Life Kit

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.

In this engaging discussion, Andy Tegel, a Life Kit reporter, dives into the world of Buy Now, Pay Later loans, spotlighting platforms like Klarna and Afterpay. He explains why these loans are appealing, especially for younger consumers and those with low credit scores. Tegel highlights the convenience and interest-free structures they offer, while also warning about potential pitfalls like payment alignment and credit history impacts. Listeners will gain valuable tips on using BNPL loans responsibly to avoid financial missteps.

In this conversation, Kevin Curry, founder of Fit Men Cook and a champion of healthy meal prep, shares his insights on simplifying dinner decisions. He discusses strategies to alleviate meal prep stress and save money. Kevin highlights the importance of planning to avoid food spoilage and emphasizes the joy of creating varied meals. He also suggests essential equipment for efficiency and practical tips for beginners to embrace versatile ingredients, making meal prep fun and sustainable.

TK Dutess, a former healthcare provider with 15 years of experience, and Jacqueline Revere, a TV writer turned full-time caregiver, share invaluable insights on preventing caregiver burnout. They discuss the emotional toll of unexpected caregiving, especially in cases like Alzheimer's. The duo emphasizes the importance of self-care and building a support network. Their conversation highlights overcoming feelings of isolation and guilt, and offers practical strategies for caregivers to prioritize their well-being while navigating their challenging roles.

Shay Harris-Pierre, a licensed professional counselor and certified financial therapist, helps couples navigate money conflicts. She highlights how early financial experiences shape spending habits and attitudes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of open communication about differing money scripts to foster compatibility. Shay shares strategies for aligning financial goals and reducing conflicts, providing valuable insights for couples looking to strengthen their relationship with money.