Life Kit

Financial therapist Amanda Clayman, who specializes in navigating money issues in relationships, shares her insights on fostering financial intimacy. She introduces the 'five components of financial intimacy' to help couples tackle the often awkward topic of finances. Amanda discusses how emotional connections intersect with financial discussions and emphasizes the importance of equality and transparency. She provides practical tips for rebuilding trust and enhancing communication, ensuring that financial conversations strengthen relationships rather than hinder them.

Join licensed therapist John Kim as he dives into the complex emotions that surface during the holidays. He provides valuable strategies for navigating family guilt and hurtful comments while balancing personal needs against familial expectations. John emphasizes the power of open communication and boundary-setting to foster a more peaceful holiday experience. Discover how humor and a positive approach can shift the atmosphere, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and connection.

Discover how the principles of improv can enrich your everyday life! Embrace spontaneity and creativity while combating anxiety. Learn the 'yes and' mindset to enhance personal relationships and boost self-expression. Through charming anecdotes, explore the beauty of mistakes as gateways to growth. Uncover how curiosity and play foster emotional awareness and joy, reminding us to celebrate our unique identities. Dive into the transformative power of laughter and authentic connection!

In this engaging discussion, Salim Rushamwala, host of 'More Than a Feeling' and expert on emotions, sheds light on the often-overlooked emotion of dread. He shares creative exercises like drawing your fears and scheduling worry time to help reframe your relationship with anxiety. The conversation also touches on deep themes, including how embracing mortality can enhance life’s meaning and the restorative power of nature to combat climate change dread. Expect insightful reflections and practical tools to navigate everyday worries.

Rima Hreis, host of the Marketplace podcast This Is Uncomfortable, dives into the emotional and financial dilemmas surrounding parenthood. She shares insights from a couple grappling with the financial implications of starting a family, emphasizing the pressures of security versus desire. The conversation highlights the value of financial therapy, emotional connections to money, and practical strategies like 'money dates' to reframe financial discussions. It's a candid exploration of how couples can navigate the intersection of money and dreams of parenthood.

Setting boundaries with family can be challenging, especially during emotional gatherings. Personal stories reveal the struggles of managing relationships with confrontational relatives. The podcast discusses establishing healthy boundaries, using practical advice and exercises. It also touches on generational dynamics, highlighting a granddaughter's experience with harmful comments from her grandmother. Emphasizing self-awareness and respectful communication, listeners are encouraged to embrace discomfort and trust themselves as they navigate family interactions.

Benét Wilson, a freelance aviation journalist, shares her expertise on surviving the holiday travel hustle. She highlights the inevitability of long lines and flight delays, urging travelers to prepare accordingly. Benét recommends building airline loyalty over hunting for the cheapest fares and offers negotiation tactics for coping with overbooked flights. She also emphasizes maintaining kindness during stressful situations and reminds families to embrace gratitude, fostering a more enjoyable travel experience amidst the chaos.

Christina Costa, a psychology teacher and PhD student focused on positive psychology, teams up with Paulette Moore, a scholar from the Six Nations highlighting indigenous gratitude practices. They discuss how gratitude can transform our lives beyond just a yearly reflection. Christina shares techniques like the 'three good things' method to cultivate daily appreciation, while Paulette introduces the Ohanda Gariwadekwa ritual, connecting gratitude to nature and community. Together, they reveal practical strategies for fostering resilience and well-being through consistent gratitude.

A listener grapples with her boyfriend's close friendship with a former coworker, raising alarm about trust and boundaries. A relationship coach delves into the importance of recognizing red flags and effective communication. The discussion highlights the impact of gaslighting and emphasizes the need for clear boundaries to foster respect. Tips for navigating heartbreak and planning for a potential breakup while cohabitating offer valuable insights, reminding listeners to maintain hope and support.

Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States, shares insights from her memoir, 'The Light We Carry.' She emphasizes the need for authenticity and vulnerability in relationships, drawing from her own marriage experiences. Michelle discusses the ongoing effort required in partnerships and the importance of open communication in parenting. She also reflects on feelings of isolation and the journey of self-acceptance while urging listeners to embrace their true selves in a disconnected world.