It's Been a Minute

Feeling stuck? Take a side quest.

It's Been a Minute

Show Notes

Feeling stuck? In a rut? Family or work driving you up a wall? Maybe it's time to take a side quest.

Much like the optional, lore-building journeys in video games that enrich the main mission, real-life side quests bring a sense of whimsy to your daily routine. In real life, that could look like learning to sew, picking up kickball, or anything else that adds a little whimsy into your routine. To rediscover the childlike joy of taking a side quest, Brittany is joined by Marielle Segarra, host of NPR's Life Kit; Dr. Kyra Gaunt, associate professor of ethnomusicology at the University at Albany; and Sahara Moné, curator and owner of community activities collective Let's Play NYC.

Want more on improving your quality of life? Check out these episodes: How to make friends & get good gossip This is your summer of self-love

Support Public Media. Join NPR Plus.

Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bmluse

For handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR’s Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy

More from It's Been a Minute

Oct 21, 2026

Who do you trust to help you make decisions about your sexual health?

Oct 20, 2026

What makes a great Tiny Desk concert?

Oct 19, 2026

Non-consensually posted intimate images can devastate women – and beget male bonding.

Oct 16, 2026

As our climate crisis continues to unfold, who gets to keep the lights on?

Oct 14, 2026

She's America's sweetheart, but she just might be America's superhero as well.

See all episodes →