Talking FACS

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 44

In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley visits with Dr. Monica Mundy, Assistant Extension Professor for Community and Family Health. They discuss the importance of knowing and sharing your family health history. They explore how family stories can reveal risks for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and mental health challenges and how that information can inform screenings and prevention.

The episode covers practical advice on when and how to start the conversation with relatives—family gatherings, life milestones, or before a doctor’s visit—plus sample lines to open the discussion, tips for taking notes (with permission), and recognizing lifestyle and environmental factors such as smoking that affect risk across generations.

Listeners will come away with simple, respectful strategies to gather health history, understand its role in prevention and screening, and use that knowledge to protect their families’ future 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

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          FCS Learning Channel

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

Guests: Kristen Jowers, MS Extension Specialist for One Op

Season 8 | Episode 43

Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley talks with Kristen Jowers from One Op about practical bill negotiation strategies that can reduce your monthly expenses without a second job or harsh cutbacks.

They cover what bill negotiation looks like, how companies use retention departments, and step‑by‑step scripts to use on calls. Kristen explains how to prepare (know your numbers, check competitor offers, note your tenure), which discounts to ask for (bundles, autopay/paperless, employer/military), and how often to review bills.

Key takeaways for successful negotiations:

For more information:

Consumer Finance Protection Bureau Online Bill Calendar 

OneOp Blog 

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

Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley talks with Kristen Jowers from One Op about practical bill negotiation strategies that can reduce your monthly expenses without a second job or harsh cutbacks.

They cover what bill negotiation looks like, how companies use retention departments, and step‑by‑step scripts to use on calls. Kristen explains how to prepare (know your numbers, check competitor offers, note your tenure), which discounts to ask for (bundles, autopay/paperless, employer/military), and how often to review bills.

Key takeaways for successful negotiations:

For more information:

CFPB Online Bill Calendar 

OneOp Blog 

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: 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: Liz Combs, EdD, RD, Assistant Professor, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Season 8 | Episode 42

In this episode of Talking FACS, hosted by Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf, with guest Dr. Liz Combs of the University of Kentucky Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, they explore why nutrition matters for kids who play sports and how proper fueling supports growth, focus, mood, immunity, recovery, and performance.

Topics covered include what a balanced meal and snack look like (carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and colorful fruits/vegetables), timing strategies including pre- and post-practice fueling, hydration guidance and when sports drinks are appropriate, and quick, budget-friendly breakfast and snack ideas for busy families and picky eaters.

Key takeaways:

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: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Associate Extension Professor for Nutrition and Health

Season 8 | Episode 41

In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf discuss how to make fast food choices that support nutrition, budget, and busy lifestyles. They cover practical strategies—like choosing grilled proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; understanding menu language (grilled, baked, a la carte); customizing combos; and considering kids' meals for appropriate portion sizes. Examples of balanced meals are given for burgers, breakfast, and Mexican-style bowls, plus tips for planning, reducing sodium/saturated fat/added sugars, and managing costs compared to grocery options.

Listeners will learn small, consistent changes to improve on-the-go eating, when to indulge without guilt, and how to align food choices with personal health and financial goals.

For more information:

Quick Bites, Nutritious Picks: A Fast Food Guide

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: Dr. Mansi Shah-Jadeja, MD, Assistant Professor, Thoracic Surgery, Markey Cancer Center

Cancer Conversations Episode 73

Welcome to Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS. In this episode host Mindy McCulley speaks with Dr. Mansi Shah, Assistant Professor in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, about using robotic surgery to treat lung cancer.

They explore what robotic surgery is, how it differs from traditional thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and the main robotic platforms — including navigational bronchoscopy, multiport robots, and the new single-port robot. Dr. Shah discusses benefits such as 3D visualization, wristed instruments for greater precision, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, training requirements for surgeons, patient candidacy, and limitations for large or centrally invasive tumors.

The episode closes with a look at the future of robotic thoracic surgery, the growing adoption of minimally invasive techniques, and how advancing technology aims to speed recovery and improve outcomes for lung cancer patients.

Connect with the UK Markey Center

Online Markey Cancer Center

On Facebook @UKMarkey

On Twitter @UKMarkey

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

Guest: Abbigail Pace, PhD, RDN. Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Season 8 | Episode 40

Join host Dr. Courtney Luecking and guest Dr. Abbigail Pace as they explore how eating disorders differ from common food and body concerns. This episode covers types of eating disorders, warning signs, physical and mental impacts, and prevalence statistics.

Dr. Pace explains when to seek help, who to contact (primary care providers, dietitians, certified eating-disorder professionals), and offers guidance for friends and family on supporting loved ones with compassion. Resources like NEDA, Health at Every Size, and intuitive eating approaches are highlighted, along with encouragement for those in recovery.

For more information:

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: Nichole Huff, PhD, Assistant Extension Professor and Extension Specialist for Family Resource Management, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 

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

Season 8, Episode 39

Join host Dr. Nichole Huff and guest Anna Cason as they tackle how to eat healthy while food prices climb. This episode of MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS covers the basic food groups, meal planning tips, and practical strategies for stretching your grocery dollars.

Anna shares concrete tips for shopping and eating on a budget:

She also offers advice for smarter convenience store and fast-food choice.

Key takeaways include focusing on patterns not perfection, leaning on plant-based proteins, keeping grains and shelf-stable produce on hand, planning ahead to reduce waste, and using all the places you shop intentionally to save money and eat well.

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: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Associate Extension Professor for Nutrition and Health, University of Kentucky, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Assistant Extension Professor and Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Season 8, Episode 38

Join host Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf and guest Dr. Courtney Luecking as they unpack the 2026 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), explaining what the guidelines are, how they are developed, and what has changed.

They cover key takeaways: the DGA public-health (not clinical) purpose, the emphasis on overall dietary patterns and balance rather than single nutrients, continued support for whole grains and fiber, and real-world implementation issues like cost, access, and school nutrition.

Learn how Cooperative Extension translates these evidence-based recommendations into practical, community-relevant guidance.

For more information:

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Connect with FCS Extension through the links below for more information about 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 

Guests: Nathan Vanderford, PhD Director, Appalachian Career Training in Oncology Program, Markey Cancer Center, Kameron Jackson and Matthew Sanders, ACTION Program student participants

Cancer Conversations Episode 72

Welcome to Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley. In this episode we hear from Dr. Nathan Vanderford, director of the NIH-funded ACTION (Appalachian Career Training in Oncology) program, and students Kameron Jackson and Matthew Sanders about how the program engages Eastern Kentucky high school and undergraduate students in cancer education, lab research, clinical shadowing, mentorship, and community outreach.

Topics covered include student experiences in research labs and mentorship, the program’s recruitment across the 54 Appalachian counties, and a unique writing project that produced four books of personal and realistic fictional stories about cancer in Eastern Kentucky. Kameron and Matthew describe how writing helped them process family history, spark conversations about cancer, and build communication skills alongside scientific training.

Key takeaways: ACTION provides hands‑on research and outreach opportunities that change career trajectories, creative writing can open difficult conversations about cancer in communities, and the program aims to broaden access across the region. Find the students’ stories and the full book linked in the episode show notes and visit Markey.uky.edu or the UK Markey Cancer Center Facebook page for more information.

Click the images below to hear student read excerpts from Cancer in Appalachia: A Collection of Youth Told Stories

For more information about :

Appalachian Career Training in Oncology Program

ACTION Books

Connect with the UK Markey Center

Online Markey Cancer Center

On Facebook @UKMarkey

On Twitter @UKMarkey