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.
Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening and helpful curated playlists by topic for Life Kit.
Episodes
Life KitTired of eating leftovers? Turn your odds and ends into creative meals
Do you always buy cucumbers just to watch them slowly become mush in the fridge? Or save your half-eaten pasta only to forget about it for a month? If you're…
Life KitUsed to be an avid reader? How to get back into books
In this distracted age, settling in and actually focusing on a book can feel like a challenge. But retraining your reading muscles is doable. In this episode…
Life KitHow to have a safe, healthy summer
Tips to help you thrive this season. We've got tips on how to effectively apply mosquito repellent (you need more than you think!), prevent tick bites, the…
Life Kit5 simple ways to minimize stress
Need a break? Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, author of The 5 Resets, offers quick, easy ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big life…
Life KitMake your small space feel bigger
Floating your furniture, zoning, floor arrangements and art -- there are lots of ways to make a small space or a small home feel bigger. In this episode, Life…
Life KitWhy spending time in the woods makes you feel calm
Decades of research have shown that "forest bathing" is good for your health. It can boost your immune system, lower blood pressure and help with depression…
Life KitGold is having a moment. Is now the time to invest?
In the world of investing, gold is having a moment. Last year, the price of gold crossed $4,000 an ounce for the first time ever. But does that mean it's time…
Life KitOn the fence about parenthood? Listen to this
Could you see your life just as easily with children as without? What if you're not cut out for parenthood? What if you grow lonely in your old age? Or what if…
Life KitHow to bring more play into your life
Play isn't just for kids. Research shows it can help you adapt to difficult circumstances, collaborate better and problem-solve. In this episode, play…
Life KitWhy you should kill your lawn
Green, grassy lawns are bad for the environment. They need a ton of water, they’re inhospitable to wildlife and gas-powered mowers contribute to greenhouse…
Life KitThe dos and don'ts of baby talk
If you have a baby in your life, you may not find them the most intellectually stimulating conversation partner. But your baby is soaking up everything you…
Life KitThe dos and don'ts of taking over-the-counter pain medications
Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin — there are many over-the-counter pain medications available, but are they all the same? And how much should you really…
Life KitAre there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water?
According to the CDC, virtually all Americans have PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in our bodies. These manmade substances have been linked to cancer, high…
Life KitSecrets to a successful couple's trip
Going on vacation this summer with your significant other? Listen to this episode beforehand so you understand each other's expectations, dreams and goals for…
Life Kit5 tips to help you poop better
Think you know how to go No. 2? Think again. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, author of the new book You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy…
Life KitUnsure which retirement account to choose? We have some tips
Retirement accounts are not just a vehicle to let your money grow over time for when you're ready to stop working. They're also a tax shelter. In this episode…
Life KitGoing beyond 'sorry for your loss' when a friend is grieving
When a friend's loved one has died, what do you do? Send flowers? Condolences? Distract them? It can be hard to know how to support a grieving friend. You want…
Life KitStressed? 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…
Life KitShop less and save more with a 'no-buy challenge'
If you're struggling to save for long-term goals, find yourself lost in a sea of clutter or are concerned about consumerism and climate change, there are ways…
Life KitExplosive power: exercises to boost mobility and prevent injury
Explosive power is the ability to generate a lot of force quickly. It combines strength and speed. We use it in our daily lives to walk up stairs, stand up…
Life KitYou don't have to use dating apps. But if you do - some tips!
If you use dating apps, you'll know that they often suck. They're not the only way to find a romantic connection, but if you want to use them, we have tips…
Life KitDo you have 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…
Life KitFeeling drained? Here's how to lighten your mental load
Did you remember to pick up milk? Or reschedule that dentist appointment? Oh, and pick up cupcakes for the meeting? The never-ending tending to the…
Life KitMake the most of a high-deductible health plan
Did you know that if you have a high-deductible health plan, some services like immunizations and screenings are free (even if you haven't met your…
Life KitDon't rely only on anti-histamines this allergy season
Spring has sprung, and so too seasonal allergies. This episode, what you can do to stay more comfortable if you suffer from pollen allergies. Dr. Prathyusha…
Life KitThe power of an accountability buddy to help get things done
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…
Life KitHow to be a working parent? Lower your standards
From brain fog to identity crises to complicated feelings of guilt (or relief), returning to work as a new parent can be daunting. Luckily, you don't need to…
Life KitGive your to-do list a makeover
Is your to-do list helping you reach your goals? Or is it holding you back? Productivity experts explain how to level up your list so it prioritizes what…
Life KitWhat it takes to get a book published
Writing and publishing a book is just as much about money as it is about creativity. Planet Money co-host Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi walks us through how publishing…
Life KitProtein is personal. Here's how to calculate your optimal intake
Protein is having a moment. Coffee chains are adding it into lattes. Many snack companies are labeling their products as high-protein. But how much protein do…
Life KitUsing AI chatbots can impact your teen's mental health. Here's what to do
Using chatbots for emotional support can pose risks to teens' mental health. How should parents talk to their teens about using chatbots safely? And what's the…
Life KitHow to get 'financially naked' with your partner
How much money do you make? What assets and debts do you have? What are your spending habits? These are all questions you should ask your partner, says Vivian…
Life KitLooking for analog hobbies? Try writing a letter
Unlike texting and email, old-fashioned letters, hand-addressed and sent in the mail, are "read intentionally," says Rachel Syme of The New Yorker. In her…
Life KitDrowning in toys? Here’s how to handle kid clutter
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…
Life Kit"Just A guy, not THE guy," and other advice Marielle loves
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…
Life KitThe key to happiness? Know thyself, says Gretchen Rubin
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…
Life KitDon't get taken for a ride by your car insurer
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…
Life KitGood vibes only? The science behind optimism and manifestation
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…
Life KitHow 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…
Life KitHow to avoid this year's common tax scams
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…
Life KitHow to get better at staying off your phone
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…
Life KitDIY home hacks that your landlord probably won't hate
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…
Life KitThe key to keeping old friends? Stop keeping score
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…
Life KitDr. Sanjay Gupta wants you to reframe your understanding of pain
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…
Life KitCommon mistakes parents make when installing a car seat
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…
Life Kit4 myths about women's health
Do women really need to focus on cardio? Worry about heart health? Do a yearly mammogram? Meghan Rabbitt, author of the new book The New Rules of Women's…
Life KitWant to protect your money? Diversify your investments
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…
Life KitHow 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…
Life KitTired of being tired? Natural ways to get the energy you crave
Do you feel like you're sleepwalking through the week? Instead of reaching for your third coffee of the day, consider tweaking your lifestyle habits. Gut…
Life KitHow to 'shift' your emotions
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…
Life Kit4 negotiation tactics to try in 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…
Life KitDon't mess with your cuticles (and other nail advice)
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…
Life KitHealth insurance hell: Why do I need a prior authorization?
Some medical procedures and treatments require prior authorization from your health insurance company, meaning you'll need pre-approval before you can receive…
Life KitWhy "we should hang out" won't make you real friends
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…
Life KitDear Life Kit: My boyfriend’s female friendships stress me out
Relationship expert Amy Chan and sex educator and researcher Emily Nagoski dig into listener questions about jealousy, desire, and modern relationships ahead…
Life KitMoney tips no one taught you
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?…
Life Kit7 kinds of rest (other than sleep)
In Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's book, Sacred Rest, she outlines different kinds of rest you may be craving. From the mental to the physical, Dalton-Smith shares…
Life KitShoveling snow can be dangerous. Here's how to protect yourself
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…
Life KitClever kitchen hacks from ‘Bake Off’ judge Prue Leith
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…
Life KitHow to save a life with CPR
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…