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 actively heal from an injury or illness
If you're recuperating after an illness or injury, it's normal to not feel like yourself. Your body needs time to heal so you can get back to your regular…
Life KitCan I afford to totally change my life?
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 KitDear Life Kit: Your most petty social dilemmas, answered
Lunch snubs, bad neighbors and needy in-laws. Advice columnist R. Eric Thomas responds to the bad behavior getting under your skin. See pcm.adswizz.com for…
Life Kit6 big purchases that can save energy and money at home
To live a more climate friendly life, invest in home appliances and vehicles that run on electricity, not fossil fuels, say sustainability experts. Here are a…
Life KitThe new rules of laundry
Patric Richardson, host of 'The Laundry Guy' on HGTV, wants you to change the way you wash your clothes. Go ahead and wash those darks in warm water — and…
Life KitTeeth: an owner's manual
Brush twice a day. Remember to floss. Visit the dentist twice a year. We know the drill...or maybe not? In this episode, how to take care of your teeth, from…
Life KitAce Your Freshman Year of College
Congratulations! You've been accepted into college. Now you've got to find your way around campus, pick out classes, make new friends, and figure out a plan to…
Life KitWe've heard we need more fiber in our diets. Here are 8 easy tips for getting there
Rethink your relationship with fiber, the dietary superhero of food — and learn clever ways to add more of it to your diet. See pcm.adswizz.com for information…
Life KitThe consequences of overindulging your kids
Giving in to your kid too much can be harmful to their development. Take the 'Test of Four' to examine your relationship with your child — then find out how to…
Life KitWhat to know about the new COVID boosters
Updated versions of the mRNA vaccines roll out this week. Experts say they offer good protection against current COVID variants. Who should get them, and…
Life KitHow to avoid 'lifestyle creep'
Making more money tends to lead to spending more money. It's a phenomenon known as "lifestyle creep." Paco de Leon, author of Finance for the People, shares…
Life KitScarfing down your food? Here's how to slow down and eat more mindfully
When we scarf down our food, we don't get a chance to properly digest or appreciate it. Lilian Cheung, a mindful eating lecturer at Harvard, shares techniques…
Life KitDear Life Kit: My husband shuts down any time I try to talk about our finances
I'm struggling to get my husband to make a family budget with me. Whenever the topic comes up, he completely gets defensive. How do I get him to talk to me…
Life KitStomp, scrape, repeat: What you can do to stop the spotted lanternfly
An entomologist shares surprising insights about the invasive bug, which is wreaking havoc on crops and trees across 14 U.S. states. Plus: A poster with our…
Life KitDon't 'get' art? You may be looking at it wrong
Art professionals explain how to look at paintings and sculptures like an expert — and how to make the most out of a museum visit. This episode originally…
Life KitPrenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Here's when to consider one
Everyone should consider a prenuptial agreement before getting married, says family law attorney Theresa Viera. Here's how to talk about it with your partner…
Life KitStudent loan repayment is resuming. Here's what you need to know
The three-year federal pause on student loans is expiring soon. If your financial circumstances have changed, or you just need an explanation of the many…
Life KitStart cleaning your home more sustainably with these tips
Environmentally-friendly living isn't an all-or-nothing equation: think of it as a spectrum of greens. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, green cleaning is…
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A guide to forest bathing
Studies have shown that "forest bathing," or spending time in the forest, can significantly improve mood and reduce stress. Here's how to reap these benefits…
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 KitProtect your hearing and ears
Go easy on the Q-tips. Watch your phone volume. And if you're experiencing hearing issues like muffled sounds or tinnitus, see a professional. This comic…
Life KitThe 5-minute playtime ritual that can help your kids listen
Children's health professionals widely recommend a strategy known as 'special time' to help reduce behavioral issues in young children. This episode explains…
Life KitStart learning your family's language
Heritage language learners are different from people learning a second language for the first time. They often grow up hearing it, but that can come with its…
Life KitMillennial? Gen Z? It may be time for colorectal cancer screening
Colorectal cancer cases are on the rise among people under 50. In this episode, we explain the risk, symptoms to look out for and how to get screened. See…
Life KitLooking for a job? Advice to help you land the gig
How helpful are personal connections? When should you send a thank you email? Cynthia Pong, founder and CEO of the career coaching firm Embrace Change, answers…
Life KitDear LK: How should I talk to my kids about their incarcerated uncle?
My brother-in-law was convicted of murder and is serving a life sentence. We haven't shared any of these details with our kids, ages 7 and 9. When should we…
Life KitLet's have some cheap fun
You don't need to spend a lot of money to have fun. Have you done a chocolate bar taste test? Hosted a themed hangout? Gone to a surprise movie night? Here are…
Life KitMinimize your back pain while cooking
Many of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. It might not disappear entirely, but you can find ways to comfortably perform everyday tasks…
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Start your own business
It's time to get your MBA — the easy way. We're sharing an episode from Planet Money's Summer School. In this lesson: Everyone has a million dollar business…
Life KitLosing a pet is hard. Here's how to cope
Losing a pet can be devastating. Here's how to process the loss of your special friend and open yourself up to the love and lessons they left behind. See…
Life KitHow to make a salad you want to eat
Salads are so often hit or miss. Here's how to make a salad that's nutritious, easy to make and a joy to eat. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Life KitFind books you'll love
Traci Thomas, host of the hit reading podcast The Stacks, explains how she finds books she can read from start to finish. Some of her ideas may surprise you!…
Life KitHow to be an amazing auntie or uncle
Parents aren't the only people who help raise kids or invest in their wellbeing. Uncles, aunties and family friends make great role models too. See…
Life KitHow to buy a car with confidence
Buying a car can be intimidating. This episode will help you strategize to avoid all the potential pitfalls, so you can drive away with a good deal. This…
Life KitHow to tell your own story
Everyone has a story to tell. Writing a memoir is more than just documenting your life — it can help you process what you've gone through, capture a moment in…
Life KitHow to choose a bank
It's easy to feel stuck with a bank account you've had forever, even if it's inconvenient or racking up fees. But there are lots of other options out there…
Life KitWhat to do when you're constipated
We've got a step-by-step guide for that SOS moment when you haven't pooped in days and days. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use…
Life KitDear LK: My group chat is toxic
In college, I became close with a diverse friend group. Years later, we still stay in touch via text. Some people rely on our group to manage their anxiety…
Life KitCoping with a fear of flying
Whether you're a nervous flyer, you'll do almost anything to avoid flying or you have an actual flying phobia, these tips from psychotherapist Luana Marques…
Life KitHow to prepare for the return of student loan payments
The Supreme Court has decided to strike down the Biden administration's plan to discharge some or all federal student loan debt. The decision impacts tens of…
Life KitIt's never too late to become a strong swimmer
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 at any age…
Life KitHow to stop overthinking 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 KitGet grilling this summer
Intimidated by grilling? Cooking over an open flame can do that! In this episode, learn which type of grill to choose, how to maintain a fire, how to create…
Life KitHow to start running in the body you have
Ready to kickstart a new running habit? Coach Martinus Evans breaks down a common misconception to get you into the mindset — and offers quick tips on pace…
Life KitUltra-processed foods are everywhere. Here's how to avoid them
Ultra-processed foods are tasty, cheap and everywhere. But they come with health risks. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy lays out ways to spot and avoid…
Life KitGet more rest
It's time to make room for more naps. Tricia Hersey, also known as the 'nap bishop' and author of the book "Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto," explains why…
Life KitThe do's and don'ts of being a plus-one
It's wedding season. If you've been invited as a plus-one, here's the etiquette you need to be the best guest. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Life KitHow to spot AI-generated and other fake content
It's easy to be fooled by AI-generated images and other content. We talk about how to identify them, how media literacy can help, plus how to use these tools…
Life KitRenting? Learn to be your own best housing advocate
Does your landlord have to fix that leak? Should you be worried about that clause in your lease? If you live in one of the nearly 44.1 million renter…
Life KitHow to protect yourself from poor air quality
The health effects of wildfire smoke are dangerous. Here's how to stay safe when the air quality is unhealthy. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our…
Life KitGet more out of your dreams
Dreams have inspired works of art, led to breakthroughs in organic chemistry and helped people process their deepest fears and emotions. They're not just weird…
Life KitWhy you should play video games with your kid
Video games get a bad reputation that's often unwarranted. But kids do need guidance in using them wisely. Here's how to help them, starting with spending some…
Life KitDear LK: I'm happily married but hate our sex life. Should I ask for a divorce?
I've been in a loving relationship with my husband for years. We're incredibly compatible except for our sex life. The sex started off great, became less…
Life KitTo save money on groceries, try these tips before going to the store
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 KitPick the right sunscreen for you
No matter your skin tone, sunscreen keeps your skin safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But to use it right, you need to know a few things: What SPF to use…
Life KitExtend the life of your clothes with visible mending
Extend the life of your clothing with this creative sewing technique. All you need are a few basic sewing skills, thread and scrap material to get started —…
Life KitMaking friends anywhere you move
Whether you're moving into a summer sublet or your forever home, friendships are important to feeling settled in a new place. So how do we do that? A…
Life KitCreate a better 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 KitThrifting 101: Your guide to finding quality pieces
Shopping secondhand is a good way to be more sustainable, explore your personal style or score a deal. We have tips from some diehard thrifters so you can find…
Life KitPregnant? Here's how to deal with the new you
Pregnancy is hard work – for the body, mind and soul. There are seemingly endless resources for all the physical and logistical aspects of pregnancy but far…