Life Kit

Catherine Price, author of "The Power of Fun" and "How to Break Up With Your Phone," joins to explore the essence of true joy. She reveals the three components of genuine fun that can transform our everyday lives. Catherine emphasizes the importance of laughter and connection during tough times. She also shares how to differentiate between authentic experiences and superficial distractions, encouraging us to conduct a 'fun audit.' Finally, she introduces the SPARK model, highlighting how embracing fun can significantly lift our well-being.

Discover the transformative joy of bike commuting and how it can be an eco-friendly alternative to driving. Reflect on the nostalgic freedom of biking while tackling fears for beginners. Uncover the benefits of biking with a companion and the supportive community around cycling. Learn practical tips for choosing the right bike and navigating urban ride safely. Embrace simplicity with essential gear and debunk myths about biking. Gain vital safety insights, including useful techniques to keep both cyclists and drivers aware.

Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatrist and author of 'Dopamine Nation,' dives into the complex relationship between pleasure and addiction. She explains how modern life's instant gratification can disrupt our brain's balance, potentially leading to addiction and long-term pain. Lembke argues for the importance of complete abstinence from addictive behaviors and shares strategies for regaining control. She also discusses the transformative power of radical honesty in overcoming compulsive actions. Tune in for insights on managing pleasure in a dopamine-driven world!

Dive into the world of gardening, whether you’re dreaming of a sprawling vegetable patch or a few herbs on your windowsill. Discover how hardiness zones dictate plant choice and the crucial role of healthy soil for growth. Explore creative ideas for raised beds and container gardening. Get insider tips on sunlight and drainage requirements as well as practical advice for selecting the right plants. Plus, hear inspiring personal stories about revitalizing spaces through the joy of gardening.

Join Eric Kim, a New York Times food writer and cookbook author, as he shares his passion for Korean American cooking. He dives into his personal journey during the pandemic, highlighting the nostalgia that food can bring. Discover essential pantry ingredients like doenjang and gochujang, and learn how to balance flavors in your dishes. Eric emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage through food, encouraging everyone to embrace Korean flavors in their everyday cooking while fostering community through shared meals.

Kimberly Washington, a savvy CPA and tax analyst, dives deep into the intricacies of tax season. She offers expert tips on maximizing your refund and highlights crucial deductions that often slip under the radar. The conversation addresses the impact of pandemic-related payments, ensuring families can benefit from the child tax credit, and strategies to navigate common tax challenges. Additionally, Kimberly shares essential filing tips to safeguard against tax fraud, helping listeners approach this taxing time with confidence.

Daisy Dowling, an executive coach and expert on working parenthood, shares her wisdom on time management for busy parents. She emphasizes the need to redefine success and set boundaries to balance work and family life. Dowling introduces practical tips like calendar auditing and the innovative technique of timeboxing to help families regain control over their schedules. With valuable advice on self-care and efficiency in daily tasks, she empowers parents to find joy amidst the chaos.

Daniel H. Pink, author of 'The Power of Regret', reveals that rather than shunning regret, we should embrace it for personal growth. He discusses four common categories of regret, emphasizing how reflections on inaction can lead to deeper insights. Pink showcases how taking bold actions can alleviate future regrets, advocating for a proactive approach in life and relationships. He introduces a three-step system to transform regret into self-compassion and growth, highlighting the potential of negative emotions as catalysts for change.

Elizabeth Emmons, a Columbia law professor and author of a book on 'Life Admin,' dives into the often-ignored responsibilities of adulthood. She discusses strategies for conquering overwhelming tasks like paperwork and appointments, likening them to homework. Emmons categorizes personalities based on organizational styles, highlighting the emotional impacts and the power of community in tackling life admin. She shares tips for productivity, encouraging listeners to partner with friends to master their responsibilities and reclaim their time.

Craig dos Santos, a negotiation consultant specializing in customer service resolutions, shares invaluable insights on bridging the gap between customers and representatives. He emphasizes that asking for a manager often backfires and suggests viewing reps as allies. The discussion highlights the power of empathy, active listening, and 'caretaking statements' to create a collaborative atmosphere. By fostering rapport and understanding the emotional dynamics at play, listeners can transform stressful interactions into productive conversations and achieve their desired outcomes.