Life Kit

NPR

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. <br><br>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

  • 22 minutes 4 seconds
    Want to protect your money? Diversify your investments
    When it comes to investing money, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Spread out your investments among different types of assets and sectors, so you're not overexposed if one of them takes a hit. In this episode, we'll walk you through different types of assets, how your investment strategy should change depending on your age and needs, and a simple rule of thumb to calculate your stock versus bond allocation.

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    24 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 21 minutes 42 seconds
    How to plan your dream vacation
    Sometimes you crave a vacation — but actually taking one feels out of reach. Maybe you're struggling to find the time or save up the money. Or maybe you just can't seem to launch those plans out of the group chat. Overcome that planning inertia and take the big trip of your dreams. Here's where to start your search, organize your logistics and enjoy yourself. This episode originally ran in April of 2024.

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    23 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 25 minutes 4 seconds
    Tired of being tired? Natural ways to get the energy you crave
    Do you feel like you're sleepwalking through the week? Instead of reaching for your third coffee of the day, consider tweaking your lifestyle habits. Gut health expert Dr. Amy Shah explains how small changes in your diet and sleep can help you naturally recharge. And to get that spring in your step again, experts share how to find something that lights you up from within.

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    19 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 21 minutes 27 seconds
    How to 'shift' your emotions
    You have more power over your emotions than you think, says psychologist and neuroscientist Ethan Kross. In his book, Shift: Managing Your Emotions — So They Don't Manage You, he says there are specific tools you can use to "skillfully push" your feelings around in a way that's useful, whether that's confronting them in the moment or avoiding them until you're ready to process them. This episode originally published on Feb. 6, 2025.

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    17 February 2026, 12:13 pm
  • 20 minutes 10 seconds
    4 negotiation tactics to try in everyday life
    Negotiating is for more than just salary discussions. This episode, negotiation expert Joan Moon shares techniques to help you make decisions with more confidence and get the outcome you want in your everyday life. This episode originally published April 11, 2024

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    16 February 2026, 8:05 am
  • 24 minutes 27 seconds
    Don't mess with your cuticles (and other nail advice)
    Is there a right way to trim your nails? Are manicures bad for your hands? Can a supplement help with nail growth and health? We'll answer all these questions (and more) in this episode of Life Kit.

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    12 February 2026, 10:55 am
  • 12 minutes 52 seconds
    Health insurance hell: Why do I need a prior authorization?
    Some medical procedures and treatments require prior authorization from your health insurance company, meaning you'll need pre-approval before you can receive care. This episode, health care reporter Sarah Boden shares tips on making the prior authorization process as smooth as possible — so you can save yourself frustration and get medical support sooner.

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    10 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 20 minutes 53 seconds
    Why "we should hang out" won't make you real friends
    Ready to turn that work bestie into a real friend? Or maybe you want to hang outside run club with your fun jogging buddy? In this episode, Kat Vellos, author of We Should Get Together, explains how to turn acquaintances into real friends — and how to foster the connection you’re seeking.

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    9 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 24 minutes 18 seconds
    Dear Life Kit: My boyfriend’s female friendships stress me out
    Relationship expert Amy Chan and sex educator and researcher Emily Nagoski dig into listener questions about jealousy, desire, and modern relationships ahead of Valentine's Day. 

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    5 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 21 minutes 43 seconds
    Money tips no one taught you
    You have a budget and an emergency fund (or at least know you need both) - but you want to go deeper. What else do you need to know about managing your money? Ever heard of capturing the carry on your debt, for example? Finance experts share their top tips on handling debt, investing, taxes and more.

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    3 February 2026, 8:00 am
  • 20 minutes 48 seconds
    7 kinds of rest (other than sleep)
    In Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's book, Sacred Rest, she outlines different kinds of rest you may be craving. From the mental to the physical, Dalton-Smith shares how to identify what kind of respite you need and how to embrace rest.

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    2 February 2026, 8:00 am
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