Life Kit

Ruth Tam, a reporter dedicated to exploring personal spiritual practices, shares insights on creating individualized paths to spirituality. She discusses the powerful connection between mental health and spirituality, emphasizing personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. The episode highlights the role of music in fostering community and self-acceptance. Ruth also advocates for authenticity in spiritual practices, encouraging listeners to seek meaningful connections while remaining true to themselves. It's an exploration of spirituality beyond traditional boundaries.

Hana Boruchov, a seasoned tax attorney at Borakov Gabovich & Associates PC, shares her insights on navigating the 2025 tax season. She discusses the pros and cons of hiring an accountant versus DIY tax software. Hana offers invaluable tips for freelancers about W-2 and 1099 reporting, while also addressing the complexities of state taxes for remote workers. Listeners learn about handling tax debt and the importance of professional assistance, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle their tax obligations with confidence.

Join journalist Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong as she shares her experiences with significant life changes. She discusses the importance of reflection and creativity in decision-making, offering practical exercises for personal growth. Discover how to navigate transitions in relationships and careers while embracing fear as a catalyst for new beginnings. Learn about the 20 Statements Test for self-discovery and ways to foster self-trust through storytelling. Adwoa also introduces a unique holiday for personal change on March 4th, inspiring listeners to set new goals.

In this engaging discussion, Andy Tegel, a Life Kit reporter, dives into the world of Buy Now, Pay Later loans, spotlighting platforms like Klarna and Afterpay. He explains why these loans are appealing, especially for younger consumers and those with low credit scores. Tegel highlights the convenience and interest-free structures they offer, while also warning about potential pitfalls like payment alignment and credit history impacts. Listeners will gain valuable tips on using BNPL loans responsibly to avoid financial missteps.

In this conversation, Kevin Curry, founder of Fit Men Cook and a champion of healthy meal prep, shares his insights on simplifying dinner decisions. He discusses strategies to alleviate meal prep stress and save money. Kevin highlights the importance of planning to avoid food spoilage and emphasizes the joy of creating varied meals. He also suggests essential equipment for efficiency and practical tips for beginners to embrace versatile ingredients, making meal prep fun and sustainable.

TK Dutess, a former healthcare provider with 15 years of experience, and Jacqueline Revere, a TV writer turned full-time caregiver, share invaluable insights on preventing caregiver burnout. They discuss the emotional toll of unexpected caregiving, especially in cases like Alzheimer's. The duo emphasizes the importance of self-care and building a support network. Their conversation highlights overcoming feelings of isolation and guilt, and offers practical strategies for caregivers to prioritize their well-being while navigating their challenging roles.

Shay Harris-Pierre, a licensed professional counselor and certified financial therapist, helps couples navigate money conflicts. She highlights how early financial experiences shape spending habits and attitudes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of open communication about differing money scripts to foster compatibility. Shay shares strategies for aligning financial goals and reducing conflicts, providing valuable insights for couples looking to strengthen their relationship with money.

Maria Godoy, an NPR health correspondent and expert on gut health, discusses the pivotal role of a diverse plant-based diet in promoting gut microbiota health. She highlights a recent study that underscores how variety and quantity of plants can enhance your gut bacteria. The conversation includes practical tips for adding more colorful fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your meals, advocating for at least five servings of plants daily. Get ready to rethink your plate for better digestion and overall health!

Kate Sekulis, a fashion history professor and author, shares her passion for 'visible mending'—a creative way to repair clothing. She discusses the beauty of hand stitching and how it transforms damaged garments into unique pieces. Sekulis highlights the sustainable impact of mending as a response to fast fashion, empowering even beginners to embrace their creativity. Listeners are inspired to view their stitches as personal signatures and are encouraged to explore various mending techniques, fostering both individuality and connection.

Join Ethan Kross, a psychologist and professor at the University of Michigan, as he reveals how to take control of your emotions. He discusses the power behind 'shifting' emotions and effective strategies for processing feelings, whether by confronting them or avoiding them until you're ready. Kross highlights the importance of environment in emotion regulation and introduces the WHOOP technique for goal-setting. Discover how fostering resilience and reframing social comparisons can lead to a healthier emotional landscape.