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Want To Listen Better? Turn Down Your Thoughts And Tune In To Others
Andrea D'Aquino for NPR

Life Kit

Want To Listen Better? Turn Down Your Thoughts And Tune In To Others

Actively listening is tough, but it can transform your conversations and improve your relationships. Here's some advice.

Want To Listen Better? Turn Down Your Thoughts And Tune In To Others

Listen · 21:48
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This Year, Spend Less On Gifts — But Make Them More Thoughtful
Francesco Carta /Getty Images

Life Kit

This Year, Spend Less On Gifts — But Make Them More Thoughtful

Human connection can seem out of reach this year, but there are still ways to show your loved ones that you care. SELF magazine editor Tiffany Dodson joins Julia Furlan to talk about how to give better, more thoughtful gifts — while spending less.

This Year, Spend Less On Gifts — But Make Them More Thoughtful

Listen · 19:19
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The Lessons Of Pets.com
Bob Riha Jr./Getty Images

The Indicator from Planet Money

The Lessons Of Pets.com

The tech bubble of the 90s was a time when companies with weak business models and flashy advertising secured massive investments. This is the story of perhaps the most infamous case study: Pets.com.

The Lessons Of Pets.com

Listen · 9:59
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Make All Your Arguments Win-Win: Stop Fighting And Start Brainstorming
Robin Lewallen for NPR

Life Kit

Make All Your Arguments Win-Win: Stop Fighting And Start Brainstorming

It's normal to avoid conflict. This episode gives you tools for turning what could be a heated argument into a constructive brainstorming session — so both parties feel like they are working together instead of against each other.

Make All Your Arguments Win-Win: Stop Fighting And Start Brainstorming

Listen · 19:57
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Friendships Change. Here's How To Deal
Donna Grethen/Getty Images/Ikon Images

Life Kit

Friendships Change. Here's How To Deal

Friendships inevitably shift over time — and during COVID-19, you might be facing more changes than usual. But those shifts in relationships aren't necessarily a bad thing. Life Kit consulted the experts about how to take a hard look at friendships — and how to break up with a pal, if that's the best route to take. This episode originally ran on August 21, 2019.

Friendships Change. Here's How To Deal

Listen · 22:03
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New To Camping? Here's How To Get Started
Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR

Life Kit

New To Camping? Here's How To Get Started

Attention new campers! This episode will get you ready for your first car camping trip so you'll feel comfortable and confident in being a responsible member of the outdoor community. We'll discuss what to bring camping, how to make meals, how to stay safe and how to honor the land.

New To Camping? Here's How To Get Started

Listen · 22:15
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How To Start A Book Club That Actually Meets
Clare Schneider/NPR

Life Kit

How To Start A Book Club That Actually Meets

Here's how to start a book club that actually meets, has a focus, fosters good discussion and steers clear of logistical nightmares.

How To Start A Book Club That Actually Meets

Listen · 10:18
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How To Focus While Reading
Becky Harlan/NPR

Life Kit

How To Focus While Reading

If you'd like to read more, but you're finding it difficult — maybe you can't focus, you feel slow or like you're not enjoying the books you tried — don't give up! These four reading strategies will help make reading a little easier and more fun.

How To Focus While Reading

Listen · 11:54
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Dealing With Holidays At Work: Forced Cheer And Awkward Parties
Bronson Arcuri and Becky Harlan/NPR

Life Kit

Dealing With Holidays At Work: Forced Cheer And Awkward Parties

Holiday parties, gift exchanges — dealing with the holidays at work can be awkward and fraught. Alison Green of Ask a Manager shares advice on workplace etiquette around the holidays.

Dealing With Holidays At Work: Forced Cheer And Awkward Parties

Listen · 19:59
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Dealing With Holidays At Work: Forced Cheer And Awkward Parties
Bronson Arcuri and Becky Harlan/NPR

Life Kit

Dealing With Holidays At Work: Forced Cheer And Awkward Parties

Holiday parties, gift exchanges — dealing with the holidays at work can be awkward and fraught. Alison Green of Ask a Manager shares advice on workplace etiquette around the holidays.

Dealing With Holidays At Work: Forced Cheer And Awkward Parties

Listen · 19:59
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Holiday Survival Guide: Family Style
Shannon Wright for NPR

Life Kit

Holiday Survival Guide: Family Style

The holidays can be joyful and celebratory. They can also cause stress and unearth familial trauma. Life Kit talks to Dr. Andrea Bonior, a licensed clinical psychologist, to equip you with some strategies that will help you minimize holiday stress that stems from family.

Holiday Survival Guide: Family Style

Listen · 18:20
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