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Life Kit Everyone needs a little help being a human. From sleep to saving money to parenting and more, host Marielle Segarra talks to experts to get the best advice out there. Life Kit is here to help you get it together.

Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. You'll support the show and unlock exclusive curated playlists and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit
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Everyone needs a little help being a human. From sleep to saving money to parenting and more, host Marielle Segarra talks to experts to get the best advice out there. Life Kit is here to help you get it together.

Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. You'll support the show and unlock exclusive curated playlists and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit

Most Recent Episodes

Toys in a pink dresser.
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Drowning in toys? Here’s how to handle kid clutter

Having kids comes with a lot of clutter - some of it even shows up before your baby does. From toys that overflow from the toy chest, to unwanted hand-me-downs, and piles of art your kids make, you can't keep it all.   Psychotherapist Denaye Barahona offers advice for parents on the whys and hows of decluttering.  

Drowning in toys? Here’s how to handle kid clutter

Listen · 23:09
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Many open mouths with speech triangles.
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"Just A guy, not THE guy," and other advice Marielle loves

Marielle joins Raj Punjabi-Johnson and Noah Michelson, hosts of the podcast Am I Doing It Wrong? about the art of giving advice. The three talk about the best advice they've been given, what they're good at giving advice about, and how they select topics for their respective shows.

"Just A guy, not THE guy," and other advice Marielle loves

Listen · 49:40
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A person holds up a map of winding roads leading to happiness.
Kaitlin Brito for NPR

The key to happiness? Know thyself, says Gretchen Rubin

What is happiness? How do you define it? Maybe it's feeling good, having a sunny disposition or being fulfilled, even if you don't feel pleasant all the time. Gretchen Rubin, host of the Happier podcast and author of The Happiness Project, says happiness is less about attaining joy than it is about growing in the right direction. In this episode, she explains how to make small changes that can move you toward happiness, and why knowing yourself helps contribute to this emotion. This episode was originally published on March 6, 2025.

The key to happiness? Know thyself, says Gretchen Rubin

Listen · 20:43
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Image of a toy umbrella over a toy car, with a gray background.
mohd izzuan/Getty Images

Don't get taken for a ride by your car insurer

Between the start of 2022 and the start of 2025, car insurance rates jumped by more than 50%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Luckily, there are tried-and-true tactics for finding the cheapest deal you can -- from comparing rates from multiple insurance companies to not letting your teen get their license just yet. NPR's cars and energy correspondent, Camila Domonoske, breaks down the surprising factors that contribute to high rates and how to make sure you don't get taken for a ride by your car insurer.

Don't get taken for a ride by your car insurer

Listen · 18:07
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Man with open head and happy rainbow wave emerging from inside his brain surrounded by clouds.
Nuthawut Somsuk/ Getty

Good vibes only? The science behind optimism and manifestation

Psychologist Deepika Chopra says that optimism isn’t about being positive all the time. It’s about staying open, curious and resilient. In her new book, The Power of Real Optimism, she explains the science behind optimism and evidence-based manifestation, and how affirmations done the right way can lead to success.

Good vibes only? The science behind optimism and manifestation

Listen · 22:26
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A still life of items to help recover from a workout: A foam roller, a mat for stretching, and protein sources like milk and nuts.
Beck Harlan/NPR

How to recover after a workout

It's normal to feel some pain or soreness after a workout. But how much is too much, and more importantly, how do you get relief? This episode, build out your post-workout recovery routine. A sports medicine doctor, nutritionist and professional athlete break down everything you can do from the moment your last workout finishes to right before your next one begins – to feel better in your body, minimize your injury risk and get the most out of that gym session. This episode was originally published on Jan. 30, 2025

How to recover after a workout

Listen · 21:46
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A man types into his laptop doing his taxes while shadowy figures of scammers whisper behind him.
Chloe Sun/NPR

How to avoid this year's common tax scams

There's a lot of tax advice on social media, but not all of it is sound. This episode, certified public accountant Mark Gallegos breaks down how to identify bad tax advice and avoid this year's most common tax scams.

How to avoid this year's common tax scams

Listen · 19:15
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Colorful still life of a banned smartphone with cross-hatched adhesive tape
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How to get better at staying off your phone

So you want to be on your phone less? But what actually works when it's easier than ever to just keep scrolling. This episode, 5 expert-backed tips that will help you unplug and stay focused on what matters IRL.

How to get better at staying off your phone

Listen · 15:54
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A white brick hearth is surrounded by a hand-painted squiggle design on the wall in a light coral color, a DIY home project that is accessible for renters.
Amanda Bohofrisco

DIY home hacks that your landlord probably won't hate

Just because you're not a homeowner doesn't mean you can't put your stamp on the place. Three home décor experts share their tips to make your rental homey for the long term. This episode was originally published on July 16, 2024.

DIY home hacks that your landlord probably won't hate

Listen · 20:39
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A pink locker adorned with stickers that says "BFFs 4evr?" against a lavender background.
Photo illustration by Tsering Bista/NPR

The key to keeping old friends? Stop keeping score

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. This episode was originally published on May 19, 2025.

The key to keeping old friends? Stop keeping score

Listen · 21:44
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