Life Kit

Bea Voce, a couples therapist from Austin, shares her expertise on mending relationships after conflicts. She provides a five-step process for effective repair, emphasizing the importance of pausing to regulate emotions before reconnecting. Bea highlights the value of taking turns when sharing feelings and using I-statements for responsible communication. She also explains how to listen with curiosity rather than react defensively. Lastly, she identifies signs that repairs aren't working and when to seek additional support.

Vern Yip, an acclaimed architectural and interior designer known for Trading Spaces and author of Color, Pattern, Texture, dives into the art of personalizing home spaces. He emphasizes the importance of defining a room's purpose and emotion, and how involving everyone in the design process can lead to harmonious decisions. Yip shares the concept of creating an inspiration box and suggests incorporating personal items to enhance positivity. He also highlights the value of gradual decorating and budget-friendly tips like thrifting to create meaningful, lasting designs.

Dan Weissmann, host of An Arm and a Leg, dives into the labyrinth of high prescription drug prices. He shares heart-wrenching stories, like Cole Schmitnacht’s, highlighting the shocking costs of medications. Dan offers savvy strategies to save money, from using GoodRx to comparing prices at pharmacies. He emphasizes the importance of exploring alternatives with healthcare providers and even suggests asking for free samples. With tips on navigating insurance plans, he equips listeners with a practical checklist to manage their medication costs effectively.

Yo-Wei Shaw, a reporter and podcast host, delves into the dynamics between introverts and extroverts, exploring how these personality types can clash in friendships. Joined by Jennifer Kahnweiler, an organizational behavior expert, they discuss common frustrations each type feels towards the other. Jennifer shares strategies for improving communication and trust, such as using physical cues and specific scripts for expressing needs. They highlight the importance of empathy and appreciation in nurturing these mixed relationships.

Scott Keyes, founder of Going.com and expert in affordable travel, shares invaluable tips for holiday flying. He reveals why early morning and nonstop flights are your best bet for on-time arrivals. Keyes warns travelers to steer clear of peak days and discusses what to do if your flight is canceled, including your rights to refunds and meal vouchers. He also highlights essential items to pack for unexpected delays. With these insights, holiday travel can become much less stressful!

Maria Godoy, an NPR health correspondent, explores the hype around collagen supplements. She discusses their rise in popularity, driven by social media and marketing, despite limited robust research. Godoy reviews mixed findings on skin improvement and suggests small, inconclusive benefits for joint pain. She offers guidance on choosing reliable products and recommends natural alternatives like the Mediterranean diet and good skincare practices for better results. Tune in for a reality check on this trending wellness topic!

Andee Tagle, a Life Kit reporter focused on parenting and screen-time, dives into how parents can shape their children's tech habits. She discusses the significant impact of parental phone use on kids, linking it to cognitive and emotional development. Andee offers practical advice, like creating no-device zones and engaging in family interactions without screens. She also examines the best ways to initiate conversations about tech use and the appropriate age for kids to get smartphones, while suggesting coordinated efforts among parents for healthier community norms.

KC Davis, a licensed therapist and author of *Who Deserves Your Love?*, dives into navigating messy relationships. She shares insightful questions to help assess whether to stay or step back from a relationship. KC discusses emotional unavailability and caregiving challenges, emphasizing the importance of identifying harm and assessing willingness to change. She also explores how to set healthy boundaries while maintaining connections, offering practical strategies for self-care. This conversation offers a thoughtful guide for anyone feeling stuck.

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.Take our survey at npr.org/lifekitsurvey.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekitLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Roy Choi, a James Beard Award-winning chef and co-author of 'The Choi of Cooking,' shares his mission to make nutritious meals flavorful. He emphasizes the importance of weekly meal prep and highlights the role of aromatics like ginger, garlic, and scallions in elevating dishes. Roy dives into the optimal use of dried versus fresh herbs, recommends essential cooking oils, and reveals quick pantry staples for rich flavors. He also discusses the necessity of sour flavors and encourages a hands-on approach to cooking, advocating for tasting as you go.