Best Life Kit from NPR Podcasts (2025)

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'Notes to John' completes late author Joan Didion's trilogy on grief 5:59

2h ago5:59

5:59

NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with Knopf publisher Jordan Pavlin and Shelley Wanger, Joan Didion's longtime editor and one of her literary trustees, about the new book "Notes to John."By Scott Detrow

1
The eve of Canada's consequential election 4:34

1h ago4:34

4:34

On the eve of polling day in Canada, will the Liberal Party hang on to its lead?By Jackie Northam

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How will Pope Francis' legacy shape the conclave? 6:24

1h ago6:24

6:24

NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with Philip Shenon, author of "Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic Church," about how Pope Francis' legacy will shape the upcoming conclave.By Scott Detrow

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What makes for a good dystopian film? NPR producers weigh in 8:12

1h ago8:12

8:12

In the latest installment of our film series, All Things Considered staffers weigh in on what makes for a good dystopian film.By Scott Detrow

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The impact of Trump's rhetoric on U.S.-Canada relations 7:21

1h ago7:21

7:21

NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with former Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy about how President Trump's rhetoric is impacting U.S.-Canada relations and the federal election taking place Monday.By Scott Detrow

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How tariffs are affecting one Virginia distillery 8:30

1h ago8:30

8:30

Whether tariffs are on, off, or up in the air, they have serious impacts on small businesses. Catoctin Creek Distillery co-owners talk about their experience dealing with tariffs.By Avery Keatley

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Life Kit has tips on raising kids bilingually and the benefits it can provide 3:41

1h ago3:41

3:41

There are a lot of benefits to raising a child speaking two or more languages. NPR's Life Kit explains that raising a kid in a multilingual household isn't a burden — it's a gift.By KUOW Staff

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The Pope's funeral is complete. What comes next? 4:49

4h ago4:49

4:49

Over the next few days, leaders of the Catholic church from around the world will gather at the Vatican to mourn — and also, to prepare for the Conclave.By Sylvia Poggioli

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Journalist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate weighs in on Trump and press freedoms 7:08

2h ago7:08

7:08

NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with journalist Maria Ressa, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, about the Trump administration and press freedoms.By Scott Detrow

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Former US Ambassador to Russia on the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting 4:50

2h ago4:50

4:50

NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with former US Ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, about today's meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy.By Scott Detrow

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What it's like to cover Pope Francis? 8:58

4h ago8:58

8:58

The man remembered today at a funeral in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis, was once very different.By Vincent Acovino

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Pope Francis laid to rest today. 5:48

4h ago5:48

5:48

Thousands were in Rome to witness the funeral of Pope Francis.By Ruth Sherlock

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'Fueling Knowledge' podcast explores how oil money funds universities 8:59

2h ago8:59

8:59

Fueling Knowledge is a two-part series from the W-W-N-O and W-R-K-F podcast Sea Change, produced with Floodlight and the Louisiana Illuminator.By Mallory Yu

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A world soccer tournament made for grandmothers 3:42

1d ago3:42

3:42

A world soccer tournament for 'grannies' has wrapped up. The annual event allows women from all over the world to show off and be appreciated for their athleticism. Some participants are well into their 70's and 80's.By KUOW Staff

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Scientists are raising the alarm about Trump's deep sea mining executive order 3:23

17h ago3:23

3:23

President Trump signed an executive order aimed at making it easier for companies to mine the ocean floor. Scientists and environmentalists worry it could harm an ecosystem we don't know much about.By Dan Ackerman

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A closer look behind the scenes of New Orleans' annual Jazz Fest 3:51

17h ago3:51

3:51

Jazz fest starts this weekend in New Orleans and one of its headliners is rapper Lil' Wayne who made it to the main stage with the Roots.By Joseph King

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Bodega cats aren't just cute. They're working animals 3:09

10h ago3:09

3:09

Many of New York's bodegas (convenience stores) feature popular residents -- cats. They help keep vermin out and invite customers in. They are popular on Instagram, but they are not legal.By Jeff Lunden

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Takeaways from the week — and how they've affected President Trump's polling numbers 3:58

10h ago3:58

3:58

This week, President Trump seemed to take a softer tone when asked about the trade war with China. Here are four takeaways from week 14 in our continued look at Trump's first 100 days in office.By Domenico Montanaro

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The origins of the Alien Enemies Act 5:56

10h ago5:56

5:56

Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei from NPR's Throughline talk with Daniel Tichenor, a professor of political science at the University of Oregon, about the origins of the Alien Enemies Act.By Ramtin Arablouei

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Wrong turn leads to hundreds of immigrant arrests at the Detroit-Canada border bridge 3:39

17h ago3:39

3:39

NPR has been receiving tips about detentions at the Ambassador Bridge in Michigan. An inquiry by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., revealed more that 200 detentions this year, including American children.By Jasmine Garsd

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These Australian twins have gone viral after speaking in synch 4:43

17h ago4:43

4:43

Meet Bridgette and Paula Powers, identical twins who speak in synch and dedicate themselves to animal conservation.By Mia Venkat

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Why the box office hit 'Sinners' is making waves in Hollywood 4:53

17h ago4:53

4:53

The supernatural movie Sinners has become a hit at the box office -- and caused a stir about director Ryan Cooger's deal with Warner Bros.By Aisha Harris

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A Jewish baking tradition rises in the age of Instagram 3:53

13h ago3:53

3:53

Shlissel challah is a special loaf baked the first sabbath after Passover. We trace the modern route by which the bread has spread beyond the ultra-orthodox world to everyday Jewish bakers.By Deena Prichep

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The Vatican is preparing the pope's funeral. Here's what we know about the service 5:04

13h ago5:04

5:04

As the Vatican prepares to memorialize Pope Francis with a funeral Mass on Saturday, it is also planning a conclave to elect the next pope. Here are some of the key figures and themes emerging.By Jason DeRose

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Meet the man Trump trusts for some of his toughest international talks 4:12

10h ago4:12

4:12

President Trump is looking to Steve Witkoff, a old friend, for help negotiating the thorniest foreign policy issues in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran.By Franco Ordoñez

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Life Kit From NPR Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Life Kit

NPR

1
Life Kit: Money

NPR

1
All Things Considered

NPR

1
Parenting: Raising Awesome Kids

NPR

1
Parenting: Difficult Conversations

NPR

1
KPODD 101.3

Dan Kennedy and Benjamin Harrison

1
'Notes to John' completes late author Joan Didion's trilogy on grief 5:59

1
The eve of Canada's consequential election 4:34

1
How will Pope Francis' legacy shape the conclave? 6:24

1
What makes for a good dystopian film? NPR producers weigh in 8:12

1
The impact of Trump's rhetoric on U.S.-Canada relations 7:21

1
How tariffs are affecting one Virginia distillery 8:30

1
Life Kit has tips on raising kids bilingually and the benefits it can provide 3:41

1
The Pope's funeral is complete. What comes next? 4:49

1
Journalist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate weighs in on Trump and press freedoms 7:08

1
Former US Ambassador to Russia on the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting 4:50

1
What it's like to cover Pope Francis? 8:58

1
Pope Francis laid to rest today. 5:48

1
'Fueling Knowledge' podcast explores how oil money funds universities 8:59

1
A world soccer tournament made for grandmothers 3:42

1
Scientists are raising the alarm about Trump's deep sea mining executive order 3:23

1
A closer look behind the scenes of New Orleans' annual Jazz Fest 3:51

1
Bodega cats aren't just cute. They're working animals 3:09

1
Takeaways from the week — and how they've affected President Trump's polling numbers 3:58

1
The origins of the Alien Enemies Act 5:56

1
Wrong turn leads to hundreds of immigrant arrests at the Detroit-Canada border bridge 3:39

1
These Australian twins have gone viral after speaking in synch 4:43

1
Why the box office hit 'Sinners' is making waves in Hollywood 4:53

1
A Jewish baking tradition rises in the age of Instagram 3:53

1
The Vatican is preparing the pope's funeral. Here's what we know about the service 5:04

1
Meet the man Trump trusts for some of his toughest international talks 4:12