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 KitLost your keys? A better way to find them
Searching for an item you've misplaced, like a passport, wedding ring or keys, can get frustrating quickly. Luckily, there are tips to help make your search…
Life KitA head-to-toe check-in for the fall
It’s not just school kids who could use a back-to-school reset. Your body could use one too. This episode of Life Kit, medical professionals share advice to…
Life KitTeens are using AI. Here’s how parents can talk about it
High school and college students graduating in 2026 will have had access to artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT since their freshman year. Teens are…
Life KitBoost your mood in 15 minutes
Sometimes you're just feeling blah: maybe the weather's bad, you can't get out of bed and you're struggling to shake off that listlessness. In these moments…
Life KitDear Life Kit: When money makes relationships murky
Behavioral scientist Wendy De La Rosa and personal finance expert Katie Gatti Tassin answer murky money questions from Dear Life Kit listeners. Follow us on…
Life KitRoad safety for pedestrians and cyclists
No matter whether you're walking, biking or driving, there are things you can do to stay safe on the road. NPR health correspondent Pien Huang shares her…
Life KitHow to deal with intrusive thoughts
Have you ever had a disturbing thought pop up into your head? Thoughts that are distressing, repetitive and unwanted are called intrusive thoughts. NPR's…
Life KitOuch, I've got a crick! Neck pain 101
Have you ever woken up with a crick in your neck after a bad night's sleep? Or feel like you can't rotate your head? Many people will experience neck pain at…
Life KitA better way to support your teens as they go back to school
Today's teens struggle with perfectionism and mood swings, and their parents struggle to have hard conversations with them, according to a 2024 Walton Family…
Life KitQuitting isn't always bad. How to know when it's time to walk away
Quitting is often associated with failure. But choosing to walk away from a goal can help you save time, identify what you truly want and create space for…
Life KitWhat eating disorders do to the brain and body
Eating disorders are complicated illnesses that are often misunderstood. Dr. Eva Trujillo, a specialist in eating disorders, says eating disorders "literally…
Life KitTiny pep talks for everyday problems
We use encouragement and support to get through life's big moments. But what about a little pep talk for those smaller moments, like when it's raining and your…
Life KitHow to talk to your parents about their money
Helping an aging parent with end-of-life planning? Financial journalist Cameron Huddleston explains how to broach the topic with your parents — and the…
Life KitIs your phone becoming a time suck? Try a boring phone
Phones can be addicting: There are endless texts to answer, notifications to check and games to play. We often end up on our phones without intending to. But…
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Be a houseguest who gets invited back
Whether you're sleeping on your old friend's couch or staying with a family member for a long weekend, we have tips to make sure your presence is a gift and…
Life KitHow to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online
Almost 7 in 10 consumers were misled into purchasing counterfeit items online at least one time in the last year, according to a 2023 study from Michigan State…
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Are seed oils really bad for you? Researchers unpack RFK Jr.'s claims
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others have said that seed oils, like soybean, corn and sunflower oils, are poisoning Americans. But what does the…
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Hidden ways technology can influence your parenting decisions
From pregnancy tracking apps to smart baby monitors, technology is ingrained in parenthood at every turn. But at what cost? In this episode, Amanda Hess…
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How journaling can help you through hard times
For Suleika Jaouad, journaling has been a source of solace through life's ups and downs for as long as she can remember. Writing in her journal helps her…
Life KitHow to embrace the mess and teach your kids to cook
If you have kids, cooking with them might sound like a daunting prospect. But David Nayfeld, the chef behind the new book, Dad, What's for Dinner?, says…
Life KitDear Life Kit: I'm jealous of my partner's weight loss
Author and body-acceptance advocate Katie Sturino joins Ronald Young Jr., host of the podcast Weight For It, to answer listener questions about body image. See…
Life KitDon't make these financial mistakes
Financial educator Yanely Espinal shares her don'ts when it comes to money. Don't co-sign loans. Don't make hype-driven investments. Don't spend money you…
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Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media
Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit…
Life KitShould I buy it? A framework to help you decide
Sometimes we buy things that we later regret spending on: a new sweater that's already falling apart, or a thrifted "vintage" vase that turns out to be a…
Life KitWhy it's so hard to accept compliments
Receiving praise can feel good. But it can also feel uncomfortable. Should you say something nice back? Brush it off? Make a self-deprecating comment? Many of…
Life KitGrow your dating confidence and ask someone out IRL
In the era of online dating, asking someone out in real life has become a lost art. This episode, confidence coach Regina Bonds shares tips on putting yourself…
Life KitHow to crave movement more than screen time
Oftentimes, it's easier to scroll through our phones than do some squats. So what can we do to motivate ourselves to pick movement? In this episode of Life…
Life KitHow to avoid mosquito bites
In this episode of Life Kit, reporter Andee Tagle talks to entomologist Sammy Ramsey and environmental health professor Brian Byrd about why some people get…
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 communal living might change your life
There are options beyond living solo or with roommates — and one of them is called 'communal living.' In this arrangement, people don't just simply live…
Life KitMake your savings work harder
Typical savings account interest rates can earn you pennies. In this episode, you'll learn about other high-interest savings options to earn more in interest…
Life KitWhat a break from sex can teach you
Sex, and the pursuit of it, can feel amazing. But sometimes, cravings for sex lead to unhealthy obsessions, poor choices or a loss of identity. If you're…
Life KitWant to build muscle? Eat more plants
It's long been thought that eating protein from animals (eggs, meat, chicken, fish) can help you become stronger. But a new study out of the University of…
Life KitStay safe this heat wave
There's a heat wave hitting much of the United State this week. Our bodies do have natural ways to dissipate heat, but when temperatures get extreme, sometimes…
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How to keep cool while saving energy
As summer heats up, we often crank the air conditioning, which uses a lot of energy. NPR's Climate Solutions Correspondent Julia Simon has five simple and…
Life KitIt's tick season. Here's how to protect yourself.
More than 31 million people in the United States get bitten by ticks each year, and some of those ticks carry diseases such as Lyme disease, according to the…
Life KitFlight cancelled again? Try these tips.
Air travel can be frustrating. According to the Department of Transportation, in 2024 flights were delayed about 20% of the time and there were over 400 tarmac…
Life KitYour pelvic floor is essential. Here's how to take better care of it
Your pelvic floor helps with all sorts of bodily functions — it helps you go to the bathroom, breathe, and orgasm, and it supports your internal organs. But…
Life KitProtect your home this hurricane season
Hurricane season can feel unnerving for many, especially as hurricanes grow more intense due to climate change. WUSF climate and environment reporter Jessica…
Life KitBudget friendly things to do this summer
Ideas on how to have fun this summer without breaking the bank. Go on a "penny date." Throw a movie marathon party. Swap houses with a friend. With a little…
Life KitEasy practices for online privacy
If you're online, your personal data is at risk. It might feel impossible to protect your data from hacks and breaches, but there are methods to make it slow…
Life KitOur favorite tips on exercise, sleep, and play
Dan Harris of the 10% Happier podcast interviews Life Kit host Marielle Segarra as part of their Get Fit Sanely series. Marielle talks her favorite tips, like…
Life KitSo you got laid off. What next?
Whether you saw it coming or were completely blindsided, getting laid off is one of the most stressful experiences in life. It can also be a huge hit to your…
Life KitHow to make decisions you won't regret
Should you move across the country? Take that job? Have a baby? Life is full of big decisions and it can be easy to get stuck in the "what-ifs" of them. As a…
Life KitAvoid debt with these credit card tips
Even if you use a credit card all the time, it can be difficult to understand the ins and outs of how they work. Whether you're a new credit card owner or just…
Life KitHow to pack for your summer travel
Nailing the vacation packing list is a difficult art. Overpacking or underpacking can make an already unpleasant travel day go off the rails. But when you…
Life Kit5 essential water skills to know this summer
Knowing how to swim can help you have fun at the pool or beach this summer. But it could also save your life. Here are some tips to start swimming if you never…
Life KitDear Life Kit: I'm having neighbor drama
What should you do if your next-door neighbor plays the drums all the time? Or shows up uninvited? Or leaves trash in their front yard? In this episode of Dear…
Life KitHow to keep old friends
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 KitHow to lead a more creative life
Psychologist Zorana Ivcevic Pringle says creativity isn't a trait. It's a choice, something you can foster and prioritize. In this episode of Life Kit, in…
Life KitHow to stay calm in emergency situations
There are some emergency scenarios we don't want to think about: medical accidents, mass shootings or suicidal crises. But when these situations happen…
Life KitThe connecting power of 'magical questions'
Want to cut through small talk at your next mixer? Try asking a "magical question," says Priya Parker, a conflict resolution facilitator and author of the book…
Life KitHow to save big on groceries
Groceries aren't cheap, but there are ways beyond just looking for sales to make budget meals. To help cut down your grocery bill, we have practical tips for…
Life KitHow to bring the house down at karaoke
Karaoke isn't just a crowd-pleasing pastime. When well-executed, it can unite a room of strangers and help you build your internal power. Zak Rosen, reporter…
Life KitHow to maintain your friendships after kids
It can be tough to navigate adult friendships when kids come into the picture. Parents assume their child-free buds don't want to hang out with them, and vice…
Life KitOften ignored spring cleaning tips
Spring is a great excuse to tackle those hard-to-clean appliances and furniture. In this episode, Kyshawn Lane of the Weekly Home Check walks through a…
Life KitHere's why your feet hurt — and what you can do about it
If you're struggling with foot pain from bunions, Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, it might be time to reevaluate your foot care routine. In this…
Life KitWhat to eat for better sleep
Your diet affects your sleep. What foods can help you be your most rested self? Nutrition scientist and researcher Marie-Pierre St-Onge has research-backed…
Life KitHow to handle your money during tariff uncertainty
With stock market volatility and fears of price increases driven by the new tariffs, you may be worried about your finances. In this episode, certified…
Life KitImprove your sense of direction
Do you feel like you always need to use GPS to get around? Never quite sure if it's a left or a right turn — even though you just looked at a map? It can be…