Life Kit

Whether you saw it coming or were completely blindsided, getting laid off is one of the most stressful experiences in life. It can also be a huge hit to your mental health, making it even harder to focus on logistics. This episode, we lay out concrete next steps for the first day, week, month and onward after a layoff. That includes how to find health insurance, apply for unemployment and create a job search plan. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Should you move across the country? Take that job? Have a baby? Life is full of big decisions and it can be easy to get stuck in the "what-ifs" of them. As a decision coach, Nell Wulfhart helps people address indecision head-on. In this episode, Wulfhart shares exercises to make speedier decisions, when to bring others in to your decision-making process for guidance and how to deal with post-decision regret. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Even if you use a credit card all the time, it can be difficult to understand the ins and outs of how they work. Whether you're a new credit card owner or just want to make sure you're getting the most out of your card, this episode will walk through the fundamentals of the credit card game. This episode originally published August 29, 2024. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nailing the vacation packing list is a difficult art. Overpacking or underpacking can make an already unpleasant travel day go off the rails. But when you bring exactly what you need and nothing more, the whole trip runs more smoothly. This episode, Life Kit experts outline the ideal packing list and how to customize it based on your destination, the weather, how you're getting there and more. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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 if you never learned as a kid. This episode originally published June 29, 2023. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

What should you do if your next-door neighbor plays the drums all the time? Or shows up uninvited? Or leaves trash in their front yard? In this episode of Dear Life Kit, professional mediator Sasha Philip and writer Celeste Headlee share advice on these thorny neighbor dilemmas. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Psychologist Zorana Ivcevic Pringle says creativity isn't a trait. It's a choice, something you can foster and prioritize. In this episode of Life Kit, in collaboration with NPR's science podcast, Short Wave, Ivcevic Pringle explains how to bring creativity into your everyday life, overcome creative blocks and stick with creative ideas and projects. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Nina Badzin, host of the podcast Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, has spent a lot of time thinking about the richness that old friends add to our lives. In our lows and in our highs, our old friends can remind us of who we are. But time can also do a number on those relationships. So on this episode of Life Kit: how to maintain your longstanding friendships. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

There are some emergency scenarios we don't want to think about: medical accidents, mass shootings or suicidal crises. But when these situations happen, staying calm and having a response plan could be the difference between life and death. In this episode, a fire captain, emergency room doctor and mental health advocate share how they keep their cool in the most high-stakes emergencies. There are skills that everyone can learn. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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 episode, Parker explains how to come up with your own magical questions. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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, we've got you covered. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy