Episodes

  • Why you should kill your lawn

    Why you should kill your lawn
    May 21 2026
    Green, grassy lawns are bad for the environment. They need a ton of water, they’re inhospitable to wildlife and gas-powered mowers contribute to greenhouse gases. Celia Llopis-Jepsen, host of Harvest Public Media’s Up From Dust podcast, shares how to turn your lawn into a low-maintenance native plant garden, lessening your environmental impact while still keeping your yard pleasing to the eye.

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    21 mins
  • The dos and don'ts of baby talk

    The dos and don'ts of baby talk
    May 19 2026
    If you have a baby in your life, you may not find them the most intellectually stimulating conversation partner. But your baby is soaking up everything you say. On this episode, advice from early childhood experts on the importance of talking to babies from day 1 to 12 months old, and tips on what to say.

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    20 mins
  • The dos and don'ts of taking over-the-counter pain medications

    The dos and don'ts of taking over-the-counter pain medications
    May 18 2026
    Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin — there are many over-the-counter pain medications available, but are they all the same? And how much should you really take? In this episode, pharmacists and a doctor cover your drug options, including side effects, dosage and what to reach for the next time you have a headache or fever. This episode was originally published on March 31, 2025.

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    22 mins
  • Are there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water?

    Are there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water?
    May 14 2026
    According to the CDC, virtually all Americans have PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in our bodies. These manmade substances have been linked to cancer, high cholesterol, thyroid disease and more. This episode, take steps to reduce the buildup of these chemicals in your body with tips from reporter and host of the podcast Safe to Drink Mara Hoplamazian -- like getting special water filters and checking other items in your home that may contain PFAS, like nonstick pans.

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    A previous version of this episode description incorrectly said that virtually all drinking water contained PFAS. The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated that at least 45% of the nation's tap water contains one or more of 30-plus types of PFAS chemicals.

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    20 mins
  • Secrets to a successful couple's trip

    Secrets to a successful couple's trip
    May 12 2026
    Going on vacation this summer with your significant other? Listen to this episode beforehand so you understand each other's expectations, dreams and goals for your getaway. And find out why alone time is an important part of every romantic trip.

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    21 mins
  • 5 tips to help you poop better

    5 tips to help you poop better
    May 11 2026
    Think you know how to go No. 2? Think again. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, author of the new book You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy, shares common bathroom practices she wishes would go away — like holding your poop — and tips on how to reduce strain on the toilet.

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    23 mins
  • Unsure which retirement account to choose? We have some tips

    Unsure which retirement account to choose? We have some tips
    May 7 2026
    Retirement accounts are not just a vehicle to let your money grow over time for when you're ready to stop working. They're also a tax shelter. In this episode, we talk about how much you can expect to save in taxes, the difference between pre-tax and post-tax accounts, and how to decide which to prioritize. Spoiler: when in doubt, just pick one and get started.

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    11 mins
  • Going beyond 'sorry for your loss' when a friend is grieving

    Going beyond 'sorry for your loss' when a friend is grieving
    May 5 2026
    When a friend's loved one has died, what do you do? Send flowers? Condolences? Distract them? It can be hard to know how to support a grieving friend. You want to be there for them, but you also know there's not much you can do to heal their pain. This episode, reporter Julia Furlan talks to grief experts about the most effective ways to show up for someone. And she shares insights from the times she's supported her own friends through their loss. This episode was originally published on Dec. 5, 2024.

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    21 mins