Life Kit

Delve into the often confusing world of personal care products and the hidden dangers lurking in commonplace items. Discover the risks of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and carcinogens, and learn how to read labels critically, especially the ambiguous term 'fragrance.' Gain insights into safer alternatives and the importance of making informed choices to protect your health. With expert advice and practical tips, navigating personal care just became a little less overwhelming.

Time feels scarce as we juggle responsibilities, passions, and daily life. Experts discuss the importance of focusing on a single goal to enhance intentionality. An inspiring story of a rock climber highlights finding new passions through challenges. Learn how to select hobbies that align with personal values while accepting the potential for failure. The podcast emphasizes accountability and community support in pursuing goals, as well as the necessity of balancing productivity with joy to maximize personal fulfillment.

Join Andee Tagle, a Life Kit reporter, as she dives into the cringe-worthy realm of embarrassment and social awkwardness. Discover why we still feel haunted by old mistakes, like that time you accidentally called your teacher 'mommy.' Tagle shares insightful strategies for managing those awkward moments and reframing embarrassment as a chance for personal growth. Learn how both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals navigate social discomfort, fostering empathy and authentic connections along the way.

Lale Arikoglu, the articles director at Condé Nast Traveler, shares her travel planning wisdom to help you turn that dream vacation into reality. She reveals essential tips on where to start your planning and how to manage your logistics for a stress-free getaway. Lale emphasizes the importance of intentional travel, aligning your budget with your vacation goals, and staying flexible to fully embrace the joy of exploration. With insights on overcoming emotional travel challenges, she's here to make your next adventure unforgettable.

Gretchen Rubin, an author known for her insights on happiness and habits, dives deep into the nature of happiness. She emphasizes that true joy isn’t just about feeling good but growing in the right direction. The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness in enhancing fulfillment through understanding personal traits. Rubin also shares how small, daily changes can significantly impact our happiness, advocating for practical strategies like the one-minute rule to foster a sense of order and well-being.

Cynthia Pong, a seasoned career coach from Embrace Change, shares invaluable insights on resume writing. She emphasizes the importance of keeping resumes simple and readable. Topics include the power of a tailored professional summary, the art of self-promotion without overdoing it, and the necessity of feedback from industry experts. Cynthia also discusses how to update your resume regularly, even when you're not job hunting, ensuring you're always ready for new opportunities. Her strategies are sure to help stand out in today's competitive job market!

Danielle Bayard Jackson and Marisa G. Franco, experts in friendship dynamics, dive into the intricacies of platonic relationships. They discuss how to maintain authenticity while navigating conflicts, offering strategies for open communication. The duo addresses listener dilemmas, like gracefully declining vacation invites without damaging friendships and the complexities of evolving relationships during major life changes. Their insights emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and aligning choices with personal values to nurture lasting connections.

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.