Life Kit

Dr. John Osborne, cardiologist and American Heart Association volunteer, explains why shoveling snow can push the heart to its limits. He describes how heavy, wet snow and cold amplify strain. Short bursts can near-max your heart rate. Practical tips cover pacing, dressing in layers, and avoiding sudden, intense exertion.

Prue Leith, chef, restaurateur and longtime TV baking judge, shares practical kitchen shortcuts from her cookbook. She demos easy garlic peeling, safe pineapple cutting, knife sharpening tips, tricks to rescue overwhipped cream and keep feta fresh. Short, clever hacks to save time, reduce waste and make cooking less daunting.

Catherine Y. Brown, founder of Learn CPR America and a veteran instructor with 30+ years teaching CPR, shares practical lifesaving skills. She explains how to recognize cardiac arrest and when to call 911. Learn clear steps for chest compressions, hands-only vs rescue breaths, CPR for children and infants, how to use an AED, and tips for coordinating bystanders.

Allison Aubrey, longtime NPR health correspondent who explains nutrition science for listeners. She unpacks the new dietary guidelines and clarifies saturated fat recommendations. She distinguishes saturated vs unsaturated fats and talks leaner proteins and plant options. She covers concerns about the pyramid image, cutting ultra-processed carbs, vaguer alcohol advice, and the case for whole, colorful foods.

Andy Tegel, a Life Kit reporter specializing in preparedness and emergency topics, shares vital tips ahead of Winter Storm Fern. He clarifies the differences between storm watches, advisories, and warnings. Listeners learn essential supplies to gather, like food, water, and batteries, and how to winterize their homes by sealing drafts and insulating pipes. Tegel also highlights important car essentials for storms and advises on staying warm safely at home and helping neighbors. His practical insights ensure everyone is ready for the winter weather.

Roger Harrison, the Division co-chief for Community Care and Wellness in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, shares insights on the 'special time' parenting technique. He explains how this daily five-minute playtime can enhance parent-child bonds and improve behavior. Discover the PRIDE method, which emphasizes praise and enthusiasm without commands or questions. Harrison highlights real-life successes where this approach reduced behavioral issues, making it a powerful tool for kids from toddlers to school-age.

Oliver Berkman, author of '4,000 Weeks,' and Karima Batts, founder of the Adaptive Climbing Group, explore the challenge of managing time with so many competing interests. Berkman emphasizes how our limited lives should shape our priorities, while Batts shares her journey of adapting to life after amputation and choosing what to focus on. They discuss the importance of setting a single main goal, creating routines, and making intentional choices about what to let go. Together, they advocate for the balance of productivity with play and community.

In this insightful discussion, journalist Amelia Edelman shares her expertise on planning solo trips, while Markita Harris reveals her confidence-building strategies from Airbnb's Live Anywhere program. Psychotherapist Cameron Clark dives into managing loneliness and risk, emphasizing manageable risks for personal growth. Joy Fox, a seasoned solo traveler, offers practical tips and stories geared especially for older adventurers. Together, they highlight the joys of discovery, safety tips, and the importance of genuine connections on the road.

BJ Fogg, a behavior scientist and founder of Stanford's Behavior Design Lab, shares his insights on habit formation through the Tiny Habits method. He emphasizes starting small and celebrating tiny wins to reinforce positive emotions associated with new behaviors. Fogg also discusses the role of motivation and ability in making habits stick, as well as the complexities of breaking unwanted habits. Learn how to effectively manage multiple habits at once and the importance of removing prompts to avoid temptations.

Discover savvy ways to cut grocery costs by using filling ingredients like cabbage and lentils. Learn the best times to shop and leverage discount apps for maximum savings. Explore how food banks can temporarily bridge budgeting gaps and strategies to lower fixed costs like housing. Control impulse buys with a fun budget system, and master polite ways to say no to money requests. Finally, uncover tips to automate and avoid fees, and even negotiate lower medical bills for better financial health.