Life Kit

Join Devin Mahesua, an expert in indigenous foodways and professor at the University of Kansas, alongside James Beard Award-winning author Michael W. Twitty, who specializes in African-American culinary traditions. They delve into how food serves as a vital link to ancestry and identity. Discover the importance of engaging with community elders in culinary practices, the concept of 'vibration cooking,' and the political implications of food access. They also advocate for a mindful approach to food that emphasizes love, gratitude, and cultural preservation.

Gene Demby, host of Code Switch, and comedian Hari Kondabolu engage in a heartfelt discussion about modern fatherhood. They reflect on how to teach their children about race amid diverse identities. Both share personal anecdotes that highlight their nostalgic childhoods and their desire to pass on cultural values. They also tackle the emotional complexities of parenting, exploring joys and challenges while redefining masculinity. It’s a poignant look at what it means to be a father in today's world.

Lauren Whitehurst, a psychology professor and sleep researcher from the University of Kentucky, chats about the struggle of revenge bedtime procrastination. She explains how busy lives lead to sacrificing sleep for personal time. The discussion reveals practical strategies to reclaim restful sleep, particularly for parents and shift workers. Whitehurst highlights the importance of sleep hygiene and offers insights on creating a calming bedtime routine, ensuring you not only catch Z's but also enjoy guilt-free leisure!

Explore the joy of picking up new hobbies just for fun. Discover how engaging in leisure activities can improve mental health and foster connections. Learn practical tips to start hobbies on a budget while maintaining a healthy balance. Hear inspiring personal stories of individuals who found independence and personal growth through their pursuits. Find out how to choose activities that bring personal satisfaction and comfort.

Luana Marques, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of 'Almost Anxious,' shares her expertise on conquering the fear of flying. She dives into the emotional challenges of aviophobia and offers practical coping strategies, including exposure therapy and distraction techniques. Luana emphasizes the importance of aligning personal values with the desire to overcome anxiety. Listeners are encouraged to embrace discomfort as a pathway to personal growth and to transform their fears into opportunities.

Reagan McDonald-Mosley, a practicing OBGYN and CEO of Power to Decide, dives deep into the shifting landscape of reproductive health following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. She discusses urgent changes in abortion access and the necessity of understanding various birth control methods. Get insight into emergency contraception options like Plan B and ELA, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures. Reagan highlights the challenges in states with abortion bans and encourages open dialogue with healthcare providers for personalized support.

Karen Walrond, a leadership coach and author of 'The Lightmaker's Manifesto,' redefines activism by emphasizing joyful, everyday actions. She shares how activism isn't just about protests; it can also be baking for charity or volunteering in schools. The discussion highlights the importance of self-awareness and manageable steps to avoid burnout while finding fulfillment in advocacy. Walrond also introduces the concept of a 'spark statement' to clear motivations and promote kindness as a transformational force in activism.

In this engaging conversation, Damona Hoffman, a certified dating coach and host of the Dates and Mades podcast, and John Paul Bramer, a writer known for his essays in Ola Papi, unravel the complexities of online dating. They discuss transforming anxiety into positive connections and the art of crafting captivating profiles. Listeners will learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of dating apps, manage expectations, and foster genuine interactions, all while embracing authenticity and the joy of finding love.

Willa Williams and Wesleya Eccles, co-owners of Trinity Financial Coaching, dive into the financial concerns of professional women. They discuss how to balance life with wealth building, from saving for vacations to retirement planning. Key topics include strategies for sharing finances as a couple, navigating the shifting real estate market, and building generational wealth through smart savings. Listeners gain valuable insights into effective budgeting and the importance of financial communication in relationships.

Heritage language learners often face unique emotional challenges, grappling with feelings of embarrassment and disconnection. Experts share practical strategies to navigate these hurdles and keep the learning process enjoyable. Personal anecdotes reveal the deep emotional connections formed through language, highlighting the pride in small accomplishments. Additionally, listeners discover effective methods to reconnect and embrace their linguistic roots, all while celebrating their unique strengths in the journey of mastering their heritage languages.