
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
Latest episodes

11 snips
May 29, 2025 • 19min
Avoid debt with these credit card tips
Dive into the complexities of credit cards and their impact on your financial health. Discover how these cards can help build a strong credit score while providing rewards and protections. Learn essential terms like APR and late fees to dodge costly mistakes. Gain strategies for effective payment management and tips on choosing the right card based on your spending habits. This journey through responsible credit card use equips you with the tools to avoid debt and optimize your financial well-being.

66 snips
May 27, 2025 • 15min
How to pack for your summer travel
Packing light is an art, and this guide reveals the secrets to master it! Discover how to create the perfect packing list tailored to your destination and weather. Strategic tips ensure you never forget essentials like documents and medications while avoiding the stress of overpacking. Traveling with kids? Learn how to prioritize comfort and find substitutes locally. With smart strategies on trip duration and laundry options, your summer adventure can be both enjoyable and hassle-free!

63 snips
May 26, 2025 • 20min
5 essential water skills to know this summer
Colin Jones, a former Olympic swimmer and world record holder, shares insights on the vital importance of swimming skills for both fun and safety. He discusses how learning to swim can help adults overcome fears and face anxieties around water. The conversation covers practical tips for finding classes, building confidence, and mastering essential water safety skills. Colin emphasizes that perseverance and a positive mindset are key to conquering challenges, making swimming accessible to everyone, regardless of age.

28 snips
May 22, 2025 • 20min
Dear Life Kit: I'm having neighbor drama
Sasha Philip, a seasoned mediator with expertise in civil litigation, teams up with Celeste Headlee, a journalist and author of 'We Need to Talk', to tackle neighbor drama. They discuss how to handle noisy neighbors, uninvited visitors, and trash troubles through effective communication. The duo emphasizes empathy, boundary-setting, and the importance of fostering cordial relationships. Listeners will discover practical strategies to manage conflicts, build community ties, and navigate the complexities of neighborly interactions with grace.

92 snips
May 20, 2025 • 14min
How to lead a more creative life
In this engaging conversation, psychologist Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, author of 'The Creativity Choice', argues that creativity is not an innate trait but a skill we can actively cultivate. She explores the varying levels of creativity, from simple daily expressions to remarkable achievements. Zorana shares strategies for overcoming creative blocks through reframing challenges and practicing self-compassion. She emphasizes that working within constraints can spark innovation, making creativity accessible to everyone.

136 snips
May 19, 2025 • 22min
How to keep old friends
Nina Badzin, host of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, shares her insights on the power of old friendships. She explores the significance of nurturing long-term bonds amidst life's changes, highlighting the importance of communication and intentionality. Nina advocates for adapting to evolving relationships through open discussions and recognizing different expressions of care. She offers practical tips like voice memos and scheduled check-ins to deepen connections, reminding us that genuine conversations can keep friendships thriving through all stages of life.

101 snips
May 15, 2025 • 26min
How to stay calm in emergency situations
Discover how to stay calm in emergencies like medical crises or mass shootings. Experts share valuable strategies for mental preparedness and decision-making under stress. Learn practical techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises to enhance resilience. The importance of CPR and open discussions about mental health are emphasized, along with empathetic communication for those in distress. Supporting each other and developing a safety plan can make a significant difference in high-stakes situations.

170 snips
May 13, 2025 • 20min
The connecting power of 'magical questions'
Priya Parker, a conflict resolution facilitator and author of 'The Art of Gathering,' shares her insights on transforming social gatherings. She introduces 'magical questions' designed to spark meaningful conversations, like asking about paths not taken. Parker emphasizes intentionality in planning events to foster genuine connections, allowing participants to share their stories and vulnerabilities. By creating a space for openness, these questions can ignite deeper interactions, turning casual mixers into memorable experiences.

169 snips
May 12, 2025 • 17min
How to save big on groceries
Beth Moncel, the founder of BudgetBytes.com, shares her expertise on saving money while grocery shopping. She breaks down meal costs to help listeners rethink their grocery habits. Heavily focused on practical strategies, Beth emphasizes using affordable staples and reducing waste through meal planning. Tips include making lists, using sales-tracking apps, and shopping during quieter times to dodge impulse buys. She also highlights the benefits of food banks and encourages a communal cooking experience to make budgeting enjoyable.

33 snips
May 8, 2025 • 27min
How to bring the house down at karaoke
Zak Rosen, a reporter and host of The Best Advice Show, shares insights on karaoke as a powerful tool for self-discovery and community building. He highlights that you don't need to be a great singer to make an impact. With practical tips, Zak discusses overcoming stage fright and the joy of performing familiar songs. He emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment to foster self-expression and inspires listeners to embrace vulnerability on stage, making karaoke a memorable experience.