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 KitRaising Kids Who Help With Chores
Raising kids who pitch in around your home doesn't require bribes or a chore chart. Kids want to help – and parents can nurture that desire by including them…
Life Kit5 Practices To Become A Better Listener
Actively listening is tough, but it can transform your conversations and improve your relationships. Here's some advice. See pcm.adswizz.com for information…
Life KitThe Emotions Behind Money
Money isn't just about numbers. It's about emotions, too. Tiffany 'The Budgetnista' Aliche's new book unpacks the relationships we all have with finances so…
Life KitTalking With Kids About Anti-Asian Racism
Navigating conversations with kids around race and racism can be tricky. Here's what to think about while talking to kids about the rise in anti-Asian attacks…
Life KitHelping Teens Cope With Mental Health Struggles
Almost two years a year into the pandemic, many teens are missing milestones and struggling with their mental health. Here's how to spot red flags and when to…
Life KitKitchen Organization Tips From Deb Perelman Of Smitten Kitchen
Deb Perelman of the blog and cookbook Smitten Kitchen says she's not an organized person. But, she says, she's got a system that works for her in the kitchen…
Life KitWhy You Can't Force Focus
Concentrating is hard. Concentrating during a pandemic is even harder. Some experts say the key to focusing isn't forcing yourself to work — but taking…
Life KitHow to deal with burnout
Burnout is common across the globe. In this episode, experts unpack the signs of burnout and how you can gain more control over your work and your life. See…
Life KitA First-Timer's Guide To Filing Taxes
Is unemployment taxed? What about stimulus checks? The pandemic has changed a lot when it comes to filing taxes. In this episode, we break down the filing…
Life KitWhat You Can Do Once You're Vaccinated, According To The CDC
Is an indoor visit between vaccinated friends safe? How about a hug with Grandma, even when young relatives haven't gotten their shots? The CDC released their…
Life KitStart Therapy (And Make It Work For You)
Plenty of people put off seeking therapy because of the stigma, cost and inconvenience. Here are four tips to help you make your first appointment, even…
Life KitSupporting A Loved One In An Abusive Relationship
Intimate partner violence is widespread and traumatic. Here's how you can help a friend or loved one in an abusive relationship. See pcm.adswizz.com for…
Life KitMaking Ethical, Sustainable Clothing Choices
Fast fashion takes a toll on the environment and on workers. Here's how you can shop more sustainably and build a closet with a better impact. See…
Life KitUnderstanding (And Practicing) Consent
Everyone has different boundaries. In this episode, we'll talk through what consent is and how to get clear about what you're comfortable with — so you can…
Life KitWhat You Can (And Can't) Do After The Vaccine
In this episode, NPR's Sam Sanders talks with Short Wave host Maddie Sofia for answers to listener questions about the vaccine. (Here's the story we reference…
Life KitDeciding when to have a baby
Whether you've always wanted to be a parent or not, starting a family is a big decision. Experts talk through what to consider. See pcm.adswizz.com for…
Life KitQuitting Your Job The Right Way
Whether you're completely fed up or just ready for the next thing, quitting a job can be stressful and complicated. Here's how to make a game plan and leave a…
Life KitSurviving At Work As A Person Of Color
Changing workplace culture isn't the job of marginalized employees. But knowing how to manage your boss or document your daily work can help employees of color…
Life KitTips For Making A Career Change, From Someone Who Has Done It
Making a career switch can be daunting — but it's doable. In this episode, audio producer Keisha "TK" Dutes breaks down how she made her own switch, and how…
Life KitHow to ask for a raise
Negotiations expert Mori Taheripour shares her tips on asking for more money at work — and what to do when the answer is no, or there's just not money in the…
Life KitStarting Your Career After College
From informational interviews to applications, landing your first job after college is always hard. A pandemic makes it even tougher. This episode originally…
Life KitThe Right Mentor Can Change Your Career
A strong mentor can help you inside and outside of work. In this episode, we'll give you tips on finding the right one to help you achieve your goals. (This…
Life KitGetting Comfortable With Self-Pleasure
Human touch is essential. But in a socially distanced world, lots of people are starved for it. Figuring out what feels good to you, from a long hot bath to…
Life KitThe Smart Way To Fall In Love
You might remember Mandy Len Catron from her hit Modern Love essay about going through 36 questions to fall in love. You might have even tried those questions…
Life KitStop Arguing, Start Brainstorming
It's normal to avoid conflict. But if you approach conflict as problem-solving, it might not be so bad. Here's how to turn a fight into a constructive…
Life KitHitting A Pandemic Wall? Remember To Show Up For Yourself
You can't fully show up for the people in your life until you know how to do the same for yourself. In this episode, we talk with Rachel Wilkerson Miller…
Life KitHow To Savor Chocolate Like A Cocoa Expert
Making (and tasting) chocolate is an art. In this episode, a cocoa expert guides us through the world of chocolate and how you can appreciate it to its…
Life KitF*** The Spark: The 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 KitHow Solitude Can Improve Your Mood
Everyone needs a little alone time, but these days, you might have either too much "me" time or not enough. Here's how to find a balance and get the…
Life KitMaking A Side Gig Work For You
Making money from a hobby takes a lot of work — and strategy. In this episode, host Ruth Tam gets some advice from independent business owners and financial…
Life KitPoet Maggie Smith On 'Trying On' Hope
In her most recent book, poet Maggie Smith compiled notes to self, and says that writing them was her way of 'trying on' hope. See pcm.adswizz.com for…
Life KitTackling Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome: it's the voice in the back of your mind telling you that you're a fraud, and that your peers are all smarter and more creative than you. In…
Life KitWhy you procrastinate — and how to stop
Putting off items in your to-do list isn't a sign of laziness. It's your inner critic coming to life. Revisit your relationship with procrastination — and…
Life KitSetting boundaries with family
Maintaining healthy boundaries is a way of taking care of your closest relationships, but setting those boundaries with family can be hard. The process starts…
Life KitOlympic Runner Alexi Pappas On Learning To Ask For Help
Alexi Pappas is an Olympic runner, an actor and, now, a memoirist. In her new book, Bravey, she shares her struggles with mental health and learning to seek…
Life KitHow To Relax More And Work Less
When was the last time you had a meal without looking at your phone, or took a day off without answering a work email? Journalist Celeste Headlee spoke with…
Life KitGet Back Into Your Home Workout Routine
If your home workout routine isn't much of a routine, we're right there with you. A personal trainer joined NPR's Maria Godoy to talk tips for carving out time…
Life KitCoping With Anxiety Around The News
The news is overwhelming right now. Neuroscientist Judson Brewer can help. Take a break from the headlines and press play. (This episode originally ran in…
Life Kit5 Steps To Get Into A Deep Cleaning Routine
A clean home can feel like a fresh start. Here's how to build a cleaning routine without getting overwhelmed. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Life KitWhat To Say To People Hesitant About The Coronavirus Vaccine
Many Americans remain unsure about whether to get the coronavirus vaccine. If you're talking to people in your life about getting it, make sure to lead with…
Life KitThe art of breaking up
Breaking up is tough, no matter how sure you are in your decision. In this episode, certified dating coach Damona Hoffman walks us through the steps to go…
Life KitWhat To Tell Kids When The News Is Scary
When the headlines are terrifying, how can parents make sure kids get the facts without traumatizing them? Whether it's a school shooting, a global pandemic or…
Life Kit5 Steps To Saving Money On A Move
Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. Here's how to plan for a move — and save money in the process. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Life KitHow to make a hard decision
Making a hard decision can be agonizing. What if you pick the wrong thing? In this episode, an Oxford professor walks us through a different approach: What if…
Life Kit7 Steps To Get Your Photos Organized
Feeling overwhelmed by thousands of photos? Here's how to organize them, from tagging them to backing them up. We've got tips from the experts. See…
Life KitTrying To Form A Habit? Start Small
BJ Fogg's book "Tiny Habits" explains that making small changes in behavior requires just a little motivation and lots of celebrating — and can have a big…
Life KitUnderstanding The Biology Of Weight Loss
Biology makes it hard to lose weight, so don't beat yourself up. In this episode, we won't tell you how to lose weight — or whether you even need to . But…
Life KitWant To Read More Books? Here's How
Got an intimidating tower of unread books looming on your nightstand? This episode will help you pick up more books and get through them quicker. (This episode…
Life KitFinding Your Inner Sneakerhead
Being a sneakerhead looks different in a digital world, where shoes sell out in minutes and YouTubers review new kicks. NPR's Jeff Pierre shows us how to…
Life KitShould You Lie To Your Kids About Santa And The Tooth Fairy?
When it comes to characters like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, parents often play along with elaborate charades. But what should grown-ups do when kids ask…
Life KitTricks To Stay Warm During Outdoor Winter Hangouts
Socializing in the great outdoors is safer during the pandemic, but lower temperatures can make it tough. NPR's Sam Gringlas got some tips to stay toasty. See…
Life KitCutting Back On Pandemic Drinking
Alcohol sales are high and Americans are drinking more during the pandemic. If you're thinking of cutting back or even taking a break, you're not alone. Life…
Life KitHow To Help A Someone At Risk Of Suicide
Americans are reporting an increase in mental health challenges and suicidal ideation because of the coronavirus. If someone you know is struggling, here's how…
Life KitA Therapist's Advice For Getting Through Pandemic Holidays
The holidays are extra stressful this year. Psychologist and author Andrea Bonior offers some tips, whether you're feeling stressed, angry, lonely or guilty…
Life KitHelping Kids (And Parents) Cope During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Kids and teens have had their lives upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what parents can do to help them stay positive and feel supported. See…
Life KitThe Secret To Building Better Playlists
So you're planning the perfect candlelit evening — or the perfect road trip, or the perfect afternoon at home. Where do you start? A playlist, of course. NPR…
Life KitGiving thoughtful holiday gifts, without breaking the bank
Human connection can seem out of reach this year, but there are still ways to show your loved ones that you care. Harper's Bazaar editor Tiffany Dodson joins…
Life KitFinding Your Own Language For Loss: Grief In The Holidays
As we inch toward the holidays, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith shares how she's processing grief, a subject at the center of much of her work. See…
Life KitLessons In The Hard Work Of Healing
America is divided. How can we move forward together? Michel Martin, host of NPR's Weekend All Things Considered, speaks with leaders in mediation and conflict…
Life KitPeter Sagal Teaches Us How To Run
You don't need fancy equipment or a gym to start running. Grab your headphones and some sneakers and let Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me host Peter Sagal tell you…