The Upgrade by Lifehacker

The Upgrade by Lifehacker

Lifehacker

Each week, Jordan Calhoun and Meghan Walbert of Lifehacker brings in all-star guests to tackle the stuff that matters—like how to be happy, how to buy a TV, how to be less bad with money and how to tell if you’re dating a psychopath. Look, you're doing great, but quite frankly we think you can be a little better. All your friends do too. It's time for The Upgrade.

A Message for Listeners

A Message for Listeners

We're taking a brief hiatus, but please don't leave us! We'll be back soon!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 6, 2021 • 0:19

How to Find Your Voice, With Vocal Coach Denise Woods (RECAST)

How to Find Your Voice, With Vocal Coach Denise Woods (RECAST)

This week we're fine-tuning our instruments with help from Hollywood vocal coach, Denise Woods. Denise has been a professional vocal and dialect coach for over 20 years and has worked with stars like Will Smith, Halle Berry, Rachel Weisz, Jessica Chastain, and Mahershala Ali. Listen to hear Denise gives tips on how to nix the bad habits of the “ums,” “ahs,” and “likes,” figure out your unique voice print, and learn to harness the power of your breath when speaking.Denise's new book is c

Nov 29, 2021 • 40:59

How to Tame Your Inner Critic, With Psychologist Ethan Kross (RECAST)

How to Tame Your Inner Critic, With Psychologist Ethan Kross (RECAST)

Ever find yourself in an anxiety spiral, ruminating over things that stress you out? If so, you're in luck because this week we're learning how to better control that voice in our heads with help from psychologist Ethan Kross. Ethan is a professor at the University of Michigan’s Psychology Department and Ross School of Business, and is one of the world’s leading experts on controlling the conscious mind. His book is called Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to

Nov 22, 2021 • 38:20

How to Pay Better Attention, With Neuroscientist Dr. Amishi Jha

How to Pay Better Attention, With Neuroscientist Dr. Amishi Jha

This week we're learning how to better focus and pay attention with help from neuroscientist Dr. Amishi Jha. Dr. Jha is a professor of psychology at the University of Miami and the Director of Contemplative Neuroscience for the Mindfulness Research and Practice Initiative. She's also the author of Peak Mind: Find Your Focus, Own Your Attention, Invest 12 Minutes a Day. Listen to hear Dr. Jha explain why our minds wander the way that they do, and how we can start to better harness our at

Nov 15, 2021 • 37:54

Introducing Gadgettes!

Introducing Gadgettes!

The team at Gizmodo has a brand new podcast womansplaining the latest technology. Each week hosts Florence Ion and Caitlin McGarry sit down to talk about the latest gadgets and the biggest headlines in tech. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 8, 2021 • 44:28

How to Be a Tourist Without Being an Asshole, With Travel Journalist Sara Clemence

How to Be a Tourist Without Being an Asshole, With Travel Journalist Sara Clemence

This week we're learning how to be better, more conscientious travelers with help from travel journalist Sara Clemence. Listen to hear Sara's advice on how to find destinations that aren't experiencing "overtourism," and what research to do and choices to make that have a more positive impact on the local economy on the places you're visiting. Sara is a travel writer and former travel editor for The Wall Street Journal, and news director at Travel + Leisure. She’s also the author of the

Nov 1, 2021 • 33:24

How to Talk to Kids About Religion When You Don’t Know What to Say, With Wendy Thomas Russell

How to Talk to Kids About Religion When You Don’t Know What to Say, With Wendy Thomas Russell

This week we're talking with award-winning author Wendy Thomas Russell about tackling the tricky topic of religion with kids—whether you're religious yourself or not. Listen to hear Wendy's advice on how to talk about the religions that are embedded in our culture and answer tricky questions about God in a neutral and educational way. Wendy is the author of Relax, It’s Just God: How and Why to Talk to Your Kids About Religion When You’re Not Religious, and the co-author of ParentShift:

Oct 25, 2021 • 37:54

How to Be a Better Reader, With Librarian Margaret H. Willison (RECAST)

How to Be a Better Reader, With Librarian Margaret H. Willison (RECAST)

This week we're learning how to be a better reader with help from librarian and podcaster Margaret H. Willison. Listen to hear Margaret break down how we should re-think our definitions of "good" or "well-read" readers, and the tactics we can use to improve our reading game. After our conversation with Margaret, we get tips from librarian and author Nancy Pearl on how to find a book you'll love.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to

Oct 18, 2021 • 45:42

How to Not Die Alone, With Dating Coach Logan Ury (RECAST)

How to Not Die Alone, With Dating Coach Logan Ury (RECAST)

This week we're learning how to tackle the notorious challenge of dating with help from Logan Ury—Director of Relationship Science at Hinge and author of the new book, How to Not Die Alone: The Surprising Science That Will Help You Find Love. Listen to hear Logan talk about what we so often get wrong about what makes someone a good match, how we're sabotaging ourselves when setting up our dating profiles, and what we can do to increase our odds of finding that special someone.Have

Oct 11, 2021 • 46:56

How to Take Care of Your Skin Microbiome, With Physician James Hamblin (RECAST)

How to Take Care of Your Skin Microbiome, With Physician James Hamblin (RECAST)

This week we're learning how to better care for our skin with help from physician and Atlantic staff writer James Hamblin. Listen to hear James explain why using less soap might actually be better for your skin's microbiome and how we should be re-thinking what "good hygiene" really is. James is the author of If Our Bodies Could Talk: Operating and Maintaining a Human Body, and his latest book is Clean: The New Science of Skin.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at

Oct 4, 2021 • 45:12

How to Be a Successful Culture Critic, With William Evans and Omar Holmon

How to Be a Successful Culture Critic, With William Evans and Omar Holmon

This week we're learning how to become successful, effective critics of popular culture with help from Black Nerd Problems co-founders William Evans and Omar Holmon. Listen to hear William and Omar explain how to find your lane as a critic, grow your audience, and develop that ever-necessary thick skin. Also check out William and Omar's new book, Black Nerd Problems: Essays. Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifeh

Sep 27, 2021 • 49:34

How to Survive a Disaster, With Crisis Reporter Judith Matloff (RECAST)

How to Survive a Disaster, With Crisis Reporter Judith Matloff (RECAST)

This week we're learning how to survive all sorts of disasters—from hurricanes to earthquakes to war zones and beyond with crisis reporter Judith Matloff. Listen to hear her best tips for surviving a wide range of scary situations, as well as how to prepare yourself for the unexpected both physically and psychologically. Judith's latest book is called How to Drag a Body and Other Safety Tips You Hope to Never Need: Survival Tricks for Hacking, Hurricanes, and Hazards Life Might Thr

Sep 20, 2021 • 39:00

How to Lovehack Your Marriage, With Psychologist Eli Finkel

How to Lovehack Your Marriage, With Psychologist Eli Finkel

This week we're learning how to strengthen the health of our marriages with help from psychologist Eli Finkel. Eli is a professor at Northwestern University and the author of the bestselling book The All-or-Nothing Marriage: How the Best Marriages Work. Listen to hear Eli's tips on why marriage today is such a challenging (and potentially rewarding) endeavor, how to reframe your thinking in an argument with a partner, and why "lovehacks" are a great first step in trying to improve your

Sep 13, 2021 • 37:08

How to Be Happy Right Now, With Dr. Laurie Santos (RECAST)

How to Be Happy Right Now, With Dr. Laurie Santos (RECAST)

It goes without saying that this pandemic has had a huge impact on our mental health. So this week, we sit down with The Happiness Lab's Dr. Laurie Santos to learn some of the science-backed strategies we can use to help us cope, and even find some happiness. Dr. Santos is a Professor of Psychology and Head of Silliman College at Yale University. She is an expert on human cognition and the cognitive biases that impede better choices.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347

Sep 6, 2021 • 40:50

How to Get a New Job in 2021, With Ramit Sethi (RECAST)

How to Get a New Job in 2021, With Ramit Sethi (RECAST)

This week we're learning how to land a new job in a challenging economy, with personal finance expert (and friend of The Upgrade) Ramit Sethi. Listen to hear Ramit's tips on writing a great resume and cover letter, how to get clear on what your dream job actually is, and how to negotiate even when you don't think you have leverage. Ramit is the author of the New York Times bestseller, I Will Teach You To Be Rich, and his website, www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com is now offering a

Aug 30, 2021 • 38:37

How to Change Your Mindset to Get Better at Anything, With Eduardo Briceño

How to Change Your Mindset to Get Better at Anything, With Eduardo Briceño

This week we're learning how to shift our mindsets with help from growth mindset expert, Eduardo Briceño. Eduardo is the most booked keynote speaker on growth mindset and the co-founder of Mindset Works, which he created alongside Stanford professor Carol Dweck. Listen to hear Eduardo give tips on how to change your mindset from a fixed one to a growth-oriented one, how to encourage a growth mindset in others, and how to know when a growth mindset is best for a given challenge.Have an i

Aug 23, 2021 • 43:44

How to Not Go Broke When You Need Healthcare, With Journalist Dan Weissmann

How to Not Go Broke When You Need Healthcare, With Journalist Dan Weissmann

This week we're learning how to navigate our impossible healthcare system and avoid huge medical expenses with help from award-winning journalist, Dan Weissman. Dan has worked as a staff reporter for Marketplace and Chicago’s WBEZ, and is now the host of the podcast An Arm and a Leg which investigates the cost of healthcare and explores how to avoid it. Listen to hear Dan's tips on using the "magic words" to protect yourself when signing hospital paperwork, how to ask for an itemized bi

Aug 16, 2021 • 53:50

How to Negotiate Absolutely Anything, With Negotiation Expert Victoria Medvec

How to Negotiate Absolutely Anything, With Negotiation Expert Victoria Medvec

This week we're learning how to negotiate effectively with help from negotiation expert, Dr. Victoria Medvec. Vicki is a Professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, as well as a co-founder and the Executive Director of the Center for Executive Women at the Kellogg School. She's also the CEO of Medvec and Associates, which works with big companies like GE, Pfizer, Goldman Sachs, McDonalds, and Microsoft. Listen to hear Vicki discuss the best ways for negotia

Aug 9, 2021 • 34:43

How to Change Your Life Through the Power of Suggestion, With Science Journalist Erik Vance (RECAST)

How to Change Your Life Through the Power of Suggestion, With Science Journalist Erik Vance (RECAST)

This week we're learning about hypnosis, the placebo effect, and the ways we can use the power of suggestion to our advantage with help from science journalist Erik Vance. Listen to hear Erik discuss how the placebo effect works, the ways in which we may be able to use hypnosis to help us with various ailments and issues, and why the power of suggestion is a uniquely understudied area of research.Erik is a staff editor for the New York Times' Well section, and is the author of the book&

Aug 2, 2021 • 45:45

How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes, With Melinda Wenner Moyer

How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes, With Melinda Wenner Moyer

This week we're tackling the trickiest parenting questions and dilemmas with help from science journalist, Melinda Wenner Moyer. Melinda is an award-winning journalist who writes about science, parenting, and medicine, and she’s a contributing editor at Scientific American, The New York Times, Washington Post, and other national outlets. Melinda's new book is called, How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes: Science-Based Strategies for Better Parenting—from Tots to Teens. Listen to hear M

Jul 26, 2021 • 49:19

How to Have Deeper Conversations, With Ximena Vengoechea

How to Have Deeper Conversations, With Ximena Vengoechea

This week we're chatting with writer and user researcher Ximena Vengoechea about how to improve on our listening skills and have better, deeper conversations. Listen to hear Ximena give great tips on how to be more present in a conversation, how to set boundaries when you're someone's default listening ear, and the best kinds of questions to ask to prompt more interesting interactions. Ximena's new book is called, Listen Like You Mean It: Reclaiming the Lost Art of True Connection.See P

Jul 19, 2021 • 36:47

How to Never Miss a Deadline, With Journalist Christopher Cox

How to Never Miss a Deadline, With Journalist Christopher Cox

This week we're learning how to get better with deadlines with help from journalist Christopher Cox. Christopher is the former chief editor of Harper’s Magazine and executive editor of GQ, and has a new book out called The Deadline Effect: How to Work Like It’s The Last Minute—Before The Last Minute. Listen to hear Christopher explain the economic phenomenon of the Deadline Effect, what productivity tips he learned in his research on organizations that are successful with project rollou

Jul 12, 2021 • 32:03

How to Be an Adult, With Julie Lythcott-Haims

How to Be an Adult, With Julie Lythcott-Haims

This week we're learning how to grow up with help from writer Julie Lythcott-Haims. Julie is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Raise An Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success, as well as Real American: A Memoir. Listen to hear Julie's advice on navigating your career path fresh out of college, how to get better at connecting with strangers, and how to best support a young person in this transition into full adulthood.Have an idea for a

Jul 5, 2021 • 37:11

How to Fight Burnout, With Writer Anne Helen Petersen (RECAST)

How to Fight Burnout, With Writer Anne Helen Petersen (RECAST)

This week we're learning how to fight the burnout we might not even realize we're suffering from with help from journalist Anne Helen Petersen. Tune in to hear Anne's advice on how to recognize your own burnout, how to make space in your day for a breather, and how we as a society can start to change this culture of hyper-productivity. Anne's latest book is Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation, which comes out in September.Have an idea for a future episode? Cal

Jun 28, 2021 • 36:07

How to Time Your Life Perfectly, With Author Daniel Pink (RECAST)

How to Time Your Life Perfectly, With Author Daniel Pink (RECAST)

This week we're learning how to nail perfect timing with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Pink. Hear Daniel explain why certain hours of the day are more productive than others, how we can battle the mid-afternoon slump, and why certain dates are more effective for starting a new routine than others. Daniel's most recent book is When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write

Jun 21, 2021 • 33:45

How to Reenter Society Post-Pandemic, With Therapist Chamin Ajjan

How to Reenter Society Post-Pandemic, With Therapist Chamin Ajjan

This week we're learning how to reacclimate ourselves with the "return to normal" with help from therapist Chamin Ajjan. Chamin brings her 20+ years of experience in psychotherapy to help us tackle everything from how to get comfortable with parties again, to how to transition from online to in-person dating, and how to handle those difficult relationships with people who you've disagreed with over the course of the pandemic. Chamin is a Certified Sex Therapist, a Certified Cognitive Be

Jun 14, 2021 • 39:11

How to Transform Your Life Through Leisure, With Writers John Fitch and Max Frenzel (RECAST)

How to Transform Your Life Through Leisure, With Writers John Fitch and Max Frenzel (RECAST)

This week we're learning how time off can actually help us be more productive, with help from writers John Fitch and Max Frenzel. Listen to hear how to build a healthy rest ethic, what leisure practices can help spark creativity, and how we can encourage more time off in our productivity-obsessed society. John and Max are the authors of the book Time Off: A Practical Guide to Building Your Rest Ethic and Finding Success Without the Stress.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us

Jun 7, 2021 • 42:35

How to Live a Greener Life Without Losing Your Mind, With Laurie David and Heather Reisman

How to Live a Greener Life Without Losing Your Mind, With Laurie David and Heather Reisman

This week we're learning how to start being a little friendlier to the earth without completely overhauling our lives with help from activists Laurie David and Heather Reisman. Laurie is an environmental activist and an award-winning documentary film producer, having produced such films as Fed Up, The Social Dilemma, and the Oscar-winning documentary, An Inconvenient Truth. Heather is the CEO of the Canadian company Indigo Books & Music, as well as a documentary film producer, havin

May 31, 2021 • 39:12

How to Learn to Like Running, With Strength Running's Jason Fitzgerald

How to Learn to Like Running, With Strength Running's Jason Fitzgerald

This week we're kicking our butts into gear and learning how to actually enjoy the act of running with help from Strength Running founder, Jason Fitzgerald. Jason is a USA Track & Field certified coach and host of The Strength Running Podcast. Listen to hear Jason's advice on how to actually start a running habit as a beginner, the best strategies for injury prevention, and why perfection is not what we should be aiming for.Like the show? Have an idea for a future episode? Call us a

May 24, 2021 • 44:27

How to Beat Your Junk Food Addiction, With Michael Moss

How to Beat Your Junk Food Addiction, With Michael Moss

This week we're tackling our cravings for processed food with help from journalist Michael Moss. Michael is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us, and his latest book is called Hooked: Food, Free Will, and How the Food Giants Exploit Our Addictions. Listen to hear Michael explain the science and psychology behind what gets us addicted to junk food, and how we can use this information to conquer our bad habits.Like the show? Have an idea for a

May 17, 2021 • 36:11

How to Stop Feeling Like an Impostor, With Psychologist Dr. Jessamy Hibberd (RECAST)

How to Stop Feeling Like an Impostor, With Psychologist Dr. Jessamy Hibberd (RECAST)

This week we’re talking about impostor syndrome—the psychological phenomenon wherein people question their successes and have an internalized fear of being discovered as a fraud. We’ll hear from Lifehacker’s staff writer, Nick Douglas, who explains why he keeps something called a “brag file.” We’ll also chat with clinical psychologist Dr. Jessamy Hibberd, author of the book The Impostor Cure. And our producer takes to the streets to find out how people deal with their own feelings of in

May 10, 2021 • 25:24

How to Embrace Minimalism, With Christine Platt

How to Embrace Minimalism, With Christine Platt

This week we're learning how to pare down our belongings and embrace the freeing feeling of a minimalist lifestyle with help from author and advocate Christine Platt (aka The Afrominimalist). Listen to hear Christine's brilliant tips on how to start decluttering without overwhelming yourself, how to parent with a minimalist lifestyle, and why the first step to becoming a minimalist is not what you might think. Christine's new book, The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living With Less comes ou

May 3, 2021 • 50:54

How to Negotiate Like a Pro, With Personal Finance Expert Farnoosh Torabi (RECAST)

How to Negotiate Like a Pro, With Personal Finance Expert Farnoosh Torabi (RECAST)

This week we’re learning about the ins and outs of negotiation. We’ll find out how to get someone to “yes” when they’re all about “no”; when and how the robots are going to negotiate for us; and what to do to get the raise you deserve.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to hear from you!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#

Apr 26, 2021 • 34:25

How to Talk to Anyone, With Podcaster Ken Plume (RECAST)

How to Talk to Anyone, With Podcaster Ken Plume (RECAST)

In this episode we’re talking about the lost art of conversation-making. Joining us is podcaster and raconteur Ken Plume, who has conducted extensive interviews with the likes of Mel Brooks and John Cleese. We discuss how Ken got his start feeling comfortable talking to just about anyone, how he handles the awkwardness of a cocktail party (hint: it involves a fern)—and then we invent an acronym that will help you handle any conversational challenge. (Sort of.)See Privacy Policy at https

Apr 19, 2021 • 32:14

How to Get Things Done, With Productivity Expert David Allen (RECAST)

How to Get Things Done, With Productivity Expert David Allen (RECAST)

This week we chat with productivity legend David Allen about GTD, his gold-standard time management philosophy. Lifehacker staffers share their productivity secrets as well.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to hear from you!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 12, 2021 • 37:52

How to Get Better at Marketing, With Seth Godin

How to Get Better at Marketing, With Seth Godin

This week we're improving on our marketing skills with help from entrepreneur and marketing expert Seth Godin. Listen to hear Seth's insightful tips on the mentality we should have when it comes to our marketing strategy, finding your audience, and the common mistakes to avoid when starting to market your business. Seth is the bestselling author of 20 books including The Dip, Tribes, The Practice, and This Is Marketing. He’s also the host of the Akimbo podcast and author of his ver

Apr 5, 2021 • 28:18

How to Set Healthy Boundaries, With Therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab

How to Set Healthy Boundaries, With Therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab

This week we're solving our boundary issues with help from therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab. Nedra is the New York Times bestselling author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself, and she joins us this week to talk about how we can learn to recognize when our own boundaries have been crossed, and how to approach setting healthy boundaries with loved ones.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifeha

Mar 29, 2021 • 42:04

How to Tame Your Inner Critic, With Psychologist Ethan Kross

How to Tame Your Inner Critic, With Psychologist Ethan Kross

Ever find yourself in an anxiety spiral, ruminating over things that stress you out? If so, you're in luck because this week we're learning how to better control that voice in our heads with help from psychologist Ethan Kross. Ethan is a professor at the University of Michigan’s Psychology Department and Ross School of Business, and is one of the world’s leading experts on controlling the conscious mind. His book is called Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harne

Mar 22, 2021 • 38:20

How to Get Out of Debt, With Personal Finance Expert Farnoosh Torabi (RECAST)

How to Get Out of Debt, With Personal Finance Expert Farnoosh Torabi (RECAST)

On this episode of The Upgrade, we're tackling debt. Crippling, anxiety-inducing debt. It can be hard to know where to start when facing such a heavy burden. Fortunately, we got some help. First, hear Lifehacker staff writer Lisa Rowan answer Upgrade listener and Lifehacker reader-submitted questions about credit cards. Then, we're joined once again by personal finance expert Farnoosh Torabi, who coaches us on how to start to get a handle on debt.Have an idea for a future episode? Call

Mar 15, 2021 • 44:35

How to Be a Beginner, With Journalist Tom Vanderbilt

How to Be a Beginner, With Journalist Tom Vanderbilt

This week we're learning how to embrace being a beginner again (and why we should) with help from journalist Tom Vanderbilt. Tom is the best-selling author of Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us), and You May Also Like: Taste in an Age of Endless Choice, and his latest book is Beginners: The Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning. Listen to hear Tom describe how becoming a beginner again can change your perspective and offer multiple cognitive benef

Mar 8, 2021 • 38:04

How Psychedelics Can Expand Your Consciousness, With Michael Pollan (RECAST)

How Psychedelics Can Expand Your Consciousness, With Michael Pollan (RECAST)

Michael Pollan has been writing about the intersection of nature and culture for over 30 years. He may be best known as the guy who summed up his principles for eating thusly: "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants." He is the author of several books, including In Defense of Food, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and The Botany of Desire. His latest book is How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendenc

Mar 1, 2021 • 41:17

How to Be More Hopeful, With Anne Lamott

How to Be More Hopeful, With Anne Lamott

This week we're speaking with the ever-inspiring Anne Lamott—progressive political activist, writer, and bestselling author of such books as Bird by Bird, Traveling Mercies, and Operating Instructions. Anne's latest book is called Dusk, Night, Dawn: On Revival and Courage, and she joins us this week to talk about how we can find hope, even in the most challenging times.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgr

Feb 22, 2021 • 33:21

How to Find Your Voice, With Vocal Coach Denise Woods

How to Find Your Voice, With Vocal Coach Denise Woods

This week we're fine-tuning our instruments with help from Hollywood vocal coach, Denise Woods. Denise has been a professional vocal and dialect coach for over 20 years and has worked with stars like Will Smith, Halle Berry, Rachel Weisz, Jessica Chastain, and Mahershala Ali. Listen to hear Denise gives tips on how to nix the bad habits of the “ums,” “ahs,” and “likes,” figure out your unique voice print, and learn to harness the power of your breath when speaking. Denise's new book is

Feb 15, 2021 • 40:59

How to Not Die Alone, With Dating Coach Logan Ury

How to Not Die Alone, With Dating Coach Logan Ury

This week we're learning how to tackle the notorious challenge of dating with help from Logan Ury—Director of Relationship Science at Hinge and author of the new book, How to Not Die Alone: The Surprising Science That Will Help You Find Love. Listen to hear Logan talk about what we so often get wrong about what makes someone a good match, how we're sabotaging ourselves when setting up our dating profiles, and what we can do to increase our odds of finding that special someone.Have an id

Feb 8, 2021 • 46:56

How to Be Happy Right Now, With Dr. Laurie Santos

How to Be Happy Right Now, With Dr. Laurie Santos

It goes without saying that this pandemic has had a huge impact on our mental health. So this week, we sit down with The Happiness Lab's Dr. Laurie Santos to learn some of the science-backed strategies we can use to help us cope, and even find some happiness. Dr. Santos is a Professor of Psychology and Head of Silliman College at Yale University. She is an expert on human cognition and the cognitive biases that impede better choices.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-

Feb 1, 2021 • 40:50

How to Get a New Job in 2021, With Ramit Sethi

How to Get a New Job in 2021, With Ramit Sethi

This week we're learning how to land a new job in a challenging economy, with personal finance expert (and friend of The Upgrade) Ramit Sethi. Listen to hear Ramit's tips on writing a great resume and cover letter, how to get clear on what your dream job actually is, and how to negotiate even when you don't think you have leverage. Ramit is the author of the New York Times bestseller, I Will Teach You To Be Rich, and his website, www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com is now offering a new Dream

Jan 25, 2021 • 38:37

How to Upgrade 2021, With Cool Tools’ Mark Frauenfelder and Kevin Kelly

How to Upgrade 2021, With Cool Tools’ Mark Frauenfelder and Kevin Kelly

This week we're learning about the tools and tech we need to upgrade our lives in 2021. Helping us are Mark Frauenfelder and Kevin Kelly—hosts of the Cool Tools podcast and the Cool Tools blog. Listen to hear Mark and Kevin's recommendations for what to get for the best work from home experience, their favorite new tech from 2020, and what they expect the future of work to look like post-pandemic.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write

Jan 18, 2021 • 26:40

How to Change Your Life Through the Power of Suggestion, With Science Journalist Erik Vance

How to Change Your Life Through the Power of Suggestion, With Science Journalist Erik Vance

This week we're learning about hypnosis, the placebo effect, and the ways we can use the power of suggestion to our advantage with help from science journalist Erik Vance. Listen to hear Erik discuss how the placebo effect works, the ways in which we may be able to use hypnosis to help us with various ailments and issues, and why the power of suggestion is a uniquely understudied area of research.Erik is a staff editor for the New York Times' Well section, and is the author of the book

Jan 11, 2021 • 45:45

How to Hack Happiness With Gretchen Rubin (RECAST)

How to Hack Happiness With Gretchen Rubin (RECAST)

Gretchen Rubin practically invented the concept of hacking your happiness. She's the author of The Happiness Project, host of the podcast Happier with Grethen Rubin, and for years has been exploring the good habits that bring joy to everyday life. She's here to chat about how we can get happy and stay that way. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr

Jan 4, 2021 • 1:00:26

How to Get Over Yourself, With Mark Epstein (RECAST)

How to Get Over Yourself, With Mark Epstein (RECAST)

Author and psychiatrist Mark Epstein's books include Thoughts Without a Thinker, and Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart. His latest book, Advice Not Given, uses Buddhism's Noble Eightfold Path as a roadmap for spiritual and psychological growth. According to Mark, Buddhism and psychotherapy arrive at the same conclusion: when we give the ego free rein, we suffer, but when the ego learns to let go, we are free.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a

Dec 28, 2020 • 39:16

How to Get Your Kids Into Reading, With Alvin Irby

How to Get Your Kids Into Reading, With Alvin Irby

This week we're tackling the challenge of getting your kids more invested in books with comedian and social entrepreneur Alvin Irby. Listen to hear Alvin's advice on how to get your kids more interested in reading without rewards or punishment based on his own experience as a former teacher as well as through his work in his non-profit literacy project Barbershop Books.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.

Dec 21, 2020 • 45:33

How to Start 2021 Off Right, With Charles Duhigg

How to Start 2021 Off Right, With Charles Duhigg

This week we're getting advice on how to make our New Year's resolutions stick with help from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg. Listen to hear Charles share multiple science-backed strategies we can use to enhance habit formation, and how mental models can help us achieve our goals.Charles is the author of The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business, and Smarter Faster Better: The Transformative Power of Real Productivity, and is also the host of the po

Dec 14, 2020 • 45:42

How to Be Good With Money, With Felix Salmon & Jen Sincero (RECAST)

How to Be Good With Money, With Felix Salmon & Jen Sincero (RECAST)

Financial journalist Felix Salmon joins us this week to talk about making money while doing good in the world, "Badass" author Jen Sincero tells us how she went from no money to a lot of money by changing her mindset, and we all end up rich.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to hear from you!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr

Dec 7, 2020 • 41:50

How to Read More in 2021, With The Root’s Danielle Belton and Maiysha Kai

How to Read More in 2021, With The Root’s Danielle Belton and Maiysha Kai

This week we're preparing for our 2021 reading goals with help from The Root's Danielle Belton and Maiysha Kai. Listen to hear Danielle and Maiysha share their tips for finding time to read, how to diversify your reading list, and the best ways to find books you'll love. Danielle and Maiysha are the hosts of The Root Presents: It's Lit!—a new podcast from the team at The Root discussing all things literature, literally.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave

Nov 30, 2020 • 40:26

How to Be a Better Ally, With Disability Advocate Alice Wong

How to Be a Better Ally, With Disability Advocate Alice Wong

This week we're learning about disability rights and how to be a better ally to the disabled, with activist and consultant Alice Wong. Listen to hear Alice talk about the unique perspectives that disabled people bring to the conversation, what non-disabled people can do to promote and protect equality, and why Crip Camp is essential viewing.In addition to being the Founder and Director of the Disability Visibility Project, she is also the host of the Disability Visibility podcast, and r

Nov 23, 2020 • 38:12

How to Do Thanksgiving This Year, With Andrew Zimmern

How to Do Thanksgiving This Year, With Andrew Zimmern

This week Emmy and four-time James Beard Award-winning chef and TV host Andrew Zimmern stops by The Upgrade to talk about how to do Thanksgiving this year...if you choose to do it at all. Listen as Andrew gets into the ways to cook a pared-down Thanksgiving meal for a smaller group, the safest ways to host an outdoor feast, and why you should consider skipping the holiday altogether this year. Andrew's previous shows include Bizarre Foods and The Zimmern List, and his latest series is c

Nov 16, 2020 • 45:41

How to Change Your Brain With Mindfulness, With Daniel Goleman (RECAST)

How to Change Your Brain With Mindfulness, With Daniel Goleman (RECAST)

In this episode we’re talking about meditation and the lasting effects it can have on our minds and bodies. Joining us is Daniel Goleman, co-author of the book “Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body.” Daniel Goleman is a psychologist and science journalist known for his numerous books on emotional intelligence, including the bestselling book “Emotional Intelligence.” In the book “Altered Traits,” he and his co-author Richard Davidson wade

Nov 9, 2020 • 42:34

How to Take Care of Your Skin Microbiome, With Physician  James Hamblin

How to Take Care of Your Skin Microbiome, With Physician James Hamblin

This week we're learning how to better care for our skin with help from physician and Atlantic staff writer James Hamblin. Listen to hear James explain why using less soap might actually be better for your skin's microbiome and how we should be re-thinking what "good hygiene" really is. James is the author of If Our Bodies Could Talk: Operating and Maintaining a Human Body, and his latest book is Clean: The New Science of Skin. Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109

Nov 2, 2020 • 45:12

How to Write a Book in 30 Days, With Author Grant Faulkner

How to Write a Book in 30 Days, With Author Grant Faulkner

This week we're learning how to crank out that book you've been meaning to write in a mere 30 days, with author Grant Faulkner. Grant is the Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo) and author of the book, Pep Talks for Writers: 52 Insights and Actions to Boost Your Creative Mojo. Listen to hear Grant talk with Jordan and Alice about the unexpected benefits of NaNoWriMo's community, the process of writing without editing, and why writer's block is a myth. Have

Oct 26, 2020 • 43:15

How to Upgrade Your Home Office, With Gizmodo's Alex Cranz and Brian Kahn

How to Upgrade Your Home Office, With Gizmodo's Alex Cranz and Brian Kahn

This week we're improving our work-from-home setups with help from Gizmodo editors Alex Cranz and Brian Kahn. Listen to hear tips on how to increase your internet speed, make your space more comfortable, and dampen the annoying noise of your neighborhood. Alex and Brian are also hosts of Gizmodo's new podcast, System Reboot, which dives into the systems that are failing us and explores realistic opportunities to create something better.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-6

Oct 19, 2020 • 45:05

How to Handle Your Pandemic Anxiety, With Psychologist Dr. Elena Welsh and Psychiatrist Dr. David Burns

How to Handle Your Pandemic Anxiety, With Psychologist Dr. Elena Welsh and Psychiatrist Dr. David Burns

We're learning how to take our anxiety down a notch this week with help from cognitive behavioral experts Dr. Elena Welsh and Dr. David Burns. Listen to hear these two experts give tips on how to tame your anxiety using specific CBT methods, why it is that we tend to go down these anxiety spirals in the first place, and how to change our thinking for better outcomes.Dr. Welsh is an LA-based psychologist who specializes in a wide variety of anxiety, mood, and depressive disorders, and is

Oct 12, 2020 • 48:22

How to Free Yourself From Your Mental Prisons, With Psychologist Dr. Edith Eger

How to Free Yourself From Your Mental Prisons, With Psychologist Dr. Edith Eger

This week we're breaking free from our mental prisons of victimhood, fear, and hopelessness with help from psychologist and Holocaust survivor Dr. Edith Eger. Dr. Eger is the author of the New York Times bestseller, The Choice: Embrace the Possible, which is her memoir about surviving Auschwitz. Her most recent book, The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life, is her guide to navigating life’s most complicated challenges.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a

Oct 5, 2020 • 32:28

How to Transform Your Life Through Leisure, With Writers John Fitch and Max Frenzel

How to Transform Your Life Through Leisure, With Writers John Fitch and Max Frenzel

This week we're learning how time off can actually help us be more productive, with help from writers John Fitch and Max Frenzel. Listen to hear how to build a healthy rest ethic, what leisure practices can help spark creativity, and how we can encourage more time off in our productivity-obsessed society. John and Max are the authors of the book Time Off: A Practical Guide to Building Your Rest Ethic and Finding Success Without the Stress.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 34

Sep 28, 2020 • 42:35

How to Pursue a Side Hustle, With Chris Guillebeau (RECAST)

How to Pursue a Side Hustle, With Chris Guillebeau (RECAST)

This week we’re talking about side hustles: those projects you pursue after work—at night or on weekends—to supplement your income or fulfill a passion. Our guests include Chris Guillebeau, author of Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days, and journalist Catherine Baab-Muguira, who wrote a revealing story in Quartz about millennials and side hustles. Plus, our producer takes to the streets to find out from everyday people what kind of side hustles they have going on.See Privacy Pol

Sep 21, 2020 • 58:23

How to Survive a Disaster, With Crisis Reporter Judith Matloff

How to Survive a Disaster, With Crisis Reporter Judith Matloff

This week we're learning how to survive all sorts of disasters—from hurricanes to earthquakes to war zones and beyond with crisis reporter Judith Matloff. Listen to hear her best tips for surviving a wide range of scary situations, as well as how to prepare yourself for the unexpected both physically and psychologically. Judith's latest book is called How to Drag a Body and Other Safety Tips You Hope to Never Need: Survival Tricks for Hacking, Hurricanes, and Hazards Life Might Throw at

Sep 14, 2020 • 39:00

How to Time Your Life Perfectly, With Author Daniel Pink

How to Time Your Life Perfectly, With Author Daniel Pink

This week we're learning how to nail perfect timing with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Pink. Hear Daniel explain why certain hours of the day are more productive than others, how we can battle the mid-afternoon slump, and why certain dates are more effective for starting a new routine than others. Daniel's most recent book is When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgra

Sep 7, 2020 • 33:45

How to Deal With Rude People, With Danny Wallace (RECAST)

How to Deal With Rude People, With Danny Wallace (RECAST)

Danny Wallace is a comedian, radio host, and author of the book F You Very Much: Understanding the Culture of Rudeness—And What We Can Do About It. We talk about why we’ve all become so rude, and the steps we can take to help ourselves and others find our inner civility.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 31, 2020 • 43:28

How to Be a Better Conversationalist, With Journalist Celeste Headlee (RECAST)

How to Be a Better Conversationalist, With Journalist Celeste Headlee (RECAST)

We could all get better at conversing with our fellow humans. It’s just so easy these days to hide behind our screens, and when we’re finally face to face with actual people, we’re often talking too much and not listening enough. How can we make the most of those one-on-one, face-to-face, in-real-life moments? We’ll hear from journalist Celeste Headlee, whose career revolves around talking to people. And Lifehacker’s own Michelle Woo tells us how to talk to kids—because do any of us rea

Aug 24, 2020 • 37:31

How to Fight Burnout, With Writer Anne Helen Petersen

How to Fight Burnout, With Writer Anne Helen Petersen

This week we're learning how to fight the burnout we might not even realize we're suffering from with help from journalist Anne Helen Petersen. Tune in to hear Anne's advice on how to recognize your own burnout, how to make space in your day for a breather, and how we as a society can start to change this culture of hyper-productivity. Anne's latest book is Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation, which comes out in September.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us

Aug 17, 2020 • 36:07

How to Be a Better Reader, With Librarian Margaret H. Willison

How to Be a Better Reader, With Librarian Margaret H. Willison

This week we're learning how to be a better reader with help from librarian and podcaster Margaret H. Willison. Listen to hear Margaret break down how we should re-think our definitions of "good" or "well-read" readers, and the tactics we can use to improve our reading game. After our conversation with Margaret, we get tips from librarian and author Nancy Pearl on how to find a book you'll love.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to

Aug 10, 2020 • 45:42

How to Get Real About Time Management, With CEO Tiffany Dufu

How to Get Real About Time Management, With CEO Tiffany Dufu

This week, we're learning how to improve on our time management skills with help from Tiffany Dufu, Founder and CEO of The Cru and author of the book Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less. Listen to hear Tiffany's tips on how to get clear about your priorities, how to utilize your calendar to get things done, and the questions to ask yourself when debating over which tasks are most important. Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or wri

Aug 3, 2020 • 31:45

How to Use Breathing to Improve Your Health, With Journalist James Nestor

How to Use Breathing to Improve Your Health, With Journalist James Nestor

This week we’re learning how to breathe better and how that can vastly improve our overall health with help from journalist James Nestor. James is the author of the new book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, which covers the extensive research on the many ways in which we sometimes struggle to breathe—from asthma, to allergies, to snoring—and what we can do about it. Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@li

Jul 27, 2020 • 32:30

How to Teach Your Kids to Be People, With Author Catherine Newman

How to Teach Your Kids to Be People, With Author Catherine Newman

Parenting is a wild and confusing trip—to put it mildly. So this week we’re learning how to teach our kids the ins and outs of how to be decent, responsible, adult people with help from writer Catherine Newman. Catherine is the author of How to Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful, Super-Important Skills to Learn Before You’re Grown Up. As a special deal for listeners, you can get Catherine’s book here for 20% off by using the code PERSON at checkout. Have an idea for a future episod

Jul 20, 2020 • 36:54

How to Get Your Point Across Online, With Linguist Gretchen McCulloch

How to Get Your Point Across Online, With Linguist Gretchen McCulloch

Have you ever spun out over why your friend ended that text with a period? Or missed the subtle sarcasm in an unpunctuated email? We’re clearing up all of these online miscommunications and more this week with help from internet linguist, Gretchen McCulloch. Gretchen is the resident linguist at WIRED and author of the New York Times bestseller Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language. Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail,

Jul 13, 2020 • 38:34

How to Make Your Pet Happy, With Animal Behavior Expert Zazie Todd

How to Make Your Pet Happy, With Animal Behavior Expert Zazie Todd

Have you ever wondered why your cat bites you after just three pets, or how to get your dog to chill out and stop barking? We’re uncovering the mysteries of our four-legged friends this week and learning how to make them happier with help from animal behavior expert Zazie Todd. Zazie is the creator of the blog, CompanionAnimalPsychology.com, and author of the new book, Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy. Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a

Jul 6, 2020 • 34:10

How to Laugh at Depression, With Humorist John Moe

How to Laugh at Depression, With Humorist John Moe

This week, we’re finding the humor in our woes with help from John Moe, host of The Hilarious World of Depression podcast. John helps us understand what is funny, and sometimes even good about depression, how we can recognize it within ourselves and others, and what to do about it when we find ourselves struggling. John’s latest book, The Hilarious World of Depression is out now. Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upg

Jun 29, 2020 • 33:33

How to See a Doctor During the Pandemic, With Cardiologists Marc Eisenberg and Chris Kelly

How to See a Doctor During the Pandemic, With Cardiologists Marc Eisenberg and Chris Kelly

We’ve seen a rise in preventable deaths since the start of the pandemic, largely because people are too afraid to go to the doctor. So we want to change that this week with the help of cardiologists Marc Eisenberg and Chris Kelly, who tell us all about the ease of booking a televisit, how to prepare for one, and what symptoms merit a visit to the doctor. Marc and Chris are the authors of the book, Am I Dying?!: A Complete Guide to Your Symptoms—and What to Do Next and also run the very

Jun 22, 2020 • 34:25

How to Protest, With Activists L.A. Kauffman and Charlene Carruthers

How to Protest, With Activists L.A. Kauffman and Charlene Carruthers

What are our rights when it comes to protesting? How do we protest safely and effectively during a pandemic? We answer these questions and more this week with help from activists L.A. Kauffman and Charlene Carruthers. L.A. is a veteran grassroots organizer with over 35 years of experience in political activism, and has written two books on the topic including her most recent, How to Read a Protest: The Art of Organizing and Resistance. Charlene was a founding national director of the Bl

Jun 15, 2020 • 50:04

In Support of Black Lives Matter

In Support of Black Lives Matter

To respect and support the movement for black lives, we at The Upgrade wanted to share some important resources and charities to donate to right now:Organizations to support:Black Lives MatterBYP100Black Visions CollectiveEqual Justice InitiativeThe Movement for Black Lives (M4BL)Southern Poverty Law CenterColor of ChangeThe Bail ProjectThe Loveland FoundationThe Legal Defense and Education FundFair FightResources:The National Lawyers GuildBail Funds around the countryShowing Up for Rac

Jun 8, 2020 • 0:59

How to Pandemic-Proof Your Relationship, With Divorce Lawyer James J. Sexton

How to Pandemic-Proof Your Relationship, With Divorce Lawyer James J. Sexton

Being trapped with your significant other 24/7 is not a recipe for relationship success. That’s why this week we’re talking with divorce attorney James J. Sexton about how to save our marriage and avoid becoming a statistic in the post-pandemic “divorce boom”. James is the author, most recently, of How to Stay In Love: Practical Wisdom from an Unexpected Source.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We

Jun 1, 2020 • 28:27

How to Protect Your Money, With Ramit Sethi

How to Protect Your Money, With Ramit Sethi

Let’s face it, the economy feels a little doom and gloom right now. So we’re learning how to protect ourselves financially this week with the help of personal finance advisor Ramit Sethi. Hear him talk with Alice and Lifehacker’s personal finance writer Lisa Rowan about his practical tips for navigating this economically terrifying time. Ramit is the author of the New York Times bestseller I Will Teach You to Be Rich and founder of IWillTeachYouToBeRich.com. After their conversatio

May 25, 2020 • 37:50

How to Be Present, With Sharon Salzberg

How to Be Present, With Sharon Salzberg

We’re learning how to be more present this week with meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg. Hear her talk with Alice and Melissa about the ways that the pandemic highlights just how interconnected we are, and what we can do to find a little stability in the uncertainty. Sharon is the New York Times bestselling author of Real Happiness, Lovingkindness, and Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection. Her newest book, Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World, comes out in

May 18, 2020 • 29:33

How to Make Dinner, With Melissa Clark and Dave Arnold (RECAST)

How to Make Dinner, With Melissa Clark and Dave Arnold (RECAST)

In this episode we’re talking about dinner: what you should make, how you should make it, and why the idea of “dinner” is fraught for so many of us. We talk with Melissa Clark, staff reporter for the New York Times Food section and author of the new cookbook “Dinner in an Instant.” We also chat with Dave Arnold, the Founder and President of the Brooklyn-based Museum of Food and Drink. And we spend quality time with Claire Lower, Lifehacker's food editor and the mastermind behind the “Wi

May 11, 2020 • 1:11:21

How to Quarantine, With Samantha Irby

How to Quarantine, With Samantha Irby

Comedian and author Samantha Irby joins us this week on The Upgrade to talk about how to make yourself comfortable with self-quarantine. This includes finding the right TV shows to binge-watch (she has a recommendation or two), the right books to escape with, and the right foods to cook while you huddle up at home. Samantha is the New York Times bestselling author of We Are Never Meeting In Real Life, Meaty, and most recently, Wow, No Thank You.In other news, WE ARE NOMINATED FOR A WEBB

May 4, 2020 • 31:48

How to Be Creative Right Now, With Jerry Saltz

How to Be Creative Right Now, With Jerry Saltz

Does social distancing have you feeling the blahs? We’re reviving our creative instincts this week with help from Jerry Saltz, New York Magazine’s Senior Art Critic and author of the New York Times bestseller How to Be An Artist. Hear Jerry talk about his secrets to finding inspiration in these isolating times, as well as how he imagines the art world will emerge from this global pandemic.After their conversation, hear Lifehacker’s health editor Beth Skwarecki speak with epidemiologist

Apr 27, 2020 • 43:23

How to Do Less, With Journalist Celeste Headlee

How to Do Less, With Journalist Celeste Headlee

Are you feeling burnt out? Do you find yourself working MORE, not less, even while working from home? Award-winning journalist Celeste Headlee joins us on The Upgrade this week to talk about how the toxic culture of busyness is harming both our brains and our bodies, and what we can do about it. Celeste is the author of We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter, and most recently, Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving. Later in the

Apr 20, 2020 • 35:51

How to Be Happy at Home With Gretchen Rubin

How to Be Happy at Home With Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin joins us this week to talk about how she and her family are staying happy in their home during the pandemic—and how we can, too. Hear her talk about the rules, routines, and philosophies that are helping her maintain an inner calm during the current, chaotic state of the world. Gretchen is the New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, and The Four Tendencies, and also hosts the podcast Happier With Gretchen Rubin. Following our chat

Apr 13, 2020 • 34:50

How to Stop Touching Your Face, With 'Atomic Habits'' James Clear

How to Stop Touching Your Face, With 'Atomic Habits'' James Clear

New York Times bestselling author James Clear joins us on The Upgrade this week to help us form some important habits during this panic-stricken time—from grounding rituals to quitting the habits making us unsafe during this pandemic. James is the author of 2018's Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to

Apr 6, 2020 • 23:29

How We're Coping With the Pandemic

How We're Coping With the Pandemic

Everyone at Lifehacker—along with the rest of the world—is now hunkered down at home, trying to make sense of this new (temporary) normal. So this week each of us recorded audio from our lives to provide a glimpse of what we’re up to. We want to hear from you, too. Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 30, 2020 • 33:54

How to Be Resilient With Psychologist Rick Hanson (RECAST)

How to Be Resilient With Psychologist Rick Hanson (RECAST)

On this episode of The Upgrade we’re talking about resilience. You know how some people seem to have some kind of inner strength that helps them bounce back when things go wrong? Those people who, even though the world sometimes feels like a scorched hellscape seem to carry on with grit, even gratitude? Our guest today is Buddhist psychologist Rick Hanson. Rick has drawn on his forty years of clinical practice and teaching to help us cultivate resilience, to overcome the brain's negativ

Mar 23, 2020 • 32:51

How to Eat, With Mark Bittman and Dr. David L. Katz

How to Eat, With Mark Bittman and Dr. David L. Katz

Forget paleo, keto, and intermittent fasting—we’re getting to the truth of how you really should be eating this week with Mark Bittman and Dr. David L. Katz. Their latest book is called How to Eat: All Your Food and Diet Questions Answered, and in this episode they discuss the importance of using both science and common sense when it comes to our consumption. Mark is a leading voice in the food world, having written over 30 books on the topic, including the New York Times bestselle

Mar 16, 2020 • 47:41

How to Prevent Your Mind From Being Hacked, With Robert Lustig  (RECAST)

How to Prevent Your Mind From Being Hacked, With Robert Lustig (RECAST)

Dr. Robert Lustig joins us in the studio to talk about his new book, “The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains.” Dr. Lustig is a pediatric endocrinologist who is also author of the book “Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity, and Disease.” He talks to us about how corporate interests have worked to keep us addicted to pleasure—and how our addictions have robbed us of happiness.Have an idea for a fu

Mar 9, 2020 • 59:03

How to Stop Procrastinating, With Behavior Scientist BJ Fogg

How to Stop Procrastinating, With Behavior Scientist BJ Fogg

Do you put things off ‘til the last minute? Are you one of the millions who tend to delay getting to your to-do list? Then you’re in luck—behavior scientist BJ Fogg joins us on this episode to talk about how to stop procrastinating thanks to his researched approach to behavior. BJ is the founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University and is the author of the New York Times bestseller Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything.Have an idea for a future episode? Call

Mar 2, 2020 • 38:12

How to Get to Sleep, With Sleep Doctor Janet Kennedy (RECAST)

How to Get to Sleep, With Sleep Doctor Janet Kennedy (RECAST)

Calling all insomniacs, tossers, turners, blanket hogs, disco nappers and snooze button pushers! This week we are talking to the experts about how to get a good night's sleep. And our advice goes way beyond putting your devices away before bed.Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to hear from you!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com

Feb 24, 2020 • 36:32

How to Hack Your Life, With Tim Ferriss (RECAST)

How to Hack Your Life, With Tim Ferriss (RECAST)

This week we're talking with Tim Ferriss, author, podcaster, investor, entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed "human guinea pig." He's the author of several books, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers The Four-Hour Workweek and The Four-Hour Body and his latest, Tribe of Mentors. We talked with Tim about his most worthwhile investments and his biggest failures, his most valuable purchases under $100 and over $10,000, and what beliefs and behaviors have most improved his life.See Priva

Feb 17, 2020 • 1:05:38

How to Talk About Art, With Jerry Saltz

How to Talk About Art, With Jerry Saltz

Ever felt at a loss for words when staring at a Jackson Pollock? New York Magazine’s Senior Art Critic, Jerry Saltz, joins us this week to help the less-cultured of us learn the art of discussing fine art. Saltz has won a Pulitzer and two National Magazine Awards for his art criticism, and his latest book, “How to Be an Artist,” comes out in March. Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to

Feb 10, 2020 • 35:01

How to Cut Down on Sugar, With Dr. Yoni Freedhoff

How to Cut Down on Sugar, With Dr. Yoni Freedhoff

Trying to lower your sugar intake? We’re learning how this week with the help of two experts. First, Kathleen DesMaisons, addictive nutrition guru and author of Potatoes Not Prozac: Simple Solutions for Sugar Addiction, walks us through her practical and effective approach to gradually cutting sugar out of your diet. Then we speak with Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, author of The Diet Fix: Why Diets Fail and How to Make Yours Work, about why we should avoid diet fads and what habits we should focu

Feb 3, 2020 • 46:22

How to Love Yourself, With Tara Brach

How to Love Yourself, With Tara Brach

We’re learning how to practice true self-compassion this week with renowned psychotherapist and Buddhist meditation teacher Tara Brach. Tara is the author of Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN and her podcast receives over 1.5 million downloads per month. In this episode, Tara breaks down the practice of RAIN and how it can help us curtail our self-criticism and increase our sense of worthiness.Have an idea for a future episode?

Jan 27, 2020 • 30:33

The All-Upgrades Episode

The All-Upgrades Episode

Alice and Melissa revisit their Upgrades of the Week from past episodes and see how they’ve held up. There’s a little bit of pride, a little bit of shame, and a whole lot of improvement. You’ll be so perfect by the end of this episode you won’t know what to work on next!Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to hear from you!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy

Jan 20, 2020 • 42:27

How to Get a Divorce, With Divorce Lawyer Jacqueline Newman

How to Get a Divorce, With Divorce Lawyer Jacqueline Newman

January is unofficially “Divorce Month” in the legal world, and to celebrate this not-so-joyous occasion, we’re bringing you an episode breaking down the complicated world of divorce. To help us understand the legal nitty-gritty we’re joined by Jacqueline Newman, a New York-based matrimonial attorney and author of the book “The New Rules of Divorce: Twelve Secrets to Protecting Your Wealth, Health, and Happiness.” As we found in our interview, divorce is a fascinating topic even if you’

Jan 13, 2020 • 45:14

How to Deal With Work Stress, With Ask A Manager's Alison Green (RECAST)

How to Deal With Work Stress, With Ask A Manager's Alison Green (RECAST)

Whether you’re dealing with a bad boss or disgruntled employees (or a great boss and enthusiastic employees) you’ve got an opinion on the employer/employee dynamic. This week we heard from the Lifehacker audience about their worst bosses. Then Lifehacker’s managing editor Virginia Smith talks to Ask a Manager’s Alison Green about what your manager wants you to know. Finally, Alice and Melissa talk about the out-of-office auto-reply: does anyone really need it?Have an idea for a future e

Jan 6, 2020 • 46:23

The Best of The Upgrade 2019

The Best of The Upgrade 2019

It’s that time of year again! Time for our annual roundup of our very favorite Upgrade moments of 2019. And we’ve had so many—from touring a fecal transplant lab to improving our memorization muscles, this year has been chock-full of life-enhancing upgrades. Prepare for 2020 by hearing this collection of advice on how to be a better conversationalist, how to make or break a habit, how to negotiate like a pro, and more! Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and

Dec 30, 2019 • 43:09

The Best of The Upgrade 2018 (RECAST)

The Best of The Upgrade 2018 (RECAST)

As we prepare to head into 2020, we thought we’d replay our annual Best of The Upgrade from last year for you. We’ll be bringing you our Best of The Upgrade 2019 next week!Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to hear from you!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 23, 2019 • 1:05:49

How to Start a Podcast, With Abu Zafar

How to Start a Podcast, With Abu Zafar

Ever dreamed of making a podcast of your own? Of being the next Teri Gross or Joe Rogan? This week we’re learning how with the help of Lifehacker’s own video producer Abu Zafar. Abu recently produced a 3-part video series for Lifehacker called How to Start a Podcast and he joins us this week to talk about some of the podcasting basics he’s learned from experts like Josh Clarke (Stuff You Should Know), Misha Euceph (Tell Them I Am), and Roman Mars (99% Invisible). When Abu isn’t busy cra

Dec 16, 2019 • 41:21

How to Be Nice, With Comedian Josh Gondelman

How to Be Nice, With Comedian Josh Gondelman

Josh Gondelman, a.k.a. “The Nicest Guy in Comedy,” joins us this week to talk about what being nice really is, when it’s a quality that is NOT helpful, and the difference between “nice-ness” and “goodness”. Josh is Peabody- and Emmy-winning comedy writer who has worked on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and is currently the senior staff writer and producer for the Showtime series Desus & Mero. He also has a stand up album out called “Dancing on a Weeknight” and new book called,

Dec 9, 2019 • 34:12

How to End a Friendship, With Psychologist Miriam Kirmayer

How to End a Friendship, With Psychologist Miriam Kirmayer

We're tackling tough friendship scenarios this week with psychologist Miriam Kirmayer, who explains why it's so hard to navigate the norms of friendship and how to peacefully end those connections that are no longer working. Afterward, Dr. Kirmayer answers Upgrade listener- and Lifehacker reader-submitted friendship questions.Like the show? Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at upgrade@lifehacker.com. We want to hear fro

Dec 2, 2019 • 42:06

How to Read Minds, With Mentalist Henrik Fexeus

How to Read Minds, With Mentalist Henrik Fexeus

How can we interpret body language and physical cues to better understand what others are really thinking? In this week's episode, Alice and Melissa are joined by Swedish mentalist Henrik Fexeus, who explains what mind-reading really is, and how we can use it to our advantage. Later, Alice and Melissa try out a mind-reading trick on a couple of Lifehacker team members.Like the show? Have an idea for a future episode? Call us at 347-687-8109 and leave a voicemail, or write to us at

Nov 25, 2019 • 38:45

How to Find Love, With Matchmaker Dr. Frankie Bashan (RECAST)

How to Find Love, With Matchmaker Dr. Frankie Bashan (RECAST)

How do we even begin to find true love in a messy world of online dating, ghosting, and benching? Matchmaker Dr. Frankie Bashan tells us why people are using real-live intermediaries like herself to get dates. Etiquette expert Daniel Post Senning takes on the intricacies of Tinder etiquette. And Lifehacker’s food editor Claire Lower mixes up a very sexy three-ingredient cocktail.If you love this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts because our love language is

Nov 18, 2019 • 53:47

How to Get Rich, With Personal Finance Expert Ramit Sethi

How to Get Rich, With Personal Finance Expert Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi, author of “I Will Teach You To Be Rich,” and professional financial smart person, joins us to talk about how to reframe your approach to spending, the best ways to invest your savings, and how normal people can find a way to take a six-week honeymoon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 11, 2019 • 35:25

How to Switch Careers, With Career Guru Joseph Liu

How to Switch Careers, With Career Guru Joseph Liu

Jumping to an entirely new line of work, a new industry, a new identity, is extremely daunting. That’s why this week we’re diving right into the how-tos of making the big career switch. First we chat with consultant, speaker, and podcaster Joseph Liu, who has helped numerous people make big mid-career transitions over the years. Then we hear a personal career change story from Julieta Benavides, who leapt from her high-paying career in restaurant management into the world of therapeutic

Nov 4, 2019 • 36:10

How to Live Forever, With Bulletproof Exec Dave Asprey

How to Live Forever, With Bulletproof Exec Dave Asprey

What can we do to live longer, healthier lives? Bulletproof Coffee founder Dave Asprey joins us on The Upgrade to talk about the practices he’s adopted that he believes will help us all lengthen our lifespans. Then Lifehacker’s Health Editor, Beth Skwarecki, talks about the longevity secrets she learned while visiting the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica—an area that author Dan Buettner has designated as a Blue Zone.Like the show? Have a suggestion? Leave us a voicemail at 347-687-8109 or

Oct 28, 2019 • 43:47

How to Ace Public Speaking, With Carmine Gallo

How to Ace Public Speaking, With Carmine Gallo

This week we’re improving our public speaking skills with the help of expert Carmine Gallo, author of “Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds,” who tells us about the importance of story and emotion when it comes to presenting. Then hear Lifehacker’s Food Editor, Claire Lower, tell her own story about how she learned to get comfortable in front of a crowd.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pri

Oct 21, 2019 • 32:00

How to Stop Caring What People Think, With Mark Manson

How to Stop Caring What People Think, With Mark Manson

Do you ever find yourself spending way too much time worrying about what people think of you? Are you ready to let those needless concerns go to focus on other, more important things? This week on The Upgrade, we’re working through our issues with Mark Manson, author of “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck,” as well as revisiting our interview with writer Samantha Irby from our 2017 “How to Not Give a Shit” episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy N

Oct 14, 2019 • 38:33

How to Take Care of Your Gut

How to Take Care of Your Gut

We're talking fecal transplants, probiotics, gut flora and more this week. Do bacteria in your GI tract affect your moods? How does your microbiome affect your overall health? We visit the lab of computational biologist Dr. Jose Clemente where he and his team study the efficacy of fecal transplants in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oct 7, 2019 • 33:40

How to Get Out of Debt, With Personal Finance Expert Farnoosh Torabi

How to Get Out of Debt, With Personal Finance Expert Farnoosh Torabi

On this episode of The Upgrade, we're tackling debt. Crippling, anxiety-inducing debt. It can be hard to know where to start when facing such a heavy burden. Fortunately, we got some help. First, hear Lifehacker staff writer Lisa Rowan answer Upgrade listener and Lifehacker reader-submitted questions about credit cards. Then, we're joined once again by personal finance expert Farnoosh Torabi, who coaches us on how to start to get a handle on debt. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com

Sep 30, 2019 • 49:24

How to Get Things Done, With Productivity Expert David Allen

How to Get Things Done, With Productivity Expert David Allen

This week we chat with productivity legend David Allen about GTD, his gold-standard time management philosophy. Lifehacker staffers share their productivity secrets as well.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sep 23, 2019 • 37:38

How to Be a Better Decision-Maker, With Neuroscientist David Redish

How to Be a Better Decision-Maker, With Neuroscientist David Redish

Have you ever found yourself totally immobilized in the face of a decision? Why is deciding on something so difficult, whether it’s deciding what to have for dinner or whether we should move across the country? This week, we talk with neuroscientist David Redish about what is actually happening in our brains during the decision-making process. Then, we're joined by Lifehacker’s managing editor Virginia Smith to figure out how our moral, social and legal frameworks inform the decisions w

Sep 16, 2019 • 46:35

How to Get Better at Small Talk

How to Get Better at Small Talk

On this smaller episode we’re diving into the topic of small talk. Is it there real value in shooting the breeze, or is it just inane jibber-jabber? Wherever you stand on the topic, you’re going to be called on to engage in small talk sooner or later—so how do you get more comfortable with it? Our producer asked the people who are probably the most fluent in small talk: bartenders. Then, Melissa and Alice are joined in the studio by Lifehacker staff writer Nick Douglas to discuss their

Sep 9, 2019 • 33:10

How to Stop Feeling Like an Impostor, With Psychologist Dr. Jessamy Hibberd

How to Stop Feeling Like an Impostor, With Psychologist Dr. Jessamy Hibberd

This week we’re talking about impostor syndrome—the psychological phenomenon wherein people question their successes and have an internalized fear of being discovered as a fraud. We’ll hear from Lifehacker’s staff writer, Nick Douglas, who explains why he keeps something called a “brag file.” We’ll also chat with clinical psychologist Dr. Jessamy Hibberd, author of the book The Impostor Cure. And our producer takes to the streets to find out how people deal with their own feelings of in

Aug 19, 2019 • 25:43

How to Do Nothing, WIth Artist and Educator Jenny Odell

How to Do Nothing, WIth Artist and Educator Jenny Odell

We all think we’re experts at “doing nothing,” but there’s a difference between numbing out by staring at Facebook and truly letting your mind rest. There are concrete benefits to doing absolutely nothing—like actually being present in your life and noticing what’s around you. To help us constructively veg out, we’ve brought in essayist Pico Iyer, Lifehacker’s Human Resource Columnist Rob Walker, and artist and educator Jenny Odell, whose new book teaches us how to resist the “attention

Aug 5, 2019 • 45:08

How to Improve Your Memory, With USA Memory Champion Nelson Dellis

How to Improve Your Memory, With USA Memory Champion Nelson Dellis

Memory is a strange thing. What is a “memory,” anyway? Where does it live? And where did we put our keys? We’re unlocking the secrets of memory and how to improve ours with a little help from our friends. First, we’ve got staff writer Nick Douglas with a technique that will help you learn anything. Then staff writer Beth Skwarecki explains just how scientists sucked the memory out of one snail and put it in another—and what this means for all of us. Finally, four-time USA Memory Champio

Jul 22, 2019 • 49:45

How to Find Out People's Secrets, With Seth Stephens-Davidowitz (RECAST)

How to Find Out People's Secrets, With Seth Stephens-Davidowitz (RECAST)

We’re living in a time of secrets. Whether it’s the health-care bill, Russia’s secret connection with our recent election, or the lies we all tell, secrets plague all of us. Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, author of “Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are” explains what the Internet can tell us about the prejudices, fears, and fetishes we’re hiding. We talk with our Lifehacker writers about a Reddit thread where Redditors shared secrets t

Jul 8, 2019 • 1:05:32

How to Travel Alone, With ‘52 Places’ Reporter Sebastian Modak

How to Travel Alone, With ‘52 Places’ Reporter Sebastian Modak

This week we’re talking about solo travel, from the best destinations to how to make friends once you’re there. We’ve got packing secrets, veteran travelers’ must-have apps, and a slew of magical stories from around the globe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 24, 2019 • 42:04

How to Get to Sleep, With Sleep Doctor Janet Kennedy

How to Get to Sleep, With Sleep Doctor Janet Kennedy

Calling all insomniacs, tossers, turners, blanket hogs, disco nappers and snooze button pushers! This week we are talking to the experts about how to get a good night's sleep. And our advice goes way beyond putting your devices away before bed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 10, 2019 • 36:05

How to Make or Break a Habit, With 'Atomic Habits'' James Clear

How to Make or Break a Habit, With 'Atomic Habits'' James Clear

Does it really take 21 days to create a habit? Is it possible to quit smoking when all your friends are smokers? Why can’t you ever get up early and go to the gym? We’re talking to productivity experts like “Atomic Habits”’ James Clear about how we can make changes to our behavior, and what it takes to actually stick with those changes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 27, 2019 • 28:19

How to Be a Better Conversationalist, With Journalist Celeste Headlee

How to Be a Better Conversationalist, With Journalist Celeste Headlee

We could all get better at conversing with our fellow humans. It’s just so easy these days to hide behind our screens, and when we’re finally face to face with actual people, we’re often talking too much and not listening enough. How can we make the most of those one-on-one, face-to-face, in-real-life moments? We’ll hear from journalist Celeste Headlee, whose career revolves around talking to people. And Lifehacker’s own Michelle Woo tells us how to talk to kids—because do any of us rea

May 13, 2019 • 37:02

How to Negotiate Like a Pro, With Personal Finance Expert Farnoosh Torabi

How to Negotiate Like a Pro, With Personal Finance Expert Farnoosh Torabi

We’re back! This week we’re learning about the ins and outs of negotiation. We’ll find out how to get someone to “yes” when they’re all about “no”; when and how the robots are going to negotiate for us; and what to do to get the raise you deserve.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 29, 2019 • 34:25

The Upgrade Returns Next Week!

The Upgrade Returns Next Week!

Where on earth have we been?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 22, 2019 • 1:31

How to Have a Better Sex Life, with Cleo Stiller (RECAST)

How to Have a Better Sex Life, with Cleo Stiller (RECAST)

This week Cleo Stiller, host of Fusion TV's "Sex Right Now," joins us to talk about how porn is affecting our sex lives, what happens when men get menstrual cramps, and to introduce us to a Fitbit for your penis. We also talk to sex therapist Sari Cooper about how to keep intimacy alive in long-term relationships. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 18, 2019 • 1:08:21

How to Be a Good Boss, With Basecamp’s David Heinemeier Hansson and Columnist Rob Walker

How to Be a Good Boss, With Basecamp’s David Heinemeier Hansson and Columnist Rob Walker

All too frequently, people who are good at making a thing get promoted to be the supervisors of the people making the thing—without any training as to how to lead. So how do you become a good boss? Do you pick up leadership skills on the job, or is special coaching required? We find out this week. First, we'll get a sense of what makes a good boss, with the author of Lifehacker's brand-new career advice column, “Human Resource”: Rob Walker. Then, executive coach Jen Goldman-Wetzler tell

Feb 4, 2019 • 47:10

How to Tell if You're Dying, With Cardiologists Chris Kelly and Marc Eisenberg

How to Tell if You're Dying, With Cardiologists Chris Kelly and Marc Eisenberg

We spend a lot of time worrying about death: our own, and the deaths of those we love. This week we look at our deeply held fears and assumptions about dying and see if we can't lessen some of our anxiety about it. First, we talk with cardiologists Chris Kelly and Marc Eisenberg. Their patients come to them with millions of different ailments, but the one question that patients ask them most often, regardless of symptoms, is "Am I dying?!" Then Zen monk Koshin Paley Ellison talks with u

Jan 28, 2019 • 46:46

How to Be Good With Money, With Felix Salmon & Jen Sincero

How to Be Good With Money, With Felix Salmon & Jen Sincero

Financial journalist Felix Salmon joins us this week to talk about making money while doing good in the world, "Badass" author Jen Sincero tells us how she went from no money to a lot of money by changing her mindset, and we all end up rich. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 21, 2019 • 41:23

How to Kick Ass, With Mel Robbins (RECAST)

How to Kick Ass, With Mel Robbins (RECAST)

Mel Robbins is a motivational speaker and the author of "The 5 Second Rule." She’s also the host of the new Audible series “Kick Ass with Mel Robbins.” In this episode, we talk about motivation, taming the negative voices in our head, and how we can kick our own asses to get from good to great. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 14, 2019 • 34:31

How to Hack Your Mornings, With My Morning Routine’s Benjamin Spall (RECAST)

How to Hack Your Mornings, With My Morning Routine’s Benjamin Spall (RECAST)

Mornings. Many of us hate them; some of us love them; all of us want to make the best of them. But how exactly do we do that? First we ask Benjamin Spall, co-author of My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired, about creating the ultimate morning routine. We also talk to Vanessa Marin, a licensed sex therapist (and regular “After Hours” Lifehacker contributor) about why we should occasionally ditch the routine and just do it. And Melissa quizzes Alice about the

Jan 7, 2019 • 45:02

The Best of The Upgrade 2017 (RECAST)

The Best of The Upgrade 2017 (RECAST)

Did you enjoy last week’s Best of The Upgrade 2018? Looking for even more great Upgrade moments? Check out our Best of The Upgrade 2017! Join us as we revisit some of our favorite discussions from our inaugural year, including how to turn awkwardness into a social asset; how to be brilliant (while being bored); how to find real love; and how to get smart about microdosing. We’ll be back to create all new memories in 2019! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California P

Dec 31, 2018 • 1:01:36

The Best of The Upgrade 2018

The Best of The Upgrade 2018

Another year in life hacks come and gone! We're celebrating our favorite moments, hacks, guests and episodes of 2018 with this, our annual Best of The Upgrade episode! Whether you're a lifelong listener taking a trip down memory lane, or new listener looking to dip a toe in the magic that is The Upgrade, we're here for you. And what would an end-of-year episode be without our annual tradition of Alice and Melissa singing Auld Lang Syne? Just kidding! It's our Upgrades of the Year, of co

Dec 24, 2018 • 1:05:35

How to Buy the Perfect Present

How to Buy the Perfect Present

Buying presents can be a stressful activity. It's often hard to know what to buy for that film buff friend, or for the brother-in-law who's really into cooking these days. Fortunately, The Upgrade is here to help—just think of it as our gift to you. Listen as seven Lifehacker staffers each share three perfect gift ideas, from artful prints to wireless gadgets to Secret Santa hacks, to help you buy the perfect present. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priva

Dec 17, 2018 • 22:50

How to Find Love, With Matchmaker Dr. Frankie Bashan

How to Find Love, With Matchmaker Dr. Frankie Bashan

How do we even begin to find true love in a messy world of online dating, ghosting, and benching? Matchmaker Dr. Frankie Bashan tells us why people are using real-live intermediaries like herself to get dates. Etiquette expert Daniel Post Senning takes on the intricacies of Tinder etiquette. And Lifehacker’s food editor Claire Lower mixes up a very sexy three-ingredient cocktail.If you love this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts because our love language is “serv

Dec 10, 2018 • 53:34

How to Fail, With Comedians Chris Gethard and Akilah Hughes

How to Fail, With Comedians Chris Gethard and Akilah Hughes

It’s our first live recording of The Upgrade, performed in front of an audience at the Bell House in Brooklyn, NY. Joining us are comedians Chris Gethard and Akilah Hughes, as well as Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings of Gimlet Media’s “The Nod.” We talk about how you can’t succeed without failure, and how to move past even the most embarrassing of screw-ups. Plus: we play a few rounds of Never Have I Ever (Upgrade-style) and a new game we’re calling “Lifehacker Saves Your Life.” See Priv

Dec 3, 2018 • 1:03:10

How to Calm Down, With ASMR University Founder Craig Richard

How to Calm Down, With ASMR University Founder Craig Richard

Maybe you need to bring your heart rate down after a couple of heated Thanksgiving debates, or perhaps you’re generally feeling a little anxious because of the state of the world. We all could use a little calming down, these days. So we spoke with Dr. Craig Richard, author of Brain Tingles and founder of the ASMR University. And because it’s not only adults who lose their cool, Lifehacker writer Beth Skwarecki gives us 5 ways to stop a child's temper tantrum. Plus: our favorite songs f

Nov 26, 2018 • 52:31

How to Talk to People You Don’t Agree With, With Social Psychologist Jonathan Haidt

How to Talk to People You Don’t Agree With, With Social Psychologist Jonathan Haidt

It’s almost Thanksgiving, which means that many of us will find ourselves elbow to elbow with family members, some of whom may have wildly differing opinions on topics like whether cranberry sauce should be homemade or canned, and who should be president. Before things get too heated, we recommend listening to this episode. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt will explain why there’s value in being exposed to different opinions, and blogger and entrepreneur Anil Dash talks to us about ho

Nov 19, 2018 • 50:53

How to Tell the Truth, With MSNBC Host Lawrence O’Donnell

How to Tell the Truth, With MSNBC Host Lawrence O’Donnell

In this episode we’re talking about how to tell the truth—and how to know when the people around you are being less than truthful.  We’ll be hearing from MSNBC host and author Lawrence O’Donnell with the story behind his book, Deadly Force—the murder of an unarmed black man and the police cover up that followed. Melissa chats with writer and semi-professional poker play Peter Alson about his former life as a bookmaker, and how to tell when someone is lying. And Lifehacker managing edito

Nov 12, 2018 • 49:02

How to Not Be a Dick

How to Not Be a Dick

There are so many different ways to be a dick: from being a schoolyard bully, to not mowing your lawn, to using plastic straws, to being a dick on the road. In this episode, we’re going to talk about some of the little ways we can be good to one another, to the environment, and by extension, to ourselves. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 5, 2018 • 46:13

Anne Lamott Upgrades Our Lives

Anne Lamott Upgrades Our Lives

Anne Lamott is a progressive political activist and writer, the bestselling  author of such books as Bird by Bird, Traveling Mercies, Operating Instructions, Plan B, and her latest, Almost Everything: Notes on Hope. We're such fans of Anne Lamott that we've decided to devote an entire episode of The Upgrade to her.  We talk to Anne about almost everything, including but not limited to: how to deal with the news cycle; having compassion for our small upsets in the face of large tragedies

Oct 29, 2018 • 40:21

How to Get Smart About Microdosing, With Ayelet Waldman & Paul Austin (RECAST)

How to Get Smart About Microdosing, With Ayelet Waldman & Paul Austin (RECAST)

This week we're talking about microdosing: the use of relatively low doses of psychedelics, like LSD and psilocybin mushroom,  to improve mood, focus and productivity in daily life. We spoke with author Ayelet Waldman, whose monthlong experiment with microdosing pulled her out of suicidal depression; psychedelics advocate Paul Austin; and psychologist Dr. Ingmar Gorman, who specializes in "psychedelic psychotherapy" and substance use treatment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p

Oct 22, 2018 • 1:10:48

How to Become Financially Independent and Retire Early, With Vicki Robin (RECAST)

How to Become Financially Independent and Retire Early, With Vicki Robin (RECAST)

Vicki Robin is the co-author of the bestseller YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE and the godmother of a financial movement that’s becoming increasingly popular among millennials: FIRE, which stands for Financially Independent, Retire Early. Vicki talks to us about changing our relationship with money and redefining what a rich, full life actually means. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oct 15, 2018 • 38:51

How to Change Your Perspective, With CBT Pioneer David Burns, MD

How to Change Your Perspective, With CBT Pioneer David Burns, MD

Dr. David Burns joins us in this episode to talk about how to change your perspective. Dr. Burns is a pioneer in the field of cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, and the author of best-selling books on the topic, including "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" and "The Feeling Good Handbook." We’ll also hear from photographer Tyson Wheatley on five steps to taking better pictures. And Alice and Melissa discuss two books that changed how they see the world. See Privacy Policy at https:

Oct 8, 2018 • 44:30

How to Be Tougher, With Survivorman's Les Stroud

How to Be Tougher, With Survivorman's Les Stroud

This week we chat with Les Stroud, the creator and star of the hit TV series Survivorman. Alice and staff writer Nick Douglas talk with Les about just how one becomes an expert in surviving, as well as the one aspect of survival that he finds nearly impossible to endure. We’re also joined by our old friend, divorce attorney James J. Sexton, yes we have him on speed dial. James tells us the five steps to developing a thick skin. Emotionally, that is. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.

Oct 1, 2018 • 42:11

How to Be a Happier Parent, With Author KJ Dell’Antonia

How to Be a Happier Parent, With Author KJ Dell’Antonia

KJ Dell’Antonia—journalist and author of How to Be a Happier Parent: Raising a Family, Having a Life, and Loving (Almost) Every Minute—joins Offspring editor Michelle Woo to discuss how to make your family life less stressful and even (dare we say it) fun. But first, Alice gives staff writer and soon-to-be new parent Nick Douglas an important (note: not really important) parenting quiz. Finally, we’ve got a playlist of non-kid songs that your kids will love as much as you do. See Priva

Sep 24, 2018 • 40:56

How to Conquer Your Fears, With Author Dean Sluyter

How to Conquer Your Fears, With Author Dean Sluyter

This week, we’re digging into the things you're terrified of--the concrete stuff like fear of spiders and heights, as well as the more conceptual, existential anxiety we all have about just being alive. First, we interview Dean Sluyter, author of the new book Fear Less: Living Beyond Fear, Anxiety, Anger, and Addiction. Then Ben Brock Johnson, host of the Reddit podcast “Endless Thread,” shares the scariest stories from Reddit. And Alice and Melissa confront two of their worst fears via

Sep 17, 2018 • 39:38

How to Hack Your Mornings, With My Morning Routine’s Benjamin Spall

How to Hack Your Mornings, With My Morning Routine’s Benjamin Spall

Mornings. Many of us hate them; some of us love them; all of us want to make the best of them. But how exactly do we do that? First we ask Benjamin Spall, co-author of My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired, about creating the ultimate morning routine. We also talk to Vanessa Marin, a licensed sex therapist (and regular “After Hours” Lifehacker contributor) about why we should occasionally ditch the routine and just do it. And Melissa quizzes Alice about the

Sep 10, 2018 • 44:41

How to Deal With Work Stress, With Ask a Manager’s Alison Green

How to Deal With Work Stress, With Ask a Manager’s Alison Green

Whether you’re dealing with a bad boss or disgruntled employees (or a great boss and enthusiastic employees) you’ve got an opinion on the employer/employee dynamic. This week we heard from the Lifehacker audience about their worst bosses. Then Lifehacker’s managing editor Virginia Smith talks to Ask a Manager’s Alison Green about what your manager wants you to know. Finally, Alice and Melissa talk about the out-of-office auto-reply: does anyone really need it? See Privacy Policy at htt

Sep 3, 2018 • 46:06

Tell Us Your Horrible Boss Stories!

Tell Us Your Horrible Boss Stories!

Hey Upgrade listeners! We want to hear your horrible boss stories, and how you solved the situation, if you were indeed able to solve it. Leave us a message at (347) 687 - 8109, or send us a voice memo at upgrade@lifehacker.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 28, 2018 • 0:33

How to Reinvent Yourself With Coss Marte and Lawrence O'Donnell

How to Reinvent Yourself With Coss Marte and Lawrence O'Donnell

Want to totally change your life? Coss Marte tells us how he went from drug kingpin to fitness entrepreneur using a regimen he developed in prison, and gives us your new gym playlist for becoming a total beast. We go to Scary Corner with newsman Lawrence O'Donnell to learn about why people are so effing scared of socialism, and Lawrence joins us for Upgrade of the Week, where Melissa recommends a life-changing bike accessory and Alice announces a new fitness plan of her own. See Privac

Aug 27, 2018 • 42:02

How to Be a Successful Artist, With Keiko Agena and Ottessa Mosfegh

How to Be a Successful Artist, With Keiko Agena and Ottessa Mosfegh

We’re back from summer vacation with writer Ottessa Mosfegh, Gilmore Girls’ Keiko Agena, a new format, new segments and a ton of new hacks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 20, 2018 • 49:40

How to Have Great Sex in a Long-Term Relationship, With Therapist Stephen Snyder (RECAST)

How to Have Great Sex in a Long-Term Relationship, With Therapist Stephen Snyder (RECAST)

In this episode we talk to Stephen Snyder, a sex and couples therapist, and the author of Love Worth Making: How to Have Ridiculously Great Sex in a Long-Lasting Relationship. We’ll discuss why you should be sexually selfish, how the idea of “desire” can mess up your sex life, and why Stephen is against cuddling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 13, 2018 • 41:38

How to Be Bored and Brilliant, With Manoush Zomorodi (RECAST)

How to Be Bored and Brilliant, With Manoush Zomorodi (RECAST)

In this episode we talk to Manoush Zomorodi, host of WNYC’s Note to Self and author of “Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Productive and Creative Self.” Back in 2015, Manoush wondered if being plugged in all the time to a constant stream of entertainment and information actually made our lives worse. She noticed that we’re never bored—and she wondered, what is that lack of boredom doing to us? Manoush led her listeners through an experiment to help them unplug—an

Aug 6, 2018 • 1:02:53

How to Identify a Cult, With Rick Alan Ross (RECAST)

How to Identify a Cult, With Rick Alan Ross (RECAST)

In this episode we’re talking about cults: how they operate, how you identify one, what it’s like to be in one, and how to get out. To that end, we’re talking with Rick Alan Ross, the founder and Executive Director of the Cult Education Institute and an internationally known expert on destructive cults, controversial groups and movements. We’re also talking to author Rebecca Stott, whose book “In the Days of Rain: A Father, a Daughter, a Cult” details her childhood in the Exclusive Bret

Jul 30, 2018 • 1:08:52

How to Tell a Story, with Alan Alda and The Moth’s Catherine Burns (RECAST)

How to Tell a Story, with Alan Alda and The Moth’s Catherine Burns (RECAST)

This week, Alan Alda and The Moth’s Catherine Burns join us to talk about storytelling. What makes a good story? What makes a good storyteller? How can we use storytelling to communicate better, to sell people on our ideas, to make people like us?Actor, director, screenwriter, author and science advocate Alan Alda is the founder of the Alda Center for Communicating Science and Alda Communication Training, which trains scientists and businesspeople to use improv in order to more effectiv

Jul 23, 2018 • 1:08:40

How to Tell If You're Dating a Psychopath with Jen Waite & Michael Stone (RECAST)

How to Tell If You're Dating a Psychopath with Jen Waite & Michael Stone (RECAST)

This week we're talking about psychopaths: what exactly is a psychopath, how to identify them and what to do if you suspect you might be dating one. We talk with Jen Waite, author of A Beautiful, Terrible Thing: A Memoir of Marriage and Betrayal about her marriage to someone who turned out to embody the textbook definition of a psychopath, as well Columbia University professor of psychiatry Michael Stone about the clinical and forensic applications of the psychopathy spectrum. See Priv

Jul 16, 2018 • 1:00:41

How to Not Give a Shit with Comedian Samantha Irby (RECAST)

How to Not Give a Shit with Comedian Samantha Irby (RECAST)

This week we chatted with Samantha Irby, comedian, writer, the mastermind behind the blog “Bitches Gotta Eat” and the author of the new collection of essays “We Are Never Meeting in Real Life,” as well as the collection “Meaty.” We crowned her as the voice of her generation, talked marriage and the Bachelorette, and found out why she dedicated her book to Klonopin. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-

Jul 9, 2018 • 1:07:31

How Psychedelics Can Expand Your Consciousness, With Michael Pollan

How Psychedelics Can Expand Your Consciousness, With Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan has been writing about the the intersection of nature and culture for over 30 years. He may be best known as the guy who summed up his principles for eating thusly: "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants." He is the author of several books, including In Defense of Food, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and The Botany of Desire. His latest book is How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcen

Jul 2, 2018 • 41:54

How to Deal With Rude People, With Danny Wallace

How to Deal With Rude People, With Danny Wallace

Danny Wallace is a comedian, radio host, and author of the book F You Very Much: Understanding the Culture of Rudeness—And What We Can Do About It. We talk about why we’ve all become so rude, and the steps we can take to help ourselves and others find our inner civility. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 25, 2018 • 43:10

How to Be Smart About Pregnancy and Early Motherhood, With Angela Garbes

How to Be Smart About Pregnancy and Early Motherhood, With Angela Garbes

Angela Garbes, author of the book “Like a Mother,” talks to us about the science and culture of pregnancy and motherhood, and why it’s so challenging for parents to find specific answers to their questions, instead of agenda-laden advice and judgment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 18, 2018 • 37:23

How to Be Resilient With Psychologist Rick Hanson

How to Be Resilient With Psychologist Rick Hanson

On this episode of The Upgrade we’re talking about resilience. You know how some people seem to have some kind of inner strength that helps them bounce back when things go wrong? Those people who, even though the world sometimes feels like a scorched hellscape seem to carry on with grit, even gratitude? Our guest today is Buddhist psychologist Rick Hanson. Rick has drawn on his forty years of clinical practice and teaching to help us cultivate resilience, to overcome the brain's negativ

Jun 11, 2018 • 32:22

How to Win at Bitcoin

How to Win at Bitcoin

This week we’re talking about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with journalists Jay Caspian Kang and Aaron Lammer, co-hosts of the podcast Coin Talk. They explain the weird "Coinworld" that's grown up around blockchain technology, and who will be its winners and losers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 4, 2018 • 37:01

The Upgrade Presents: The Gateway

The Upgrade Presents: The Gateway

The Upgrade would like to share with you a podcast our colleagues at Gizmodo have been working on called The Gateway. It's a six-part series about Teal Swan, a new brand of spiritual guru, who draws in followers with her hypnotic self-help YouTube videos aimed at people who are struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Some followers move to Teal’s healing center, a spiritual startup where they produce content and manage social media accounts. Teal insists her therapy saves live

May 31, 2018 • 39:52

How Should a Man Be? With Esther Perel, James J. Sexton, and Donald Shorter, Jr.

How Should a Man Be? With Esther Perel, James J. Sexton, and Donald Shorter, Jr.

We're live with Esther Perel, James J. Sexton, and Donald Shorter, Jr.  discussing modern masculinity in the first installment of LIVEHACKER, recorded in New York City on May 16, 2018. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 28, 2018 • 1:00:31

How to Find Your Career Path With Mike Steib

How to Find Your Career Path With Mike Steib

Author of The Career Manifesto Mike Steib talks about figuring out your purpose, taking calculated risks and finding a fulfilling career. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 21, 2018 • 38:42

How to Kick Ass, With Mel Robbins

How to Kick Ass, With Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins is a motivational speaker and the author of "The 5 Second Rule." She’s also the host of the new Audible series “Kick Ass with Mel Robbins.” In this episode, we talk about motivation, taming the negative voices in our head, and how we can kick our own asses to get from good to great. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 14, 2018 • 34:16

How to Break Into Comedy, With Nell Scovell

How to Break Into Comedy, With Nell Scovell

Nell Scovell is a comedy writer and the author of JUST THE FUNNY PARTS: And a Few Hard Truths About Sneaking Into the Hollywood Boy’s Club. Nell’s written for The Simpsons, Newhart, The Late Show with David Letterman, and a ton of other shows. We’re going to find out how she managed to excel as a woman in a field that’s so male-dominated. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 7, 2018 • 40:14

How to Become Financially Independent and Retire Early, With Vicki Robin

How to Become Financially Independent and Retire Early, With Vicki Robin

Vicki Robin is the co-author of the bestseller YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE and the godmother of a financial movement that’s becoming increasingly popular among millennials: FIRE, which stands for Financially Independent, Retire Early. Vicki talks to us about changing our relationship with money and redefining what a rich, full life actually means. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 30, 2018 • 38:24

How to Think Like a Cat, With Author Stephane Garnier

How to Think Like a Cat, With Author Stephane Garnier

Stephane Garnier is a French author whose book, HOW TO THINK LIKE A CAT, extols the many virtues of adopting a feline mindset. Obviously, when we saw this title, we had to talk to him. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 23, 2018 • 26:13

How to Save Your Relationship, With Divorce Lawyer James J. Sexton

How to Save Your Relationship, With Divorce Lawyer James J. Sexton

James J. Sexton is a divorce lawyer who has spent his career working with couples whose marriages are dissolving. He’s learned a lot throughout the years about what sours a good marriage (or ends a relationship that's already in trouble), and now he’s using that knowledge to help the rest of us. His new book is “If You’re In My Office It’s Already Too Late: A Divorce Lawyer’s Guide to Staying Together." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ht

Apr 16, 2018 • 40:21

How to Have an Epic Game Night, With Brian Lewis and Seth Scott

How to Have an Epic Game Night, With Brian Lewis and Seth Scott

Guests Brian Lewis and Seth Scott join us this week to talk about games. Game nights, it seems, are having a moment. We’ll find out why, and get some great game-night ideas, from Seth Scott, a video game designer who frequently hosts his own game night (and promises to invite us one of these days). Then Lifehacker staff writer Nick Douglas and Upgrade producer Levi Sharpe talk with Brian Lewis, aka “The Professor,” about how (and why) to get into Magic: The Gathering. See Privacy Polic

Apr 9, 2018 • 38:29

How to Have Great Sex in a Long-Term Relationship, With Therapist Stephen Snyder

How to Have Great Sex in a Long-Term Relationship, With Therapist Stephen Snyder

In this episode we talk to Stephen Snyder, a sex and couples therapist, and the author of Love Worth Making: How to Have Ridiculously Great Sex in a Long-Lasting Relationship. We’ll discuss why you should be sexually selfish, how the idea of “desire” can mess up your sex life, and why Stephen is against cuddling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 2, 2018 • 41:24

How to Increase Your Endurance, With Author Alex Hutchinson

How to Increase Your Endurance, With Author Alex Hutchinson

Our guest this week is Outside magazine columnist Alex Hutchinson, author of Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance. We discuss how endurance is a skill that involves drive and belief just as much as muscle--and how we all have the potential to go farther, push harder, and achieve more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 26, 2018 • 42:18

How to Talk to Anyone, With Podcaster Ken Plume

How to Talk to Anyone, With Podcaster Ken Plume

In this episode we’re talking about the lost art of conversation-making. Joining us is podcaster and raconteur Ken Plume, who has conducted extensive interviews with the likes of Mel Brooks and John Cleese. We discuss how Ken got his start feeling comfortable talking to just about anyone, how he handles the awkwardness of a cocktail party (hint: it involves a fern)—and then we invent an acronym that will help you handle any conversational challenge. (Sort of.) See Privacy Policy at htt

Mar 19, 2018 • 32:14

How to Make Sense of the Media, With Jill Abramson

How to Make Sense of the Media, With Jill Abramson

This week on the Upgrade, we spoke in front of a live audience at On Air Fest with journalist Jill Abramson, the first female executive editor of the New York Times, and the co-author of Strange Justice: The Selling of Clarence Thomas. We covered a wide range of topics, including: how journalists are affected by social media, how to keep up to date with the news while maintaining your sanity, and where the “Me Too” movement is (or should be) taking us. See Privacy Policy at https://art

Mar 12, 2018 • 35:34

How to Get Over Yourself, With Mark Epstein

How to Get Over Yourself, With Mark Epstein

Author and psychiatrist Mark Epstein's books include Thoughts Without a Thinker, and Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart.  His latest book, Advice Not Given, uses Buddhism's Noble Eightfold Path as a roadmap for spiritual and psychological growth. According to Mark, Buddhism and psychotherapy arrive at the same conclusion: when we give the ego free rein, we suffer, but when the ego learns to let go, we are free. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy N

Mar 5, 2018 • 39:04

How to Conquer Reddit, With 'Endless Thread' Host Ben Brock Johnson

How to Conquer Reddit, With 'Endless Thread' Host Ben Brock Johnson

Ben Brock Johnson, host of the Reddit podcast ‘Endless Thread,’ gives us secrets and tips for fully experiencing all of the agony and ecstasy of that asylum where the lunatics are in charge, the sometimes magical, sometimes creepy, always fascinating Reddit.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 26, 2018 • 34:29

How to Find Your Purpose, With Authors Sanjiv Chopra and Gina Vild

How to Find Your Purpose, With Authors Sanjiv Chopra and Gina Vild

In this episode, we’re talking to Sanjiv Chopra and Gina Vild, the authors of The Two Most Important Days: How to Find Your Purpose—and Live a Happier, Healthier Life. In addition to talking about discovering your purpose, we’ll discuss the importance of gratitude, how to live in the present, and how to raise your “happiness quotient.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 19, 2018 • 26:55

How Our Minds Are Being Hacked, And What We Can Do About It (RECAST)

How Our Minds Are Being Hacked, And What We Can Do About It (RECAST)

Due to some technical difficulties, we are recasting the episode where Dr. Robert Lustig joins us in the studio to talk about his new book, “The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains.” Dr. Lustig is a pediatric endocrinologist who is also author of the book “Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity, and Disease.” He talks to us about how corporate interests have worked to keep us addicted to pleasure—a

Feb 12, 2018 • 59:10

How to Fix a Broken Heart, With Guy Winch

How to Fix a Broken Heart, With Guy Winch

In this week’s episode, we’re talking about heartbreak. How do you know when your heart is broken? What can you do about it? And how do you help the heartbroken people in your life? Our expert guest is Guy Winch, noted TED speaker and author of the forthcoming book “How to Fix a Broken Heart.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 5, 2018 • 37:48

How to Drink Less, With Author Annie Grace

How to Drink Less, With Author Annie Grace

It’s a new year (and a new you?) and we’re all trying to clean up our acts. This week we’re taking a closer look at alcohol—why we drink, what it does to us, and how to quit, if we’re so inclined. We’re joined by author Annie Grace, author of the book This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness, & Change Your Life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 29, 2018 • 40:08

How to Be a Clean Person, with Jolie Kerr (RECAST)

How to Be a Clean Person, with Jolie Kerr (RECAST)

We're talking about personal hygiene with professional clean person Jolie Kerr. Jolie’s been a cleaning expert for Esquire, Deadspin and The Hairpin, and she’s the author of the New York Times bestselling book, My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag . . . and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha. Starting this week, she’ll be writing a column for Lifehacker's parenting vertical, Offspring, on how to be a clean parent. In this episode, she’ll answer questions from our audience on how to handle s

Jan 22, 2018 • 54:37

How to Be Less Stupid About Money, With Felix Salmon (RECAST)

How to Be Less Stupid About Money, With Felix Salmon (RECAST)

Since we're sure you're like us and have spent far too much money this holiday season, we're recasting our episode featuring Felix Salmon, senior editor at Fusion and co-host of Slate’s Money podcast. We discuss banks debt, credit cards and other things you think are totally boring but we somehow make wildly entertaining. Plus, we've got a wine recommendation for when you're feeling flush. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy

Dec 25, 2017 • 58:49

The Best of The Upgrade 2017

The Best of The Upgrade 2017

In this episode, we talk about (and listen to) our favorite moments from the past year’s episodes. In 2017, we learned how to turn our awkwardness into a social asset; how to be brilliant (while being bored); how to find real love; how to get smart about microdosing… and more. So much more. Oh, but we had fun. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 18, 2017 • 1:00:09

How to Bike in the City, With the Bike Snob and Brooklyn Spoke

How to Bike in the City, With the Bike Snob and Brooklyn Spoke

This week we’re tackling the topic of urban cycling. Our guests include Eben Weiss, author of "The Ultimate Bicycle Owner’s Manual: The Universal Guide to Bikes, Riding, and Everything for Beginner and Seasoned Cyclists"; Rosemary Bolich, the Director of Community Outreach at We Bike NYC; and Doug Gordon, better known as Brooklyn Spoke—a TV producer and outspoken cycling advocate.  We’ll find out what some people have against mandatory helmet laws, how cities can make their streets safe

Dec 11, 2017 • 1:02:17

How to Hack Your Life, With Tim Ferriss

How to Hack Your Life, With Tim Ferriss

This week we’re talking with Tim Ferriss, author, podcaster,  investor, entrepreneur, and  self-proclaimed “human guinea pig.” He’s the author of several books, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers The Four-Hour Workweek and The Four-Hour Body and his latest, Tribe of Mentors. We talked with Tim about his most worthwhile investments and his biggest failures, his most valuable purchases under $100 and over $10,000, and what beliefs and behaviors have most improved his life. See P

Dec 4, 2017 • 1:05:15

How to Have Good Taste in Wine, With Marissa Ross (RECAST)

How to Have Good Taste in Wine, With Marissa Ross (RECAST)

Marissa Ross, the official wine columnist for Bon Appétit and author of the book “Wine. All the Time: The Casual Guide to Confident Drinking,” joins us in the studio to talk about (what else?) wine: how to buy it, how to talk about it, and most importantly, how to enjoy drinking it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 27, 2017 • 53:03

How to Write a Novel, With Author Mira Jacob

How to Write a Novel, With Author Mira Jacob

Mira Jacob, author of the novel “The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing,” joins Alice in the studio to talk about how her novel took her ten years to write, and what she learned in the process.  We also hear from Lifehacker staff writers Nick Douglas, Patrick Allen, and Beth Skwarecki about National Novel Writing Month (also known as NaNoWriMo), wherein writers pledge to write 50,000 words by the end of November. Beth has completed NaNoWriMo 10 times; Patrick is trying it this year for the

Nov 20, 2017 • 59:28

How to Bust Myths, With MythBuster Hosts Brian Louden and Jon Lung

How to Bust Myths, With MythBuster Hosts Brian Louden and Jon Lung

This week’s interview is with Brian Louden and Jon Lung, the new hosts of Discovery's Mythbusters. Mythbusters, as you probably know, is the popular show that aims to uncover the truth behind myths and legends, by mixing scientific method with ingenuity and experimentation. Mythbusters has taken on the big questions of our time, like Can combining Diet Coke and Mentos make your stomach explode? Is it possible to beat a lie detector test? And Would a bull really cause destruction in a ch

Nov 13, 2017 • 50:50

How to Pursue a Side Hustle, With Chris Guillebeau

How to Pursue a Side Hustle, With Chris Guillebeau

This week we’re talking about side hustles: those projects you pursue after work—at night or on weekends—to supplement your income or fulfill a passion. Our guests include Chris Guillebeau, author of Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days, and journalist Catherine Baab-Muguira, who wrote a revealing story in Quartz about millennials and side hustles. Plus, our producer takes to the streets to find out from everyday people what kind of side hustles they have going on. See Privacy P

Nov 6, 2017 • 58:14

How to Be Bored and Brilliant, With Manoush Zomorodi

How to Be Bored and Brilliant, With Manoush Zomorodi

In this episode we talk to Manoush Zomorodi, host of WNYC’s Note to Self and author of “Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Productive and Creative Self.” Back in 2015, Manoush wondered if being plugged in all the time to a constant stream of entertainment and information actually made our lives worse. She noticed that we’re never bored—and she wondered, what is that lack of boredom doing to us? Manoush led her listeners through an experiment to help them unplug—an

Oct 30, 2017 • 1:02:38

How to Win at Dinner, With Melissa Clark and Dave Arnold

How to Win at Dinner, With Melissa Clark and Dave Arnold

In this episode we’re talking about dinner: what you should make, how you should make it, and why the idea of “dinner” is fraught for so many of us. We talk with Melissa Clark, staff reporter for the New York Times Food section and author of the new cookbook “Dinner in an Instant.” We also chat with Dave Arnold, the Founder and President of the Brooklyn-based Museum of Food and Drink. And we spend quality time with Claire Lower, Lifehacker's food editor and the mastermind behind the “Wi

Oct 23, 2017 • 1:10:47

How to Identify a Cult, With Rick Alan Ross

How to Identify a Cult, With Rick Alan Ross

In this episode we’re talking about cults: how they operate, how you identify one, what it’s like to be in one, and how to get out. To that end, we’re talking with Rick Alan Ross, the founder and Executive Director of the Cult Education Institute and an internationally known expert on destructive cults, controversial groups and movements. We’re also talking to author Rebecca Stott, whose book “In the Days of Rain: A Father, a Daughter, a Cult” details her childhood in the Exclusive Bret

Oct 16, 2017 • 1:08:29

How to Change Your Brain With Mindfulness, With Daniel Goleman

How to Change Your Brain With Mindfulness, With Daniel Goleman

In this episode we’re talking about meditation and the lasting effects it can have on our minds and bodies. Joining us is Daniel Goleman, co-author of the book “Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body.” Daniel Goleman is a psychologist and science journalist known for his numerous books on emotional intelligence, including the bestselling book “Emotional Intelligence.”  In the book “Altered Traits,” he and his co-author Richard Davidson waded th

Oct 9, 2017 • 42:07

How to Fight Hackers, With Former Black-Hat Hacker Hector Monsegur

How to Fight Hackers, With Former Black-Hat Hacker Hector Monsegur

The Equifax hack has made one thing clear: all of us are vulnerable to these kinds of attacks. But how can you keep your information (and money) safe? What steps should you take to protect yourself? To find out, we brought in Hector Monsegur, former black-hat hacker, now Director of Assessment Services at Rhino Labs—and one of our favorite guests from the past year. He tells us what companies like Equifax should do to keep us safe(r), who he thinks might be behind it, what we should loo

Oct 4, 2017 • 58:05

How to Figure Out Your Personality Type, With Gretchen Rubin

How to Figure Out Your Personality Type, With Gretchen Rubin

This week we're talking about personality tests. You know: those tests that ask you personal questions about your philosophy of life or your behavior or your ethics, and then tell you what kind of person you are. How much do they really reveal? And what does our desire to take them say about us? We'll be talking with a good friend of The Upgrade—and our first repeat guest—#1 New York Times best-selling author Gretchen Rubin. Gretchen is the author of the brand-new book “The Four Tendenc

Sep 25, 2017 • 1:09:47

How to Prevent Your Mind From Being Hacked, With Robert Lustig

How to Prevent Your Mind From Being Hacked, With Robert Lustig

Dr. Robert Lustig joins us in the studio to talk about his new book, “The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains.” Dr. Lustig is a pediatric endocrinologist who is also author of the book “Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity, and Disease.” He talks to us about how corporate interests have worked to keep us addicted to pleasure—and how our addictions have robbed us of happiness. See Privacy Policy

Sep 18, 2017 • 58:47

How to Detect Bullshit, With Carl Bergstrom & Jevin West

How to Detect Bullshit, With Carl Bergstrom & Jevin West

This week we’re talking about bullshit: what it is, how to detect it, and how to call it out. First, staff writer Nick Douglas joins us for a rousing game of “Two Truths and a Lie.” Then we talk to Carl Bergstrom and Jevin West, professors at the University of Washington who teach a course called Calling Bullshit. Finally, Alice talks about why we're so susceptible to bullshit with staff writer Beth Skwarecki, who writes the Bullshit Resistance School column on Lifehacker. See Privacy

Sep 11, 2017 • 51:37

How to Be Smarter, Faster and Better, With Charles Duhigg (RECAST)

How to Be Smarter, Faster and Better, With Charles Duhigg (RECAST)

This is a recast of the week Charles Duhigg joined us to discuss the science of productivity. He's a Pulitzer-winning reporter for the New York Times and best-selling author, most recently of Smarter Faster Better, which plumbs the science of productivity. He talks with us about how you can motivate yourself to do horrible things like answer email, why some pilots crash planes when things go wrong and others don't, and why you want at least two women on any team you're on. You can find

Sep 4, 2017 • 1:00:20

How to Get Smart About Microdosing, With Ayelet Waldman & Paul Austin

How to Get Smart About Microdosing, With Ayelet Waldman & Paul Austin

This week we're talking about microdosing: the use of relatively low doses of psychedelics, like LSD and psilocybin mushroom,  to improve mood, focus and productivity in daily life. We spoke with author Ayelet Waldman, whose monthlong experiment with microdosing pulled her out of suicidal depression; psychedelics advocate Paul Austin; and psychologist Dr. Ingmar Gorman, who specializes in "psychedelic psychotherapy" and substance use treatment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p

Aug 28, 2017 • 1:10:29

How to Be a Clean Person, with Jolie Kerr

How to Be a Clean Person, with Jolie Kerr

We're talking about personal hygiene with professional clean person Jolie Kerr. Jolie’s been a cleaning expert for Esquire, Deadspin and The Hairpin, and she’s the author of the New York Times bestselling book, My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag . . . and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha. Starting this week, she’ll be writing a column for Lifehacker's parenting vertical, Offspring, on how to be a clean parent. In this episode, she’ll answer questions from our audience on how to handle s

Aug 21, 2017 • 54:37

How to Have a Better Sex Life, with Cleo Stiller

How to Have a Better Sex Life, with Cleo Stiller

This week Cleo Stiller, host of Fusion TV's "Sex Right Now," joins us to talk about how porn is affecting our sex lives, what happens when men get menstrual cramps, and to introduce us to a Fitbit for your penis. We also talk to sex therapist Sari Cooper about how to keep intimacy alive in long-term relationships. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 14, 2017 • 1:08:16

How to Be Less Rude, With the Lifehacker Staff

How to Be Less Rude, With the Lifehacker Staff

The entire Lifehacker staff convened in New York City and gathered in the studio this week to answer etiquette questions sent in by our readers. Want to know how often you should acknowledge a coworker in the office hallway? How to politely exit a conversation? Or how to tell a spouse that he’s a bit of a mansplainer? Lucky for you, we have all the answers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 7, 2017 • 1:11:26

How to Tell a Story, with Alan Alda and The Moth’s Catherine Burns

How to Tell a Story, with Alan Alda and The Moth’s Catherine Burns

This week, Alan Alda and The Moth’s Catherine Burns join us to talk about storytelling. What makes a good story? What makes a good storyteller? How can we use storytelling to communicate better, to sell people on our ideas, to make people like us?Actor, director, screenwriter, author and science advocate Alan Alda is the founder of the Alda Center for Communicating Science and Alda Communication Training, which trains scientists and businesspeople to use improv in order to more effectiv

Jul 31, 2017 • 1:07:28

How to Stay Safe, with Steve Casner

How to Stay Safe, with Steve Casner

We spoke with Steve Casner, author of the book CAREFUL: A User’s Guide to Our Injury-Prone Minds. Steve is a research psychologist with NASA who studies how and why we get hurt in our everyday activities: whether we’re chopping vegetables, climbing ladders, or just walking down the street. We found out how we can stay safe without hiding in bed all day—and why we should embrace our bad attitudes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://a

Jul 24, 2017 • 50:58

How to Tell If You're Dating a Psychopath with Jen Waite & Michael Stone

How to Tell If You're Dating a Psychopath with Jen Waite & Michael Stone

This week we're talking about psychopaths: what exactly is a psychopath, how to identify them and what to do if you suspect you might be dating one. We talk with Jen Waite, author of A Beautiful, Terrible Thing: A Memoir of Marriage and Betrayal about her marriage to someone who turned out to embody the textbook definition of a psychopath, as well Columbia University professor of psychiatry Michael Stone about the clinical and forensic applications of the psychopathy spectrum. See Priv

Jul 17, 2017 • 1:00:28

How to Turn Your Awkwardness Into a Social Asset, With Ty Tashiro

How to Turn Your Awkwardness Into a Social Asset, With Ty Tashiro

Ty Tashiro, relationship expert and author of Awkward: The Science of Why We’re Socially Awkward and Why That’s Awesome, joins us in the studio to talk about how the same traits that make us socially anxious and cause embarrassing faux pas can actually be beneficial. We also get people to spill about their most awkward moments, and take a look at the ways that technology has made things awkward (and what we can do about it) in the digital age. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr

Jul 10, 2017 • 50:46

How to Have Good Taste in Wine, With Marissa Ross

How to Have Good Taste in Wine, With Marissa Ross

Marissa Ross, the official wine columnist for Bon Appétit and author of the book “Wine. All the Time: The Casual Guide to Confident Drinking,” joins us in the studio to talk about (what else?) wine: how to buy it, how to talk about it, and most importantly, how to enjoy drinking it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 3, 2017 • 52:43

How to Find Out People's Secrets, With Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

How to Find Out People's Secrets, With Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

We’re living in a time of secrets. Whether it’s the health-care bill, Russia’s secret connection with our recent election, or the lies we all tell, secrets plague all of us. Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, author of “Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are” explains what the Internet can tell us about the prejudices, fears, and fetishes we’re hiding. We talk with our Lifehacker writers about a Reddit thread where Redditors shared secrets t

Jun 26, 2017 • 1:04:00

How to Be Emotionally Correct, With Sally Kohn

How to Be Emotionally Correct, With Sally Kohn

Sally Kohn, political commentator, columnist, and one of our leading progressive voices, joins us in the studio to discuss the state of our (deeply divided) union—and how we can come together despite our differences. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 19, 2017 • 53:14

How to Not Give a Shit with Comedian Samantha Irby

How to Not Give a Shit with Comedian Samantha Irby

This week we chatted with Samantha Irby, comedian, writer, the mastermind behind the blog “Bitches Gotta Eat” and the author of the new collection of essays “We Are Never Meeting in Real Life,” as well as the collection “Meaty.” We crowned her as the voice of her generation, talked marriage and the Bachelorette, and found out why she dedicated her book to Klonopin. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-

Jun 12, 2017 • 1:07:09

How to Find Real Love With Sharon Salzberg

How to Find Real Love With Sharon Salzberg

Sharon Salzberg is one of the people who brought Buddhist meditation and mindfulness practice to the West and into mainstream culture. She co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, and is the  author of nine books, including the New York Times best seller Real Happiness, her seminal work, Lovingkindness, and her new book, which comes out tomorrow, Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection.  Sharon joined us in the studio to talk about her new book, meditation, lo

Jun 5, 2017 • 58:50

How to Be an Adult With Andy Boyle

How to Be an Adult With Andy Boyle

Andy Boyle is a writer, comedian, and web developer who has gone viral on the Internet multiple times. He’s also the author of the new book “Adulthood for Beginners: All the Life Secrets Nobody Bothered to Tell You.” Andy joined us in the studio to talk about how he went viral, and all of the things he wished he knew as a young adult to make him a better and fuller person. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-

May 29, 2017 • 49:57

How to Protect Yourself Online with Hector Monsegur

How to Protect Yourself Online with Hector Monsegur

Hector Monsegur is a reformed black-hat hacker. Under the alias Sabu, he hacked corporations, news organizations, and Middle Eastern governments. After he was caught, Hector became an informant for the FBI; now he makes a living helping companies avoid getting hacked. Hector joined us in the studio to talk about all the ways we put ourselves at risk of being the next hacking victim, and how we can protect ourselves and our data. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Calif

May 22, 2017 • 1:02:25

How to Be a Tech Podcast God with Leo Laporte

How to Be a Tech Podcast God with Leo Laporte

Legendary tech guru Leo Laporte joins us to discuss what it means to be a geek, the mainstreaming of geek culture, why we must fight for our (geek) rights, and how he built an enormous—and enormously successful—podcast network. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://www.lifehacker.com/theshow.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 15, 2017 • 56:35

How to Hack Happiness With Gretchen Rubin

How to Hack Happiness With Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin practically invented the concept of hacking your happiness. She's the author of The Happiness Project, host of the podcast Happier with Grethen Rubin, and for years has been exploring the good habits that bring joy to everyday life. She's here to chat about how we can get happy and stay that way. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/

May 8, 2017 • 1:00:26

How to Eat Less Meat, With Brian Kateman

How to Eat Less Meat, With Brian Kateman

There are a lot of reasons why we should eat less meat, but most of us don’t want to quit cold turkey. And that’s okay. We’re talking with Brian Kateman to learn why we should consider cutting back on our meat consumption, including both health and environmental benefits, even if we don’t go full-on vegetarian. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/

May 1, 2017 • 59:27

Why Some People Are Born Anxious, With Daniel Keating

Why Some People Are Born Anxious, With Daniel Keating

Do you ever feel like you’re just hard-wired for stress and anxiety? According to psychology professor Daniel Keating, how we deal with stress may be determined while we’re still in the womb. We’re talking with Daniel about how our early development can affect the way we deal with stress throughout life and what we can do about it. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice

Apr 24, 2017 • 42:06

How to Keep Your Healthcare, With Planned Parenthood

How to Keep Your Healthcare, With Planned Parenthood

The future of healthcare in America is uncertain but Planned Parenthood is continuing their mission to provide preventative care, contraception counseling, family planning, and more to whoever needs it. In this week’s show we discuss what you can do to maintain your own access to healthcare, Planned Parenthood’s role, and what can you do to show your support. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy an

Apr 17, 2017 • 1:06:24

How to Hack Your Brain, With the Bulletproof Exec Dave Asprey

How to Hack Your Brain, With the Bulletproof Exec Dave Asprey

Dave Asprey, otherwise known as the Bulletproof Exec, has spent decades experimenting with ways to optimize his mind and body. You might know him best as the guy who says you should put butter in your coffee, but that’s just one part of a whole lifestyle he’s created for himself and his enthusiastic followers. This week we’re talking with him about his latest book and what we can do to almost literally hack our brains. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.co

Apr 10, 2017 • 56:27

How to Drive, With Jalopnik's Kristen Lee

How to Drive, With Jalopnik's Kristen Lee

Everyone seems to think they’re a great driver but your scuffed bumper might disagree. How can we learn to improve our driving in the age of infinite distractions? Do you even need to own a car these days? We’re talking with Jalopnik writer Kristen Lee about cars in the city, safer driving, and virtues of manual transmissions. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ht

Apr 3, 2017 • 53:30

How to Be Less Stupid About Money, With Felix Salmon

How to Be Less Stupid About Money, With Felix Salmon

Felix Salmon, senior editor at Fusion and co-host of Slate’s Money podcast, is our guest this week. We discuss banks debt, credit cards and other things you think are totally boring but we somehow make wildly entertaining. Plus, we've got a wine recommendation for when you're feeling flush. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-m

Mar 27, 2017 • 58:49

How to Be Smarter, Faster and Better, With Charles Duhigg

How to Be Smarter, Faster and Better, With Charles Duhigg

Charles Duhigg joins us this week to discuss the science of productivity. He's a Pulitzer-winning reporter for the New York Times and best-selling author, most recently of Smarter Faster Better, which plumbs the science of productivity. He talks with us about how you can motivate yourself to do horrible things like answer email, why some pilots crash planes when things go wrong and others don't, and why you want at least two women on any team you're on. You can find the show notes and a

Mar 20, 2017 • 1:00:20

How to Use Improv to Change Your Life, With Ed Herbstman & Hannah Chase

How to Use Improv to Change Your Life, With Ed Herbstman & Hannah Chase

This week on The Upgrade we're discussing how you can apply the principles of improvisational comedy to your life and work. Improv laid the foundation for many of our favorite comedy stars but it's more than just silly theater games. On this episode we're talking with Ed Herbstman, co-founder of the Magnet Theater and Hannah Chase, an improv teacher and performer, about how the lessons of improv apply to life itself. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/

Mar 13, 2017 • 59:28

How to Survive Starting a New Job, With Lifehacker's New Editor-in-Chief

How to Survive Starting a New Job, With Lifehacker's New Editor-in-Chief

This week on The Upgrade we're starting fresh and discussing what you should and shouldn't do when you begin working at a new job. It's an exciting but daunting prospect when you set foot in a brand new office--there's room to grow, along with plenty of opportunities to embarrass yourself. We talk with Adrian Granzella Larssen, editor-in-chief of The Muse, to learn the dos and don'ts of starting a new job. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow Se

Mar 6, 2017 • 39:45

How to Choose Between Mac and Windows

How to Choose Between Mac and Windows

This week on The Upgrade we're taking a look at the latest iterations of the two major operating systems on the market: Windows 10 and macOS. Mac versus Windows is an old rivalry that goes back a couple of decades, with each OS offering unique advantages--and disadvantages. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 27, 2017 • 56:32

How to Make Your Voice Heard in Politics

How to Make Your Voice Heard in Politics

This week on The Upgrade we're learning how we can get involved with politics and make our voices heard even when it's not an election year. We discuss the best ways to reach out to your representatives, the efficacy of marches and demonstrations, and more. You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 20, 2017 • 33:45

How to Find Love on the Internet

How to Find Love on the Internet

This week on The Upgrade we’re looking for love online and learning about the world of online dating, including the dos and don’ts of crafting the perfect dating profile. Looking for the show notes? You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 6, 2017 • 25:49

How to Find, Buy, and Upgrade the Perfect HDTV for You

How to Find, Buy, and Upgrade the Perfect HDTV for You

This week on The Upgrade, we show you how to shop for, buy, and set up a good HDTV for the big game--or for any game, movie night, or Netflix binge session. Looking for the show notes? You can find the show notes and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 30, 2017 • 30:13

Introducing: The Upgrade

Introducing: The Upgrade

Welcome (back)! We're relaunching our podcast with a new name, new logo, new tips and tricks for getting things done. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 26, 2017 • 1:21

Selling Stuff Online, Android Phones, and Podcast Goodbyes

Selling Stuff Online, Android Phones, and Podcast Goodbyes

This week on the podcast we're answering your questions about prepaid cellphone carriers, selling stuff online, and choosing Android phones—plus an announcement about the future of the Lifehacker podcast. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1557701694 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-

Apr 3, 2014 • 1:12:48

Android Skins, Amazon Fakes, and Expensive Cable Bills

Android Skins, Amazon Fakes, and Expensive Cable Bills

This week on the podcast, we're talking about the new Android service packs, streaming your movie collection with Google Drive, and OneNote vs Evernote. We're also answering your questions about fake items on Amazon, expensive cable bills, and backing up your files on Windows. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1552976757 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p

Mar 27, 2014 • 50:23

Broken Phones, Nintendo 64, and Bandwidth Hogs

Broken Phones, Nintendo 64, and Bandwidth Hogs

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Microsoft OneNote's big overhaul, what do to if you break your phone, and shortcuts every Windows user should know. We're also answering your questions about playing classic Nintendo 64 games, stopping housemates from hogging your internet, and buying the right cable modem. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1548149429 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime).

Mar 20, 2014 • 56:35

Ban Telemarketers, Get a Job You Love, and (Don't) Speed Read

Ban Telemarketers, Get a Job You Love, and (Don't) Speed Read

This week on the podcast we're talking about the scam that is speed reading, taking a pay cut to work the job you really want, and getting rid of telemarketers. We're also answering your questions about anonymity online, streaming video from your home to your hotel, and starting a podcast. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1543211654 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https:

Mar 13, 2014 • 55:36

The Best TV Streaming Apps, Steam Sharing, and Camera Comparisons

The Best TV Streaming Apps, Steam Sharing, and Camera Comparisons

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Steam's new sharing feature, the best TV streaming services, and communication mistakes every couple makes. We're also answering your questions about Android battery life, how real cameras stack up to phones, and finding out how much data you use at home. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1537967187 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Polic

Mar 6, 2014 • 54:57

Apple's Security Flaw, Secret Job Hunts, and Gamify Everything

Apple's Security Flaw, Secret Job Hunts, and Gamify Everything

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Apple's iOS and OS X security flaw, the new Dropbox terms of service you should opt out of, and gamifying everything in your life. We're also answering your questions about LastPass' security, job hunting in secret, and making money in your spare time. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1532718322 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). If you got a weird co

Feb 27, 2014 • 1:03:32

Password Hacks, Downloading Movies Legally, and Bluetooth Headphones

Password Hacks, Downloading Movies Legally, and Bluetooth Headphones

This week on the podcast we're talking about everybody getting hacked, the best browser for privacy, and sex myths debunked. We're also answering questions about downloading movies legally, cheap tablets for students, and the best Bluetooth headphones. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1527099370 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pri

Feb 20, 2014 • 59:43

Comcast Fiascos, Eating Healthy on a Budget, and Multi-Monitor Gaming

Comcast Fiascos, Eating Healthy on a Budget, and Multi-Monitor Gaming

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Comcast getting hacked and merging with Time Warner, how to start exercising when you're already overweight, and modding headphones for better sound. We're also answering your questions about eating healthy on a budget, gaming with multiple monitors, and what Windows' "Power Saver" features really do. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1522328715 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifeha

Feb 13, 2014 • 55:40

Facebook Deletion, Flickr Automation, and Cheap Media Centers

Facebook Deletion, Flickr Automation, and Cheap Media Centers

This week on the podcast, we're answering your questions about deleting old Facebook posts, automating Flickr uploads, and cheap ways to get a Plex media center. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1517617259 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 6, 2014 • 39:09

Blocked Videos, DIY Cable Management, and Internet Speed

Blocked Videos, DIY Cable Management, and Internet Speed

This week on the podcast, we’re talking about web sites listening to your microphone, explaining tech to the uninitiated, and why media companies block content overseas. We’re also answering your questions about DIY cable management, internet speeds, and building a new computer. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1512576865 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com

Jan 30, 2014 • 42:33

Browser Malware, Chromecast Streaming, and Life Lessons from Warcraft

Browser Malware, Chromecast Streaming, and Life Lessons from Warcraft

This week on the podcast, we're talking about Chrome extensions becoming malware, free alternatives to LogMeIn, and Life lessons from World of Warcraft. We're also answering your questions about organizing your iTunes library, streaming from a Chromecast, and buying a used MacBook Air. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1507597532 (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://ar

Jan 23, 2014 • 1:06:28

Winamp’s Back, Net Neutrality Showdown, and Bedtime Technology

Winamp’s Back, Net Neutrality Showdown, and Bedtime Technology

This week on the podcast, we're talking about the return of Winamp, the new ruling on Net Neutrality laws, and why you make bad decisions when you're attracted to someone. We're also answering your questions about combining cloud storage space, using technology in bed, and cooling your home in the hot summer. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1502847880 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Priv

Jan 16, 2014 • 53:05

Cellphone Carrier Bonanza, Fast Android Updates, and Cheap Chromebooks

Cellphone Carrier Bonanza, Fast Android Updates, and Cheap Chromebooks

This week on the podcast we’re talking about making your own food substitute, why fast Android updates don’t matter anymore, and a whole bunch of cell carrier announcements. We’re also answering your questions about salvaging old computer parts, saving your Android battery life, and whether or not Chromebooks can work as primary laptops. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1498059539 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/

Jan 9, 2014 • 54:54

Holiday Special No. 2: Health, Debt, and Credit Scores

Holiday Special No. 2: Health, Debt, and Credit Scores

This week on the podcast we're talking to osteopathic physician and director of ​Examine.com, ​Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, to answer your health questions. We're also talking to ​Rod Ebrahimi, CEO of debt management site ​ReadyForZero.com to solve all sorts of personal finance problems, from credit scores to student loans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 31, 2013 • 1:09:26

Holiday Podcast Special No. 1: Apartments, Real Estate, and Nutrition

Holiday Podcast Special No. 1: Apartments, Real Estate, and Nutrition

This week on the podcast we're talking to former landlord and property owner Bruce Dachis and Las Vegas-based registered dietician Andy Bellatti to get expert answers to your questions. We'll have another expert podcast next week before returning to our regular format, only at a new time: 10:00 AM PT. Stay tuned! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 26, 2013 • 59:14

Cellphone Tracking, Beats by Dre Headphones, and Lots of Travel Tips

Cellphone Tracking, Beats by Dre Headphones, and Lots of Travel Tips

This week on the podcast we’re talking about Target stores getting hacked, the emergence of SteamOS, and how to stop your phone from tracking you. We’re also answering your questions about Beats by Dre headphones, making travel suck less, and fixing audiobook problems in iTunes. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1486761466 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.co

Dec 19, 2013 • 1:06:38

Buying Suits, Breaking Gadgets, and Getting Things Done with Jay-Z

Buying Suits, Breaking Gadgets, and Getting Things Done with Jay-Z

This week on the podcast we’re talking about buying a versatile suit for any occasion, how cholesterol works, and Jay-Z’s best productivity tips. We’re also answering your questions about ditching iPhoto, salvaging your product keys from Microsoft Office, and replacing your broken iPod’s screen. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1477478271 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at

Dec 5, 2013 • 52:39

Winamp Closes Down, Laptop Manufacturers Ranked, and iOS Controllers

Winamp Closes Down, Laptop Manufacturers Ranked, and iOS Controllers

This week on the podcast we're talking about Winamp shutting down, laptop reliability, and training Google Now for better suggestions. We're also answering your questions about Factory resets on Android, video game controllers on iOS, and whether you should build a NAS. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1469261262 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy

Nov 21, 2013 • 1:13:54

The Lifehacker 2013 Thanksgiving Special

The Lifehacker 2013 Thanksgiving Special

We're out celebrating Thanksgiving, but that doesn't mean you have to go without a podcast! This week we're answering a backlog of your questions on comparing Android ROMs, turning email newsletters into an RSS feed, finding ebook deals, and tons more! On top of that, we also brought in a special guest: Carol Miller from Butterball Turkey joins us to answer just about everything you'd need to know about preparing a bird for the holidays. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy

Nov 15, 2013 • 1:10:11

The Science of Breakups, Hangouts vs. Voice, and Muting Twitter Users

The Science of Breakups, Hangouts vs. Voice, and Muting Twitter Users

This week on the podcast we're talking about making the airport suck less, the science behind breakups and how to make them better, and what it really takes to switch to Linux. We're also answering your questions about Google Hangouts vs. Google Voice, broken laptops, silencing users on Twitter. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1464785352 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at

Nov 15, 2013 • 1:11:30

Google Overload, Cheap PC Games, and Essential Computer Building Tips

Google Overload, Cheap PC Games, and Essential Computer Building Tips

This week on the podcast we’re talking about tons of Google news, finding great deals on PC games, and essential times for first-time computer builders. We’re also answering your questions about migrating iPhone data to Android, overriding annoying YouTube defaults, and improving sound quality on a MacBook Pro. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1460476491 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See P

Nov 7, 2013 • 1:14:39

Android KitKat, iPad Upgrades, and Evil Tips Galore

Android KitKat, iPad Upgrades, and Evil Tips Galore

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the new features in Android KitKat, evil tips from millionaires, and how to mooch off of your friends. We’re also answering your questions about tracking someone down online, changing your home address on Google Maps, and when you should upgrade your iPad and Windows 8. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1456415870 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). Se

Oct 31, 2013 • 1:09:49

Cheap Amazon Goods, Great Headphones, and Too Much Apple

Cheap Amazon Goods, Great Headphones, and Too Much Apple

This week we’re talking about everything Apple did, whether or not you should buy all your stuff on Amazon, and how to donate to charity without giving money. We’re also answering your questions about making iOS 7’s Calendar app suck less, picking great headphones, and whether or not Flickr’s free storage is too good to be true. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1451780260 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow

Oct 24, 2013 • 1:16:06

Windows and Ubuntu Updates, Android Security, and Health Myths Galore

Windows and Ubuntu Updates, Android Security, and Health Myths Galore

This week on the podcast we’re talking about all the new stuff in Windows 8.1 and Ubuntu 13.10, Android security, and the truth behind 10 prolific health myths. We’re also answering your questions about waking up effectively in the morning, planning household chores, and if using the great email client Sparrow is worthwhile Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1447375369 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anyti

Oct 17, 2013 • 1:16:52

IOS 7 Bugs, Podcast Downloaders, and Horrible Cellphone Reception

IOS 7 Bugs, Podcast Downloaders, and Horrible Cellphone Reception

This week on the podcast we’re talking about all the bugs in iOS 7, time saving Android shortcuts you should be using, and how to find your parked car when you lose it. We’re also answering your questions about migrating a scattered iTunes collection to a new computer, improving cellular reception when you have none, and automatically downloading podcasts on your iPhone. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1443615018 (after 5:00 PM PT) and al

Oct 10, 2013 • 56:58

Customized Androids, Prepaid Cellphone Plans, and Refurbished Laptops

Customized Androids, Prepaid Cellphone Plans, and Refurbished Laptops

This week on the podcast we're talking about how manufacturers cheat on smartphone benchmarks, creating your own customized version of Android, and awesome URL tricks for YouTube. We're also answering your questions about prepaid cellphone plans, buying refurbished laptops, and syncing your podcast feeds between Android and iOS. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1440865980 (after 5:00 PM PT the day of the show) and all episodes at http://li

Oct 3, 2013 • 1:23:18

Smartphone Upgrades, Office Productivity, and the Laptop Conundrum

Smartphone Upgrades, Office Productivity, and the Laptop Conundrum

This week on the podcast we’re talking about whether it’s worth upgrading your phone every six months, how to be productive at work when everything is blocked, and which build of XBMC you should use on your Raspberry Pi. We’re also answering your questions about making your own ringtones, a good video camera app for Android, and if you should replace your laptop-desktop combo with just one powerful laptop. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/

Sep 26, 2013 • 1:15:01

IOS 7 Madness, Android Widgets, and Quitting a Job You Hate

IOS 7 Madness, Android Widgets, and Quitting a Job You Hate

This week on the podcast we're talking about a little bit of iOS news, why you should take another look at widgets on Android, and how to survive inside of Apple's walled garden. We're also answering your questions about power line ethernet adapters, how to quit a job that you hate, and getting notifications for messages Facebook doesn't deem worthy. Looking for the show notes? You can always find them after 5:00 PM PT at http://lifehacker.com/theshow. See Privacy Policy at https://a

Sep 19, 2013 • 58:45

IOS 7, Making Extra Money, and Awesome Hidden Google Features

IOS 7, Making Extra Money, and Awesome Hidden Google Features

This week on the podcast we're talking about iOS 7 and the new iPhones (briefly), making money in your spare time, and a few lesser-used Google services with awesome hidden features. We're also answering your questions about smartphone protection plans, using one keyboard with multiple computers, and power cycling electronics automatically. (Also, lots of immature humor. Sorry about that. Sort of.) You can find the show notes to this show and every show we've ever done after 5:00 PM

Sep 12, 2013 • 1:15:17

Android KitKat, Netflix Hacks, and Laptop Docking Stations

Android KitKat, Netflix Hacks, and Laptop Docking Stations

This week on the podcast we’re talking about Android’s new KitKat obsession, speeding up your old iPhone or iPad, and turning your phone into the ultimate alarm clock. We’re also answering your questions about hacking Netflix, removing file duplicates, and docking your MacBook without spending a fortune. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1259676130 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy

Sep 5, 2013 • 1:08:21

Tiny Apartment Hacks, Selling Your Smartphone, and Productive Pooping

Tiny Apartment Hacks, Selling Your Smartphone, and Productive Pooping

This week on the podcast we’re talking about hacking your tiny apartment, making the most on a smartphone sale, and buying parts for your custom PC. We’re also answering your questions about consolidating music libraries, putting speakers in the shower, and toggling the cellular radio on your Android. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1223730631 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Pol

Aug 29, 2013 • 1:02:17

YouTube Ads, BitTorrent Privacy, and the Best Ereaders

YouTube Ads, BitTorrent Privacy, and the Best Ereaders

This week on the podcast we’re talking about blocking YouTube ads, the difference between antivirus and anti-malware, and app updates galore. We’re also answering your questions about international calling on the cheap, how to pick a Windows laptop, and BitTorrent privacy. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at LINK (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy N

Aug 22, 2013 • 1:10:38

Encrypted Emails, Best College Laptops, and the Office Software Battle Royale

Encrypted Emails, Best College Laptops, and the Office Software Battle Royale

This week on the podcast we’re talking about encrypted email, whether Microsoft Office or LibreOffice deserves your download, and why you should ditch photo management software. We’re also answering your questions about making an awesome podcast, the best laptops for college, and which password manager you should use. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/1150817105 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime).

Aug 15, 2013 • 1:05:47

The Merits of Lifehacking, Amazon Prime, and IFTTT for iPhone

The Merits of Lifehacking, Amazon Prime, and IFTTT for iPhone

This week on the podcast we're talking about the merits of Lifehacking, IFTTT for iPhone, and Amazon Prime. Also, Chrome's horribly insecure password manager. We're also answering your questions about Blu-ray ripping, syncing to multiple cloud services, and migrating from Picasa to Flickr. Show notes go up on Lifehacker at 5:00 PM PT every Thursday, and you can find all the show notes for every episode at http://lifehacker.com/theshow. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy an

Aug 8, 2013 • 1:14:35

Tough Decisions, Resume Lies, Personal Rituals, and Ditching Cable

Tough Decisions, Resume Lies, Personal Rituals, and Ditching Cable

This week on the podcast we’re talking about making tough decisions, lying on your resume, and the health benefits of personal rituals. We’re also answering your questions about ditching cable, hooking up tons of monitors to your laptop, and finding a career that you love. You'll find the show notes at http://lifehacker.com/993801681 after 5:00 PM PT and the show notes archive at http://lifehacker.com/tag/the-show. Thanks for listening! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy

Aug 1, 2013 • 57:02

Android 4.3, Chromecast, DSLR Secrets, and the Ultimate Photoshop Rig

Android 4.3, Chromecast, DSLR Secrets, and the Ultimate Photoshop Rig

This week on the podcast we're talking about Android 4.3, the new Chromecast device from Google, and how stores are tracking you through your phone. We're also answering your questions about mechanical keyboards, when to use apps instead of mobile sites, and building the ultimate Photoshop PC. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 25, 2013 • 48:10

Crappy AT&T Plans, Airbnb Disasters, and the Transforming Go Bag

Crappy AT&T Plans, Airbnb Disasters, and the Transforming Go Bag

This week on the podcast we're talking about AT&T's crappy new smartphone upgrade plans, the awesome secret stuff you can get on Monoprice, and how to survive an Airbnb disaster. We're also answering your questions about Mac Wi-Fi issues, MP3 tagging, and transforming go bags. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 18, 2013 • 55:39

Google Maps Reborn, the Steam Summer Sale, and Organizing 3000 Bookmarks

Google Maps Reborn, the Steam Summer Sale, and Organizing 3000 Bookmarks

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the biggest changes to Google Maps for Android, T-Mobile's crazy new Jump plan, and how to make the best of the Steam Summer Sale. We’re also answering your questions about securing your computer with a flash drive, reading PDFs on the iPad, and organizing your giant mess of bookmarks. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at lifehacker.com/748514951 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See

Jul 11, 2013 • 42:15

Google Reader Alternatives, Windows 8.1, and Lots of Gaming

Google Reader Alternatives, Windows 8.1, and Lots of Gaming

This week on the podcast we’re talking about all the new stuff in Windows 8.1, the imminent death of Google Reader, and gaming consoles from the past and future. We’re also answer your questions about home servers, wirelessly mirroring your computer screen, and syncing your music with Android. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/603120040 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at ht

Jun 27, 2013 • 1:06:58

Productivity Myths Debunked, Smart Watches, and the Joys of Feedly

Productivity Myths Debunked, Smart Watches, and the Joys of Feedly

This week on the podcast we're debunking productivity myths, checking out smart watches, and migrating Google Reader to Feedly. We're also answering your questions about the future of Wi-Fi (802.11ac), getting your parents off of AOL, and using a TV as a computer monitor. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/523344036 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privac

Jun 20, 2013 • 1:17:15

Apple's Surfing and Easter Party, Voice Commands, and Government Spies

Apple's Surfing and Easter Party, Voice Commands, and Government Spies

This week on the podcast we're talking about all of Apple's big announcements, the unseen beauty of voice commands, and government spies. We're also answering your questions about downgrading an iPhone, calling a coworker out on his or her BS, and common MacBook Wi-Fi issues. It's a long one, so either you're welcome or sorry! You'll find the show notes at http://lifehacker.com/513258559 at 5:00 PM PT and the show notes for all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow See Privacy Po

Jun 13, 2013 • 1:12:01

Mechanical Keyboards, Bad Bosses, and Saving Money When Building a Computer

Mechanical Keyboards, Bad Bosses, and Saving Money When Building a Computer

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the noisy glory of mechanical keyboards, detecting a bad boss before you take a job, and saving the most money when building a computer. We’re also answering your questions about mobile app security, Android launchers, and building your own NAS. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/511758632 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https:

Jun 6, 2013 • 50:43

Your Horrible Jobs, Healthy Habits, and Windows 8.1

Your Horrible Jobs, Healthy Habits, and Windows 8.1

This week on the podcast we're talking about the return of the start button in Windows 8.1, healthy habits you should follow, and how to create an awesome do-anything home server with FreeNAS 8. We're also answering quite a few of your questions about difficult job situations. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/your-horrible-jobs-healthy-habits-and-windows-8-1-510560044 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (an

May 30, 2013 • 1:01:21

Google, Google, and More Google

Google, Google, and More Google

This week on the podcast we're talking about Google, Google, and more Google. Also, your questions about keeping to a budget, cold-emailing your dream job's company, and freeing up space on your iPhone. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 23, 2013 • 1:20:32

Adobe Kills Creative Suite, Cheap Retro Gaming, and Online Embarrassments

Adobe Kills Creative Suite, Cheap Retro Gaming, and Online Embarrassments

This week on the show were discussing the death of Adobe Creative Suite, building a Raspberry Pi retro game console, and how you’re embarrassing yourself online. We’re also answering your questions about repurposing old Mac computers, the advantages of Dashlane over Lastpass, and how to beat the heat this summer. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/499076454 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See

May 9, 2013 • 55:07

The Best Cellular Providers, How to Work from Home, and the Science of Cold Beer

The Best Cellular Providers, How to Work from Home, and the Science of Cold Beer

This week on the podcast we’re talking about costly plane tickets, the science behind cold beer, and the best computer builds for your budget. We’re also answering your questions about prepaid cellular providers, working from home, and external drives for backing up your laptop. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/487459494 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com

May 2, 2013 • 1:01:17

Chrome Experiements, Facebook Filters, and Better Internet Access

Chrome Experiements, Facebook Filters, and Better Internet Access

This week on the podcast we're experimenting with Google Chrome, finding the best internet service providers, and making your own battery-powered travel charger. We're also answering your questions about filtering out annoying Facebook posts, legally storing movies on your hard drive, and more. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/481319161 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at ht

Apr 25, 2013 • 50:37

CISPA's Back, Clever Image Searches, and Ugly Computers

CISPA's Back, Clever Image Searches, and Ugly Computers

This week on the podcast we're talking about CISPA returning to the House of Representatives, Clever uses for reverse image search, and building your first home theater. We're also answering questions about building computers, automating downloads, and the new Gmail compose window. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at lifehacker.com/5993684 (after 5:00 PM PT on Thursday) and all episodes at lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr

Apr 18, 2013 • 51:41

49 YouTube Search Secrets, Facebook’s Offline Ad Tracking, and Freedom from Porn

49 YouTube Search Secrets, Facebook’s Offline Ad Tracking, and Freedom from Porn

This week on the podcast we're talking with Trevor O'Brien, product manager at YouTube, to answer your burning YouTube-related questions and learn some search secrets. We're also discussing Google's tools to help your plan your digital afterlife, blocking porn on your Android, and the difference between all those different ethernet cables. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5994398 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com

Apr 11, 2013 • 54:51

Cooking Mistakes, Unlimited Data, and Syncing Music to Your Car

Cooking Mistakes, Unlimited Data, and Syncing Music to Your Car

This week on the podcast we're talking about the cooking mistakes everybody makes, creating your own private cloud syncing service, and which Linux distro is better for beginners. We're also answering questions about reusing old file cabinets, keeping your unlimited data after Verizon takes it away, and syncing music to a flash drive for your car. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at lifehacker.com/5993684 (after 5:00 PM PT on Thursday) and all episodes at lifehacker

Apr 4, 2013 • 52:13

Paranoid Workers, Syncing Nightmares, and Advice from a Landlord

Paranoid Workers, Syncing Nightmares, and Advice from a Landlord

This week on the podcast we're just answering questions about everything from spying employers to Dropbox duplicates to many things you wish you could ask your landlord. We covered a ton of different topics this week, so come check it all out! Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5991839 (after 5:00 PM PT on Thursday) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pr

Mar 27, 2013 • 44:51

Sleep Problems, Efficient Packing, Janky Yet Awesome Life Hacks, and Google Keep

Sleep Problems, Efficient Packing, Janky Yet Awesome Life Hacks, and Google Keep

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the crazy things you do in your sleep, how to pack an insanely efficient travel bag, and the jankiest lifehacks that actually work. We’re also answering your questions about old Android batteries, OS X’s built-in handwriting recognition, and Google’s new note taking and universal capture service. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5991735 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.co

Mar 21, 2013 • 59:12

The Impending Death of Google Reader, To Pirate or Not to Pirate, and the Beauty of Evernote

The Impending Death of Google Reader, To Pirate or Not to Pirate, and the Beauty of Evernote

This week on the podcast Whitson discovers he was using Evernote wrong, Thorin realizes he stopped pirating media by accident, and Dachis learns fancy toothpaste is a waste of money. Also, we discuss alternatives to the moribund Google Reader and, as always, answer your questions. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5990598 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com

Mar 14, 2013 • 1:02:30

The Big, Bad Question Backlog Episode

The Big, Bad Question Backlog Episode

This week on the show we're getting to a backlog of all your questions, from jailbreak hacks to transcribing meetings to weird eBay auctions. We covered a ton this week, so come check it all out! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 7, 2013 • 46:57

Facebook Annoyances, Retrieving Stolen Laptops, and Six-Strike Safety

Facebook Annoyances, Retrieving Stolen Laptops, and Six-Strike Safety

This week on the podcast we’re talking about Facebook annoyances, tracking stolen gadgets, and how much water you actually need. We’re also answering your questions about streaming from XBMC over the web, sharing music with your significant other, and how the six-strike law can impact you. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5987657 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://

Feb 28, 2013 • 55:52

Achieve Inbox Zero, Optimize Your Gaming Rig, and Get Advice for Your First Job

Achieve Inbox Zero, Optimize Your Gaming Rig, and Get Advice for Your First Job

This week on the podcast we’re talking about getting to inbox zero in one hour flat, the advice you need for your first job, and tweaking your gaming rig’s settings for optimal performance. We’re also answering your questions about how much RAM a Macbook can handle, how to travel internationally without incurring huge data roaming charges, and whether or not Chromebooks are worthwhile. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5985992 (after 5:00 PM

Feb 21, 2013 • 57:50

Putting Unlimited Data to Good Use, Why We Give Google So Much Information, and the Return of CISPA

Putting Unlimited Data to Good Use, Why We Give Google So Much Information, and the Return of CISPA

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the return of CISPA, re-installing Windows 8, and working an on-call job without losing your mind. We’re also answering your questions about why we give Google so much information, how to use unlimited data effectively, and syncing your files over your local network without the aid of a cloud storage service. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5983721 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://li

Feb 14, 2013 • 54:21

The Pains and Pleasures of Jailbreaking, Live TV on XBMC, and the Best Phones for Little Old Ladies

The Pains and Pleasures of Jailbreaking, Live TV on XBMC, and the Best Phones for Little Old Ladies

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the pains and pleasures of jailbreaking your iPhone and how to record and watch live TV through XBMC. We’re also answering your questions about finding cross-platform software alternatives, the best phone for a little old lady. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5982515 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy

Feb 7, 2013 • 55:06

Recording Calls, Rooting Your Android, Career Insurance, and the DHMO Threat

Recording Calls, Rooting Your Android, Career Insurance, and the DHMO Threat

This week on the podcast we’re talking about future-proofing your job, automatic extreme couponing, and rooting your Android. We’re also answering your questions about the purpose of 4G cellular data, building or buying a new computer, and recording phone calls. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5980572 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo

Jan 31, 2013 • 53:06

Do Everything With a Raspberry Pi, Switch to an Online Bank, and Get a Job You Love

Do Everything With a Raspberry Pi, Switch to an Online Bank, and Get a Job You Love

This week on the podcast we’re talking about everything you can do with a raspberry pi, what documents you need to shred, and whether or not an online bank is worth the hassle. We’re also answering your questions about getting a job you actually like, the legality of DVD ripping, and making your iPhone more power-efficient. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5978779 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytim

Jan 24, 2013 • 47:26

Disaster Survival, Cable Wrangling, Online Guitar Lessons, and Better Cooking in the Microwave

Disaster Survival, Cable Wrangling, Online Guitar Lessons, and Better Cooking in the Microwave

This week on the podcast we’re discussing Facebook’s new graph search, how to survive natural disasters, and how to microwave food without ruining it. We’re also answering your questions about using multiple calendars, learning guitar online, and much more. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5976745 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). Also, you can watch the recorded live (unedited) broadcast here:

Jan 17, 2013 • 46:32

Going Paperless for Tax Season, the Best Time to Buy Anything in 2013, and Foiling RFID Thieves

Going Paperless for Tax Season, the Best Time to Buy Anything in 2013, and Foiling RFID Thieves

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the best times to buy anything in 2013, negotiating when you’re a nervous mess, and Craigslist’s new maps view. We’re also answering your questions about going paperless for tax season, managing a shared budget on Android and iOS devices, and literally foiling RFID thieves. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5974754 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See

Jan 10, 2013 • 44:14

Better Sleep, Breaking Bad Habits, and the Cheapest Ways to Buy a Smartphone

Better Sleep, Breaking Bad Habits, and the Cheapest Ways to Buy a Smartphone

This week on the podcast we’re talking a look back at 2012, learning about sleeping well instead of just sleeping more, and finding out if cheap furniture is really worth your money. We’re also answering your questions about buying cheap smartphones, sticking to your New Year’s resolutions, and whether or not anyone still syncs. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5972933 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (any

Jan 3, 2013 • 47:30

Ask Lifehacker Live!

Ask Lifehacker Live!

This week we a had a special live show. Despite some technical difficulties, we answered as many questions you posted as we could over the course of an hour. The minimal show notes are available at http://lifehacker.com/5969601 right now. You can also watch the video recording of the podcast if you want from that page, too! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 20, 2012 • 1:01:10

Special Report: Usenet Indexers Close Up Shop

Special Report: Usenet Indexers Close Up Shop

On this week's podcast we're having a discussion with Derek Bambauer, associate professor of law at Arizona State University. We'll be discussing the war between content providers and content pirates in light of the recent closure of Usenet's two primary indexers. Remember, December is the month of special episodes! This week we've got our Usenet special report, but next week we're having a live show on Google Hangouts. We'll post the recording like any regular episode when all is sa

Dec 12, 2012 • 40:27

Busted Productivity Myths, Avoiding Awkward Conversations, and the Apps We Couldn’t Live Without

Busted Productivity Myths, Avoiding Awkward Conversations, and the Apps We Couldn’t Live Without

This week on the podcast we’re talking about common productivity myths, how well gadgets survive under extreme temperatures in a car, and how to pitch an idea effectively. We’re also answering your questions about getting out of awkward conversations, how to use GitHub, the apps we couldn’t live without, and more. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at LINK (after 1:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://

Dec 6, 2012 • 53:52

The Best Holiday Gifts and Deals, Facebook’s Fake Privacy Notice, and Noisy Neighbors

The Best Holiday Gifts and Deals, Facebook’s Fake Privacy Notice, and Noisy Neighbors

This week on the podcast we’re talking about the inevitable shopping season and how to get some great deals as well as plenty of free stuff. We’re also answering your questions about DSLR lenses, noisy neighbors, keeping your gadgets clean when you’re sick, and much more. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5963666 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy an

Nov 29, 2012 • 48:17

Spy Tricks, Better Printed Photos, and Contract-Free Smartphones

Spy Tricks, Better Printed Photos, and Contract-Free Smartphones

This week on the podcast we’re talking all about spying, lying, and boosting your powers of observation and deduction. We’re also answering your questions about the quirks of Windows 8 laptops, getting better photo prints, and buying your smartphone contract-free. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5960910 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali

Nov 15, 2012 • 48:33

Tablets vs. Laptops, Frequent Smartphone Upgrades, and Cookware for Beginners

Tablets vs. Laptops, Frequent Smartphone Upgrades, and Cookware for Beginners

This week on the podcast we’re discussing whether or not a Windows Surface can replace your laptop, how to frequently upgrade your smartphone on the cheap, and the Twitter password leak. We’re also answering your questions about cookware for beginners, upgrading or clean installing Windows 8, and making smartphone alerts actually useful. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5958623 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/t

Nov 8, 2012 • 48:17

All About Windows 8, Google’s Nexus Line, and Surviving Hurricane Sandy

All About Windows 8, Google’s Nexus Line, and Surviving Hurricane Sandy

This week on the podcast we’re talking about our special relationship with Hurricane Sandy, everything you need to know about Windows 8, and Google’s latest crew of Nexus phones and tablets. We’re also answering your questions about shredding files on an SSD, judging app security, removing background noise from a video, and other great podcasts you can listen to. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://updates.lifehacker.com/post/34782089064 (after 5:00 PM PT)

Nov 1, 2012 • 50:20

Here Comes Windows 8, New Apple Hardware, and Super Home Theater PCs

Here Comes Windows 8, New Apple Hardware, and Super Home Theater PCs

This week on the podcast we’re talking about Windows 8, Apple’s new hardware, freedom of speech on the internet, and how to make a good impression at a new job. We’re also answering your questions about building a super home theater PC plus PVR combo, journaling in Dropbox, and printing from your Android tablet. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5954937 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Pri

Oct 25, 2012 • 47:56

The Dark Side of Getting Things Done, Spliced Headphones, and Free Mobile Hotspots

The Dark Side of Getting Things Done, Spliced Headphones, and Free Mobile Hotspots

It’s evil week on the podcast and we’re looking at the dark side of getting things done. We’ll help you become a productive dictator, get out-of-warranty repairs, free internet, and the best cheap pizza you can microwave. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5951115 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/

Oct 18, 2012 • 38:55

Hack Your Brain for Motivation, Buy Two Computers to Save Money, and Poop

Hack Your Brain for Motivation, Buy Two Computers to Save Money, and Poop

This week on the podcast we’re finding ways to keep you motivated, learning that buying two computers can be cheaper than one, and the least horrible ways to get poop and other disgusting crap off your body. Also, we’re answering your questions about archiving digital photos, accessing streaming media from remote countries, and more. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5950741 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/thesh

Oct 11, 2012 • 44:06

Overclocking Laptops, Handling Career Burnout, and the Cost of Charging a Smartphone

Overclocking Laptops, Handling Career Burnout, and the Cost of Charging a Smartphone

This week on the podcast we’re weighing the pros and cons of overclocking a laptop, helping a listener cope with career burnout, and recovering lost iTunes purchases. We’re also answering extra questions and offering up our favorite downloads and tips of the week. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5946982 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anytime). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali

Oct 4, 2012 • 43:10

Facebook’s Tracking You (Again), Apple’s Magical Maps, and the Best Set Top Boxes

Facebook’s Tracking You (Again), Apple’s Magical Maps, and the Best Set Top Boxes

This week on the podcast we’re talking about Facebook’s latest attempt to track everything you do (and what to do about it), coping with Apple’s new Maps app, and the best set top box for your needs. Also, we’re answering your questions about recovering stolen Android phones, taking iTunes with you on a thumb drive, and more. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5946982 (after 5:00 PM PT) and all episodes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow (anyt

Sep 27, 2012 • 51:52

Windows 8 Tablets, Free iPhones, and Downloading All the Things

Windows 8 Tablets, Free iPhones, and Downloading All the Things

This week we're talking about the many problems of iOS 6, the greatness of Windows 8 tablets, how you can download all the things, and much more. We're also answering your questions about formatting drives for a hackintosh, keeping desktop layouts in sync among several computers, and how to solve a Playstation Network identity crisis. Looking for the show notes? You can find this episode at http://lifehacker.com/5944625 (after 5:00 PM PT) and past episodes at http://lifehacker.com/the

Sep 20, 2012 • 50:59

Hacked Cameras, Coffee Addictions, and Apple’s Amazing Incredible New iThings

Hacked Cameras, Coffee Addictions, and Apple’s Amazing Incredible New iThings

This week on the podcast we’re talking about so much Apple stuff, but we’re also hacking cameras, fixing coffee addictions, solving mail archive issues, and figuring out how to gift a DD-WRT router. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sep 13, 2012 • 49:36

Kindles on Fire, Amazing Feats of Water Cooling, and Making People Tell the Truth

Kindles on Fire, Amazing Feats of Water Cooling, and Making People Tell the Truth

This week on the podcast we’re talking about Amazon’s new pile of Kindles, water cooling your computer for super feats of overclocking, and rooting out lies. We’re also answering your questions about shutting down your computer, remapping function keys on your keyboard, and figuring out if brain training games actually work. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sep 6, 2012 • 49:38

Brain Power Ups, Two-Factor Authentication Everywhere, and Getting Pissed at Twitter

Brain Power Ups, Two-Factor Authentication Everywhere, and Getting Pissed at Twitter

This week on the podcast we’re powering up your brain, making your online life more secure with two-factor authentication, and figuring out why everyone’s pissed at Twitter. Also, we’re answering your questions about home automation, Linux on Macs, and a diet that actually helps you put on weight. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 30, 2012 • 48:53

Cheap Media Centers, Smarter Notifications, and a Less-Annoying YouTube

Cheap Media Centers, Smarter Notifications, and a Less-Annoying YouTube

This week on the podcast we're talking about building an amazing but cheap media center, upgrading your phone's notification system, and making YouTube less annoying. We're also answering your questions about BitTorrent privacy, converting audio files, sharing to-do lists, and playing loud music without annoying the rest of the world. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 23, 2012 • 40:47

Reviving Old Laptops, Migrating Google Data, and the Communal Tablet Problem

Reviving Old Laptops, Migrating Google Data, and the Communal Tablet Problem

This week on the podcast we're talking about reviving your old laptop, migrating Google data, using tablets as communal devices, and making grocery shopping suck a bit less. Also, we're answering your questions about our podcasting setup, migrating data between Windows installations, and if Dropbox is really the best file syncing solution out there. And more downloads! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sel

Aug 16, 2012 • 39:59

Strong Passwords Aren’t Enough, Craigslist Fails, and Staying Productive in a Demanding World

Strong Passwords Aren’t Enough, Craigslist Fails, and Staying Productive in a Demanding World

This week on the podcast we’re discussing why strong passwords aren’t enough to keep you safe online anymore, Craigslist keeps ruining its reputation, and how to stay productive when you’re expected to be available all the time. Also, we’re answering your questions about password management, dual-booting, and remote torrenting. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 9, 2012 • 38:07

Microsoft Outlook Is Actually Awesome, Overcoming #NBCFail, and Sharing Music in a Cloud World

Microsoft Outlook Is Actually Awesome, Overcoming #NBCFail, and Sharing Music in a Cloud World

This week we’re learning that Microsoft’s new Outloook webmail service is actually pretty awesome, that you can watch the olympics online, in real time, for free, and that Amazon’s CloudPlayer service is actually worth a look again. Also, we’re answering your questions about cloud music, uTorrent, and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. For more information and links about the topics in this episode, check out the show notes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow. Show notes for every episode are posted

Aug 6, 2012 • 29:01

Mountain Lion, new features, how to fix them and get them on Windows

Mountain Lion, new features, how to fix them and get them on Windows

This week we're varying from the usual format (yes, again) and focusing on Apple's latest release, OS X Mountain Lion with some of the new features, how to prepare your Mac for the upgrade and how to tweak some of the annoyances that we found in the new OS. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 30, 2012 • 13:57

Streaming from Android to Android, Hacking a Nintendo DS, and the Impending Mountain Lion

Streaming from Android to Android, Hacking a Nintendo DS, and the Impending Mountain Lion

This week we’re realizing it doesn’t matter if AT&T charges for 3G Facetime because you should just use Skype, that there are several ways to stop biting your nails (including an app), and that you can trick your Android into streaming music to another Android. Also, we’re hacking a Nintendo DS. For more information and links about the topics in this episode, check out the show notes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow. Show notes for every episode are posted on Mondays at 12:00 PM PT.

Jul 23, 2012 • 21:42

A Lifehacker Tips Box Special

A Lifehacker Tips Box Special

This week we’re foregoing the usual podcast format and talking to a variety of different people about the perfect salary for happiness, simple exercises you can do to move better, some of our favorite binder clips tricks, and a whole lot more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 16, 2012 • 17:45

Google, Google, Google, Finding a Sturdy Laptop Bag, and De-Spamming Your Inbox

Google, Google, Google, Finding a Sturdy Laptop Bag, and De-Spamming Your Inbox

This week on the podcast, we’re talking about Google, Google, and more Google--specifically, the new features in Android 4.1 Jellybean, the Nexus Q, and Chrome for mobile. Also, we’ll help you choose a tablet and a laptop bag, plus deal with your email spam problems. The audio cuts out during the Nexus Q news story. For more information on the Nexus Q, read the article here: http://lifehacker.com/5921795/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice a

Jul 2, 2012 • 34:09

Microsoft Surface, Getting Started with Web Design, and Forcing Your Older TV into the Future

Microsoft Surface, Getting Started with Web Design, and Forcing Your Older TV into the Future

This week on the podcast we’re taking a look at Microsoft Surface and the new features in Windows Phone 8, plus an surprising technology from Ford. We’re also answering questions about getting started with web design and making your older television set work with devices it doesn’t support. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 25, 2012 • 35:36

A Closer Look at iOS 6, Much Ado About Unlimited Data, and the Battle of the Home Theater Platforms

A Closer Look at iOS 6, Much Ado About Unlimited Data, and the Battle of the Home Theater Platforms

This week on the podcast we’re discussing the ins and outs of Apple’s latest updates to their mobile and desktop operating systems, breaking warranties with Linux, and only sort of caring about the “death” of unlimited data. Also, we’re helping you decide if you should build an XBMC home theater PC or just get Google TV, figuring out if your iDevice will actually run the new features in iOS 6, and learning that you actually can build your own iPod. See Privacy Policy at https://art19

Jun 18, 2012 • 46:02

Survive a Compromised Password, Reinstall Windows Efficiently, and Build Your Own iPod

Survive a Compromised Password, Reinstall Windows Efficiently, and Build Your Own iPod

This week on the podcast we’re discussing the Windows 8 Release Preview, iOS 5.1.1’s great new jailbreak, compromised passwords, and a lot more. Also we’ll be answering a couple of questions about reinstalling Windows, yet another inquiry about SSDs, and whether or not you can build your own iPod. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 11, 2012 • 37:02

Vibration Syndrome, Life in Hackerspace, and Free Wi-Fi for All

Vibration Syndrome, Life in Hackerspace, and Free Wi-Fi for All

This week on the podcast we’re learning about phantom vibrations in your pocket, free Wi-Fi for everyone (with cable internet), and life at your local hackerspace. Also, we’re solving Apple TV jailbreak problems, speeding up slow Windows boot times, and getting Chrome to keep your activity a secret. For more information and links about the topics in this episode, check out the show notes at http://lifehacker.com/theshow. Show notes for every episode are posted on Mondays at 12:00 PM P

May 29, 2012 • 34:04

Google Balloons, Dead Software, and Productive Tablets

Google Balloons, Dead Software, and Productive Tablets

This week on the podcast we’re talking about mapping out your neighborhood with a Google weather balloon, saying goodbye to software we love, and learning about Google’s new Knowledge Graph. Also, we’re answering questions about batch audio conversions, making tablets productive, having a say in what search engines say about you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 21, 2012 • 26:22

A Better Bing: Personalized Search That Doesn’t Suck, the Best File Compression, and Sweaty Steve

A Better Bing: Personalized Search That Doesn’t Suck, the Best File Compression, and Sweaty Steve

This week on the podcast we’re talking about Bing’s major overhaul, a few updates from Apple, and how to conduct a weekly review to get more done. Also, we’re answering questions about the best file compression formats, using Apple peripherals with Windows, and solving one hot man’s sweaty problem. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 14, 2012 • 24:16

Internet Explorer Doesn’t Suck? Microsoft’s Almost Winner, This Month’s Greatest Android, and Skype

Internet Explorer Doesn’t Suck? Microsoft’s Almost Winner, This Month’s Greatest Android, and Skype

This week on the Lifehacker podcast we’re learning that Internet Explorer 9 isn’t the worst browser on the face of the planet. Also, the Galaxy SIII dominates this month’s best Android phone contest and we realize the Skype ringtone is the best there is. We answer questions about hybrid hard drives, show off a surge protector, and fix YouTube. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 7, 2012 • 49:47

Take It to the Cloud: Google Drive, Renting Adobe, and Living in Public

Take It to the Cloud: Google Drive, Renting Adobe, and Living in Public

This week on the Lifehacker podcast we’re comparing Google Drive to Dropbox, looking at the cost of renting Adobe software, and finding out what happens when you throw your privacy out the window. We’ve also got tips on learning to type better, finding free music, installing Windows on a Mac, and more. Plus a bunch of downloads and the biggest pile of Grid-Its you’ve ever seen. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#

Apr 30, 2012 • 40:54

007: All in One: Home Theater In a Box, Why the MP3 Is Good Enough, and Preparing for Gmail Outages

007: All in One: Home Theater In a Box, Why the MP3 Is Good Enough, and Preparing for Gmail Outages

This week on the podcast, we're prepping for the next Gmail outage, learning a new language in a matter of months, and wondering if an all-in-one home theater is a good idea. We'll also figure out the best time to upgrade to an iPhone, the best format for your music, and how to fix one of Flash's biggest annoyances. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 23, 2012 • 45:06

006: Some Terms May Not Apply

006: Some Terms May Not Apply

This week on the Ask Lifehacker podcast, we’re learning how music affects your ability to work, getting great deals on mobile apps, and protecting your passwords on public Wi-Fi networks. Also, Facebook blows a billion dollars on Instagram, terms of service contracts are no longer the ironclad documents companies wanted them to be, and a whole lot more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 17, 2012 • 42:49

005: Augment Your Reality: Google Glass, Porn Blocking, and the Gameification of Health and Fitness

005: Augment Your Reality: Google Glass, Porn Blocking, and the Gameification of Health and Fitness

This week on Ask Lifehacker we're debating the feasibility of Google's futuristic augmented reality glasses, protecting ourselves from hacks and viruses, blocking porn in every possible way, and fitting our big hard drives on small SSDs. Also, we take a look at a few downloads that can turn your diet and exercise routines into games, make Windows 7 feel like new, and turn the pages of PDF documents with your face. It's an action-packed episode this week, so come check it out! See Pri

Apr 9, 2012 • 44:55

004: Passwords! Facebook Credentials Away from Employers, Information Diet, and XBMC

004: Passwords! Facebook Credentials Away from Employers, Information Diet, and XBMC

This week on Ask Lifehacker we're wondering if anyone's going to use the Google Drive service supposedly coming in April, upgrading our media centers, and urging you not to give your employer your Facebook credentials. Also, we take a look at the troubles of dual-booting Windows and OS X, getting on an information diet, making Google Voice and Skype play nice together, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#

Apr 2, 2012 • 38:19

003: Better Than Piracy

003: Better Than Piracy

This week on Ask Lifehacker we're not talking about the new iPad, but what we'd buy instead. Firefox 11 finally brings add-on sync and March Madness proves that piracy isn't always the best option when you want to watch TV online. Also, we'll extend a Wi-Fi signal from a house to a barn, figure out a use for OS X's dashboard, and start training for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/priv

Mar 19, 2012 • 38:03

002: The New New

002: The New New

This week on Ask Lifehacker we're talking about the new iPad and Apple TV, Google's rebranding, a creative new Android keyboard, and an awesome iPhone camera app. We'll also be showing off an incredible charging cable and answering questions from you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 12, 2012 • 50:03

001: Put On Your Tinfoil Hats

001: Put On Your Tinfoil Hats

001: Put On Your Tinfoil Hats by Fusion Media Group See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 5, 2012 • 54:53

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