

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

5 snips
Feb 7, 2023 • 19min
Creative ways to get kids to eat their veggies
Parents share their trials of getting kids to eat veggies, revealing common struggles with picky eaters. The discussion covers children's natural food preferences and the phase of food neophobia. Creative strategies emerge, like playful names for vegetables and involving kids in meal prep. The importance of early vegetable exposure is highlighted, along with the reassurance that every child’s taste evolves. Overall, it’s a mix of expert advice and innovative tips to make veggies exciting for little ones!

17 snips
Feb 6, 2023 • 19min
Budgeting for dating
Kristin Myers, the Editor-in-chief of The Balance, dives into the intriguing intersection of dating and finances. She shares findings from a survey on what young adults are spending on dates and how inflation impacts their romantic outings. The conversation highlights the reluctance of millennials and Gen Z to discuss money matters while dating, even as they navigate tight budgets. Kristin also provides creative tips for budget-friendly dates, emphasizing the value of open financial conversations to foster healthier relationships.

22 snips
Feb 2, 2023 • 16min
Be an awesome gift giver
Rachel Wilkerson Miller, Editor-in-chief of SELF magazine, shares her gift-giving wisdom to turn stress into joy. She highlights the beauty of personalized gifts through touching stories, showcasing how thoughtful gestures can deepen connections. Rachel emphasizes the importance of choosing gifts based on the recipient's passions and interests rather than price tags. Affordable and heartfelt options, such as local treats or experiences, take center stage, allowing for meaningful exchanges that enhance joy and discovery in relationships.

22 snips
Jan 31, 2023 • 15min
Meal prep made easy
Kevin Curry, founder of Fit Men Cook and an advocate for healthy meal prepping, discusses the stress of daily meal decisions and how to tackle it. He shares tips on simplifying dinner planning while staying budget-conscious and health-focused. Curry emphasizes the importance of understanding ingredients and offers strategies for efficient meal prep, including essential tools like glass containers. He provides beginner-friendly advice to start meal prepping gradually and create versatile meals to enjoy all week.

55 snips
Jan 30, 2023 • 21min
The five kinds of perfectionists
Discover the five distinct types of perfectionists and find out which one resonates with you—from the intense to the messy. The conversation tackles the societal pressures women face and how these intersect with personal ambition. Explore the myths of balance and the true motivations behind perfectionism, emphasizing self-acceptance and authenticity. Learn how to navigate the positive and negative sides of perfectionism, transforming it into a force for personal growth without losing sight of your inherent worth.

13 snips
Jan 26, 2023 • 11min
Dear LK: My kids are enemies. What should I do?
In this insightful discussion, clinical psychologist and parenting expert Becky Kennedy, founder of Good Inside, tackles the messy world of sibling rivalry. She offers valuable insights into a specific case where a sister bullies her brother, explaining the emotional underpinnings of such behavior. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of communication and empathy to foster healthier relationships among siblings. She also shares practical strategies for parents, helping them navigate the chaos while promoting emotional resilience in their children.

25 snips
Jan 24, 2023 • 22min
Helpful financial advice for creative types
Paco de Leon, a financial coach and author of 'Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances,' dives into money management tailored for creative professionals. He shares the importance of separating personal and freelance finances to avoid pitfalls. Paco provides practical strategies for tax season preparedness and emphasizes the need for emotional well-being alongside financial stability. He encourages open discussions about finances in creative fields and highlights the value of community support and outsourcing to thrive.

19 snips
Jan 23, 2023 • 16min
Practical tips for exercising in the cold
Discover essential tips for winter running, including how to dress for temperatures that dip into the 50s and 30s. Learn about the importance of layering and moisture-wicking materials to keep comfortable and safe. Understand the challenges of exercising in low visibility and how to use tracking apps for added safety. Delve into crucial safety precautions to avoid frostbite and hypothermia, along with signs to watch for. Embrace the joys of outdoor exercise while staying active even in the cold!

Jan 21, 2023 • 25min
'Terrestrials,' a new kid's show from Radiolab, uncovers the strangeness on Earth
Dive into the captivating world of octopuses! Discover the clever escape of a seven-armed octopus named Inky, who outsmarted his captors and dazzled aquarium visitors with his antics. Explore the extraordinary intelligence and adaptability of these creatures, from their hunting techniques to their playful curiosity. Engage in imaginative exercises that challenge kids to think like an octopus. Uncover the hidden wonders of the ocean and celebrate the quirks that make marine life so enchanting!

50 snips
Jan 19, 2023 • 16min
Looking for a job? Advice to help you land the gig
Cynthia Pong, Founder and CEO of Embrace Change, shares her expertise in job search strategies and career transitions. She discusses the emotional aftermath of job loss and the importance of processing those feelings. Cynthia emphasizes creating a structured job hunting plan and leveraging personal connections effectively. She offers insights into mastering interview mindsets, viewing interviews as collaborative, and the art of sending thoughtful thank-you emails. Listeners gain valuable tips on maintaining a positive outlook while striving to land their next gig.