Shows / Life Kit

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
Life KitImprove the indoor air quality in your home
Want fresher, cleaner air at home? Researchers share practical tips on how to limit indoor air pollution. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Life Kit5 ways to explore your gender identity
If you're an adult starting to explore your gender identity, it can be tough knowing where to begin. Here's some advice from trans people to help you on this…
Life KitDear LK: My parents pay my tuition. Do I have to show them my grades?
If your parents pay for your college, do they have a right to demand to see your grades? Berna Anat, the author of Money Out Loud, shares advice on defining…
Life KitA better way to talk to your doctor
Ever leave the doctor's office confused or with unanswered questions? Talking to doctors and other medical professionals can be hard — whether they're good at…
Life KitWant to create a stronger bond with your kids? First relinquish control
It may sound counterintuitive, but if you want to take charge as a parent, stop trying to control your child, says psychologist and author Shefali Tsabary. Her…
Life KitWhen a partner keeps a financial secret
How do you cope when your partner keeps a secret that impacts your personal finances? Meredith Goldstein of the Love Letters podcast from The Boston Globe…
Life KitHow to break up with your therapist
Getting into therapy comes with its own hurdles, but what about knowing when to stop it? Moraya Seeger DeGeare, a licensed marriage and family therapist, has…
Life KitA field guide for fledgling birders
You don't need binoculars and a trip to a nature preserve to go birding. If you've ever paused to appreciate a bird, you're already well on your way. Here are…
Life KitPut your savings to work
The current inflation rate in the US is 5 percent. And most big bank savings accounts offer interest rates much lower than that. In this episode, you'll learn…
Life KitHow to clean when you don't feel like cleaning
Too overwhelmed to tidy up? KC Davis, author of the book "How to Keep House While Drowning," suggests a clean-up strategy that homes in on trash and clutter…
Life KitYour guide to running for office
If you've ever thought about running for office — your town council or school board, the state legislature, or even Congress, this episode is for you. We'll…
Life KitFind your way to a (high-paying) trade job
There are lots of jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree and pay well. Here's what to consider if you're thinking about a job in the trades — from…
Life KitGet your debt under control
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…
Life KitPracticing the art of saying goodbye
Saying goodbye can be tough, especially if you're parting ways for good. But grief counselor and patient advocate Isabel Stenzel Byrnes says the art of saying…
Life KitDear LK: My boyfriend's parents pay for everything. It makes me uncomfortable
She loves her boyfriend's parents, but their generosity feels inappropriate. Maya Lau, host of the podcast Other People's Pockets, weighs in on how to move…
Life KitTips for acing that job interview
How should you prepare in advance for a job interview? We discuss what questions to prep for, how to choose an outfit you feel your best in, and what to do if…
Life KitPlanning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro
Getting ready for a trip is fun until you have to start packing. These tips for packing a carry-on will help you figure out what you need in your bag (and what…
Life KitHow to show up for teens when big emotions arise
Being a teenager is hard. There are emotional highs and lows every day. Clinical psychologist Lisa Damour says instead of jumping into problem-solving mode…
Life KitTips for negotiating your medical bills
There's an estimated $195 billion of medical debt in America. But just because a medical bill comes in the mail doesn't mean you have to pay that exact price…
Life Kit6 tips for raising happy houseplants
From monstera to snake plants, we'll walk you through how to care for your houseplants properly. Plus, troubleshooting tips for knowing when your plant needs…
Life KitHow an aerialist uses trapeze to teach students about consent
How do we learn to trust what our bodies tell us and express it to others? Aerialist Adie Delaney speaks with TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi about how…
Life Kit5 things to remember when a friendship ends
Not all friends are meant to last forever. Here are 5 things to remember if you're processing the loss of a friendship — or trying to save one that matters to…
Life KitHow to have the STIs conversation
With Dr. Evalene Dacker, we lay out the science of STIs and then give you language to talk about them and, more broadly, about sex, with a potential partner…
Life KitTricks to boost your credit score
A strong credit score can make major purchases and financial transactions much easier. Here's how to make yours better and keep it high. (This episode…
Life KitMasculinity doesn't have to be restrictive. Here's how to redefine it for yourself
Restrictive expectations of masculinity can be perpetuated by anyone and impact how we view ourselves and others. We spoke with experts for tips on how you or…
Life Kit5 questions to ask your partner before getting hitched
These conversation starters get at the heart of your values, including how you deal with conflict, your attitude toward gender roles and your relationship with…
Life KitBraving the 'quarterlife' crisis
Stuck between two conflicting desires and can't seem to move forward? Psychotherapist Satya Doyle Byock shares an exercise called "My Two Conflicting Selves"…
Life KitFinding joy in the face of sorrow
Poet Ross Gay knows a thing or two about finding joy in life's most difficult moments. He talks with It's Been a Minute host Brittany Luse about his new book…
Life KitSo you want to be a mentor
In this episode, we talk about who can be a mentor, how to structure the relationship, and how to have tricky conversations with your mentees. Also, how to…
Life KitThe truth about caffeine
Are you drinking too much coffee? A gastroenterologist and a caffeine researcher share surprising insights about the psychoactive drug. See pcm.adswizz.com for…
Life KitThis is the period talk you should've gotten
We asked two experts how they would give the period talk. Here are six pieces of advice — including the science of periods, management techniques, and how to…
Life KitDear Life Kit: Do I have to listen to my boss complain?
An employee struggles to cope with her boss's constant oversharing and negativity. Journalist and host of the podcast Work Appropriate Anne Helen Petersen…
Life KitCan I afford to quit my job?
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…
Life Kit'Do I really need to floss?' and other common questions about dental care
We asked experts to answer five questions about how to properly care for your teeth. Here's what they said about finding a dentist, whitening your teeth at…
Life KitHow to file your tax returns: 6 things you should know this year
For something that's legally required, taxes can be confusing. This guide covers the latest credits and deductions — and helps you plan ahead for next year…
Life KitDefine your personal style
Fashion may not have been at the top of your priority list over the last two years. If you're ready to shake the dust off, here's advice from the experts —…
Life KitHow caregivers can prevent burnout
Two women who took care of their moms as unpaid caregivers share advice about how to approach the job, find support and make time for self-care. See…
Life KitEarthquake preparedness in 6 steps
Earthquakes strike at a moment's notice. That's why having a plan in place is key. In this episode, emergency and disaster experts share their tips to help…
Life KitThe science of finding a partner
Logan Ury, a behavioral scientist at the dating app Hinge, says making dating decisions based on initial chemistry alone is a losing battle. In this episode…
Life KitWhy the 5-minute walk break is so powerful
Sitting all day isn't good for your health. Long stretches glued to a chair can increase the risk of heart disease and early death. Thankfully, new research…
Life KitDear LK: My husband is still living under COVID lockdown
Three years into the pandemic, one spouse is ready to lift lockdown. The other? Not so much. Epidemiologist and science communicator Jessica Malaty Rivera…
Life KitCreative ways to get kids to eat their veggies
Veggies help kids grow and develop, but it can be hard to convince them to eat their broccoli. These research-backed tips can help you encourage your kids to…
Life KitBudgeting for dating
How much should you spend on a date? Who should pick up the bill? Can you talk money on the first date? Kristin Myers, editor-in-chief of The Balance, shares…
Life KitBe an awesome gift giver
Searching for the perfect gift for a loved one doesn't have to be stressful. With some clever thinking, buying a present can be even more fun that receiving…
Life KitMeal 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…
Life KitThe five kinds of perfectionists
Are you a 'Parisian perfectionist'? How about a 'messy perfectionist'? Psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler believes there are 5 kinds of perfectionists…
Life KitDear LK: My kids are enemies. What should I do?
A sister relentlessly picks on her brother despite their mom's best attempt to make peace between them. Psychologist Becky Kennedy shares advice with a parent…
Life KitHelpful financial advice for creative types
Got a side hustle and not sure how to handle your money? Financial coach Paco de Leon, author of 'Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances,'…
Life KitPractical tips for exercising in the cold
Athlete and activist Alison Mariella Désir and sports medicine specialist Dr. Kelechi Okoroha explain how runners should dress when temperatures drop to the…
Life Kit'Terrestrials,' a new kid's show from Radiolab, uncovers the strangeness on Earth
This is the story of one particularly devious octopus who lost a limb, was captured by humans — then managed to make an escape from its aquarium tank back into…
Life KitLooking for a job? Advice to help you land the gig
How helpful are personal connections? When should you send a thank you email? Cynthia Pong, founder and CEO of the career coaching firm Embrace Change, answers…
Life KitPushing back against 'anti-fatness'
All Things Considered host Juana Summers interviews Aubrey Gordon, author of the book " 'You Just Need To Lose Weight': And 19 Other Myths About Fat People."…
Life KitHow to reduce your climate footprint in 2023
Lowering individual greenhouse emissions may be easier than you think. Here are some steps that experts agree have an impact in addressing climate change. See…
Life KitDear LK: I'm tired of my boyfriend's lack of ambition
Can you successfully motivate someone else to change? Clinical psychologist Jody Adewale shares advice with a letter writer feels put off by her partner's lack…
Life KitHow to look at art (and have a perception-altering experience)
Everyone can have a profound connection with a work of art. You just need the right mindset and attitude. Art professionals share tips on how to navigate…
Life KitFind your authentic personal brand
Life Kit's Andee Tagle talks to networking coach Lynda Peralta about how to present her personal life and her professional life on Instagram. See how her…
Life KitClear 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…
Life KitNew Year's resolutions from Life Kit
Happy New Year! Team members at Life Kit share some of their favorite tips they are looking to trying in 2023, from how to start an art habit to how to get…
Life KitHow to start an exercise routine that works for you
You don't have to be a marathoner or gym rat to get meaningful health benefits from exercise. In fact, that die-hard mentality can actually deter you from…
Life KitReady to make a change for New Year's? Behavioral science can help
When is the best time to start a new habit? And why are some habits easier to practice than others? Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman, author of 'How to…