Talking FACS

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

Guest: Kerri Ashurst, PhD, Extension Specialist for Family and Relationship Development

Season 9 | Episode 6

In this episode of Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley talks with Dr. Kerri Ashurst, Senior Extension Specialist for Family and Relationship Development, about navigating preteen and teenage drama. They discuss how everyday stressors ripple through a teen’s life and what parents and caring adults can do to help.

Key topics include:

Listeners will gain practical strategies to be a steady, supportive presence and help youth build lifelong resilience.

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

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          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 9 | Episode 5

Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Monica Mundy from the University of Kentucky Extension as they share practical, research-based tips for protecting your money and personal information while traveling. This episode covers smart travel planning, safe payment practices, how to notify banks, carrying multiple payment methods and keeping them separate, and what to do if a card is declined.

Tips discussed for safeguarding personal data on the go include:

Listeners will learn to save customer-service numbers, keep copies of important documents, cover PIN entries, monitor accounts regularly, and report lost or stolen cards immediately.

Whether you are taking a weekend getaway or an international trip, this concise episode delivers clear, actionable steps to reduce financial stress, avoid scams, and enjoy travel with confidence.

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

MoneyWi$e Newsletters

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

Season 9 | Episode 4

On this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley and guest Jeanne Badgett, Senior Extension Associate for clothing and textiles, walk listeners through practical steps to clean backpacks for the new school year. Topics include checking care labels, emptying and vacuuming crevices, treating stains, and caring for straps and hardware.

Jeanne explains when to machine wash versus hand wash, how to treat canvas/nylon vs leather, and why air drying is essential. The episode highlights easy stain-removal tips, balancing loads, and towel-rolling to remove excess water after hand washing.

Key takeaways: many backpacks can be refreshed instead of replaced, extending product life, saving money, and reducing waste. For more practical tips and local resources, contact your Cooperative Extension office and subscribe to Talking Facts for more Family and Consumer Sciences guidance.

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 9 | Episode 3

In this episode Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley speaks with Dr. Alex Elswick, Assistant Extension Professor for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, about mobile syringe service programs in rural Appalachia. They discuss why these programs are needed, how they operate in practice, and the unique access challenges faced by people in underserved Kentucky communities.

Topics covered include research findings on willingness to use mobile syringe services, concerns about privacy and confidentiality, preferences for clinical staffing and parking locations, and how Extension can reduce stigma and connect people to care. Key points emphasize compassionate, evidence-based harm reduction, meeting people where they are, and the role of Extension in educating and supporting communities.

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  

Guests: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development and Katherine Jury, MS Extension Specialist for Family Health

Season 9 | Episode 2

Host Mindy McCulley is joined by Dr. David Weisenhorn and Katherine Jury to discuss the why it is critical to give your children time to engage in unstructured activities. They cover why boredom can be beneficial, how it fosters imagination, self-direction, problem solving, and emotional regulation, and how technology and over-engaged parenting can limit these opportunities.

The episode highlights research on the harms of micromanaging play—reduced autonomy, increased anxiety, and impaired self-regulation—and offers practical tips for parents: provide safe, flexible spaces, offer simple materials or outdoor options, give minimal prompts, and learn each child’s play preferences to support creative exploration.

Listeners can expect real-world examples, summer-ready strategies for handling “I’m bored,” and expert guidance on balancing safety with giving children room to experiment and grow.

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, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guest: Dr. Nichole Huff, Extension Specialist for Family Finance and Resource Management

Season 9 | Episode 1

Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Nichole Huff for MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS, as they reveal common ‘‘spending leaks’’—the small, frequent purchases that quietly drain your budget. Topics include tracking bank and credit card statements, identifying auto-subscriptions, specialty coffee and drive-thru costs, delivery and convenience fees, and interest on unpaid balances.

Dr. Huff shares practical steps to find and quantify leaks, simple swaps and behavior changes, family budgeting examples, and how to redirect saved money toward goals like debt repayment or vacations.

Listeners will leave with actionable tips to spot hidden expenses, take immediate steps to reduce wasteful spending, and prioritize what matters most for a healthier financial future.

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

MoneyWi$e Newsletters

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, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  

Guest: Kerri Ashurst, PhD, Extension Specialist for Family and Relationship Development

Season 8, | Episode 55

In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley chats with Dr. Kerri Ashurst about practical ways to carve out daily "me time"—especially during the busy summer months when routines change and kids are home.

Topics covered include why short pockets of self-care matter for mental health, how summer schedules increase stress, and simple, research-based strategies you can start today: unplugging from electronics, prioritizing hobbies, taking short walks or naps, practicing mindfulness and breathing, writing to-do lists or journaling, connecting with others, asking for help, and rewarding yourself with small treats.

Key takeaways:

Dr. Ashurst and Mindy share actionable tips for making self-care realistic and guilt-free during summer break.

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 54

In this Talking FACS episode we explore the simple joy of porch sitting and how it supports mental health, social well‑being, and community connection with Dr. Monica Mundy, Extension Specialist for Family and Community Health.

Topics include research on social relationships and longevity, the Surgeon General’s warnings about loneliness, nostalgic and modern porch traditions (including porch geese), and everyday examples of how porches bridge homes and neighborhoods.

Key takeaways: spending 10–15 minutes on your porch, saying hello or waving to neighbors, and being present can reduce stress, build trust, and strengthen community ties.

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  

Guests: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development and Katherine Jury, MS Extension Specialist for Family Health

Season 8 | Episode 53

In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley speaks with Dr. David Weisenhorn and Katherine Jury about the concept of risky play—what it is, why it matters, and how parents can balance safety with opportunity. They define risky play, discuss its benefits for decision-making, confidence, and brain development, and explain how small, manageable risks teach children to assess consequences.

Listeners will hear practical examples and guidance on setting appropriate boundaries while allowing children to experiment, learn from failure, and grow in independence. The episode highlights research-based tips for supporting healthy risk-taking and strengthening families through play.

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, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  

Guest: Anna Cason, Senior Extension Associate, Polk-Dalton Clinic

Season 8 | Episode 52

Join Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley and guest Anna Cason, Extension Associate with Family and Consumer Sciences, as they unpack the overlooked importance of fiber in the era of high‑protein trends. The episode explains what fiber is, why most Americans fall short (about 25 g/day for women and 38 g/day for men), and how fiber supports heart health, blood sugar control, digestion, and weight management.

Anna offers practical, affordable tips: add fiber gradually and hydrate, choose plant proteins (beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, oats, quinoa) that supply both protein and fiber, favor whole fruit over juice, swap refined grains for whole grains, and use beans or oats to stretch meals. The episode also reviews a simple plate model for balanced meals and troubleshooting for GI discomfort when increasing fiber.

Key takeaway: don’t put one nutrient on a pedestal—aim for balanced meals that include fiber alongside protein for better overall health.

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