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 revamp your rental
Just because you're renting your home doesn't mean you can't make it your own. Three home décor experts share their tips to make your rental homey for the long…
Life Kit5 strategies to help you cope with a nagging feeling of dread
The list of things we dread is almost endless: the Sunday scaries, deadlines, climate change — the list goes on. How can we feel better? Saleem Reshamwala…
Life KitHow to talk to a parent about their past
You might not know a lot about your parent's life before they had you: their childhood dreams, their first love, their heartbreaks. If you're a child of…
Life KitHiking tips for beginners
You don't need much to go for a hike. You can enjoy nature whether you're at a national park or on a neighborhood stroll. But before you head out, you'll want…
Life KitWhy you should connect with your kid, not correct them
Psychologist Becky Kennedy, author of the book "Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be," urges parents to spend more time raising…
Life KitAvoid these 6 sunscreen mistakes
Making sure you're protected from the summer sun starts with a good sunscreen. But how do you know which sunscreen is best, how much to use or when to reapply?…
Life KitCheck, please! The etiquette of splitting the tab
Dining out with a large group and not sure how to handle the check? In this episode, chef and food writer Kiki Aranita walks us through common dining scenarios…
Life KitSet your summer reading goals
Trying to read more can be a hard habit to stick to. If you want to read more, try setting a goal to get you motivated. To make a goal that works for you —…
Life Kit"Screen apnea": How our use of tech affects our breathing
Do you have "screen apnea?" Former Microsoft executive Linda Stone coined this term in 2007 after noticing she'd developed an unhealthy habit while answering…
Life KitKeeping intimacy alive after having a baby
It's hard to find time for anything with a newborn at home. And in the months after having a baby, intimacy with your partner may fall to the wayside. But sex…
Life KitBMI is flawed. Try a body composition test
For decades, health experts have relied on body mass index (BMI), a ratio of weight to height, to classify people as underweight, normal weight, overweight or…
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 KitStaying safe in extreme heat
The summer's first major heat wave has arrived. Our bodies do have natural ways to dissipate heat, but when temperatures get extreme, sometimes they just can't…
Life KitGrilling for beginners
Intimidated by grilling? Cooking over an open flame can do that. In this episode, learn the basics from which type of grill to choose, to how to maintain a…
Life KitHealthy money habits for couples
Should you merge your finances with a significant other? Keep them separate? Or something in between? Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan Podvin breaks down…
Life KitLife advice inspired by graduation songs
With graduation season here, our friends at NPR's All Songs Considered asked listeners to tell them about songs that bring back memories of the final days of…
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…
Life KitWhy we become bored with our lives (and how to find joy again)
It's easy to stop noticing what we love about our lives. Even the most passionate relationships, stimulating jobs and exciting cities can lose their sparkle…
Life KitDear Life Kit: I can't stop thinking about my crush
Sex and relationship expert Shan Boodram weighs in on listener questions about crushes: unrequited love, romance with an expiration date, and reaching out to…
Life KitCoping with the loss of a sibling
Losing a sibling is a unique and often overlooked kind of grief. Many grieving siblings aren't given the same level of support as their parents or caregivers…
Life KitHow to explore your gender identity as an adult
If you're an adult starting to explore your gender identity, it can be tough knowing where to begin. Here's some advice from trans people to help you on this…
Life KitThese water safety tips can save lives
Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the United States. To prevent drownings, make sure there's always a designated adult watching the…
Life KitWhere did I put the keys? Tips to improve memory
Do you ever feel like your memory lets you down when you need it most? If you forget your keys every time you leave the house, struggle to remember new names…
Life KitFiber has tons of benefits. Here's how to eat more of it
Fiber is a dietary superhero. It lowers cholesterol, helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps your hunger in check. But chances are, you're not getting…
Life KitSummer fun on a budget
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 KitShould you be friends with your ex?
When a romantic relationship ends, it can feel like a total loss. How do you go from being an important person in someone's life to a complete stranger? But…
Life KitFeeling guilty? Here's how to work through it
You broke someone's heart. You missed your kid's recital. You weren't there for your mom when she needed you. Guilt! It can be painful – but also a powerful…
Life KitKids, social media and privacy: What to know before you post
Many parents share photos and videos of their babies and children on social media. But there are potential dangers to constantly posting about your kid online…
Life KitTake charge of your gyno visit
A visit to the gynecologist isn't just an essential part of your health routine. It's an opportunity to ask questions about your reproductive health, from…
Life KitJet lag is not 'a choice' — here's what to know
Taylor Swift claimed that "jet lag is a choice" at this year's Super Bowl. Sleep scientists like Jade Wu would like you to know they very much disagree. The…
Life KitHow to talk about Asian American mental health
For a lot of people from Asian American backgrounds, discussing mental health - especially with loved ones - can be difficult. Psychologist and author Jenny T…
Life KitIntroducing: Wild Card with Rachel Martin
Check out your new NPR podcast listen: Wild Card with Rachel Martin. On the show, Rachel rips up the typical interview script and invites guests to play a game…
Life KitHow to help your stepfamily grow closer
Becoming a blended stepfamily can be fraught for everyone involved. How can your family build trust, function more smoothly and ultimately grow closer? In this…
Life KitThe social etiquette of lending money
If a close friend or family member is in need of money, your first impulse might be to help out. But what if they don't pay you back? What if they need more…
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…
Life KitHow to prepare for a second pregnancy after a complicated first one
Pregnancy complications — like miscarriage, preterm birth or postpartum depression — are incredibly common. But expecting parents can often feel alone if they…
Life KitHow to practice 'deep reading'
When was the last time you got lost in a book? These days, the act of 'deep reading,' or reading with intention, can be difficult to practice. Maryanne Wolf…
Life KitCurbing needle phobia in adults starts with making shots less painful for kids
Approximately one in four adults has a fear of needles, according to the CDC. Many of those people say the phobia started when they were kids. Researchers…
Life KitColorectal cancer rates are on the rise. Here's what to know
In the 1990s, colorectal cancer was the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Now, it's the first in men and second in women — and rates are rising…
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 KitDear Life Kit: Your wedding etiquette questions, answered
Etiquette coach Myka Meier revisits traditional wedding customs, including the cost of wedding gifts — and how much a mother-in-law should contribute to the…
Life KitWhat is 'communal living' and is it right for me?
There are options beyond living solo or with roommates — and one of them is called 'communal living.' In this arrangement, people don't just live together, but…
Life KitProtect your ears from hearing loss
People of all ages are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, but few know how to protect against it. This episode, build out your ear care routine with the…
Life KitNegotiation tactics for everyday life
People often use negotiation tactics in business environments. But you can also use them to get your roommate to clean up, figure out where to eat for dinner…
Life KitHow to talk to teens about vaping
Age-appropriate prompts and questions that can help start a productive conversation about vaping nicotine and e-cigarettes with your child. See pcm.adswizz.com…
Life KitGet better at gardening by using this newly updated tool
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map helps home gardeners pick which plants to grow. But recently, roughly a quarter of the country has moved zones. What does…
Life KitHow to introduce solid food to your baby: A nervous parent's guide
Introducing solids to your little one can be as stressful as it is special. A pediatric dietitian and a pediatrician discuss menu choices, allergens and safety…
Life KitStart 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 KitYou're not too late to chase the total solar eclipse
"A total solar eclipse is so much more than something you just see with your eyes. It's something you experience with your whole body," says science writer…
Life KitWhat is the new etiquette for tipping?
Tipping requests are on the rise. Businesses that never seemed to ask for a tip, like fast food joints, are now asking for one. Here's how to deal with…
Life KitHow to clean when you don't have the energy
Having dirty dishes in the sink isn't a moral failure. Therapist KC Davis, author of How to Keep House While Drowning, has developed a framework for keeping up…
Life KitHow to take care of your eyes
You can strain your eyes if you stare at a screen for too long, say eye doctors — and that can cause eye fatigue, headaches and blurry vision. Nip those…
Life KitDreading your taxes? How to deal with the 'homework of life'
Life is full of tedious and time-consuming administrative tasks. Here's how to conquer your 'life admin' so you can get back to real life. This episode…
Life KitWhat to know about protein and muscle mass
Our bodies need protein to maintain muscle. That's important because muscle mass peaks in our 30s and then declines. In this episode, tips about understanding…
Life KitThinking of going electric? What to know about EVs
What happens if your car runs out of power on a road trip? Is it better to buy an EV now or wait until you need a new car? A roundup of smart questions from…
Life KitEffective ways to rebuild your credit score
Credit scores determine whether you can get a mortgage, credit card, auto loan and more. So if your score is subprime, how do you bump it up to above a 700? In…
Life KitReframing procrastination
Putting off items in your to-do list isn't a sign of laziness. It's your inner critic coming to life. In this episode, revisit your relationship with…
Life KitDo you love seafood? Here's how to eat it responsibly
Fish populations are dwindling around the world due to overfishing. Here's how to make the right choices when dining out or buying fish at the market. A…
Life KitEnjoying travel with a baby
Yes, there will be meltdowns. But there will also be joy. Tips on which baby gear to pack, how to prepare your child (and yourself) for the long journey – and…
Life KitHow to have a 'grown up' relationship with a sibling
The longest relationship of your life might be with your sibling. But there aren't many tools for navigating the complex dynamic that can develop between…