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Podcasts · Education · Health & Fitness

Life Kit

NPR

300 episodes

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 page 2 of 6

  1. Want to get pregnant? There’s more to it than you think

    · 26 min

    Whether you’re ready to become pregnant today or thinking about the future, there’s a lot to learn about your fertility. In this episode, a reproductive endocrinologist and a reproductive psychiatrist walk through the…

  2. You can have a good divorce

    · 27 min

    A lot of marriages end in divorce. As painful as it can be, there’s a way for separating partners to engage with the divorce process in a healthy way. Karen McNenny, certified divorce coach and author of The Good…

  3. Scarfing down your food? How to be intentional about meals

    · 17 min

    Eating more deliberately can help you make better choices about nourishing your body, says Lilian Cheung, a mindful eating lecturer at Harvard. She shares how to enjoy meals while paying attention. This episode…

  4. Elevate group conversations with a 'magical question'

    · 20 min

    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 The Art of Gathering. These questions, like "What is a…

  5. How to save at restaurants if you're burnt out on cooking

    · 18 min

    Do you blow $20 on slop bowls because you keep forgetting to pack lunch? Or can't help but overspend every time you eat out with friends? Dining out can be expensive — but there are ways to minimize the financial…

  6. How to clean when it's the last thing you want to do

    · 16 min

    Sometimes you just don't have the energy to do the dishes and pick up all the dirty clothes from the floor. Therapist KC Davis, author of How to Keep House While Drowning, has developed a framework for keeping up with…

  7. How to dump an energy vampire

    · 15 min

    Need some advice? In this edition of Dear Life Kit, we're pulling wisdom from the vast Life Kit archives to help you: -Avoid energy vampires -Set firmer boundaries with friends at work -Navigate your own success when…

  8. The ingredients for a 'nice life'

    · 20 min

    If chasing a "perfect" life feels exhausting, try for a nice life instead, says Rachel Wilkerson Miller. In her upcoming book, The Nice Life: How to Elevate the Everyday and Find Joy in What You Have, Miller argues…

  9. Should I take a probiotic? And other gut questions, answered

    · 13 min

    Research shows that our gut microbiome -- the trillions of microbes that populate our intestines -- isn't just involved in digestion. It's intimately linked to our immune systems, mental health, cognition and more. If…

  10. Practical advice for modern dads

    · 20 min

    We often talk about the mental load of parenting as something mothers carry. But active, involved dads have questions, too, and not many places to ask them. In this episode, Kevin Maguire, author of The New Fatherhood,…

  11. How to reclaim the magic of summer, according to Gretchen Rubin

    · 20 min

    How do you want to make this summer special? Whatever it is, now is a good time to think through your goals before the season flies by. In this episode of Life Kit, host Marielle Segarra sits down with happiness expert…

  12. Stop overthinking skin care. What's essential and what's hype

    · 14 min

    The list of skin care products being sold as “essential” can feel endless. What do all those serums, creams, acids and toners actually do — and do you need them? In this episode of Life Kit, host Marielle Segarra talks…

  13. Tired of eating leftovers? Turn your odds and ends into creative meals

    · 18 min

    Do you always buy cucumbers just to watch them slowly become mush in the fridge? Or save your half-eaten pasta only to forget about it for a month? If you're done with chucking half-used ingredients in the compost bin,…

  14. Used to be an avid reader? How to get back into books

    · 11 min

    In this distracted age, settling in and actually focusing on a book can feel like a challenge. But retraining your reading muscles is doable. In this episode, tips from writers, readers and researchers to help you…

  15. How to have a safe, healthy summer

    · 18 min

    Tips to help you thrive this season. We've got tips on how to effectively apply mosquito repellent (you need more than you think!), prevent tick bites, the safest place to position your grill, and keep everyone safe…

  16. 5 simple ways to minimize stress

    · 17 min

    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 changes necessary. This episode originally aired Feb. 6, 2024.…

  17. Make your small space feel bigger

    · 20 min

    Floating your furniture, zoning, floor arrangements and art -- there are lots of ways to make a small space or a small home feel bigger. In this episode, Life Kit host Marielle Segarra speaks with reporter Andee Tagle…

  18. Why spending time in the woods makes you feel calm

    · 16 min

    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. Here's how to reap these benefits on your next walk in the…

  19. Gold is having a moment. Is now the time to invest?

    · 15 min

    In the world of investing, gold is having a moment. Last year, the price of gold crossed $4,000 an ounce for the first time ever. But does that mean it's time to rebalance your portfolio and get in on the precious…

  20. On the fence about parenthood? Listen to this

    · 26 min

    Could you see your life just as easily with children as without? What if you're not cut out for parenthood? What if you grow lonely in your old age? Or what if you have a loving partner, but you disagree on this…

  21. How to bring more play into your life

    · 19 min

    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 researchers and enthusiasts share the benefits of playtime at any…

  22. Why you should kill your lawn

    · 21 min

    Green, grassy lawns are bad for the environment. They need a ton of water, they’re inhospitable to wildlife and gas-powered mowers contribute to greenhouse gases. Celia Llopis-Jepsen, host of Harvest Public Media’s Up…

  23. The dos and don'ts of baby talk

    · 20 min

    If you have a baby in your life, you may not find them the most intellectually stimulating conversation partner. But your baby is soaking up everything you say. On this episode, advice from early childhood experts on…

  24. The dos and don'ts of taking over-the-counter pain medications

    · 22 min

    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 take? In this episode, pharmacists and a doctor cover your…

  25. Are there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water?

    · 20 min

    According to the CDC, virtually all Americans have PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in our bodies. These manmade substances have been linked to cancer, high cholesterol, thyroid disease and more. This episode, take steps…

  26. Secrets to a successful couple's trip

    · 21 min

    Going on vacation this summer with your significant other? Listen to this episode beforehand so you understand each other's expectations, dreams and goals for your getaway. And find out why alone time is an important…

  27. 5 tips to help you poop better

    · 23 min

    Think you know how to go No. 2? Think again. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, author of the new book You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy, shares common bathroom practices she wishes would go away…

  28. Unsure which retirement account to choose? We have some tips

    · 11 min

    Retirement accounts are not just a vehicle to let your money grow over time for when you're ready to stop working. They're also a tax shelter. In this episode, we talk about how much you can expect to save in taxes,…

  29. Going beyond 'sorry for your loss' when a friend is grieving

    · 21 min

    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 to be there for them, but you also know there's not much…

  30. Stressed? Try one of these quick resets

    · 22 min

    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 talks about some of the 75 evidence-based tips from her book…

  31. Shop less and save more with a 'no-buy challenge'

    · 21 min

    If you're struggling to save for long-term goals, find yourself lost in a sea of clutter or are concerned about consumerism and climate change, there are ways to curb your shopping habits. This episode, journalist…

  32. Explosive power: exercises to boost mobility and prevent injury

    · 18 min

    Explosive power is the ability to generate a lot of force quickly. It combines strength and speed. We use it in our daily lives to walk up stairs, stand up from a chair, catch ourselves when we stumble, and play…

  33. You don't have to use dating apps. But if you do - some tips!

    · 24 min

    If you use dating apps, you'll know that they often suck. They're not the only way to find a romantic connection, but if you want to use them, we have tips. Here's one: When you match with someone, try to hop on a…

  34. Do you have a financial self-care routine?

    · 16 min

    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 talk about those tasks — and go beyond the…

  35. Feeling drained? Here's how to lighten your mental load

    · 25 min · Bonus

    Did you remember to pick up milk? Or reschedule that dentist appointment? Oh, and pick up cupcakes for the meeting? The never-ending tending to the never-ending to-do list is known as the mental load. Sociologist Leah…

  36. Make the most of a high-deductible health plan

    · 15 min

    Did you know that if you have a high-deductible health plan, some services like immunizations and screenings are free (even if you haven't met your deductible)? Or that you might be able to invest the money in your…

  37. Don't rely only on anti-histamines this allergy season

    · 20 min

    Spring has sprung, and so too seasonal allergies. This episode, what you can do to stay more comfortable if you suffer from pollen allergies. Dr. Prathyusha Savjani shares strategies you can use, both outdoors and at…

  38. The power of an accountability buddy to help get things done

    · 19 min

    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 build a lasting, productive relationship. This episode was…

  39. How to be a working parent? Lower your standards

    · 26 min

    From brain fog to identity crises to complicated feelings of guilt (or relief), returning to work as a new parent can be daunting. Luckily, you don't need to navigate this transition alone. Life Kit reporter Andee…

  40. Give your to-do list a makeover

    · 13 min

    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 matters. This episode was originally published on Jan. 5, 2023.…

  41. What it takes to get a book published

    · 22 min

    Writing and publishing a book is just as much about money as it is about creativity. Planet Money co-host Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi walks us through how publishing works. He also explains the differences between publishing…

  42. Protein is personal. Here's how to calculate your optimal intake

    · 12 min

    Protein is having a moment. Coffee chains are adding it into lattes. Many snack companies are labeling their products as high-protein. But how much protein do you really need? Host Marielle Segarra talks with NPR…

  43. Using AI chatbots can impact your teen's mental health. Here's what to do

    · 21 min

    Using chatbots for emotional support can pose risks to teens' mental health. How should parents talk to their teens about using chatbots safely? And what's the best way to have those conversations without causing…

  44. How to get 'financially naked' with your partner

    · 22 min

    How much money do you make? What assets and debts do you have? What are your spending habits? These are all questions you should ask your partner, says Vivian Tu, founder of Your Rich BFF, a financial education…

  45. Looking for analog hobbies? Try writing a letter

    · 22 min

    Unlike texting and email, old-fashioned letters, hand-addressed and sent in the mail, are "read intentionally," says Rachel Syme of The New Yorker. In her book, Syme's Letter Writer, Syme offers advice on what to write…

  46. Drowning in toys? Here’s how to handle kid clutter

    · 23 min

    Having kids comes with a lot of clutter - some of it even shows up before your baby does. From toys that overflow from the toy chest, to unwanted hand-me-downs, and piles of art your kids make, you can't keep it all.…

  47. "Just A guy, not THE guy," and other advice Marielle loves

    · 50 min

    Marielle joins Raj Punjabi-Johnson and Noah Michelson, hosts of the podcast Am I Doing It Wrong? about the art of giving advice. The three talk about the best advice they've been given, what they're good at giving…

  48. The key to happiness? Know thyself, says Gretchen Rubin

    · 21 min

    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. Gretchen Rubin, host of the Happier podcast and author of…

  49. Don't get taken for a ride by your car insurer

    · 18 min

    Between the start of 2022 and the start of 2025, car insurance rates jumped by more than 50%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Luckily, there are tried-and-true tactics for finding the cheapest deal you can…

  50. Good vibes only? The science behind optimism and manifestation

    · 22 min

    Psychologist Deepika Chopra says that optimism isn’t about being positive all the time. It’s about staying open, curious and resilient. In her new book, The Power of Real Optimism, she explains the science behind…

Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them. Explicit shows are for adult profiles only, and children’s profiles hear only children’s shows. More about this list.