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 KitIt's leap day! Here's what to do with your extra time
Happy leap day! What will you do with your extra 24 hours? Whether you want to slow down and make time stop or just make sure to enjoy the time you've got…
Life KitThoughts on Ozempic from a body-positive doctor
The popular weight loss drug Ozempic makes shedding pounds seem like magic. But the reality is more complicated, says family physician Dr. Mara Gordon. She…
Life KitImprove your chances of learning a new skill
Mastering a new hobby, like bowling or baking, can be a frustrating process. But experts say it doesn't have to be that way. If you set yourself up for success…
Life KitHow to be a 'supercommunicator'
Called 'supercommunicators,' these people have the exceptional ability of creating authentic connections with others — just by listening and talking. See…
Life KitInvesting for beginners
You don't need to be an expert to grow a nest egg. We'll cover how to build your portfolio, when to sell (or not sell) stocks and how to avoid fees. See…
Life KitWhat to do with your childhood stuff
Do you have boxes filled with photos, artwork and artifacts from when you were a kid? Here's how to decide what to keep and toss — and manage the emotions that…
Life KitHow to 'fight right' with your partner
The Gottmans have been studying marriage and relationships for 40 years. In a new book, Fight Right, they explain how successful couples resolve their…
Life KitSave money on streaming services
Just about every major streaming service has raised its subscription fees. At the same time, there are more programming bundles, membership deals, ad-supported…
Life Kit5 tips for starting a new job
Just starting your career? Elainy Mata, host of the Harvard Business Review podcast New Here, offers advice on how to deal with issues that aren't part of the…
Life Kit5 simple ways to minimize stress
Dr. Aditi Nerurkar offers five accessible ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big life changes necessary. See pcm.adswizz.com…
Life KitHow to talk to kids about sex, bodies and consent
It's tricky to talk to younger kids about sex. This episode helps parents get past the confusion and embarrassment around sex education so they can raise…
Life KitThinking of getting inked? Start with a tiny tattoo
There are many decisions that go into getting a tattoo. You need to choose the right artist, design, style and placement. Veteran tattoo artist Noemi Barajas…
Life KitImprove your indoor air quality
Want fresher, cleaner air at home? Researchers share practical tips from researchers on how to clean your house (and your air), test your air quality and…
Life KitHow to mind your own business
Do you often find yourself in the center of other people's drama? Intervening when you wish you didn't? These practical tips can help you draw boundaries and…
Life KitHow to have a healthy relationship with caffeine
Worry you're drinking too much coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks? A gastroenterologist and a caffeine researcher share surprising insights about the…
Life KitThe emotional rollercoaster of being a new mom
Becoming a mother is a complicated life transition. That postpartum feeling of being on an emotional rollercoaster, not recognizing your body in the mirror and…
Life KitHow to prevent stress from escalating into distress
If you've been experiencing negative feelings like panic or anxiety for more than a few days, you might be in distress, says psychiatrist Dr. Kali Cyrus…
Life KitFitness as your body fluctuates
Life happens. Sometimes we get injured or sick — and of course we get older. As we change, so should our exercise routine. Here's how to adapt your fitness…
Life KitSoothe stress in minutes
Feeling overwhelmed, panicked or anxious? Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz offers simple techniques to improve your mood and calm your body and mind in…
Life KitWhat happens when you move your body throughout the day
Last fall, NPR's Body Electric challenged listeners to take part in a study with Columbia University. Over 20,000 people signed up to incorporate movement…
Life KitIt's not too late to learn a new instrument
Whether you grew up playing music or you never progressed beyond "Hot Cross Buns," it's not too late to pick up a new instrument. Let fun lead the way and lose…
Life KitFreshen up your resume
For many employers, the resume is still a must-have in the job process, says career coach Cynthia Pong. Here's how to write a CV that's competitive and…
Life KitHow to start an exercise habit
You don't have to be a marathoner or a gym rat to get meaningful health benefits from exercise. And that sort of "go big or go home" mentality can actually be…
Life KitRefresh your budget with these simple finance tips
The new year is a great time to update your budget, say financial experts. Here's what you can do to curb your spending, save for emergencies and keep your…
Life KitHow to make resolutions you'll keep
Happy New Year! If you want to make a resolution that sticks, the key to success is creating what's known as a SMART goal. This episode outlines how SMART…
Life KitReady to get running? A starter guide
Running is a classic form of exercise for a reason. You don't need equipment or a gym membership and it provides cardiovascular benefits. But many people are…
Life KitHow to slow down and reflect ahead of 2024
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 find a book you won't want to put down
Traci Thomas, host of the hit book podcast 'The Stacks,' shares 6 surprising tips on how to find your next great read. One tip? Don't be afraid to judge a book…
Life KitHow to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
It's getting darker and colder, and there's still a pandemic. Oh, and then there's seasonal affective disorder. Here's how to spot it and what you can do…
Life KitHow to talk to teens about drugs
Overdose deaths among teenagers have skyrocketed in the last few years due to opioids like fentanyl. Experts say drug education that focuses on harm reduction…
Life KitBuild your chosen family
Some queer and trans people may experience rejection from their families after coming out. And so instead, they may have a chosen family: a loving network of…
Life KitDear Life Kit: My folks guilt-trip me into spending the holidays with them
Between long-held traditions, unfair expectations and clashing personalities, the holidays can be a perfect storm for conflict. Therapist John Kim helps…
Life KitHow to minimize family fights during the holidays
Is your aunt asking too many personal questions? Is your cousin talking your ear off about politics? These coping techniques can help you navigate sticky…
Life KitThe decluttering philosophy that can help you keep your home organized
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 KitAmp up your gift-giving game
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 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…
Life KitFirst time decorating for the holidays? Here's where to begin
Designer Elaine Griffin explains her philosophy when it comes to decking the halls for Christmas, Hanukkah and all your winter festivities: Begin the process…
Life KitHow to combat loneliness
1 in 4 adults says they're lonely. The consequences of long-term social disconnection can be dire — everything from an increased risk of heart attacks to…
Life KitMake the most of your chilly outdoor workouts
How cold is too cold? What kind of gear should you wear? And how do you stay motivated to workout outside when the weather is dreary? Cold-loving runners and a…
Life KitKids and firearm safety
Firearms are the No. 1 cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. Take these life-saving precautions to protect kids — whether or not you own a gun. See…
Life Kit5 questions to ask your partner for a healthy, lasting marriage
These conversation starters get at the heart of your values, including how you deal with conflict, your attitude toward gender roles and your relationship with…
Life KitHow to donate to a charity with purpose and intention
Not sure which cause to support or how much to give? Kevin Scally of Charity Navigator has some advice to help you make the right decisions. See…
Life KitGiving thanks is good for you. Here's how to make it a habit
Being thankful doesn't have to happen just once a year. Creating a daily gratitude habit can improve our mental and physical health. This episode, ways to be…
Life KitCreate a ritual to honor your ancestors
Your ancestors don't have to feel like a distant memory. In this episode, spiritual practitioners and Indigenous educators offer cross-cultural guidance on how…
Life KitReady to cold plunge? We dive into the science to see if it's worth it
Dipping in cold water is a growing trend. It's not just for the thrill — people who cold plunge say it helps with anxiety, metabolic health and more. But is…
Life KitA beginner's guide to roasting a Thanksgiving turkey
Don't be nervous — we got you! This guide explains how pick the right turkey, when to buy it, how to prep it and when to start cooking. It also comes with a…
Life KitFind a bra that actually fits
Can't wait to take your bra off at the end of every day? A professional bra fitter explains how to find a bra that makes you feel comfortable and cute. See…
Life KitHow to ditch the apps and date offline
Tired of swiping through dating profiles on your phone? Maybe it's time to get out there and meet people in real life. A sexuality and relationship educator…
Life KitProtect yourself from scams
Scams can happen to anyone. Experts explain how to safeguard your data and money from being exploited or stolen by fraudsters. See pcm.adswizz.com for…
Life KitHow to build low-waste practices into your life
The average American generates five pounds of trash per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Reduce your household trash by listing your…
Life KitHow screens are changing our eyes
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise in children as a result of reduced time outside and screen usage. TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi talks to…
Life KitDear LK: My kids are enemies. What should I do?
A sister relentlessly picks on her brother despite their mom's best attempt to make peace between them. Psychologist Becky Kennedy shares advice with a parent…
Life KitDemystifying your health insurance plan
It's open enrollment season, meaning it's time to pick a health care plan. But it can be confusing to decipher all the acronyms and lingo of health care — so…
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 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 KitAnxious about public speaking? We've got tips
It can be anxiety-inducing to deliver a speech in front of an audience. How do you capture people's attention? What do you do if you stumble? A speechwriter…
Life KitLive with your parents? Here's how to create a harmonious household
Three people who've spent time living with their parents as adults share advice on how they've coped with their situation. Don't compare yourself to others…
Life KitA shame-free guide to digging out of debt
Life happens, and so does debt. Unexpected car trouble, the high price of food, a family emergency — there is no shortage of reasons why debt can pile up. In…
Life KitCan't decide on a Halloween costume? These 5 questions can help
It's hard to nail down a costume idea. You could be anything from an alien to Taylor Swift! Here's how to pick a getup without spending big bucks, or buying a…
Life KitHow to talk to kids about the violence in Israel and Gaza
Last weekend, militants from the terrorist group Hamas killed more than a thousand people, including children, in an attack on Israel while also taking…