Life Kit

Rhitu Chatterjee, an NPR science and health reporter, digs into how teens turn to AI chatbots for companionship and emotional support. She explores why these tools can become risky, what warning signs parents should watch for, how to talk about suicide calmly, and how simple family boundaries can make AI use safer.

Vivian Tu, financial educator and founder of Your Rich BFF, gets real about money and relationships. She talks about when to start the conversation, playful ways to uncover values, and the big four to share before moving in. It also covers financial red flags, separate spending freedom, prenups, and why money talks should keep evolving as life changes.

Rachel Syme, a New Yorker writer and letter writing champion, makes the case for snail mail as a more intentional way to connect. She gets into finding pen pals, inviting people into correspondence, choosing stationery, and what to write about. There’s also fun around love letters, recipes, keepsakes, mail art, and memorable sign offs.

Denaye Barahona, a New York City psychotherapist for children and families, talks about taming kid clutter without the guilt. She gets into why decluttering fails when new stuff keeps coming in, how to handle hand-me-downs honestly, why kids often need fewer toys, and what to do with the endless pile of artwork.

Mariel Segarra, journalist and voice behind practical NPR advice, talks about the art of giving advice and how useful topics get chosen. She swaps memorable lines that helped in hard moments, reflects on how cancer sharpened what matters, shares tiny habits that reduce daily chaos, and gets candid about privacy, uncertainty, and what belongs on mic.

Gretchen Rubin, happiness writer and creator of The Happiness Project, explores why knowing yourself matters more than one-size-fits-all advice. She talks about personality patterns, habit styles, and the Four Tendencies. Plus, she digs into why small daily actions can help you move in the right direction.

Camila Domonoske, an NPR correspondent covering cars and energy, digs into the wild rise in car insurance costs. She gets into why ZIP codes, credit scores, jobs, and teen drivers can send bills soaring. She also explores shopping around, claim choices, checking rates before buying a car, and when higher coverage limits may be worth it.

Deepika Chopra, a behavioral scientist and clinical health psychologist, unpacks real optimism beyond toxic positivity. She explores why optimism can be trained, how it helps in hard times, and why visualization can widen what feels possible. She also gets into believable affirmations, manifestation with action, and daily rituals that build momentum.

Anna Cockrell, Olympic medalist and pro track athlete who shares her training and practical recovery habits. Margaret Serino, producer who recounts a personal injury and led interviews exploring recovery. They talk about cooldowns and stretching, nutrition and protein timing, foam rolling and baths, sleep and rest days, and smart warmups to prevent overuse and return-to-exercise injuries.

Mark Gallegos, CPA and partner at Portie Brown in Chicago, gives clear tax guidance. He points out common bad advice like fake income claims and inflated deductions. He warns about IRS scams, social media misinformation, and how to vet preparers and online tips. Practical steps for verifying IRS contacts and using official sources are highlighted.