Episodes
Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle walks new and expectant parents through the main savings vehicles available for children, from the newly introduced Trump accounts to traditional 529 plans and custodial brokerage accounts. She compares their features and helps parents understand which option—or combination—makes the most sense for their family’s goals. The episode is designed to cut through the confusion and give overwhelmed parents a clear, actionable starting point.
Conflict is necessary for close, authentic relationships, says conflict resolution facilitator Priya Parker, author of *The Art of Fighting*. In this episode, she shares practical questions to ask yourself before raising an issue, explains how to navigate different conflict styles, and makes the case for scheduling time to fight. The episode offers concrete strategies for turning conflict into a tool for deeper intimacy.
This episode compiles research-backed mood boosters from NPR’s Science desk and Life Kit staff. It offers simple, evidence-based strategies to quickly lift a low mood or shake off listlessness. The advice is presented as a set of practical, actionable tips that can be done in short time spans, suitable for when you’re feeling stuck or blah. Originally published in 2024, it’s a quick listen for an instant mental reset.
Life Kit offers strategies for harnessing the back-to-school season as a catalyst for personal renewal, regardless of whether you're headed to a classroom. The episode shares practical tactics for breaking old habits and starting new ones, tapping into the seasonal energy of a fresh start. Suggestions include using meal prep and wardrobe refresh as grounding rituals, and intentionally seeking out new social connections.
Life Kit speaks with procrastination researcher Itamar Shatz, author of Solving Procrastination, about why we put things off and how to finally take action. He explains the evolutionary roots of procrastination, why modern digital environments make it worse, and a set of evidence-based strategies to overcome delay. The episode offers practical ways to move from avoidance to productivity.
Life Kit digital editor Malaka Gharib talks with visual search experts, a metal detector enthusiast, and a detective to explore the art and science of finding lost items. The episode covers evidence-based strategies, tool-assisted searching, and the mindset of a methodical investigator, turning frantic hunting into a systematic process.
Psychologist Diana Hill shares strategies for developing body image flexibility, helping you shift focus from appearance to the many ways your body allows you to experience life. She offers mental exercises to reduce fixation on looks in an image-obsessed culture, particularly relevant in the era of GLP-1 weight-loss medications.
Licensed marriage and family therapist Cassidy Freitas explains how exhausted parents can manage moments of rage and reactivity. She introduces the concept of finding refuge in 'the margins' — small pockets of time throughout the day — and shares practical tools from her book for catching reactions before they start. The episode offers strategies for building a calmer, more connected relationship with your children even when you're running on empty.
Life Kit shares a financial framework: five pointed questions that can help you avoid regrettable purchases by interjecting critical thinking before you buy. The episode explains how impulse can lead to wasted money and how a simple mental checklist can save you from buyer's remorse.
In this Dear Life Kit episode, the hosts draw from the show's archives to answer listener questions about handling unwanted gifts, whether to move in with a partner who isn't ready, and how to feel like a fully-fledged adult after graduation.
Psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler joins Life Kit to talk about perfectionism. She argues that perfectionism is not inherently a problem and can be used productively when understood. Schafler describes five distinct perfectionist types, including what she calls the 'Parisian perfectionist' and the 'messy perfectionist.' The episode includes a quiz to help listeners identify which type they are.
Perimenopause symptoms like mood swings, insomnia, and hot flashes can be disruptive. Host Marielle Segarra speaks with Dr. Mara Gordon about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy as a treatment option.
Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle speaks with pelvic floor physical therapist Janelle Frederick about pain during or after sex. They cover common contributors such as childbirth, hormonal changes, and stress, and discuss what can be done about it. The conversation includes guidance on talking with sex partners, knowing when to see a doctor or pelvic floor physical therapist, and exercises to try at home.
In this 18-minute episode, psychotherapist Niro Feliciano discusses the pervasive feeling of time scarcity and introduces the concept of a time audit. She explains how tracking how you spend your hours can reveal mismatches between your values and your daily life. The episode offers a practical framework for reclaiming time for what truly matters.
This Life Kit episode shares practical tips for saving money on groceries beyond looking for sales, focusing on budget-friendly meals cooked at home. The episode originally aired in 2023.
In this 13-minute episode, Paula Skaggs and Josh Linden, co-authors of the book Tiny Pep Talks, discuss applying self-encouragement to life’s small frustrations—like taking the dog out in the rain, parallel parking, or sending a dreaded email. They share bite-sized motivational prompts designed to make mundane nuisances more bearable. The conversation normalizes everyday struggles and offers ready-to-use pep talk scripts for listeners.
Many people believe they should stop exercise during pregnancy, but research shows it's beneficial for both mother and baby. Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle walks through safe exercises for each trimester and how to physically prepare for labor. This episode provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help expecting mothers stay active.
What if you approached life like a gamer? This episode explores the concept of a 'side quest' — an activity or hobby pursued purely for fun and exploration, not tied to your main life goals. Hosts Marielle Segarra and Brittany Luse speak with guests about how to find a personal side quest that adds whimsy and a sense of narrative to your daily experience. The conversation focuses on how these playful pursuits can enrich your life and help you feel more alive.
Manoush Zomorodi, host of NPR's TED Radio Hour and author of Body Electric, explores why we get derailed by screens and how to set better boundaries with technology. In a world where dozens of devices compete for our attention, she offers practical approaches to reclaim focus and reduce the mental drain of constant information.
NPR's Life Kit explores what makes someone a "supercommunicator" — someone who can forge authentic connections with others simply through listening and talking. (This episode originally aired in February 2024.)
Certified financial planner Tania P. Brown explains the savings buckets method, where you separate money into different categories for each goal. She walks through building sinking funds for predictable expenses, establishing an emergency fund, and setting rules for when to use each bucket. The approach helps you prioritize, stay motivated, and avoid financial surprises.
Clinical psychologist Shireen Rizvi shares distress tolerance skills from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in this episode. She draws from the recent book she co-authored, 'Real Skills for Real Life,' to offer practical tools like dunking your head in a bowl of ice water or imagining yourself in a calm setting. These quick physical and mental exercises are designed to calm intense emotions so you can think clearly, problem-solve, and care for yourself during life's painful moments.
Decision coach Nell Wulfhart shares insights on how to make faster choices, when it’s useful to seek input from others, and how to handle regret after a decision. The episode offers practical exercises, but the specific techniques are not detailed here.
NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy unpacks the superhero status of dietary fiber: it lowers cholesterol, steadies blood sugar, and tames hunger — yet most people fall short. She shares easy, actionable ways to sneak more whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables into daily meals. The episode also explains the science of how fiber works in the gut, feeding beneficial bacteria and promoting satiety.
A special Dear Life Kit episode compiles advice from the archives on handling four personal relationship challenges: a friend imposing distance, an exhausting kids' schedule, a difficult money conversation with family, and addressing negative energy in a friend's marriage. Listeners hear the actionable, empathetic guidance Life Kit is known for across each situation.
This episode from NPR's Life Kit offers practical, low-cost ideas for enjoying summer without overspending. Suggestions include going on a 'penny date,' hosting a movie marathon party, and swapping houses with a friend. The core message is that imagination can make sunny days delightful without a big budget. The episode originally aired in August 2023.
In this episode of Life Kit, host Marielle Segarra sits down with certified financial planner Lauryn Williams to explore the pervasive feeling of financial guilt. Williams explains how shame around spending—whether you feel you're overspending or underspending—can sabotage your financial goals. She offers strategies for identifying your core values and aligning your spending with what truly matters to you, so you can spend without regret. The conversation covers both the emotional and practical sides of money management, aiming to help listeners break free from the guilt cycle.
This Life Kit episode features a reproductive endocrinologist and a reproductive psychiatrist discussing the fundamentals of fertility. They cover the biological factors that affect the ability to conceive, like ovulation and hormonal health, as well as the psychological aspects. The experts also share strategies for timing intercourse to maximize the chance of pregnancy. The episode offers a comprehensive overview for anyone planning to conceive, either now or in the future.
Certified divorce coach Karen McNenny discusses how separating couples can navigate divorce in a healthy way. She explains that divorce doesn't have to destroy the family, and offers tenets from her book The Good Divorce for transforming the family structure while minimizing bitterness. The episode emphasizes that with the right mindset and strategies, co-parents can preserve relationships and protect children through the process.
Mindful eating lecturer Lilian Cheung explains how eating more deliberately can help people make better choices about nourishing their bodies. She shares how to enjoy meals while paying attention, moving away from mindless consumption.
In this episode of Life Kit, conflict resolution facilitator and author Priya Parker shares her 'magical question' technique for cutting through small talk and sparking meaningful connection at gatherings. She provides specific questions, like 'What is a path you almost took but didn't?' and 'What topic could you give a 20-minute talk on with zero preparation?', and explains the psychology behind why they work. Parker also offers guidance on crafting your own magical questions to suit different group dynamics. The episode originally aired in May 2025.
Life Kit reporter Joe Hernandez shares practical advice for people who are burnt out on cooking and find themselves overspending on takeout. He focuses on two common budget leaks: impulse lunch purchases when you forget to pack a meal, and the tendency to overspend when dining out with friends. The episode offers simple interventions to reduce those costs without swearing off restaurants entirely.
Life Kit revisits a conversation with therapist KC Davis, who offers a framework for managing house cleaning when you lack motivation or energy. She reframes cleaning as care tasks rather than moral obligations, helping to reduce shame and overwhelm. The approach emphasizes self-compassion and practical strategies for getting started when it feels impossible.
This Life Kit episode answers listener questions: how to avoid energy vampires, set firmer boundaries with friends at work, and navigate your own success when others are struggling. Drawing from the NPR Life Kit archives, the hosts provide practical advice grounded in psychology and everyday life.
Life Kit host Marielle Segarra talks with Rachel Wilkerson Miller, author of the upcoming book 'The Nice Life.' Miller argues that instead of chasing a perfect life, we can find fulfillment by cultivating a 'nice' one that emphasizes noticing everyday beauty, staying curious, building community, and actively shaping our own definition of what matters. The conversation offers practical ways to elevate ordinary moments and find joy in what you already have.
NPR health correspondent Will Stone breaks down what the science says about probiotics, microbiome testing, and the best ways to improve your gut health. He explains that only a few probiotic strains have strong evidence for specific conditions like diarrhea, and that diet is the most powerful tool for a healthy microbiome. The episode also underscores the connection between gut microbes and overall well-being, including mental health.
Life Kit addresses the often-overlooked mental load of active, involved dads. Author Kevin Maguire and clinical psychologist David Defoe answer listener questions, providing a rare space for fathers to voice their parenting concerns. The episode highlights that modern fatherhood brings unique challenges and that there's a need for more resources tailored to men.
In this episode of Life Kit, host Marielle Segarra talks with happiness expert Gretchen Rubin about how to intentionally design your summer. Rubin offers three practical strategies: pick a theme, write a bucket list, and set a challenge. The conversation emphasizes proactive planning to capture the season's fleeting magic. With these simple steps, listeners can create a summer that feels meaningful and memorable.
Life Kit host Marielle Segarra talks to health journalist Kelle Walsh about cutting through the noise of endless skin care products. They discuss what serums, creams, acids and toners actually do, which are essential for healthy skin and which are just marketing hype. Walsh draws from her NPR newsletter series on the topic, offering practical advice for simplifying your routine.
Life Kit's Emily Siner shares practical strategies for using up leftovers and half-used ingredients to create new meals, shifting your mindset from chore to creative challenge. The episode offers tips on reducing food waste and finding joy in improvisational cooking.
In a distracted age, sitting down with a book can feel like a challenge. This 11-minute Life Kit episode features tips from writers, readers, and researchers on how to retrain your attention and rebuild a reading habit. The conversation frames reading as a 'muscle' that can be strengthened, and offers practical strategies for setting and hitting summer reading goals.
This episode of Life Kit provides practical tips for enjoying a safe and healthy summer. It covers the proper application of mosquito repellent—emphasizing that most people use too little—as well as strategies for preventing tick bites after outdoor activities. The safest placement for grills is discussed to avoid fire hazards, and swimming safety measures are outlined to protect everyone in the water. Finally, simple advice is shared on building a crave-worthy salad that goes beyond basic greens.
Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, author of The 5 Resets, shares her approach to managing stress through small, everyday resets rather than major life changes. Her strategies aim to be simple and accessible, recognizing that most people need manageable tools they can integrate into busy lives. The conversation emphasizes practical, low-barrier methods to break the cycle of chronic stress.
Life Kit host Marielle Segarra speaks with reporter Andee Tagle about simple, renter-friendly ways to make a small space feel larger. They explore low-budget techniques like floating furniture away from walls, using rugs and dividers to create zones, and employing art and mirrors to expand the visual sense of a room. The conversation focuses on practical changes anyone can make regardless of whether they own their home.
This episode explores the health benefits of forest bathing, a practice of spending time in the woods. Decades of research show it boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, and helps with depression. The episode provides practical techniques to maximize these benefits on your next walk in the woods. Originally published in 2023, it remains one of the most popular episodes of the Life Kit series.
Gold has surged to an all-time high, crossing $4,000 an ounce for the first time. In this episode, NPR finance correspondent Maria Aspan unpacks the forces behind the rush into gold, the ways investors can gain exposure, and whether it makes sense as a long-term portfolio addition. The conversation asks whether this milestone reflects a lasting shift or a temporary spike.
In this episode of Life Kit, psychotherapist Merle Bombardieri, author of The Baby Decision, guides listeners through the difficult choice between having children or remaining child-free. She addresses the ambivalence many people feel, offering strategies to minimize future regret, assess your ideal timeline, and navigate disagreements with a partner. Bombardieri provides practical exercises to help you uncover your deepest desires and fears, making a complex life decision feel more manageable.
This episode explores the science-backed benefits of play for adults. Researchers and enthusiasts discuss how play can improve adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving. They also share practical ways to integrate more play into daily life.
Green, grassy lawns are bad for the environment—they consume excessive water, offer no support to wildlife, and gas-powered mowers produce greenhouse gases. Celia Llopis-Jepsen, host of Harvest Public Media’s Up From Dust podcast, explains how to convert your lawn into a native plant garden that is low-maintenance, reduces your ecological footprint, and still looks attractive.
This episode offers evidence-based guidance on talking to babies from birth through their first year. Early childhood experts explain why verbal interaction during this window is critical for language development. The episode provides practical do's and don'ts for parents and caregivers.
This Life Kit episode covers the differences between common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin. Pharmacists and a doctor explain how they work, their potential side effects, safe dosage guidelines, and which to choose for headaches or fever.
PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' are found in the bodies of virtually all Americans and are linked to cancer, high cholesterol, and thyroid disease. This Life Kit episode offers practical steps to reduce PFAS accumulation, including installing certified water filters and identifying household sources like nonstick pans. Reporter and Safe to Drink host Mara Hoplamazian explains that at least 45% of U.S. tap water contains one or more of over 30 types of PFAS, highlighting the scale of the problem.
This episode of Life Kit offers practical advice for traveling with a romantic partner. It emphasizes the value of having an explicit conversation before the trip to align your expectations, dreams, and goals, in order to avoid misunderstandings. The episode also explains why building in alone time during a shared vacation is crucial for both partners to recharge and maintain a healthy dynamic.
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, author of "You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy," joins Life Kit to share common bathroom mistakes and practical tips for healthier bowel movements. She explains why holding your poop is a habit to break and offers techniques to reduce straining on the toilet. The episode provides five actionable tips to improve your daily bathroom routine.
A short Life Kit episode explaining how retirement accounts serve as tax shelters, the difference between pre-tax and post-tax accounts, and a simple rule for choosing: when in doubt, just pick one and start investing.
Reporter Julia Furlan speaks with grief experts about how to meaningfully support a friend who is grieving a death. The episode moves beyond generic condolences to concrete, personal ways to show up. Furlan also draws on her own experiences helping friends through loss, highlighting what felt genuinely supportive versus what fell flat.
Clinical psychologist Jenny Taitz discusses stress resets from her book, which compiles 75 evidence-based techniques. She explains how stress can manifest in thoughts, physical sensations, and behavior, and how to target the appropriate reset for each. The resets are designed for fast application, offering immediate relief when time is short.
In this episode of NPR's Life Kit, host Stacey Vanek Smith explores how to curb shopping habits through the 'no-buy challenge'—a commitment to pause non-essential purchases for a set period. Drawing from conversations with individuals in sustainable fashion, the discussion addresses overconsumption, its connection to climate change, and the collective power consumers hold. Listeners learn strategies to reduce clutter, save money, and rethink their role in the economy, making everyday choices that align with long-term goals and environmental responsibility.
This Life Kit episode explains explosive power: the ability to generate a lot of force quickly, which combines strength and speed. It explores how this capacity is used in everyday movements like climbing stairs, standing up from a chair, and catching yourself when you stumble. The episode provides specific exercises to train explosive power, helping to boost mobility and prevent injury.
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 video call as soon as possible. You can think of it as a pre-interview.
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 number-crunching to explore how our mental health affects our finances.
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.
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 HSA?
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 home, to find relief.
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 originally published on Jan. 15, 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 conflict?
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 company, and the author of Well Endowed.
Unlike texting and email, old-fashioned letters, hand-addressed and sent in the mail, are "read intentionally," says Rachel Syme of The New Yorker.
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.
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 advice about, and how they select topics for their respective shows.
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.
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.
Psychologist Deepika Chopra says that optimism isn’t about being positive all the time. It’s about staying open, curious and resilient.
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 post-workout recovery routine.
There's a lot of tax advice on social media, but not all of it is sound. This episode, certified public accountant Mark Gallegos breaks down how to identify bad tax advice and avoid this year's most common tax scams.
So you want to be on your phone less? But what actually works when it's easier than ever to just keep scrolling. This episode, 5 expert-backed tips that will help you unplug and stay focused on what matters IRL.
Just because you're not a homeowner doesn't mean you can't put your stamp on the place. Three home décor experts share their tips to make your rental homey for the long term. This episode was originally published on July 16, 2024.
Nina Badzin, host of the podcast Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, has spent a lot of time thinking about the richness that old friends add to our lives. In our lows and in our highs, our old friends can remind us of who we are. But time can also do a number on those relationships.
Why do we have pain in the absence of injury, or long after our tissue has healed? How can the same pain stimulus feel so different, depending on who you are, or even what day it is? Neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr.
If you're a new parent, picking out a car seat can be stressful. Do you need to spend extra on special features to keep your kid safe? How long should your child be rear-facing? How do you know if the car seat is secure enough?
Do women really need to focus on cardio? Worry about heart health? Do a yearly mammogram? Meghan Rabbitt, author of the new book The New Rules of Women's Health, sets the record straight.
When it comes to investing money, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Spread out your investments among different types of assets and sectors, so you're not overexposed if one of them takes a hit.
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 can't seem to launch those plans out of the group chat. Overcome that planning inertia and take the big trip of your dreams.
Do you feel like you're sleepwalking through the week? Instead of reaching for your third coffee of the day, consider tweaking your lifestyle habits. Gut health expert Dr. Amy Shah explains how small changes in your diet and sleep can help you naturally recharge.
You have more power over your emotions than you think, says psychologist and neuroscientist Ethan Kross.
Negotiating is for more than just salary discussions. This episode, negotiation expert Joan Moon shares techniques to help you make decisions with more confidence and get the outcome you want in your everyday life.
Is there a right way to trim your nails? Are manicures bad for your hands? Can a supplement help with nail growth and health? We'll answer all these questions (and more) in this episode of Life Kit.
Some medical procedures and treatments require prior authorization from your health insurance company, meaning you'll need pre-approval before you can receive care.
Ready to turn that work bestie into a real friend? Or maybe you want to hang outside run club with your fun jogging buddy? In this episode, Kat Vellos, author of We Should Get Together, explains how to turn acquaintances into real friends — and how to foster the connection you’re seeking.
Relationship expert Amy Chan and sex educator and researcher Emily Nagoski dig into listener questions about jealousy, desire, and modern relationships ahead of Valentine's Day. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share?