Life Kit cover art
Podcast · 324 episodes

Life Kit, page 4

by NPR · English

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.

All episodes, page 4

Using AI chatbots can impact your teen's mental health. Here's what to doHow AI chatbots used by teens for mental health, companionship, and roleplay may affect mental health and social development, and what parents should do.2 Apr 2026 · 21 min · 8 chapters
How to get 'financially naked' with your partnerCouples’ money conversations, framed as “getting financially naked,” with step-by-step guidance from early dating through marriage.31 Mar 2026 · 22 min · 8 chapters
Looking for analog hobbies? Try writing a letterHow to start analog letter writing as a fun hobby for connection, creativity, and building an “archive” of relationships; includes prompts, stationery/embellishment ideas, and advice for getting…30 Mar 2026 · 22 min · 11 chapters
Drowning in toys? Here’s how to handle kid clutterHow to handle kid clutter (from birth through early childhood) by reducing emotional attachment, buying less, organizing by “active vs storage” spaces, and involving kids in age-appropriate cleanup.26 Mar 2026 · 23 min · 13 chapters
"Just A guy, not THE guy," and other advice Marielle loves"Just A Guy, Not THE Guy" and Other Advice Marielle Loves24 Mar 2026 · 50 min · 24 chapters
The key to happiness? Know thyself, says Gretchen RubinHow to move toward happiness by “knowing yourself,” using Gretchen Rubin’s frameworks: happiness as feeling good/feeling right/atmosphere of growth, plus self-knowledge tools and the “four…23 Mar 2026 · 21 min · 9 chapters
Don't get taken for a ride by your car insurerCamila Domonoske, NPR's cars and energy correspondent19 Mar 2026 · 18 min · 10 chapters
Good vibes only? The science behind optimism and manifestationIn this episode, host Marielle Segarra talks with psychologist Deepika Chopra, who emphasizes that optimism is not about being positive all the time, but rather about being open, curious, and…17 Mar 2026 · 22 min · 10 chapters
How to recover after a workoutHow to prevent workout injuries and recover between sessions (“recovery clock” from after your last workout until just before the next).16 Mar 2026 · 22 min · 8 chapters
How to avoid this year's common tax scamsThis episode of the Life Kit podcast, hosted by Marielle Segarra, features certified public accountant Mark Gallegos, who provides insights into navigating the complexities of tax advice and…12 Mar 2026 · 19 min · 6 chapters
How to get better at staying off your phoneHow to get better at staying off your phone10 Mar 2026 · 16 min · 6 chapters
DIY home hacks that your landlord probably won't hateHow to make a rental feel like home using DIY, upcycling, and renter-friendly upgrades (especially paint and lighting), without angering landlords or losing deposits.9 Mar 2026 · 21 min · 8 chapters
The key to keeping old friends? Stop keeping scoreHow to maintain longstanding friendships, especially “old friends,” by stopping scorekeeping, assuming best intentions, communicating about mismatched effort, and allowing friends to change.5 Mar 2026 · 22 min · 16 chapters
Dr. Sanjay Gupta wants you to reframe your understanding of painPain science reframing—why pain can be driven by the brain, how chronic pain develops, and non-opioid approaches (movement, mindfulness, nerve blocks, ketamine, topical/lifestyle options).3 Mar 2026 · 21 min · 8 chapters
Common mistakes parents make when installing a car seatHow to pick the right child car seat and avoid common installation mistakes, with emphasis on rear-facing longer, correct fit, and safe installation.2 Mar 2026 · 26 min · 11 chapters
4 myths about women's healthFour evidence-related myths about women’s health—breast cancer screening, exercise (strength vs cardio and menstrual-cycle training), heart disease risk, and menopause.26 Feb 2026 · 19 min · 8 chapters
Want to protect your money? Diversify your investmentsDiversifying investments to protect money, using a simple stocks-vs-bonds allocation rule and adding other asset types (international stocks, small/mid-cap, real estate/REITs, possibly commodities)…24 Feb 2026 · 22 min · 10 chapters
How to plan your dream vacationHow to plan a “dream vacation” from scratch—choosing goals, budget, timing, destination research, responsible travel, and building a flexible itinerary.23 Feb 2026 · 22 min · 7 chapters
Tired of being tired? Natural ways to get the energy you craveHow to fight chronic fatigue and boost energy using gut-focused nutrition, circadian timing, and emotional “energy” management, plus the role of curiosity and hobbies.19 Feb 2026 · 25 min · 7 chapters
How to 'shift' your emotionsHow to “shift” emotions—adjusting emotional intensity, duration, or moving between emotions—using research-backed strategies from Ethan Cross’s book Shift: Manage your emotions so they don’t manage…17 Feb 2026 · 21 min · 10 chapters
4 negotiation tactics to try in everyday lifeEveryday negotiation tactics, applying workplace strategies to personal life (compromise, agency, and getting unstuck).16 Feb 2026 · 20 min · 10 chapters
Don't mess with your cuticles (and other nail advice)Nail health as a health indicator, with a focus on cuticles and practical care habits (what healthy nails look like, how to file/buff, hydration, salon safety, and when to see a dermatologist).12 Feb 2026 · 24 min · 8 chapters
Health insurance hell: Why do I need a prior authorization?Prior authorization in health insurance—why it’s required before some tests, procedures, or drugs are covered; how it’s triggered, how long it lasts, and what patients can do if it delays or expires.10 Feb 2026 · 13 min · 4 chapters
Why "we should hang out" won't make you real friendsHow to make new adult friends—spotting friend potential, making specific invites, timing, and deepening conversations—plus what to do when a connection doesn’t work.9 Feb 2026 · 21 min · 11 chapters