Episodes

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

    Don't get taken for a ride by your car insurer
    Mar 19 2026
    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.

    Find comparisons in your ZIP code: https://www.npr.org/2025/11/05/nx-s1-5397184/auto-insurance-credit-history-cost

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show more Show less
    18 mins
  • Good vibes only? The science behind optimism and manifestation

    Good vibes only? The science behind optimism and manifestation
    Mar 17 2026
    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.
    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • How to recover after a workout

    How to recover after a workout
    Mar 16 2026
    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

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • How to avoid this year's common tax scams

    How to avoid this year's common tax scams
    Mar 12 2026
    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.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show more Show less
    19 mins
  • How to get better at staying off your phone

    How to get better at staying off your phone
    Mar 10 2026
    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.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show more Show less
    16 mins
  • DIY home hacks that your landlord probably won't hate

    DIY home hacks that your landlord probably won't hate
    Mar 9 2026
    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.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show more Show less
    21 mins
  • The key to keeping old friends? Stop keeping score

    The key to keeping old friends? Stop keeping score
    Mar 5 2026
    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.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • Dr. Sanjay Gupta wants you to reframe your understanding of pain

    Dr. Sanjay Gupta wants you to reframe your understanding of pain
    Mar 3 2026
    Why do we have pain in the absence of injury, or long after our tissue has healed? How can the same pain stimulus feel so different, depending on who you are, or even what day it is? Neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, author of It Doesn't Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life, talks about some of the surprising developments in pain science, including non-opioid treatments you may not know about.

    Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
    Sign up for our newsletter here.
    Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
    Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

    To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

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

    NPR Privacy Policy
    Show more Show less
    21 mins