexposed if one of them takes a hit. In this episode, we'll walk you through different types of assets, how your investment strategy should change depending on your age and needs, and a simple rule of thumb to calculate your stock versus bond allocation. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episo...
This episode provides essential tips for planning the trip of your dreams, covering how to define your travel goals, manage budget and time, and select a destination thoughtfully. It also emphasizes the importance of responsible tourism, aligning with travel companions, creating flexible itineraries, and surrendering to inevitable travel mishaps to truly enjoy the experience.
This episode explores natural strategies to overcome persistent fatigue, featuring gut health expert Dr. Amy Shah and other specialists. Discover how dietary changes, like incorporating fibrous foods and practicing circadian fasting, can significantly boost physical energy. Additionally, learn to assess and recharge your emotional battery daily by aligning habits with values and cultivating an energetic spirit through curiosity and new experiences.
You have more power over your emotions than you think, says psychologist and neuroscientist Ethan Kross. In his 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. This episode originally published on Feb. 6, 2025. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter ...
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 Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr....
Is there a right way to trim your nails? Are manicures bad for your hands? Can a supplement help with nail growth and health? We'll answer all these questions (and more) in this episode of Life Kit. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collect...
Some medical procedures and treatments require prior authorization from your health insurance company, meaning you'll need pre-approval before you can receive care. This episode, health care reporter Sarah Boden shares tips on making the prior authorization process as smooth as possible — so you can save yourself frustration and get medical support sooner. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@...
Ready to turn that work bestie into a real friend? Or maybe you want to hang outside run club with your fun jogging buddy? In this episode, Kat Vellos, author of We Should Get Together, explains how to turn acquaintances into real friends — and how to foster the connection you’re seeking. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up ...
Relationship expert Amy Chan and sex educator and researcher Emily Nagoski dig into listener questions about jealousy, desire, and modern relationships ahead of Valentine's Day. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of person...
You have a budget and an emergency fund (or at least know you need both) - but you want to go deeper. What else do you need to know about managing your money? Ever heard of capturing the carry on your debt, for example? Finance experts share their top tips on handling debt, investing, taxes and more. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by...
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith introduces seven essential types of rest—beyond just sleep—that are crucial for well-being. This episode explores what physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, sensory, and creative rest look like, how to recognize signs of deficit in each area, and provides practical strategies for incorporating restorative practices into daily life. Learn to prioritize the specific kinds of rest you need to combat burnout and enhance overall vitality.
Ahead of another winter storm, Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep talks with a cardiologist about how to stay safe while shoveling. Listen to our episode about how to keep your house safe during a winter weather disaster here . Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com for ...
Chef and TV host Prue Leith may be an exacting judge with the bakers on The Great British Bake Off . But when it comes to the rest of us, she thinks we could all cut ourselves a bit of slack in the kitchen. That’s the idea behind her cookbook, Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom. It includes flavorful and simple recipes -- but also dozens of practical cooking hacks from her 65-year culinary career. From peeling garlic to rescuing over-whipped cream, she offers strategies to help you reduce wast...
Every year, more than 350,000 people go into cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting in the United States. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can help double or triple survival rates. In this episode, we'll explain the basics of this emergency procedure so you can feel empowered to help in a life-or-death situation. This episode originally published on October 26, 2023. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to shar...
In January, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released new dietary guidelines calling for a significant reset in nutrition policy and "an end to the war on saturated fat." The guidelines come with a new food pyramid that emphasizes red meat, full-fat dairy and fats. In this episode, NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey unpacks the new guidelines and offers tried-and-true nutrition advice from the experts. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episod...
This weekend, much of the country is to be hit by a major snow storm. Experts say there are several precautions to take before a winter storm arrives in your area. A meteorologist and emergency preparedness expert share tips to prepare your home, your car and your family ahead of a big snowfall. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by sign...
