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.
There are lots of reasons women may experience pain during or after sex. Whether you've just given birth, are experiencing hormonal changes, or are under a lot of stress, you have options to address the pain. In this episode of Life Kit, reporter Andee Tagle talks to pelvic floor physical therapist Janelle Frederick about how to communicate with sex partners about it, when to see a doctor or…
Many of us feel overwhelmed by life's obligations — work, family, friends and relationships. In a culture fixated on busyness, time always seems in short supply. What if we could find more time for what really matters to us? This episode, Niro Feliciano, psychotherapist and author of This Book Won’t Make You Happy: Eight Keys to Finding True Contentment , explains how to take a time audit of your…
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 saving money on the food you cook at home. This episode original published May 30, 2023. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org…
We use encouragement and support to get through life's big moments. But what about a little pep talk for those smaller moments, like when it's raining and your dog needs to go out? Or some inspiration to help you parallel park or send that email you've been avoiding? In this episode, Paula Skaggs and Josh Linden, co-authors of the book Tiny Pep Talks , share bite-sized motivation for everyday…
Many people pause physical activity during pregnancy -- but research shows that exercising while pregnant is good for your health and your baby's health. If you're unsure which kinds of exercise are on the table, fear not. Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle takes you through the workout guidance for each trimester and how you can physically prepare for your due date. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit…
In gaming, a side quest is a mission outside the main narrative or goal that players can take for fun. In life, it functions similarly. It's a hobby or activity that doesn't have any purpose other than bringing more whimsy, sparkle and exploration into your life. In this episode of Life Kit, host Marielle Segarra and Brittany Luse of NPR's It's Been a Minute talk to experts about how to find a…
Do you check your phone to set a reminder, then get sidetracked by every targeted social media ad? Or plan to spend your day in focus mode only to be derailed by your TV? We encounter dozens of screens everyday, each of them with an abundance of information calling for our attention. But there is a way to set better boundaries with your tech. This episode, Manoush Zomorodi, host of NPR's TED Radio…
Called 'supercommunicators,' these people have the exceptional ability of creating authentic connections with others — just by listening and talking. This episode originally ran on Februrary 20, 2024 Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by…
You know you want to save for that vacation, those new tires and more generally, the future. But what savings approach actually works? Certified financial planner Tania P. Brown recommends trying savings buckets. By creating separate categories — or buckets — for your savings, you can prioritize your goals, plan ahead and set rules for when you'll tap into each fund. In this episode, Brown shares…
Stressed, anxious, or angry? Distress tolerance tools — from dunking your head in a bowl of ice water to imagining yourself in a calm setting — can help. In this episode, clinical psychologist Shireen Rizvi shares dialectical behavior therapy skills from the recent book she co-authored, Real Skills for Real Life. These physical and mental exercises can help you care for yourself, so you can think…
In this episode, decision coach Nell Wulfhart shares exercises to make speedier decisions, when to ask others for guidance and how to deal with any regret. This episode originally published June 2, 2025. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free…
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 enough of it. NPR health correspondent (and fiber fanatic) Maria Godoy shares easy ways to up your fiber intake. Plus, the science of what fiber does in your body and how having more in your diet could help you. This episode was originally…
Advice inbound. In this edition of Dear Life Kit, we're pulling wisdom from the Life Kit archives to help you: -Support a friend who is imposing distance -Escape your kids' exhausting schedule -Handle a tricky conversation about money with your family -Call out some bad energy in your friend's marriage Have a question for the Life Kit team? Write us or send a recording to lifekit@npr.org .…
Wondering how to have fun this summer without spending a fortune? All you need is a little creativity. Go on a "penny date." Throw a movie marathon party. Swap houses with a friend. With a little imagination, you can bring delight and joy — at a low cost — to your sunny days ahead. This episode originally aired Aug. 1, 2023. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have…
Whether you're feeling guilty about overspending or guilty about not spending enough, shame around money can get in the way of your goals. In this episode, Marielle Segarra talks with certified financial planner Lauryn Williams about how to address financial guilt and align your spending with your values. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or…
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 basic factors that contribute to your ability to get pregnant — and explain the best ways to get your timing right. Sign up for Life Kit's skin care newsletter . Follow us on…
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 Divorce: How to End Your Marriage Without Ending Your Family, shares tenets for transforming your family without becoming bitter. Sign up for Life Kit's skin care newsletter . Follow us…
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 originally published Sept. 11, 2023. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org…
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 path you almost took but didn't?" and "What topic could you give a 20 minute talk on with zero preparation?" can spark deep and meaningful conversations and foster connection. In this…
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 punch. This episode, reporter Joe Hernandez shares tips on how to dine out on a budget. Sign up for his one-month newsletter , How to Cut Your Food Bill, for more tips . Follow us on…
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 house cleaning without feeling overwhelmed. This episode originally ran April 2023. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or…
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 others are struggling Have a question for the Life Kit team? Write us or send a recording to lifekit@npr.org . Questions about money, health, home and family life, staying organized,…
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 that a nice life means noticing beauty, being open to curiosity, seeking community and more. Life Kit host Marielle Segarra spoke to Miller at The WBUR Festival in Boston about honing…
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 you want to improve the health of your gut microbiome, there are specific best practices that can help. This episode, NPR health correspondent Will Stone shares tips on probiotic…
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 , and clinical psychologist David Defoe answer listener questions from dads. Sign up for Life Kit's skin care newsletter . Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our…
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 Gretchen Rubin to share tips on designing the summer you want to have. Pick a theme, write your bucket list, and come up with a challenge to get the most out of these months. Sign…
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 to health journalist Kelle Walsh, who just wrote a newsletter series for us on this topic. Sign up for Life Kit's skin care newsletter . Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up…
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, this episode is for you. Reporter Emily Siner shares tips on reducing food waste by repurposing leftovers, getting creative with odds and ends and shifting your perspective on the…
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 accomplish your summer reading goals. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org…
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 while swimming. Plus, advice on making a crave-worthy salad. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share?…
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. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it…
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 about low-budget, renter-friendly solutions to make your small space work for you. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or…
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 woods. This episode originally published August 24, 2023. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share?…
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 metal action? This episode, NPR finance correspondent Maria Aspan explains why the world has been so obsessed with gold lately, how you can invest and whether doing so makes sense in the…
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 choice? Deciding between parenthood and a child-free life requires clarity about your fears and deepest desires -- no easy task. This episode, psychotherapist and author of the book, The…
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 age and how you can bring more play into your life. This episode was originally published on July 27, 2023. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have…
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 From Dust podcast, shares how to turn your lawn into a low-maintenance native plant garden, lessening your environmental impact while still keeping your yard pleasing to the eye.…
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 the importance of talking to babies from day 1 to 12 months old, and tips on what to say. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or…
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 drug options, including side effects, dosage and what to reach for the next time you have a headache or fever. This episode was originally published on March 31, 2025. Follow us on…
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 to reduce the buildup of these chemicals in your body with tips from reporter and host of the podcast Safe to Drink Mara Hoplamazian -- like getting special water filters and…
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 part of every romantic trip. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org…
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 — like holding your poop — and tips on how to reduce strain on the toilet. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you…
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, the difference between pre-tax and post-tax accounts, and how to decide which to prioritize. Spoiler: when in doubt, just pick one and get started. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit…
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 you can do to heal their pain. This episode, reporter Julia Furlan talks to grief experts about the most effective ways to show up for someone. And she shares insights from the times…
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 Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes. This episode originally published Jan. 15, 2024. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have…
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 Stacey Vanek Smith talks to writers, influencers and activists in the sustainable fashion industry about how to reign in overconsumption, rethink our power as consumers and challenge…
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 sports. In this episode: specific exercises to train for explosive power. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to…
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. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to…
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. This episode originally published Aug. 15, 2023. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an…
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 Ruppanner explains how to tame the mental load in her new book, Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our…