Episodes

  • Feeling drained? Here's how to lighten your mental load

    Feeling drained? Here's how to lighten your mental load
    Apr 21 2026
    Did you remember to pick up milk? Or reschedule that dentist appointment? Oh, and pick up cupcakes for the meeting? The never-ending tending to the never-ending to-do list is known as the mental load. Sociologist Leah Ruppanner explains how to tame the mental load in her new book, Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More.


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    25 mins
  • Make the most of a high-deductible health plan

    Make the most of a high-deductible health plan
    Apr 20 2026
    Did you know that if you have a high-deductible health plan, some services like immunizations and screenings are free (even if you haven't met your deductible)? Or that you might be able to invest the money in your HSA? This episode, KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér shares tips on getting the most out of your HDHP.

    Have a question about navigating the health care system? Contact us here and you might be part of an upcoming episode of Health Care Helpline.

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    15 mins
  • Don't rely only on anti-histamines this allergy season

    Don't rely only on anti-histamines this allergy season
    Apr 16 2026
    Spring has sprung, and so too seasonal allergies. This episode, what you can do to stay more comfortable if you suffer from pollen allergies. Dr. Prathyusha Savjani shares strategies you can use, both outdoors and at home, to find relief.

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    20 mins
  • The power of an accountability buddy to help get things done

    The power of an accountability buddy to help get things done
    Apr 14 2026
    It’s easy to set big goals — but will you stick with them? The buddy system can help. In this episode, we talk about how to find an accountability partner and build a lasting, productive relationship. This episode was originally published on Jan. 15, 2025.

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    19 mins
  • How to be a working parent? Lower your standards

    How to be a working parent? Lower your standards
    Apr 13 2026
    From brain fog to identity crises to complicated feelings of guilt (or relief), returning to work as a new parent can be daunting. Luckily, you don't need to navigate this transition alone. Life Kit reporter Andee Tagle talks to working parents and experts about how to balance a job, parenting and being a person all at once.

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    26 mins
  • Give your to-do list a makeover

    Give your to-do list a makeover
    Apr 9 2026
    Is your to-do list helping you reach your goals? Or is it holding you back? Productivity experts explain how to level up your list so it prioritizes what matters. This episode was originally published on Jan. 5, 2023.

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    13 mins
  • What it takes to get a book published

    What it takes to get a book published
    Apr 7 2026
    Writing and publishing a book is just as much about money as it is about creativity. Planet Money co-host Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi walks us through how publishing works. He also explains the differences between publishing fiction and nonfiction, the chain of people that help get a book from rough draft to hard copy, and when self-publishing is a good option.

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    22 mins
  • Protein is personal. Here's how to calculate your optimal intake

    Protein is personal. Here's how to calculate your optimal intake
    Apr 6 2026
    Protein is having a moment. Coffee chains are adding it into lattes. Many snack companies are labeling their products as high-protein. But how much protein do you really need? Host Marielle Segarra talks with NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey about the different factors to consider when planning your protein intake.

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    12 mins