Life Kit

Parents aren't the only people who help raise kids or invest in their wellbeing. Uncles, aunties and family friends make great role models too.

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Buying a car can be intimidating. This episode will help you strategize to avoid all the potential pitfalls, so you can drive away with a good deal. This episode originally published February 18, 2020.

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Everyone has a story to tell. Writing a memoir is more than just documenting your life — it can help you process what you've gone through, capture a moment in history for descendants and help others make sense of their own lives. Here's how to get started.

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It's easy to feel stuck with a bank account you've had forever, even if it's inconvenient or racking up fees. But there are lots of other options out there.

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We've got a step-by-step guide for that SOS moment when you haven't pooped in days and days.

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In college, I became close with a diverse friend group. Years later, we still stay in touch via text. Some people rely on our group to manage their anxiety. The norm in the group is to reassure whoever is most upset, even when that person is wrong.

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Whether you're a nervous flyer, you'll do almost anything to avoid flying or you have an actual flying phobia, these tips from psychotherapist Luana Marques can help you overcome a fear of flying.

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The Supreme Court has decided to strike down the Biden administration's plan to discharge some or all federal student loan debt. The decision impacts tens of millions of Americans – so what can student loan borrowers do to prepare now that the plan is over? NPR's education correspondent Cory Turner gives context and advice for borrowers.

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Knowing how to swim can help you have fun at the pool or beach this summer. But it could also save your life. Here are some tips to start swimming at any age.

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Romance makes us feel vulnerable, and dating can feel high stakes. We talk about how to keep things in perspective and take care of your mental health in relationships.

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Intimidated by grilling? Cooking over an open flame can do that! In this episode, learn which type of grill to choose, how to maintain a fire, how to create different temperature zones, and other basics and safety tips. This episode originally published May 24, 2022.

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Ready to kickstart a new running habit? Coach Martinus Evans breaks down a common misconception to get you into the mindset — and offers quick tips on pace, form and more.

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Ultra-processed foods are tasty, cheap and everywhere. But they come with health risks. NPR health correspondent Maria Godoy lays out ways to spot and avoid ultra-processed foods during your next grocery run.

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It's time to make room for more naps. Tricia Hersey, also known as the 'nap bishop' and author of the book "Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto," explains why relaxation and leisure are human rights — especially for communities of color. This episode originally published October 13, 2022.

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It's wedding season. If you've been invited as a plus-one, here's the etiquette you need to be the best guest.

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It's easy to be fooled by AI-generated images and other content. We talk about how to identify them, how media literacy can help, plus how to use these tools responsibly.

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Does your landlord have to fix that leak? Should you be worried about that clause in your lease? If you live in one of the nearly 44.1 million renter households in the U.S., here's how to spot rental red flags, learn how to speak the language of landlords and how to decode a lease.

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The health effects of wildfire smoke are dangerous. Here's how to stay safe when the air quality is unhealthy.

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Dreams have inspired works of art, led to breakthroughs in organic chemistry and helped people process their deepest fears and emotions. They're not just weird little movies our brains put on while we sleep. In this episode, we explain why we dream — and how to get more out of them.

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Video games get a bad reputation that's often unwarranted. But kids do need guidance in using them wisely. Here's how to help them, starting with spending some time with the games your kids can't put down.

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I've been in a loving relationship with my husband for years. We're incredibly compatible except for our sex life. The sex started off great, became less interesting over the years, and now it's non-existent. I'm considering divorce even though the rest of our relationship is fine. Initiating a divorce feels cruel, but I also feel like I'm settling and watching time slip away.

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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.

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No matter your skin tone, sunscreen keeps your skin safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But to use it right, you need to know a few things: What SPF to use, how often to reapply and the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen. We explain what to look for on the back of a sunscreen bottle and how to use it effectively.

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Extend the life of your clothing with this creative sewing technique. All you need are a few basic sewing skills, thread and scrap material to get started — oh, and maybe a pair of ripped jeans.

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Dating in search of "the one"? Relationship therapist Jeff Guenther, known as Therapy Jeff on TikTok, says that might not be practical. If your goal is a successful, long-term partnership, having realistic expectations and a clear understanding of your values is vital. We'll help you break up with your fantasy partner, do some relationship math and learn what it takes to build a successful partnership based in reality.

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Whether you're moving into a summer sublet or your forever home, friendships are important to feeling settled in a new place. So how do we do that? A friendship coach walks us through how we can be more vulnerable and resourceful in adult friendships.

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Is your to-do list helping you reach your goals? Or is it holding you back? Productivity experts explain how to level up your list so it prioritizes what matters to you. This episode originally published Jan. 5, 2023.

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Shopping secondhand is a good way to be more sustainable, explore your personal style or score a deal. We have tips from some diehard thrifters so you can find those hidden gems.

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Pregnancy is hard work – for the body, mind and soul. There are seemingly endless resources for all the physical and logistical aspects of pregnancy but far fewer for renegotiating your sense of self. Life Kit spoke with author and journalist Chelsea Conaboy about how pregnancy impacts the brain and how to embrace the changes that parenthood brings.

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Want fresher, cleaner air at home? Researchers share practical tips on how to limit indoor air pollution.

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If you're an adult starting to explore your gender identity, it can be tough knowing where to begin. Here's some advice from trans people to help you on this intimate and powerful journey.

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If your parents pay for your college, do they have a right to demand to see your grades? Berna Anat, the author of Money Out Loud, shares advice on defining financial expectations and boundaries.

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Ever leave the doctor's office confused or with unanswered questions? Talking to doctors and other medical professionals can be hard — whether they're good at their jobs or not. We'll give you the tools to get more out of your appointments. We'll talk about how to choose a provider, prepare for your visit, ask the right questions, and get your provider's attention if they're not hearing you.

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It may sound counterintuitive, but if you want to take charge as a parent, stop trying to control your child, says psychologist and author Shefali Tsabary. Her new book, The Parenting Map, lays out a step-by-step guide for creating conscious parent-child relationships.

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How do you cope when your partner keeps a secret that impacts your personal finances? Meredith Goldstein of the Love Letters podcast from The Boston Globe talks with a couple who worked through financial troubles in their marriage that threatened their hard-earned sense of security.

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Getting into therapy comes with its own hurdles, but what about knowing when to stop it? Moraya Seeger DeGeare, a licensed marriage and family therapist, has advice on how to figure out when it's time to end therapy and what actually to say when you do. Depending on the situation, ending with your therapist could involve anything from ghosting to a sit-down conversation.

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You don't need binoculars and a trip to a nature preserve to go birding. If you've ever paused to appreciate a bird, you're already well on your way. Here are some tips to up your game.

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The current inflation rate in the US is 5 percent. And most big bank savings accounts offer interest rates much lower than that. In this episode, you'll learn how to protect your savings against inflation.

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Too overwhelmed to tidy up? KC Davis, author of the book "How to Keep House While Drowning," suggests a clean-up strategy that homes in on trash and clutter.

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If you've ever thought about running for office — your town council or school board, the state legislature, or even Congress, this episode is for you. We'll tell you where to start and how to navigate everything from campaign fundraising to building a "kitchen cabinet." This episode was originally published on October 17, 2019.

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If you've decided not to have kids, your life will look different from what you might have seen growing up. Here's how to build your child-free life, with or without a long-term partner. We talk about finding community, planning for the future, making a financial plan and responding to some of the comments and judgments of other people.

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There are lots of jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree and pay well. Here's what to consider if you're thinking about a job in the trades — from assessing your options to choosing a training program. This episode originally published April 26, 2021.

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Life happens, and so does debt. Unexpected car trouble, the high price of food, a family emergency — there is no shortage of reasons why debt can pile up. In this episode, we offer shame-free solutions for digging out of debt.

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Saying goodbye can be tough, especially if you're parting ways for good. But grief counselor and patient advocate Isabel Stenzel Byrnes says the art of saying goodbye to loved ones can be learned and practiced.

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She loves her boyfriend's parents, but their generosity feels inappropriate. Maya Lau, host of the podcast Other People's Pockets, weighs in on how to move forward.

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How should you prepare in advance for a job interview? We discuss what questions to prep for, how to choose an outfit you feel your best in, and what to do if you get nervous. Plus, we walk through a mock interview to model how to answer common questions.

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Getting ready for a trip is fun until you have to start packing. These tips for packing a carry-on will help you figure out what you need in your bag (and what you don't!) so you can have peace of mind while traveling.

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Being a teenager is hard. There are emotional highs and lows every day. Clinical psychologist Lisa Damour says instead of jumping into problem-solving mode, parents can learn to ride the wave of emotional management with their teens. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Damour about her book "The Emotional Lives of Teenagers."

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There's an estimated $195 billion of medical debt in America. But just because a medical bill comes in the mail doesn't mean you have to pay that exact price. Here's how to eliminate, reduce or negotiate a medical bill.

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From monstera to snake plants, we'll walk you through how to care for your houseplants properly. Plus, troubleshooting tips for knowing when your plant needs water and how to get rid of pests.

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