Life Kit

Samantha Balaban, a contributor to NPR's Life Kit, shares her expertise on dog adoption amid the pandemic. With adoptions skyrocketing, she emphasizes the crucial factors to consider before bringing a furry friend home. Listeners learn about training, socialization, and the emotional adjustment both dogs and owners will face as life normalizes. Balaban also discusses financial commitments and the importance of planning for a post-pandemic routine, making sure that new pet owners are ready for the long haul.

Join Grover, the beloved Sesame Street character, as he shares joyful and practical ways for kids to cope during challenging times. He talks about making virtual play dates more enjoyable and emphasizes the importance of kindness in the community. Grover encourages children to embrace their emotions and stay connected through imagination and fun activities. With a focus on gratitude for essential workers, this uplifting conversation helps young listeners navigate their feelings and find comfort despite the uncertainty.

Sarah Urist Green, the author of "You Are an Artist" and creator of PBS’s "The Art Assignment," shares her insights on how to spark creativity at home during challenging times. She discusses the importance of simple art projects for relaxation and emotional expression. Listeners can try engaging assignments like the Shadow Portrait Project and playful fake flyers, using everyday materials to unleash their creativity. Sarah emphasizes making art a regular practice to build personal connections and improve mindset.

Lane Moore, host of Tinder Live, brings her comedic take on online dating, sharing hilarious insights on navigating romance during a pandemic. Lauren McGocky, NPR producer, opens up about her engagement story, revealing the unique challenges they faced amidst lockdown. The duo discuss maintaining connections through creative date ideas and effective communication, while tackling heavier issues like conflict resolution and hidden struggles within relationships. It's a heartfelt and humorous exploration of love during these unprecedented times.

Catherine Price, author of "How to Break Up with Your Phone," shares her insights on achieving a healthy balance with screen time. She discusses the importance of taking breaks to alleviate phone fatigue and improve mental well-being. Listeners learn to navigate the quality over quantity debate in their digital lives and explore effective strategies to combat Zoom fatigue. Price emphasizes setting boundaries, choosing apps mindfully, and embracing screen breaks as vital acts of self-care. It’s a refreshing guide to reclaiming your time and mental space!

Unlock your inner author by confronting self-doubt with personal anecdotes from seasoned writers. Embrace the imperfect journey and discover the magic of writing in 'time confetti.' Learn practical techniques to spark creativity, focusing on quantity over quality. Navigate the emotional landscape of memoir writing with an emphasis on support and perspective. Build a community for motivation, authenticity, and constructive feedback. Plus, delve into poetry through a free app that inspires exploration of this timeless art form.

Anna Sale, the insightful host of WNYC’s Death, Sex & Money, teams up with Betsy Mayotte, founder of the Institute of Student Loan Advisors, to tackle the complexities of student loans during the pandemic. They discuss the CARES Act and who qualifies for relief, including strategies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and the impact on private loans. The duo also highlights financial tips, warns about potential scams, and emphasizes the importance of understanding your loan type to make informed decisions. A practical guide for navigating these challenging times!

In this engaging talk, Peter Sagal, host of NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me and an avid runner, shares accessible tips for starting your running journey. He emphasizes that running requires little more than sneakers and a desire to improve. The conversation shifts misconceptions about running as a punishment towards viewing it as a joyful practice for personal reflection. Listeners learn the importance of community support, achievable goals, and mental resilience as they tackle their running ambitions. Humor and insights into elite running add to the fun!

Transform your outdoor space into a lush edible garden with practical tips on plant selection and soil preparation. Discover the benefits of gardening, including mental well-being and sustainable living. Learn how to build the perfect planting boxes using different types of wood while considering budget and dimensions. Get inspired with innovative container gardening techniques and how to incorporate homegrown produce into your meals. Explore essential tips for sunlight management and nurturing various fruits and vegetables.

Caitlin Dickerson, an immigration reporter for The New York Times, dives deep into the world of misinformation, particularly during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the chaos caused by fake cures and unscientific claims, highlighting the urgent need for critical thinking. Dickerson emphasizes the importance of verifying sources and maintaining a skeptical mindset when consuming news. With tools like the Informable app, she provides practical strategies to navigate the flood of misleading content, especially on social media.