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 KitHow to interpret the new dietary guidelines
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…
Life KitA snowstorm is on the way. Here’s what to do.
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…
Life KitThe 5-minute daily playtime ritual that can get your kids to listen better
Children's health professionals widely recommend a strategy known as 'special time' to help reduce behavioral issues in young children. This episode explains…
Life KitToo many goals and too little time? How to focus your attention
Time is precious and we never seem to have enough of it. We have to work, feed ourselves, clean our homes, take care of kids or family members, catch up with…
Life KitHow to make your solo trip a success
Traveling alone can be a great opportunity to relax, try a new experience and learn more about yourself. But if you're interested in planning a solo trip…
Life KitA proven method to make a habit stick
BJ Fogg, a behavior scientist at Stanford University and author of Tiny Habits, says you’ve got to start small if you want your habit to stick. He shares his…
Life KitTips to save money across all parts of your life
For a lot of us, this time of year often triggers a financial reckoning. As you recover from the holidays, here are 6 tips from past Life Kit experts on how to…
Life KitStressed about sleep? Don't make these mistakes
Will I be able to show up for work? For my kid? For my partner? When you find yourself awake when you should be asleep, it’s easy to let those…
Life KitHow to build a village
Many of us crave stronger community, especially in the areas we live. Imagine how nice it would be to know all of your neighbors, have third spaces you're a…
Life KitThe science of losing weight
When it comes to weight loss, there are many misconceptions about what works. So if you want to lose weight this year, here's what the science says about the…
Life KitHow to set resolutions you'll actually keep
Happy New Year! If you want to achieve a goal (big or small) this year, make sure it's specific, concrete and realistic. In this episode, writer Gretchen Rubin…
Life KitGet into strength training in 2026
There are a lot of myths about strength training. But one thing is true: resistance training has massive benefits for your physical and mental health. NPR…
Life KitAvoid these common financial mistakes
Personal finance can be a tricky subject to navigate. There's a lot of conflicting guidance on which savings account to use, how to budget properly and where…
Life KitWant to take a break from alcohol? Here's where to start
Giving up alcohol for any amount of time can be challenging. Alcohol is embedded into countless norms and customs, from date nights to office happy hours. This…
Life KitHow to be a better 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 than receiving…
Life KitHow to talk about death and dying
Death can be an uncomfortable and scary topic. But J.S. Park, a hospital chaplain and author of As Long as You Need: Permission to Grieve, says talking about…
Life KitHow to get a great haircut
Getting a good haircut can take some trial and error. Three professional stylists break down how to find a salon you can trust, what a successful consultation…
Life KitDear Life Kit: I have the same holiday drama with my family every year
The holidays bring all kinds of family drama: the sibling who won't compromise, the grandparents who won't travel and different expectations of everything from…
Life KitHow to cope if you can't find a job
Long-term unemployment can lead to more than just financial worries. It can weigh on relationships and affect your self-esteem and motivation. Financial…
Life KitWatch out for these holiday scams
Don't get swindled while buying gifts this holiday season. This episode, Amy Nofziger of AARP's Fraud Watch Network explains how to safeguard yourself from…
Life KitHow to maintain emotional intimacy in long-term relationships
When it comes to relationships, being comfortable is not necessarily the same as sharing emotional intimacy. But if you're in a long-term relationship, how do…
Life KitWhat to know about prostate cancer
About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Most of the time, diagnosis happens through routine screenings. This episode, we…
Life KitHow to optimize your circadian rhythm
There's research showing that too much light at night and not enough daylight is taking years off our lives. NPR health correspondent Will Stone has tips to…
Life KitCurious about investing? Here's what to know
Investing can be intimidating. How do you know which funds to choose? How do you diversify? How much should you be setting aside in a retirement plan versus a…
Life KitThe key to a less frantic holiday season
There can be a lot of stress when it comes to the holidays: figuring out travel plans, preparing the perfect meal, spending time with the whole family for days…
Life KitIt's OK to run slow AF
Martinus Evans, author of Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run, explains why anyone who wants to run can run. He shares tips on…
Life KitDon't fall for these marketing tactics this holiday season
We're surrounded by ads and sales pitches — in our inboxes, on our phones and when we walk down the street. And everyone loves a good deal, but what actually…
Life KitHow to actually look forward to winter
Winter tends to get a bad rap: people complain endlessly about its shorter days, darker skies and plummeting temperatures. It's true that parts of winter can…
Life KitWhat to do if you're losing your hair
People may think of hair loss as a guy thing. But by some estimates, half of all women experience hair loss in their lifetime. While there are some solutions…
Life KitHow to work with your social anxiety
It's easy to spiral and feel anxious when you're on a first date, at your office holiday party or heading to your high school reunion. The stakes feel high and…
Life Kit5 fitness and mental health tips for men
Why is muscle power so important? What do you really need to know about your testosterone levels? What are some free, research-backed tools for managing…
Life KitDear Life Kit: I’m sick of all this unwanted attention
Clinical psychologist Adia Gooden and NPR's It's Been A Minute host, Brittany Luse, answer questions from Dear Life Kit listeners and they share their best…
Life KitHaving good posture doesn't just mean sitting up straight
Does your back hurt after a long day at your desk? Do you wake up with a sore neck every morning? Muscle aches in your body could be a sign you need to improve…
Life KitHow to afford food when money is tight
Millions of people have been left without access to food as a result of funding delays for SNAP benefits. Kevin Curry of Fit Men Cook, an online food…
Life KitHow to repair after a fight with your partner
After a big blowup or recurring fight with your partner or spouse, how do you reconnect? Couples therapist Baya Voce offers a five-step process for couples to…
Life KitSmart home decoration tips from designer Vern Yip
When you're decorating a room, it can be difficult to identify your personal vision and stay true to it — especially if you have financial constraints or are…
Life KitHow to get lower prices on prescription drugs
Prescription drug prices can be costly. What are you supposed to do if you can't afford medication? In this episode, Dan Weissmann, host of KUOW's podcast An…
Life KitHow introverts and extroverts can be better friends
Introverts and extroverts move through the world differently and sometimes friendships can suffer when those differences clash. Reporter Yowei Show, host of…
Life KitWant to avoid flight delays this holiday season? Follow these tips now
When you've already spent money on an expensive ticket, and bad weather can cause potential flight delays and cancellations, it's good to know what you're…
Life KitDo collagen supplements really work?
Collagen supplements have been widely promoted on social media, with claims that they'll strengthen hair and nails, lessen wrinkles and even ease joint pain…
Life KitHow parents can be screen time role models
There's a lot of talk about how to monitor screen time for kids. But for kids to have healthy relationships with technology and smartphones, parents need to…
Life KitFrustrated by a relationship? Questions to ask yourself to move forward
If you feel overwhelmed or stuck in a close relationship, therapist KC Davis, author of Who Deserves Your Love, has a list of questions to help you decide…
Life KitHow to take a refreshing nap (without ending up more tired)
Naps can offer significant benefits, from emotional regulation to improving memory and athletic performance. But there are right and wrong ways to snooze. A…
Life KitRoy Choi's tips for healthy and flavorful meals
James Beard Award-winning chef Roy Choi's new cookbook The Choi of Cooking is all about cooking nutritious meals without sacrificing flavor. Roy shares…
Life KitComing up with a business idea that takes off
Ready to take that big idea and turn it into a thriving business? Rachel Rodgers, author of Future Millionaire: A Young Person’s Step-by-Step Guide to Making…
Life KitHow the local library can save you money
Libraries provide so much more than books. This episode, get acquainted with the free or discounted resources of your local library, like free museum tickets…
Life KitDear Life Kit: I'm at my breaking point
Family and marriage expert Moraya Seeger DeGeare weighs in on questions from listeners who have reached a breaking point in their relationships with the people…
Life KitHow to support a loved one through cancer treatment
If you have a friend or family member diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, all you want to do is help. But where do you start? What if you say the…
Life KitIn credit card debt? There’s a path out
Credit card debt can make you feel stressed, ashamed and lonely. But there are proven strategies to free yourself from this burden. In this episode, five tips…
Life KitHow to talk toddler
Toddlerhood is a big and beautiful period of self-discovery. Kids are picking up new cognitive and motor skills and learning language a mile a minute. But…
Life KitCan you afford to make a big life change?
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 KitIt's soup season! Get cooking with these tips from Sohla El-Waylly
Soup can be a flexible, cozy meal that allows you to experiment in the kitchen. But to make a delicious one you need to get some fundamentals down first. Chef…
Life KitA smarter way to pick the right college
When deciding between colleges, it can be tempting to let prestige guide your choice. But so many factors go into finding the right fit: research…
Life KitWhy anxiety is a superpower
As bad as it feels, anxiety is essential, says psychotherapist Britt Frank, author of The Science of Stuck. It can be a helpful warning signal that something…
Life KitHow to maintain a healthy interracial relationship
If you're in an interracial relationship, there can be additional concerns even with lots of love and care: cultural misunderstandings, family members who say…
Life KitWhat to do when your health insurance denies coverage
What happens when you get a medical bill for something your insurance should have covered? KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér outlines who talk to, what…
Life KitOvercoming romantic obsession
When a crush turns into a harmful obsession, you might experience limerence, romantic infatuation characterized by extreme emotional highs and lows, intrusive…
Life KitDebunking sleep myths
There are a lot of misconceptions about sleep. Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins and her colleagues looked into common myths about sleep to help everyone get a…
Life KitSamin Nosrat's recipe for gathering with friends
For chef Samin Nosrat, one of the most valuable parts of life is sharing food with the people you love. Samin joins Life Kit to discuss her new cookbook…
Life KitBudgeting for college students
A new semester has begun, which means college students across the country are taking on debt, opening credit cards and navigating meal plans and housing on…