Life Kit

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.

Join Rachel Rodgers, author of Future Millionaire and founder of Hello7, as she dives into the essentials of launching a successful business. She emphasizes the importance of assessing your unique skills rather than chasing fleeting trends. Start small with service-based offers that require little capital and evolve into scalable solutions that transform clients' lives. Rachel also encourages testing market demand and balancing a side hustle with a job, proving that anyone can become a thriving entrepreneur with the right mindset.

Discover the hidden treasures of your local library beyond just books! Learn how to snag free museum tickets, access SAT tutors, and join language classes. Explore unusual items you can borrow, like tools and musical instruments. Delve into free services such as computer access and legal advice. Uncover maker labs with equipment for DIY projects. Plus, find out about community programs and events that bring people together. This informative discussion shows how libraries can be a valuable resource for saving money and enriching your life!

Family and marriage expert Moraya Seeger DeGeare weighs in on questions from listeners who have reached a breaking point in their relationships with the people around them.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

Navigating support for a loved one with cancer can be tricky. Discover how to let friends help according to their strengths and the importance of being a treatment buddy. Learn about organizing practical assistance like meal trains and rides. Simple gestures and sincere compliments can uplift spirits immensely. Tailoring support to meet their preferences is crucial, as is being present and listening thoughtfully. Avoiding common pitfalls in conversation is also key to providing meaningful comfort.

Credit card debt can make you feel stressed, ashamed and lonely. But there are proven strategies to free yourself from this burden. In this episode, five tips to help you get out from under credit card debt. And to sign up for our newsletter series with step-by-step plans to pay down your debt, go to npr.org/creditcarddebt.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

Andy Tegel, a Life Kit reporter, dives into the complexities of toddler behavior, helping caregivers navigate this tricky stage. He explores how toddlers' growing sense of self can make pushback feel personal. Experts explain toddlers’ egocentrism and immature executive function, which complicate reasoning. Playful disruptions and structured choices can ease transitions and manage big emotions. Finally, they discuss respectful consequences and co-regulation strategies to handle tantrums, ensuring a smoother parenting journey.

In this engaging discussion, Jill Schlesinger, a certified financial planner and CBS News business analyst, shares her expertise on navigating significant life changes. She introduces her 'fabulous five' steps to evaluate your financial readiness, emphasizing the importance of assessing resources and liabilities. Jill explains how to analyze your spending patterns and account for family obligations. She even shares her personal career transition, providing insights on building a safer bridge to your future. Get ready to turn your dreams into actionable plans!

Chef Sohla El-Waylly, author of 'Start Here,' shares expert tips for mastering soups. She explains the importance of a flavorful broth as the backbone of any good soup, exploring different types and storage methods. Sohla demonstrates the magic of sweating aromatics for depth of flavor and shares techniques for achieving the perfect soup texture. Discover how to make creamy soups without dairy, complement flavors with umami boosters like Parmesan rinds, and get inspired with a fall soup recipe. Perfect your soup-making game this season!