Talking FACS

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

Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health

Season 8, Episode 20

Welcome to Talking FACS, where host Mindy McCulley is joined by Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Food and Nutrition, to discuss how communities can respond when families face food insecurity.

They cover what immediate support looks like — sharing information about local food banks and pantries, soup kitchens, school breakfast and lunch programs, Meals on Wheels and congregate meals for older adults, WIC, SNAP, and food recovery efforts like Glean Kentucky — and explain how eligibility, schedules, and program changes affect access.

The conversation highlights ways neighbors and community members can help:

They emphasize the importance of coordinating with existing local efforts so help is efficient and sustained.  Also recognizing long-term solutions and practical resources — including the University of Kentucky Extension offices for meal planning, budgeting, gardening, and cooking classes — and encouraging listeners to take one small step this week to support someone in need.

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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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 19 

Host Mindy McCauley visits with Dr. Kerri Ashurst, Senior Extension Specialist for Family and Relationship Development, about National Military Family Month (the month of November), what it means, and how communities can honor and support military families.

Topics include practical recognition ideas (care packages, community events, discounts, flying the flag), volunteer opportunities, sharing and preserving military family stories, and ways to support military children and spouses. Local resources such as care-package organizations and extension programs are highlighted.

Listeners will learn simple, actionable ways to show gratitude—from writing cards and offering practical help to creating events and listening to service stories—and where to find more information through the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program.

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

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

Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health

Season 8, Episode 18

During this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley chats with Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, about artificial and natural food dyes: what they are, the many places they are found, and how they are regulated.

They discuss the findings that link synthetic dye exposure to behavioral and brain development effects in some children (including those with and without ADHD), the FDA’s January 2025 ban on Red Dye No. 3 and its phase-out deadline, and why ongoing research matters.

Practical takeaways include checking ingredient labels for FD&C and dye numbers, favoring whole foods, using natural color sources and infused water, and staying informed as regulations evolve.

For more information:

Food Dyes: What should we know?

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 17

In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Heather Norman Bergdorf from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, explore how to make healthier choices at convenience stores. This episode covers why convenience store choices matter, what to look for on the shelves, and how to assemble balanced snacks and quick meals.

Learn practical tips for prioritizing refrigerated items, protein, whole grains, and produce; spotting high sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar; and smart drink choices. Take special note of easy swaps and pairings—like pairing sugary treats with fiber or protein—and how to use Nutrition Facts labels and serving sizes to make better decisions.

Whether you are on a road trip or grabbing a quick bite between errands, this episode gives straightforward, research-based advice to help you save money and eat more nutritiously at your next convenience store stop.

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

Guests: Matt Dixon, Senior Meteorologist, UK Ag Weather Center and Natese Dockery, PhD Assistant Clinical Professor and Extension Specialist for Mental Health and Well-being

Season 8, Episode 16

In this episode of Talking FACS from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program, host Mindy McCulley visits with Matt Dixon, Senior Meteorologist at the Ag Weather Center, and Dr. Natese Dockery, Assistant Clinical Professor and Extension Specialist for Mental Health and Well-Being. They discuss recent shifts in Kentucky’s weather patterns, rising disaster frequency and costs, and notable events like the 2021 EF4 tornadoes and major flooding the following spring.

The conversation covers how extreme and changing weather affects mental health — from immediate fear, anxiety, and sleep problems to longer-term issues like PTSD and survivor’s guilt — and highlights vulnerable groups such as children and older adults. Matt shares climate and rainfall trends, while Natese outlines emotional responses and lasting impacts after disasters.

Key takeaways include practical coping strategies (acknowledging feelings, staying connected, mindfulness, limiting media exposure), preparedness tips (knowing watch vs. warning, sheltering, evacuation planning, multiple ways to receive alerts), and resources including a recommended weather app and extensions’ disaster-response materials available in the show notes.

For more information about the Weather Alert App, click on the image. To download the app, scan the appropriate QR code for your device (links for devices are available in the article linked in the image.):

For more information about Extension's weather resources, reach out to your local Extension office.

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

Guests: Kristen Jowers, MS Extension Specialist for One Op

Season 8, Episode 15

Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Kristen Jowers as they explore the world of financial technology on this episode of MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS. They explain FinTech and how common tools—mobile banking, peer-to-peer payment apps, budgeting and debt-tracking tools, and credit monitoring—can simplify everyday money management.

Kristen and Mindy discuss security and privacy concerns, fees and tax reporting for payment apps, how to choose the right tools (features, testing, and costs), and practical tips for incorporating FinTech into family budgets. They highlight free and trusted resources like PowerPay and the Sense app for military families, and remind listeners to use FDIC-insured accounts and review credit reports regularly.

Expect clear, actionable advice for using FinTech responsibly, questions to ask when selecting apps, and links to Extension resources to help you get started managing money more confidently.

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

PowerPay

Sen$e

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 Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  

Guests: Katherine Jury, MS Extension Specialist for Family Health

Season 8, Episode 14

Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program. In this episode, Extension Specialist Katherine Jury explains what concussions are, how they occur, and why even seemingly minor bumps can matter.

Discussion topics include:

The episode also covers concussion recovery: when to seek medical care, steps to support healing (rest, reduced screen time and cognitive load, school accommodations, and gradual return to activity), and the importance of taking head injuries seriously to avoid long-term effects.

Additional resources from the FCS health bulletins are linked below:

(click on the image to read the issue)

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the content areas 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 13

In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley talks with Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, about the many pathways to recovery. They discuss why recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process and how individual factors—like mental health, trauma, family, work, and values—shape different routes to healing.

Topics covered include common and lesser-known recovery pathways (from abstinence and 12-step programs to SMART recovery, faith-based approaches, medically assisted treatment, and informal recovery without formal help), the stigma surrounding certain treatments, and the importance of matching pathways to a person’s goals and life circumstances. Dr. Elswick emphasizes trial-and-error, the role of support systems, and the need to validate all recovery experiences.

Listeners will gain practical insight into how to support loved ones in recovery and why celebrating all recovery journeys strengthens families and 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 Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Dr. Charles Dietrich, MD Associate Professor, Gynecologic Oncology, UK Markey Cancer Center and Medical Co-Director, Ovarian Cancer Research Screening Program

Cancer Conversations Episode 68

During this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley sits down with Dr. Charles Dietrich, Associate Professor of Gynecologic Oncology and Medical Co‑Director of the Ovarian Cancer Research Screening Program at UK Markey Cancer Center.  They discuss the long‑running, free ovarian cancer research screening effort across Kentucky.

When discussing the Ovarian Cancer Research Screening program, a long-term research program, they address:

Dr. Dietrich reviews program outcomes — more than 50,000 women screened since 1988 with ~130 cancers detected, many at earlier stages with markedly better cure rates — and outlines future plans to refine screening with additional biochemical tests and expanded sites.

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: Caroline Francis, EdS Director of UK Alumni Career Services

Season 8, Episode 12

Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley. In this episode Mindy talks with Caroline Francis, director of University of Kentucky Alumni Career Services, about the four pillars that research shows make retirement (and semi-retirement) healthier, more meaningful, and more sustainable.

Caroline outlines the four pillars—health and wellness, social and emotional connections (combating loneliness), lifelong learning, and work/purpose—and explains why each matters. She cites research like the Harvard Grant Study and examples such as Blue Zones to show how diet, movement, relationships, continued learning, and purposeful work support longevity and quality of life.

Listeners will hear practical tips for planning an intentional retirement:

Caroline also highlights UK Alumni Career Services (membership benefits include coaching sessions) and resources available to help with the non‑financial sides of retirement.

For more information visit the UK Alumni Association:

Website

Facebook

Job Club

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