Life Kit

Shame and stigma play a huge role in discouraging folks in the Latinx community from seeking mental health care — and talking about it with their families. These steps can help you prepare for the conversation with your loved ones. 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

Even if you've gotten a tarot reading before, you may be intimidated by the cards or wondering whether you're cool enough to learn. Tarot reader and writer Michelle Tea walks budding readers through each card in a tarot deck, shares reading tips and ways you can incorporate tarot into your self-care practice. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for spo...

Passion and work often feel inextricably linked, but that's a fairly new phenomenon — and maybe it shouldn't be the expectation. Sociologist Erin A. Cech talks about why the career-passion combo favors privilege and can lead to burnout. 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 P...

"Likeability" is a loaded word. And try as we might, none of us has full control over who likes us. Journalist and podcaster Alicia Menendez, author of The Likeability Trap , says who we like is shaped by who we are — and often, likeability is a way of shielding biases in the workplace. (This episode originally aired in June 2021.) See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use o...

It's getting darker and colder, and there's still a pandemic. Oh, and then there's seasonal affective disorder. Here's how to spot it and what you can do. (This episode originally aired in October 2020.) 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

If you recently searched the internet for "dog trainers near me," there's a good chance you became immediately overwhelmed by the options, certifications and vocabulary. There is a lot of information out there! So we consulted some experts on where to start. Here's what they say. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your po...

Time is money. But often, especially in the creative industries, trying to advance your career can mean literally selling yourself short. It's commonplace and borderline expected, depending on where you are in your career, to have to offer time and labor for free or for deeply discounted rates to get work. In this episode of Life Kit, journalist Juleyka Lantigua-Williams shares tools for advocatin...

For those in emerging adulthood, there's endless pressure from all sides to chase an extraordinary standard in every aspect of life. But writer Rainesford Stauffer says the so-called milestones are more unrealistic than ever. Now's the time for creativity and carving your own path — and she's got some tips from her book, An Ordinary Age , to get you started. See pcm.adswizz.com for information abo...

When's the best time to start a new habit? And what makes some stick while others fall by the wayside? Behavioral scientist Katy Milkman's new book, How to Change , breaks down the research about how to leverage human nature instead of working against it to achieve your goals. (This episode originally aired in May 2021.) See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Jasmine Marcelin shares how she has conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine with people who have doubts about getting vaccinated. (A version of this episode originally aired on NPR's Short Wave.) 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

Money talks, but how do you make sure your money is sending the right message? Ethical investing isn't magic, but it's one way to try and put your money where your morals are. Here's what you need to know before you get started. 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

Do you ever try to be creative, but no matter how hard you try, struggle to access that spark in your head? This episode explains how to escape that creative rut — and it all starts with taking intentional breaks. 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

Singlehood is not the waiting room of life. It's unfair to think single people can't create meaningful lives that are filled with purpose and love. We promise no cheesy advice, but rather tips for how to find peace with singleness and live a full life on your own terms. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast spon...

Amid the omicron surge, there is understandable anxiety among parents, particularly those with kids under 5. In this episode, infectious disease doctor Ibukun Kalu answers listeners' questions on the latest COVID variant, daycare and travel for unvaccinated children. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsor...

If you wince every time you open up your credit card app or feel stressed just thinking about personal finances, here's how to curb money avoidance and train your brain to face your money woes head-on. 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

In 2022, 40% of New Year's resolutions in the U.S. were based on weight loss. Why do we set these goals for ourselves? Diet culture, the social expectations that value thinness and appearance above all else can impact how we view our bodies and treat others. The good news is, we can free ourselves from this mindset. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data...

It's counterintuitive, but an effective way to manage our negative reactions to life's stressors actually involves slowing down and paying very close attention. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of mindfulness-based stress reduction, explains how to begin a meditation practice — and how doing so can help you seize the present moment. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pe...

Feeling blocked with it comes to starting an exercise habit? You can actually get the health benefits of exercise with just 22 minutes of exercise a day — and you might be surprised what "counts" as exercise. Kiss your excuses goodbye! (This episode originally aired in December 2018.) See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage yo...

It's the wild card of every big event — the toast. If you're giving a new year's toast, a best man or maid of honor speech, or any other toasts this coming year, we've got some tips to make sure people remember your toast with fondness and not horror. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences...

Thinking about taking a break from drinking? Here are ways to help you make a plan, navigate tricky social situations and reassess your relationship with alcohol so you can experience the benefits of dry January. (This episode originally aired in January 2020.) See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship p...

Everyone needs a little alone time, but during this pandemic, you may have felt like you had too much "me" time or not enough. Let's get that balance back! This episode breaks down research behind what makes even small bouts of solitude restorative and what to do when you're alone too much. (This episode originally aired in July 2020.) See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and u...

Holiday gift exchanges can feel like a burden, especially if you're shopping on a budget. Here are tips from a shopping expert on how to give more thoughtful presents — without breaking the bank. (This episode originally aired in December 2020.) See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR...

We asked for your questions on navigating the holiday blues. Clinical psychologist Andrea Bonior guides us through some rough patches involving family, money, loneliness and safety. 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

When we lose a loved one, it can feel like we've lost a part of ourselves. And for good reason, our brains are learning how to live in this world without someone we care about in it. In this episode, psychologist Mary-Frances O'Connor explains what happens in our brain when we experience grief. (A version of this episode originally aired on NPR's Short Wave.) See pcm.adswizz.com for information ab...

Shopping secondhand can ease the environmental burden of holiday consumption — and save you money, too. Here are three tips to help you start cutting down this season. 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