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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. Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. You'll support the show and unlock exclusive curated playlists and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit
Got two left feet? A guide to dance
A basic guide to boogying down, whether that's at a wedding, a dance studio or alone in your kitchen. In this episode, experts offer tips on how to shake off that self-consciousness and find the beat.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
20:0721/11/2024
Clever kitchen hacks from 'Bake Off' judge Prue Leith
Chef and TV host Prue Leith may be an exacting judge with the bakers on The Great British Bake Off. But when it comes to the rest of us, she thinks we could all cut ourselves a bit of slack in the kitchen. That's the idea behind her new cookbook, Life's Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom. It includes flavorful and simple recipes — but also dozens of practical cooking hacks from her 65-year culinary career. From peeling garlic to rescuing over-whipped cream, she offers strategies that can help you reduce waste and prepare tricky foods with ease.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
16:2118/11/2024
A stress-free guide to organizing important paperwork
The paper of life — birth certificates, tax information, medical records and other important documents — all have to go somewhere. But keeping track of all these files and actually organizing them can feel like a headache. Professional organizer Kacy Paide walks through how to get started, what to toss and how to make a system that you'll actually stick to in moments of stress.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21:3014/11/2024
How long do leftovers last? And other food safety questions, answered
Did you grow up in a household where food was left out all day? Do you wash chicken before cooking it? If so, you might need this refresher course on food safety. Guidance on how to prepare, cook, serve and store food this holiday season — without giving yourself or your loved ones food poisoning.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
23:0812/11/2024
How to pick the right health insurance plan
Picking a health insurance plan can be confusing and frustrating. There are endless acronyms and it's hard to predict what your health needs will be in six months. This episode, we break down some of the terms and share guided questions to help you choose the plan that's best for you. This episode was originally published Oct. 31, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
16:3311/11/2024
Busting myths about hydration
Do you really need to drink eight glasses of water a day? Can drinking water help you lose weight? Does coffee dehydrate you? Experts explain the science of hydration. This episode originally published September 22, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
18:3707/11/2024
How to recover from a bad night of sleep
If you've slept poorly, your instinct might be to sleep in or power through the day with extra cups of coffee. But those tactics may actually hurt your chances of getting back on track, say experts. Instead, set yourself up for success with these tips.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
24:4405/11/2024
How to slow down when you eat
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 September 11, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
16:5004/11/2024
How to find lost objects: Techniques that really work
Finding missing items isn't a matter of "looking harder." There's an art and a science to it. The next time you misplace your wedding ring, try these strategies to hunt it down. They'll make your search process faster, smoother and calmer. Life Kit digital editor Malaka Gharib talks with visual search experts, a metal detector enthusiast and a detective about their best tricks for finding what's lost.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19:0731/10/2024
Dear Life Kit: I need a gut check for a sticky situation
Comedian and advice columnist Sophia Benoit weighs in on questions from listeners with sticky interpersonal situations and gives us a gut check on each one.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
23:0529/10/2024
A guide to breast cancer screening
October is breast cancer awareness month. Here's what you need to know about detection and screening.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
29:1228/10/2024
Should you let your kid quit something?
You signed your kid up for the soccer team (or swimming lessons, or piano or art), paid the fee and now they're begging to quit! In these moments, it's difficult to know what decision will help your kid grow in the long run. Do you ask them to tough it out and develop perseverance? Or trust their emotions? In this episode, Life Kit visuals editor Beck Harlan talks to two family psychologists about what to do when your kid tells you they're never going back to that extracurricular.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21:3924/10/2024
How to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products online
Nearly 70 percent of people were deceived into buying a counterfeit product online at least once last year, according to research from Michigan State University. And buying knockoff versions of products can be dangerous. Kari Kammel, the director at the Center for Anti Counterfeiting and Product Protection at Michigan State University, shares tips for how to avoid counterfeit and unsafe products, especially online.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
22:2022/10/2024
How to cut ultra-processed foods from your diet
They're tasty and cheap, but they come with health risks. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy explains how to spot and avoid ultra-processed snacks and packaged foods. This episode originally published June 20, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
13:3821/10/2024
How "parts" therapy can help you heal
Internal Family Systems, a type of therapy, encourages an examination of the different "parts" of your self. Listening to and learning from the voices within can help us manage stress and get through tough decisions. This episode is Part 3 of the new series, Stress Less: A Quest to Reclaim Your Calm.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
17:1217/10/2024
How to talk to your aging parents about their finances
There comes a time when it's the kid's turn to take care of mom and dad. Here's how to broach this sensitive subject with your parents.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19:2515/10/2024
What to do when your house floods
The biggest threat in a hurricane isn't the wind, it's the water. And Atlantic hurricane season isn't over yet. NPR climate correspondent Michael Copley walks through your to-do list after a big flooding event and how to prepare for one in the future.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10:5014/10/2024
How to deal with climate anxiety
It's hard to stay motivated in the face of threats like climate change — especially when it feels like you're the only one who cares. But a new course from the University of California aims to help students cope with climate activism burnout, find new purpose and work toward change at the local level. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey shares exercises from the class that'll help you find renewed purpose in all aspects of life. This episode is Part 2 of the new series, Stress Less: A Quest to Reclaim Your Calm.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
24:1410/10/2024
How to refinance your mortgage
Mortgage rates have dropped significantly in recent months, and that means one thing for those who bought a home in the last couple years: It might be time to refinance. You might save hundreds of dollars a month depending on how much you owe. Here's how to get the process started.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
17:1008/10/2024
Personal style when your body changes
It's important to feel good in your clothes. But when your body goes through big changes — say, you've just had a baby or are recovering from an illness, it can be hard to dress up in the morning. This episode will help you reframe your relationship with fashion — and give you the confidence to wear what you want.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21:5107/10/2024
Stress-busting skills to try in everyday life
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Going through something really tough? Stress is a part of life — but we can learn to manage it. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey shares evidence-based skills from a research psychologist at Northwestern University aimed to bring more ease into your life. This episode is Part 1 of the new series, Stress Less: A Quest to Reclaim Your Calm. Click here to sign up for a month-long newsletter on this topic.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
22:2303/10/2024
I ditched plastic for a week. Here's what I learned
Plastic isn't great for your health or the planet. Here's what NPR's Claire Murashima learned from avoiding single-use plastics for a week.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19:1501/10/2024
How to talk to your loved ones about misinformation
Misinformation and disinformation undermine democracy by making it hard for people to make informed choices. It's also used to divide communities, scapegoat vulnerable populations and erode trust. Research shows people trust information more when it comes from sources or cultural contexts they're familiar with. This election season, help counter misinformation in your community by having conversations with your friends and family.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
15:4930/09/2024
Your kid is having a tantrum in public. Now what?
Meltdowns, refusing to share, hitting other kids. Every child has bad behavior sometimes. At home, it's easier to deal with. But what about in public? Psychologist Celina Benavides explains what to do in the moment — and how to get ahead of bad behavior.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21:0526/09/2024
How to start saving for retirement
It's never too early to start putting away money for retirement. In this episode, Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary explains how to start building your nest egg by setting savings goals and contributing funds to your retirement plan. This episode originally aired on October 5, 2020.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
14:4324/09/2024
How to vote in 2024
There are more ways to exercise your right to vote than ever before. In this episode, NPR's voting and elections correspondent Miles Parks explains the ins and outs of casting your ballot and why it's simpler than you may think. Head to npr.org/vote for a state-by-state voter registration guide.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
18:1523/09/2024
The dirt on bathing
Whether you're Team Bath or Team Shower, there are some best practices to follow when it comes to cleaning your body. In this episode, dermatologists Sonia Batra and Michelle Henry share surprising insights on what it takes to wash your body right, from which soaps to use and how to keep your loofah or washcloth sanitary.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
26:0319/09/2024
Up your lunchbox game
Sulhee Jessica Woo's love language is packing lunch. When she sends her three kids off to school, she includes themed lunches, snacks cut into cute shapes, and sweet notes to give them some support while they're away. If you want to level up your kid's school lunches, she has some suggestions. This episode, Sulhee Jessica Woo shares advice from her new cookbook, Let's Make Some Lunch: Recipes Made with Love for Everyone.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
17:3817/09/2024
How to show platonic love
Loneliness can be just as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day — which means that having friends might literally save your life. But often, we don't pay friendships the respect they deserve compared to romantic or familial relationships. In this episode, reporter Kavitha George talks with psychologist and friendship expert Marisa Franco about how to make more friends and deepen our preexisting friendships. This episode was originally published Sept. 13, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19:4516/09/2024
Dear Life Kit: I'm at my breaking point
Family and marriage expert Moraya Seeger DeGeare weighs in on questions from listeners who have reached a breaking point in their relationships with the people around them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
18:0412/09/2024
Can magnesium help you sleep?
TikTok users claim that drinking the "sleepy girl mocktail," a mixture of magnesium powder, tart cherry juice and other ingredients, can help you sleep. But does it really work? NPR's health correspondent Maria Godoy brings us the science behind the trend – and magnesium's effect on sleep.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10:3210/09/2024
How to cut down food waste (and fight climate change)
Tossing out overripe avocados, wilted greens and sour milk isn't just costing you money — it's also contributing to climate change. In this episode, learn how to reduce your food waste with composting strategies and creative recipes. This episode originally published December 12, 2019.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
17:3009/09/2024
Math for English majors
If math never quite stuck for you, Ben Orlin is here to change that. He says think of math as a language. Numbers are the nouns and the arithmetic operations are verbs. This episode, learning the language of math to help you in your day-to-day life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
16:1205/09/2024
Boost your mood in 15 minutes
Sometimes you're just feeling blah: the weather's bad, you can't get out of bed and you're struggling to shake off that listlessness. In these moments, the solution is often simpler than we think. This episode, NPR's science desk and Life Kit staff present research-backed mood boosters to instantly shake yourself out of a slump and turn your day around.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
23:3003/09/2024
How to make networking less awkward
Shaking hands, sending cold emails and asking for coffee can feel unnatural. Networking expert Robbie Samuels explains how to create meaningful job connections in more authentic ways. This episode originally published on October 2, 2022.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
18:1402/09/2024
Smart credit card habits to keep you out of debt
Even if you use a credit card all the time, it can be difficult to understand the ins and outs of how they work. Whether you're a new credit card owner or just want to make sure you're getting the most out of your card, this episode will walk through the fundamentals of the credit card game.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
18:4529/08/2024
How to help your Gen Z kid cope with their back-to-school emotions
Today's teens struggle with perfectionism and mood swings, and their parents struggle to have hard conversations with them, according to a recent survey. Teen psychologist Lisa Damour explains how parents can better support their kids as a new school year begins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
22:3627/08/2024
Dealing with neighbor drama
Conflicts with neighbors are common. Trash, noise, parking, weeds — there are seemingly endless ways neighbors can get on each other's nerves. But it doesn't have to be that way. A mediator and a dispute resolution expert say that taking calm, measured steps to resolve conflict can lead to greater understanding and even harmony between you and the folks on your block.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
20:5526/08/2024
Fruit flies don't appear out of nowhere. Here's how to get rid of them
Seeing a swarm of pesky fruit flies in the kitchen is frustrating. We talk with a fruit fly researcher about how fruit flies make their way into your home, how to ripen fruit without attracting them and how to trap them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
13:1622/08/2024
How to buy less stuff
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 ourselves to buy less.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21:0720/08/2024
Getting hitched? Protect yourself with a prenup
Prenups aren't just for the rich and famous. Family law attorney Theresa Viera explains how to talk about it with your partner and decide whether it's right for you. This episode originally published August 31, 2023.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
18:1019/08/2024
Spending time in a forest can boost health and lower stress. Here's how
Spending time in the forest isn't just enjoyable, it's good for your health. Here are some research-backed exercises to try the next time you find yourself under a canopy of trees.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
16:2115/08/2024
Build strength with a weightlifting routine
Strong muscles are good for us. They help prevent injuries, strengthen bones and improve balance. But it can be hard to build muscle mass if you're intimidated by the weight room or unsure of how much weight to lift. Writer and audio producer Alex Sujong Laughlin shares her weightlifting journey — and her own tips and challenges along the way. This episode was originally published October 12, 2021.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19:0113/08/2024
Dear 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.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
14:3812/08/2024
How to know if you're in a codependent relationship
Do you always fall for people who don't like you back? Do your friendships feel one-sided? Do work obligations creep into your personal life? If you notice that your needs aren't being met or that your boundaries aren't respected in your relationships, these connections may have grown codependent. Luckily, there are ways to break the pattern and reclaim your sense of self. Journalist Gina Ryder explains how to spot signs of codependency in your relationships and how to forge stronger, reciprocal bonds.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
25:5808/08/2024
Common financial mistakes to avoid
Financial educator Yanely Espinal shares her don'ts when it comes to money. Don't co-sign loans. Don't make hype-driven investments. Don't spend money you don't have. If you've been making these missteps, don't worry — Espinal has advice on how to create a path forward.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
19:3606/08/2024
How tech experts recommend organizing your photos
Feeling overwhelmed by thousands of photos? Running out of storage? We spoke with a consumer tech expert, a professional photo organizer and a photo-loving tech entrepreneur to get their tried-and-true methods for sorting digital photo collections — whether you're doing simple, routine prevention of photo bloat or starting a big archiving project. This episode originally published December 31, 2020.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
14:2405/08/2024
Find your singing voice
When some of the greatest singers are Whitney Houston, Ariana Grande or Beyoncé, it's easy to feel like being a good singer is just a dream. But you don't need to be a Grammy-level artist to have fun at karaoke or sing along to the radio in the car. These tips will help you find your voice.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21:4001/08/2024
Overwhelmed by your smartphone? Try a boring phone
Your phone is designed to suck you in. You might use it to check the weather or look up directions, only to find yourself doomscrolling on social media. If you're worried about your screen time or find it difficult to unplug, switching to a simple phone could help, says Jose Briones, author of Low Tech Life. Devoid of distracting apps and features, these phones are basic and boring — which is exactly what you might want in a device you carry around all day.In a previous version of the audio of this episode, the app WhatsApp was mentioned. We did not previously disclose that WhatsApp is a sponsor of NPR.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
21:0930/07/2024
What happens after someone cheats
The pain of infidelity in a romantic relationship can often break a couple apart — but the decision to stay or go is rarely a simple one. In this episode of Life Kit, psychologist and affair recovery specialist Talal Alsaleem answers your questions about cheating, infidelity and affairs. We cover everything from how to spot red flags to how to rebuild trust if you choose to stay together.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
23:1729/07/2024