

Life Kit
NPR
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
Mentioned books

11 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 22min
Find your singing voice
Asia Drain, a journalist passionate about singing, shares her insights on discovering one's unique vocal style. She emphasizes that singing is for everyone, not just professionals, and that you only need to be able to speak to sing. The discussion covers the emotional benefits of singing, practical tips for improving technique, and the journey of self-acceptance through music. With a focus on personal expression and confidence, Asia encourages listeners to engage with their voices and embrace their singing potential.

22 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 21min
Overwhelmed by your smartphone? Try a boring phone
Jose Briones, author of 'Low Tech Life: A Guide to Mindful Digital Minimalism,' discusses the downsides of smartphone addiction. He shares how the allure of constant connectivity can lead to doomscrolling and overwhelming distractions. Briones advocates for switching to simpler phones, emphasizing their role in improving focus and enhancing offline interactions. He offers practical tips for embracing digital minimalism, managing communication pressure, and fostering deeper personal relationships through mindful technology use.

6 snips
Jul 29, 2024 • 23min
What happens after someone cheats
Talal Alsaleem, a psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in infidelity recovery, dives into the complexities of cheating and its aftermath. He discusses the emotional challenges faced by couples, offering insights on establishing relationship contracts to clarify expectations. Talal also highlights the importance of transparency and cutting ties with affair partners for rebuilding trust. Listeners learn about recognizing red flags and the individualized nature of healing, emphasizing that recovery is a personal journey without a strict timeline.

35 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 19min
Take your salads from drab to fab
Transform your perception of salads into vibrant, crave-worthy meals! Discover how to elevate your greens with enticing flavors like kimchi and textures such as candied nuts. Explore the art of homemade dressings, ensuring a perfect balance of oil and acid. Get inspired to break away from the boring side dish stereotype, and indulge in creative salad-making with a buddy. With a little experimentation, your salads can become both comforting and satisfying!

67 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 18min
Unhappy at work? How to plan your next move
Tessa West, a Psychology professor at NYU and author of "Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You," shares her expertise on overcoming career dissatisfaction. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection to identify sources of unhappiness at work. West discusses strategies for managing workplace emotions, building self-esteem beyond job performance, and recognizing personal strengths. She also provides actionable exercises for taking small steps toward a fulfilling career while balancing passion with practical considerations.

19 snips
Jul 22, 2024 • 19min
Scams can happen to anyone — here's how to protect yourself
Join Amy Nofziger, a certified fraud examiner and director of fraud victim support at AARP, as she dives into the world of scams. She highlights how even the most vigilant can fall victim, sharing cautionary tales like one concertgoer’s ticket mishap. Discover the emotional tactics used by scammers and learn essential tips for safeguarding your information in an increasingly digital landscape. With practical advice on recognizing red flags and managing your financial health, Amy emphasizes that anyone can be proactive against fraud.

43 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 24min
How to babyproof your relationship
Aaron Steinberg, a parent relationship educator and coach, shares valuable insights for couples expecting a baby. He discusses essential strategies to strengthen connections and improve communication before and after the arrival of a newborn. Topics include fairness in dividing parenting tasks, the importance of flexibility, and recognizing each partner's strengths. Steinberg emphasizes the need for mutual support and conflict resolution as couples transition into parenthood, ensuring they thrive together during this transformative stage.

5 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 21min
How to revamp your rental
Ever feel stuck in a bland rental? Home décor experts dive into creative ways to transform rental spaces into cozy havens. They discuss the rise of 'forever renters' and how to tackle daunting rental costs with DIY flair. Learn how to optimize your living space to boost energy flow and functionality. From clever paint techniques to smart lighting, discover simple adjustments that bring personality to your home. Embrace your creativity and make your rental truly yours!

18 snips
Jul 15, 2024 • 20min
5 strategies to help you cope with a nagging feeling of dread
Saleem Reshamwala, host of the podcast More Than a Feeling and an expert in emotional discussions, shares his insights on coping with the pervasive feeling of dread. He humorously explores the universal nature of this emotion and introduces practices like writing, artistic expression, and even 'worry time' to manage anxiety. Saleem emphasizes embracing mortality as a strategy to improve life quality and highlights the importance of connecting with nature for resilience. These relatable strategies aim to transform dread into a more manageable experience.

15 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 25min
How to talk to a parent about their past
Discover the untold stories of your parents' pasts, from childhood dreams to heartbreaks, and how these shape your identity. Engaging with immigrant experiences, learn how language barriers can obscure family histories. Explore strategies for approaching sensitive conversations with compassion and understanding. Unearth the emotional intricacies involved in discussing trauma and the importance of empathy. Delve into the complexities of familial relationships, guiding you to foster deeper connections and preserve family legacies.