Talking FACS
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Talking FACS episodes

  • Episode 8: Let the Fun Begin - Using our Senses to Explore and Experience Food

    Hosts:

    Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health

    Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition

    Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 

    Dr. Courtney Luecking and Anna Cason wrap up the SNACK Club series by diving into the fascinating world of sensory experiences and their impact on children's eating habits. This episode of Snack Club explores how using our senses can make food fun and engaging for kids.

    The hosts discuss the eight senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, balance, body awareness, and internal cues—and how each one plays a crucial role in the eating experience. They provide practical tips for parents to create a nurturing feeding environment, from celebrating small wins like a child touching a new food to creative ideas for making mealtime fun, such as food art and involving children in the kitchen.

    Whether you're dealing with picky eaters or just looking to add a sense of adventure to your family's meals, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you raise a mindful eater. Embrace the mess, celebrate the small victories, and discover new ways to make food exploration a joyful journey for your kids.

    So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!

    To connect with Snack Club resources:

    SNACK Club website

    Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group

    SNACK Club on YouTube

    To Connect with FCS Extension:

    UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 

     

    27 min
  • Episode7: Phoning Friends for Professional Support with Feeding Concerns

    Hosts:

    Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health

    Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition

    Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 

    Guests:

    Jamie Adkins, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC Speech Language Pathologist and Lactation Consultant

    Suzanna Attia, MD, MScPH Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition

    Sarah Estill, MAS, RD, LD Maternal and Child Nutrition

    Kentucky Children's Hospital

     

    Join hosts Dr. Courtney Luecking and Anna Cason in this enlightening episode of SNACK Club as they delve into the complex world of childhood nutrition. With the help of special guests Jamie Adkins, Dr. Suzanna Attia, and Sarah Estill, this episode covers a broad range of childhood feeding topics.

    Discover practical, science-based strategies for creating a nourishing feeding environment, learn about the red flags for when to seek professional help, and explore the roles of various specialists such as speech-language pathologists and registered dietitians. Our experts also share personal anecdotes and professional insights, providing a holistic view of how to support healthy food-related behaviors in children.

    Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode offers valuable information and resources to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of feeding children. Don't miss out on these digestible bits of wisdom designed to support happy, healthy kids.

    Come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT.

    For more information, visit these resources mentioned in this episode:

    • Bright futures
  • Healthy Children - AAP Website
  • GI for kids website (NA society for GI, hepatology, nutrition)
  • Feedingmatters.org
  • CDC’s Developmental Milestones
  • Kids eat in color RD blog
  • To connect with Snack Club resources:

    SNACK Club website

    Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group

    SNACK Club on YouTube

    To Connect with FCS Extension:

    UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 

    46 min
  • Food Safety Fundamentals: Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill

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

    Guest: Annhall Norris, Extension Specialist for Food Safety and Preservation

    Season 7, Episode 13

    In this episode of Talking FACS, Annhall Norris unpacks the four fundamental principles of food safety: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. Learn the importance of proper handwashing techniques, the best practices for cleaning produce, and why using a meat thermometer is crucial for cooking. Discover the necessity of separating raw and cooked foods in your grocery cart, refrigerator, and on your cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination.

    Annhalll also emphasizes the significance of chilling food appropriately, including tips on safe thawing methods and the critical two-hour rule for cooked food left at room temperature. This episode is filled with practical advice to help you keep your family safe from food-borne illnesses, which affect one in six Americans each year.

    Tune in to gain valuable insights and ensure your kitchen practices are up to par with food safety standards. Don't miss out on this informative session that could make a significant difference in your household's health!

    For more information, visit:

    Food Facts

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

    Kentucky Extension Offices

    UK FCS Extension

              Website

              Facebook

              Instagram

              FCS Learning Channel

    10 min
  • Episode 6: Managing Mealtime Behaviors

    Hosts:

    Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health

    Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition

    Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 

    Join SNACK Club as we return to tackle the ever-relevant topic of managing mealtime behavior with children. Using a blend of humor and heartfelt stories, Courtney and Anna dive into the contrast between Instagram-perfect meals and the chaotic reality many parents face. From children running around the table to food refusals, this episode provides a compassionate guide to handling these common mealtime challenges.

    Drawing on personal anecdotes, expert advice, and practical strategies, Anna and Courtney introduce the A, B, C, D approach:

    • Assess the situation
  • Breathe
  • Calculate your response, and
  • Do it consistently
  • Discover how to apply these steps to create a calmer and more enjoyable mealtime environment. They also explore the concept of food waste, offering tips on how to minimize it while still introducing new foods to your child's diet.

    Whether you're dealing with picky eating or just looking for ways to make family meals less stressful, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement. Tune in to learn how to transform mealtime from a battleground into a bonding experience. And don't miss the sneak peek of their next episode, where they'll discuss when it's time to seek additional help for mealtime issues.

    So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!

    To connect with Snack Club resources:

    SNACK Club website

    Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group

    SNACK Club on YouTube

    To Connect with FCS Extension:

    UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 

     

    19 min
  • Episode 5: Setting the Table for a Pleasant Mealtime

    Hosts:

    Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health

    Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition

    Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 

    Welcome to the fifth episode of SNACK Club where they dive into the art and science of creating pleasant and meaningful mealtime experiences for families. Drawing from their extensive expertise in family and child nutrition, Courtney and Anna explore the significance of mealtime rituals, the power of gratitude, and the role of sweets in a balanced diet. They also touch on how to make holidays less about food and more about meaningful connections and traditions.

    Tune in to find out how to make mealtimes more enjoyable and mindful, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating habits and cherished family moments.

    So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!

    To connect with Snack Club resources:

    SNACK Club website

    Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group

    SNACK Club on YouTube

    To Connect with FCS Extension:

    UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 

    26 min
  • Celebrating Farmers: Raising Hope and Farmer Appreciation Day

    Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, UK Cooperative Extension Service, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

    Guests: Cheryl Witt, PhD Extension Specialist for Farm Safety and Health and Dale Dobson, Safety Administrator, Kentucky Department of Agriculture

    Season 7, Episode 12

    In this episode of Talking FACS, we focus on the invaluable contributions of farmers and the upcoming Farmer Appreciation Day, to be held on September 18th in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

    Our guests, Dr. Cheryl Witt, Extension Specialist for Farm Health and Safety, and Dale Dobson, Safety Administrator for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, join us to discuss the significance of this event. They share insights into the "Raising Hope" initiative, a program aimed at promoting farmer suicide prevention, stress management, farm safety, and health.

    The episode highlights the interconnectedness of physical and mental health in farming communities and the importance of recognizing and supporting our farmers. Learn about the big awards to be given, including the Farmer of the Year and Friends of Raising Hope, and hear inspiring stories of dedication and service within the farming community.

    Additionally, discover the various activities planned for the day, including safety demonstrations, rescue operations, and an agricultural career fair aimed at providing FFA students with insights into diverse career opportunities in agriculture.

    Join us in celebrating our farmers, understanding their challenges, and appreciating their contributions to our daily lives. For more details, tune in to this enlightening episode and come out on September 18 for Farmer Appreciation Day!

    Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below:

    Kentucky Extension Offices

    UK FCS Extension

              Website

              Facebook

              Instagram

              FCS Learning Channel

    17 min
  • Episode 4: Setting the Table for a "Successful" Mealtime through Structure and Boundaries

    Hosts:

    Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health

    Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition

    Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky 

     

    Join hosts Dr. Courtney Luecking and Anna Cason, as they continue the SNACK Club adventure of feeding children, presented in partnership with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Our journey has brought us to the topic of Setting the Table for a "Successful" Mealtime through Structure and Boundaries.

    Discover practical, science-based strategies to set the table for a nourishing feeding environment. From planning balanced meals and snacks to establishing consistent eating routines, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

    Learn how to:

    • say "no" mindfully
  • create a distraction-free eating space
  • enjoy the social and emotional benefits of family meals
  • Whether you are a parent or caregiver, tune in to explore how small changes can lead to big improvements in your child's eating habits and overall well-being. Ready to transform your mealtime chaos into mindful moments of connection? This episode is your guide.

    So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!

    To connect with Snack Club resources:

    SNACK Club website

    Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group

    SNACK Club on YouTube

    To Connect with FCS Extension:

    UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 

    24 min
  • Understanding Palliative and Supportive Care

    Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, UK Cooperative Extension Service, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

    Guest: Katrina Nickles, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Palliative Care and Support, UK Markey Cancer Center

    Cancer Conversations Show 58

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS where Dr. Nichols breaks down the multifaceted nature of palliative care, explaining its role as both an approach and a medical sub-specialty aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses, particularly cancer. She outlines the comprehensive, team-based approach required for effective palliative care, emphasizing the collaboration among various healthcare professionals including pharmacists, nurses, social workers, and chaplains.

    The conversation also delves into the differences between palliative care and hospice care, the types of support patients and their caregivers can expect, and the importance of mental and spiritual health in the treatment process.

    For more palliative care resources, visit the links below:

    For clinicians:

    Center to Advance Palliative Care

    For patients and caregivers:

    Get Palliative Care

    Connect with the UK Markey Center

    Online Markey Cancer Center

    On Facebook @UKMarkey

    On Twitter @UKMarkey

    Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below:

    Kentucky Extension Offices

    UK FCS Extension

              Website

              Facebook

              Instagram

              FCS Learning Channel

     

    13 min
  • Episode 3: The Five Ws of Feeding Children

    Hosts:

    Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
    Anna Cason, RDN, LD, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
    Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky

     

    In another engaging episode of SNACK Club, we dive into the intricate dance of mealtime roles and responsibilities between caregivers and children. This episode is all about creating a mindful and nourishing feeding environment by understanding the division of responsibility. 

    Our experts share their insights and experiences to help caregivers navigate the often-challenging world of feeding children. They explore the concept of the "five Ws" – who, what, when, where, and whether – and discuss how these elements play a crucial role in establishing a harmonious mealtime routine. 

    Participants will learn about the importance of trust in the feeding relationship, the subtle yet powerful differences between pressuring and encouraging, and how to recognize and respect a child's hunger and fullness cues. Through compelling storytelling and practical examples, this episode offers valuable strategies for fostering a positive eating environment that allows children to thrive. 

    Join us for an insightful conversation that promises to change the way you approach mealtime with your little ones. Leave with a deeper understanding of how to raise a mindful eater. 

    So come for the SNACKS and stay for the SUPPORT!

    To connect with Snack Club resources:

    SNACK Club website

    Big Blue Book Club Facebook Group

    SNACK Club on YouTube

    To Connect with FCS Extension:

    UK Cooperative Extension County Offices 

     

    28 min
  • Celebrating 90 Years of NEAFCS: Building Leaders and Recognizing Excellence

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

    Guests: Jennifer Bridge, MAEd NEAFCS President-Elect and UK Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences in Meade County and Christy Stearns, MS KEAFCS President and UK Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences in Clinton County

    Season 7, Episode 11

    Today, we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS). Mindy is joined by Jennifer Bridge, NEAFCS President-Elect, and Christy Stearns, Kentucky Affiliate President.

    The discussion focuses on NEAFCS's five key tenets

    • leadership development
  • professional growth
  • recognizing and promoting excellence
  • serving as a nationwide resource for education, information, networking and partnership building
  • Promoting the FCS profession and the mission and goals of the Land Grant Extension System
  • Christy and Jennifer share insights on how these principles are implemented at local, state, and national levels, highlighting programs like the Leadership Experience and various ambassador initiatives. They also discuss the importance of partnerships with organizations such as 4-H, FCCLA, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. As well as highlighting national and state partnerships that have advanced the research knowledge base that is the foundation of the work we do.

    Join us for an inspiring conversation on how NEAFCS continues to empower professionals and improve the quality of life for families and communities locally and nationwide.

    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

     

    20 min

About Talking FACS

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Talking FACS: What you need to know about family, food, finance, and fitness. Hosted by the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program.