Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  

Guests: Natese Dockery, PhD Assistant Clinical Professor for Mental Health and Well-being and Amy Rodquist-Kodet, Health Coach, UK Health and Wellness

Season 8, Episode 34

Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCauley from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension. In this episode Mindy speaks with Dr. Natese Dockery, Assistant Clinical Professor for Mental Health and Well-Being, and Amy Rodquist-Kodet, a health coach with UK Health and Wellness, about what self-compassion really means and why it matters for overall well-being.

The conversation covers personal stories and research-backed benefits such as reduced anxiety and depression, and how self-kindness fosters resilience and healthier coping.

Guests share practical strategies listeners can try right away: positive affirmations, loving-kindness meditation, journaling, noticing and naming the inner critic, and simple self-soothing gestures to calm the nervous system.

Key takeaways: self-compassion isn’t selfish, it’s about being present with pain rather than erasing it, and regular practice helps cultivate greater peace and emotional growth. 

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Monica Mundy, PhD Assistant Extension Professor for Family and Community Health

Season 8, Episode 33

This is Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Monica Mundy. In this episode we explore how civic engagement directly impacts individual and community health.

What comes to mind when you think of civic engagement? In this episode we will push the boundaries of what many people think civic engagement is and share the health benefits you can enjoy.

Topics include research-backed health benefits (longer life expectancy, lower rates of heart disease, depression, and even some cancers), how community involvement builds social connection, resilience, and local decision-making power, and real-world examples like community responses to public health crises.

Dr. Munday shares five simple steps to get involved:

She pairs these steps with practical ideas such as food bank volunteering, PTAs, and neighborhood cleanups. Listeners are encouraged to pick one action and connect with local FCS Extension resources to start making a difference.

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Dr. Jessica Moss, MD Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center

Cancer Conversations Episode 71

Welcome to Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Jessica Moss, assistant professor of internal medicine in the division of Medical Oncology at the Markey Cancer Center. In this episode Dr. Moss reviews recent advances in breast cancer care, including the incorporation of immunotherapy for triple-negative disease and new targeted therapies for stage IV patients.

Topics include how breast cancer subtypes affect treatment and prognosis; the importance of genetic counseling and testing—especially for men, young patients, and those with triple-negative tumors; common risk factors such as obesity, alcohol use, and reproductive history; and warning signs that warrant medical attention. Dr. Moss also discusses how many patients with advanced disease are living longer with improved, less-toxic options.

Key takeaways: breast cancer is not one disease, screening and awareness matter, genetic evaluation can guide care, and recent therapies are creating more personalized, hopeful outcomes. 

Connect with the UK Markey Center

Online Markey Cancer Center

On Facebook @UKMarkey

On X @UKMarkey

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Jeanne Badgett, MS Extension Associate for Clothing, Textiles, and Household Equipment

Season 8, Episode 32

Join Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley and guest Jeanne Badgett from the University of Kentucky FCS Extension for a practical episode about organizing without breaking the bank.

Strategies include:

Key takeaways: toss broken items, sort and label for visibility, try no-cost solutions first (repurpose boxes, jars, trays), enlist a friend instead of hiring help, and remember clutter has both financial and opportunity costs.

Resources mentioned: Money Wise newsletter and your local Extension office for more tips and hands-on support.

For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$e topics, visit:

MoneyWi$e Newsletter

MoneyWi$e Website

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Alex Elswick, PhD Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Season 8, Episode 31

Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Alex Elswick from University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension as they explore support options for families affected by addiction. This episode explains why addiction is a family disease and how family members are impacted emotionally and physically.

Topics include common family support groups, alternative programs, and the idea of multiple recovery pathways. Dr. Elswick emphasizes education, peer connection, grief support, and practical steps families can take.

Key takeaways: support is essential, different groups fit different values and needs, try multiple options before deciding, and family members deserve resources and care. Visit the UK FCS Extension for more information and local resources.

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  

Guest: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development  

Season 8, Episode 30

Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCauley and guest Dr. David Wiesenhorn, Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development. In this episode they explore how parents can continue to influence their teens through the challenges of adolescence—moodiness, identity formation, and growing independence.

David shares four evidence-based strategies:

The conversation includes practical examples and parent-tested tips to apply these approaches at home.

Key takeaways: don’t take teen moodiness personally, maintain steady boundaries to help teens internalize rules, use questions to build connection and understanding, and hold space for emotions to strengthen trust and influence. 

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Caroline Francis, EdS Director of UK Alumni Career Services

Season 8, Episode 29

Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley sits down with Caroline Francis, director of the University of Kentucky Alumni Career Services Program, to discuss how to avoid failing at retirement and how retirement is being redefined for today's generations.

They explore topics beyond finances, including:

Sharing practical strategies that lead to successful retirement years, like starting a bucket list or curious journal, pursuing encore careers or volunteer roles, taking advantage of programs such as Donovan Scholars or the OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) program and prioritizing lifelong learning and health.

Key takeaways include starting to plan 3–5 years ahead, building social connections and purpose, improving health before retirement, and finding role models to emulate for a successful transition.

For more information visit the UK Alumni Association:

Website

Facebook

For more information about programs mentioned during this episode:

OLLI Program

If you are over 65, ask about the Donavan Scholars Program at ANY state supported college or university in Kentucky for tuition waiver.

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Dr. Leah Winer, MD Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center

Cancer Conversations Episode 70

In this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley welcomes Dr. Leah Winer, Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Surgical Oncology at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, to unpack the Surgeon General's advisory linking alcohol consumption to increased cancer risk.

They discuss why public awareness of the alcohol–cancer connection is low, how alcohol causes harm at the cellular level, and why even small amounts may raise risk. Dr. Winer explains which cancers are most strongly connected to alcohol—mouth and throat cancers, larynx, breast, liver, esophageal, and colorectal cancers—and how alcohol may compound other risks like smoking or obesity.

The conversation covers implications of the advisory, including potential warning labels on alcoholic beverages, reassessment of drinking guidelines, and gaps in research (patterns of drinking, age of initiation, and whether risk falls after stopping). Practical advice includes: don’t start drinking if you don’t already, consider reducing or stopping intake, know your family history and screening recommendations, and seek support for dependence when needed.

Tune in for clear, research-based guidance on reducing cancer risk and how to translate the Surgeon General’s advisory into day-to-day choices for better health.

Connect with the UK Markey Center

Online Markey Cancer Center

On Facebook @UKMarkey

On X @UKMarkey

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guests: Natese Dockery, PhD Assistant Clinical Professor and Extension Specialist for Mental Health and Well-being

Season 8, Episode 28

In this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Natese Dockery explores what healthy boundaries are, why they matter, and how poor boundaries can lead to burnout, resentment, and health problems. The episode defines different types of boundaries (physical, emotional, time, mental) and highlights common signs you may need stronger limits.

Dr. Dockery shares practical steps listeners can use right away:

Listeners will learn that setting boundaries is essential—not selfish—for protecting mental well-being and improving relationships.

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel

Host: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Associate Extension Professor for Nutrition and Health, University of Kentucky Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment

Guest: Dawn Brewer, PhD, RD, Associate Professor, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Season 8, Episode 27

Guest host Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf talks with Dr. Dawn Brewer, Associate Professor and Registered Dietitian at the University of Kentucky, about the WiN-WiN (Waste Not, Want Not) pilot program that redirects surplus produce to feed food-insecure residents in Jessamine County. They discuss how the program connects farmers, gardeners, markets, and local feeding partners to reduce landfill waste and increase availability to nutritious food.

The episode outlines WiN-WiN’s local partners — including Revived Life House, the Man of Meals program at Nicholasville Methodist Church, the Jesmond County Food Pantry, the Kentucky United Methodist Children’s independent living program, and Bethel Harvest — and explains the program’s focus on logistics, food safety, recipes, toolkits, and training to help organizations use and preserve donated foods.

Listeners also hear national food-waste facts, practical tips to reduce waste at home (meal planning, proper storage, using “ugly” produce, freezing, and repurposing leftovers), and ways to get involved: donate produce, volunteer with transport or partner organizations, and access WiN-WiN resources online and on social media.

For more information:

WiN-WiN Pilot Program Website

Follow WiN-WiN on Social Media

Facebook

Instagram

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

          Website

          Facebook

          Instagram

          FCS Learning Channel