Life Kit

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

Episodes

Curious about investing? Here's what to know

December 2, 2025 • 25 mins

Investing can be intimidating. How do you know which funds to choose? How do you diversify? How much should you be setting aside in a retirement plan versus a savings account or a brokerage account? This episode, we talk to Mary Childs, co-host of NPR's Planet Money, about these questions and more.

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The key to a less frantic holiday season

December 1, 2025 • 23 mins

There can be a lot of stress when it comes to the holidays: figuring out travel plans, preparing the perfect meal, spending time with the whole family for days on end. There can also be a lot pressure to do everything perfectly, but psychotherapist and author of All Is Calmish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays, Niro Feliciano, says that letting go of the need for perfection can actually make your holida...

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It's OK to run slow AF

November 27, 2025 • 24 mins

Martinus Evans, author of Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run, explains why anyone who wants to run can run. He shares tips on gear, training programs and what he calls "sexy pace." This episode originally aired on June 22, 2023.

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Don't fall for these marketing tactics this holiday season

November 25, 2025 • 15 mins

We're surrounded by ads and sales pitches — in our inboxes, on our phones and when we walk down the street. And everyone loves a good deal, but what actually constitutes a deal? How do you know you're getting the best price or that what you're purchasing is of good quality? In this episode, we offer tips to help you make purchases you're happy with this holiday season.

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How to actually look forward to winter

November 24, 2025 • 22 mins

Winter tends to get a bad rap: people complain endlessly about its shorter days, darker skies and plummeting temperatures. It's true that parts of winter can be unpleasant, but psychologist Kari Leibowitz, author of How to Winter: Harness your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days, says that winter can also be a time of reflection, creativity and coziness. This episode, Leibowitz shares tips on learning to appreciate w...

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What to do if you're losing your hair

November 20, 2025 • 12 mins

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How to work with your social anxiety

November 18, 2025 • 23 mins

It's easy to spiral and feel anxious when you're on a first date, at your office holiday party or heading to your high school reunion. The stakes feel high and you want to make a good impression. But social anxiety can get in the way of connection, fun and feeling good. In this episode, we give you tools to survive small talk, practice social courage and embrace the awkward.

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5 fitness and mental health tips for men

November 17, 2025 • 24 mins

Why is muscle power so important? What do you really need to know about your testosterone levels? What are some free, research-backed tools for managing depression? Brett McKay, founder and editor-in-chief of The Art of Manliness, an independent men's health and lifestyle web magazine, shares top health tips. Whether you identify as a man or not, he says a lot of this advice can help us all live healthier lives.

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Dear Life Kit: I’m sick of all this unwanted attention

November 13, 2025 • 19 mins

Clinical psychologist Adia Gooden and NPR's It's Been A Minute host, Brittany Luse, answer questions from Dear Life Kit listeners and they share their best advice on unsolicited advice.

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Having good posture doesn't just mean sitting up straight

November 11, 2025 • 19 mins

Does your back hurt after a long day at your desk? Do you wake up with a sore neck every morning? Muscle aches in your body could be a sign you need to improve your posture. This episode, a physical therapist and a biomechanist break down what "good posture" looks like and how you can begin to correct yours. This episode originally published Feb. 2, 2025.

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How to afford food when money is tight

November 10, 2025 • 16 mins

Millions of people have been left without access to food as a result of funding delays for SNAP benefits. Kevin Curry of Fit Men Cook, an online food community, shares resources for those affected, including how to build a low-budget cart at the grocery store.

A previous version of this episode incorrectly said that Kevin Curry graduated from Harvard Business School. In fact, he graduated from Harvard Kennedy School.
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How to repair after a fight with your partner

November 6, 2025 • 20 mins

After a big blowup or recurring fight with your partner or spouse, how do you reconnect? Couples therapist Baya Voce offers a five-step process for couples to make amends after conflict, including what to do if you're still upset and how to make sure both of you get a chance to say what you feel and need.

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Smart home decoration tips from designer Vern Yip

November 4, 2025 • 24 mins

When you're decorating a room, it can be difficult to identify your personal vision and stay true to it — especially if you have financial constraints or are designing with others in mind. But Vern Yip, who has designed on TLC's Trading Spaces and hosts the interior design show Home Reimagined, says that compromising on your tastes now means you might be redecorating a year from now. This episode, Yip shares a step-by-step guide fr...

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How to get lower prices on prescription drugs

November 3, 2025 • 19 mins

Prescription drug prices can be costly. What are you supposed to do if you can't afford medication? In this episode, Dan Weissmann, host of KUOW's podcast Read more

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How introverts and extroverts can be better friends

October 30, 2025 • 18 mins

Introverts and extroverts move through the world differently and sometimes friendships can suffer when those differences clash. Reporter Yowei Show, host of the podcast Proxy, explores the science of personality to help you bridge the divide in your own friendships.

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Want to avoid flight delays this holiday season? Follow these tips now

October 28, 2025 • 20 mins

When you've already spent money on an expensive ticket, and bad weather can cause potential flight delays and cancellations, it's good to know what you're entitled to in the event of a travel issue. Scott Keyes, founder of the travel site Going.com (formerly known as Scott's Cheap Flights), shares his recommendations, including days to avoid and the best time of day to fly. This episode originally published Nov. 13, 2023.

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Do collagen supplements really work?

October 27, 2025 • 15 mins

Collagen supplements have been widely promoted on social media, with claims that they'll strengthen hair and nails, lessen wrinkles and even ease joint pain. But are there studies backing these claims? NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy dives into the research and shares science-backed tips for better skin that are more effective.

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How parents can be screen time role models

October 23, 2025 • 24 mins

There's a lot of talk about how to monitor screen time for kids. But for kids to have healthy relationships with technology and smartphones, parents need to model good habits. Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle talks with experts and offers practical tips so parents can set the tone for positive technology use that benefits the whole family.

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Frustrated by a relationship? Questions to ask yourself to move forward

October 21, 2025 • 19 mins

If you feel overwhelmed or stuck in a close relationship, therapist KC Davis, author of Who Deserves Your Love, has a list of questions to help you decide whether you should continue to engage. Davis provides guidance on how to create boundaries you feel good about without cutting people out of your life.

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How to take a refreshing nap (without ending up more tired)

October 20, 2025 • 21 mins

Naps can offer significant benefits, from emotional regulation to improving memory and athletic performance. But there are right and wrong ways to snooze. A sleep psychologist and a sleep physician explain the factors of the perfect nap and the importance of daytime rest. This episode originally published Feb. 26, 2024.

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Life Kit

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Curious about investing? Here's what to know

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}The key to a less frantic holiday season

It's OK to run slow AF

Don't fall for these marketing tactics this holiday season

How to actually look forward to winter

What to do if you're losing your hair

How to work with your social anxiety

5 fitness and mental health tips for men

Dear Life Kit: I’m sick of all this unwanted attention

Having good posture doesn't just mean sitting up straight

How to afford food when money is tight

How to repair after a fight with your partner

Smart home decoration tips from designer Vern Yip

How to get lower prices on prescription drugs

How introverts and extroverts can be better friends

Want to avoid flight delays this holiday season? Follow these tips now

Do collagen supplements really work?

How parents can be screen time role models

Frustrated by a relationship? Questions to ask yourself to move forward

How to take a refreshing nap (without ending up more tired)

Popular Podcasts

Curious about investing? Here's what to know

The key to a less frantic holiday season