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 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 KitThe etiquette of texting
In this episode, tips on how to manage your text messages, from dealing with chaotic group chats to getting an unresponsive friend to message you back. Erica…
Life KitCan I afford to buy a house?
Buying a home can feel out of reach for many. But if you're an aspiring homeowner, there are ways to make it a reality. In this episode, mortgage reporter…
Life KitThe art and pleasure of writing a letter
In her new book, Syme's Letter Writer, Rachel Syme of The New Yorker explains how to write a delightful letter to a loved one. Unlike texting and email…
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 KitDLK: In our relationship, her dog comes first. Now I'm having doubts about us
That uncertainty you might feel in romantic relationships is common — and not always a bad thing, say Haley Nahman, writer of the Maybe Baby newsletter and…
Life KitHow to relieve constipation
Haven't pooped in days? Gastroenterologists explain what to do in this SOS moment — and share tips on how to avoid chronic constipation. This episode was…
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How to pack a go bag for emergencies
As climate emergencies like wildfires and hurricanes become more prevalent, it's important to have essentials like food and medicine on hand and ready to go in…
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How to find a supportive queer community
If you're exploring your sexuality or gender identity for the first time, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. You might be processing mixed emotions, grieving…
Life KitA beginner's guide to bartering
Bartering can help you mind your budget and build relationships with your community. In this episode, we cover how to suggest bartering as an option and make…
Life KitOver-the-counter pain medications 101
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 KitHow to raise kids in a multilingual home
There are a lot of benefits to raising a child speaking two or more languages: a better understanding of their culture and their relatives, cognitive benefits…
Life KitStart your 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 KitCar safety 101: Crashes, road rage, weather and more
You might know the basics of car safety, like buckling your seatbelt or using your turn signal. But what do you do in car emergencies? This episode, Hector…
Life KitHow to maintain an exercise routine as you age
It's important to exercise as we age. Regular movement can help not just with cardiovascular health and maintaining muscle mass — it can also foster community…
Life KitDon't panic when the markets are down
About 60% of Americans have some money in the stock market — and the markets are not doing great. Your knee-jerk reaction might be to sell. But experts explain…
Life KitWhat's in your lotion? A guide to personal care product safety
It's easy to get overwhelmed by long ingredient lists when it comes to personal care products like shampoo, makeup and lotion. Which substances could be…
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 KitOMG how embarrassing! How to stop feeling so awkward
Cringing at the time you gave a speech with spinach in your teeth, or accidentally liked an ex's picture on social media? Still reliving that incident in the…
Life KitIt's time to make your dream vacation a reality
Jealous of your friends' spring break plans? This year, get your summer trip out of the group chat. Condé Nast Traveler's articles director Lale Arikoglu…
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 KitFreshen up your resume
Do's, don'ts and current best practices for resume-writing from career coach Cynthia Pong. One tip? Keep the format simple and make it easy to read. This…
Life KitDear Life Kit: Can I tell my friend she texts me too much?
When it comes to friendship, how honest is too honest? Friendship experts, and real-life friends, Danielle Bayard Jackson and Marisa G. Franco weigh in on your…
Life KitHow to create your own spiritual practices
Are you looking to connect to something greater than yourself, but aren't sure how? In this episode, a spiritual psychiatrist and a professor of theology share…
Life KitYour 2025 tax questions, answered
Tax attorneys Hana Boruchov and Leo Gabovich answer questions from our audience about the 2025 tax season. They explain whether or not to get an accountant…
Life KitTechniques to help you figure out how to make a big life change
Have you been thinking about going back to school, starting your own business or moving to a new country? How do you know it's time to make the leap? Or a good…
Life KitBuy now, pay later loans are becoming more popular. Here's what to know
Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm — maybe you've noticed these platforms when shopping online. They allow you to break up large payments into smaller installments that…
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 KitHow caregivers can prevent burnout
According to AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, 1 in 5 Americans are acting as unpaid caregivers. The work can be meaningful but also stressful…
Life KitHow to get on the same page about money with your partner
How financially compatible are you with your partner? Is your partner a spender while you're a saver? Are you on the same page about saving for retirement?…
Life KitThe benefits of a plant-based diet on your gut
A recent study found that one key to gut health is eating a wide variety of plants. In this episode, we talk about the research with NPR's Maria Godoy and…
Life KitA creative way to mend your clothing
The next time you rip a sweater, don't throw it out. Extend its life with "visible mending," a creative sewing technique that uses stitches, fabric and…
Life KitHow to 'shift' your emotions
You have more power over your emotions than you think, says psychologist and neuroscientist Ethan Kross. In his new book, Shift: Managing Your Emotions — So…
Life KitHow to combat parental burnout
Today's parents are more involved in their children's lives — and more stressed out — than they were two decades ago, according to an advisory from the 2024…
Life KitThe science behind the FDA ban on food dye Red No. 3
Last month, the Food and Drug Administration announced it is banning Red No. 3, a food dye additive in processed foods like sodas, sweets and snacks. Recently…
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How 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 KitDear Life Kit: He kissed me then took it back
The heart wants what it wants, but it's rarely that simple. Advice columnist Meredith Goldstein and psychologist Monica O'Neal — two longtime love experts and…
Life KitSimple ways to protect yourself from scams
Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters. This episode originally…
Life KitHow to travel on a budget
There are ways to travel on a budget without completely draining your bank account — but you might have to let go of the over-the-top luxury travel images you…
Life KitHow to improve your posture
Posture doesn't mean standing up straight or gliding across a room with a book on your head. This episode, a physical therapist and a biomechanist break down…
Life KitHow to be a 'supercommunicator'
Have you ever met someone who is exceptionally easy to talk to? Someone who – simply through good conversation – gets you to open up? These are all common…
Life KitNegotiation tactics for 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 KitThe cost of being there: budget for your friend's celebrations
You want to support your loved one on their special day — but that can come with a steep financial cost. How do you choose between the three destination…
Life KitWhat you need to know about cardio
Cardio — exercise that gets your heart rate up — can support good health in many ways. It can help prevent heart disease, increase your energy levels, decrease…
Life KitHow to cook when you're not into cooking
Even if you dislike cooking, you still have to eat every day. In this episode, Margaret Eby, author of You Gotta Eat: Real-Life Strategies for Feeding Yourself…
Life KitHow a buddy system can help you reach your goals
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 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 KitHow to move more this year
Looking to be more active in the new year? Here are four expert tips on how to fit movement into your hectic schedule and stay motivated with research-backed…
Life KitFinancial habits to leave behind in 2025
As we say goodbye to 2024, let's also bid farewell to some less than ideal money habits — like unnecessary impulse purchases, credit card debt getting out of…
Life KitTake a moment to reflect before the new year
The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is a good time to check in with yourself and take stock of the year. Reporter Kyle Norris talks with Buddhist…
Life KitHow to cut down on drinking
If you want to drink less or give up alcohol completely, it's natural to feel scared or anxious at first. What do you do at parties? What if people think…
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 KitHow to stop overanalyzing romantic relationships
Romance makes us feel vulnerable, and dating can feel high stakes. We talk about how to keep things in perspective and take care of your mental health in…
Life KitShould I buy that thing? 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 KitHow to optimize your circadian rhythm
New research shows that too much light at night and not enough daylight is taking years off our lives. NPR health correspondent Will Stone has tips to tune up…
Life Kit7 tiny hacks that can improve your to-do list
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 KitWhy you should take a 'fart walk' after a meal
Post-meal walks to release gas, called 'fart walks,' have become popular on social media. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy says the science is solid on…
Life KitDear Life Kit: My family stresses me out around the holidays
Holiday family gatherings can be stressful. But what if moments of tension could be a moment for growth? Psychotherapist Daniel Olavarría weighs in on…
Life KitHow to thrive, not just survive in winter
Winter is back. The days are shorter, the cold air hurts when breathing in and a warm bed seems more appealing than the outdoors. For some, remaining active…
Life KitHow to support a grieving friend
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…