Life Kit

Want to cut through small talk at your next mixer? Try asking a "magical question," says Priya Parker, a conflict resolution facilitator and author of the book The Art of Gathering . These questions, like "What is a path you almost took but didn't?" and "What topic could you give a 20 minute talk with zero preparation?" can spark deep and meaningful conversations and foster connection. In this epi...

Groceries aren't cheap, but there are ways beyond just looking for sales to make budget meals. To help cut down your grocery bill, we have practical tips for saving money on the food you cook at home. This episode original published May 30, 2023. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR...

Karaoke isn't just a crowd-pleasing pastime. When well-executed, it can unite a room of strangers and help you build your internal power. Zak Rosen, reporter and host of The Best Advice Show, offers tips on mastering the art of karaoke. And no, you don't need to be a good (or even average) singer. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and...

It can be tough to navigate adult friendships when kids come into the picture. Parents assume their child-free buds don't want to hang out with them, and vice versa. To overcome this divide, reporter Emily Siner speaks with three experts about what makes friendships work across parenting stages. So whether you have kids, want kids, have friends with kids, or know anyone who could have kids someday...

Spring is a great excuse to tackle those hard-to-clean appliances and furniture. In this episode, Kyshawn Lane of the Weekly Home Check walks through a surprising mix of deep cleaning tasks, from cleaning your oven to washing your walls. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy...

If you're struggling with foot pain from bunions, Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, it might be time to reevaluate your foot care routine. In this episode, foot experts share advice on picking the right running shoes, strengthening your feet muscles and more. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsor...

Your diet affects your sleep. What foods can help you be your most rested self? Nutrition scientist and researcher Marie-Pierre St-Onge has research-backed tips on which foods to eat — and, spoilers, a lot of them are foods you either have in your fridge already or can work into nearly any recipe. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and...

With stock market volatility and fears of price increases driven by the new tariffs, you may be worried about your finances. In this episode, certified financial planner Lauryn Williams explains how to handle your spending, savings and retirement accounts in times of economic instability. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manag...

Do you feel like you always need to use GPS to get around? Never quite sure if it's a left or a right turn — even though you just looked at a map? It can be anxiety-inducing to get around when you don't have a great sense of direction. This episode, experts explain how to gain more confidence while navigating. This episode originally aired May 6, 2024. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our...

Decades of research have shown that "forest bathing" is good for your health. It can boost your immune system, lower blood pressure and help with depression. Here's how to reap these benefits on your next walk in the woods. This episode originally published August 24, 2023. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast...

In this episode, tips on how to manage your text messages, from dealing with chaotic group chats to getting an unresponsive friend to message you back. Erica Dhawan, author of Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection No Matter the Distance , explains how to apply the basic rules of etiquette to everyday texting conundrums. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection an...

Buying a home can feel out of reach for many. But if you're an aspiring homeowner, there are ways to make it a reality. In this episode, mortgage reporter Molly Grace explains how to know if you're financially ready, what costs to budget for and how to find a home that works for you. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage you...

In her new book, Syme's Letter Writer , Rachel Syme of The New Yorker explains how to write a delightful letter to a loved one. Unlike texting and email, old-fashioned letters, hand-addressed and sent in the mail, are "read intentionally," she says. Syme offers advice on what to write about, how to find the perfect stationery, and how to find a pen pal. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about ou...

Need a break? Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, author of The 5 Resets , offers quick, easy ways to minimize stress in your daily life — no lavish vacations or big life changes necessary. This episode originally aired Feb. 6, 2024. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

That uncertainty you might feel in romantic relationships is common — and not always a bad thing, say Haley Nahman, writer of the Maybe Baby newsletter and Danny Nelson, co-host of the Dear Danny podcast series . In this episode of Life Kit, they weigh in on pet jealousy, whether it's OK to make a move on a friend, and questionable future in-laws. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our coll...

Haven't pooped in days? Gastroenterologists explain what to do in this SOS moment — and share tips on how to avoid chronic constipation. This episode was originally published July 10, 2023. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

As climate emergencies like wildfires and hurricanes become more prevalent, it's important to have essentials like food and medicine on hand and ready to go in case you need to evacuate. On today's episode, emergency preparedness expert Alyssa Provencio explains what you do and don't need in your go bag, how to create a household emergency plan and why now is a good time to prepare for disasters....

If you're exploring your sexuality or gender identity for the first time, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. You might be processing mixed emotions, grieving the loss of people in your life or struggling with imposter syndrome. But on the other side is a supportive community that will celebrate you, not just tolerate you. In this episode, Life Kit producer Margaret Cirino talks with queer community...

Bartering can help you mind your budget and build relationships with your community. In this episode, we cover how to suggest bartering as an option and make the exchange feel fair. We'll also share stories of successful trades. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin — there are many over-the-counter pain medications available, but are they all the same? And how much should you really take? In this episode, a doctor and pharmacists cover your drug options, including side effects, dosage and what to reach for the next time you have a headache or fever. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pers...

There are a lot of benefits to raising a child speaking two or more languages: a better understanding of their culture and their relatives, cognitive benefits and expanded job opportunities. But raising a kid is hard enough in one language. How can a parent be expected to do it in two or more? Reporter Julia Furlan explains that raising a kid in a multilingual household isn't a burden — it's a gif...

There are things we're supposed to do routinely for our health: brush our teeth, shower and exercise. There's a version of that for financial health too. We'll talk about those tasks — and go beyond the number-crunching to explore how our mental health affects our finances. This episode originally published August 15, 2023. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of person...

You might know the basics of car safety, like buckling your seatbelt or using your turn signal. But what do you do in car emergencies? This episode, Hector Carias, an officer with the California Highway Patrol, breaks down how to handle emergency situations. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship pref...

It's important to exercise as we age. Regular movement can help not just with cardiovascular health and maintaining muscle mass — it can also foster community. Juana Summers, co-host of NPR's All Things Considered, speaks with older exercisers about what motivates them to stay active. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage yo...

About 60% of Americans have some money in the stock market — and the markets are not doing great. Your knee-jerk reaction might be to sell. But experts explain why that's not a good idea. This episode originally published October 3, 2022. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy...