Talking FACS

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
Kentucky Immunization Registry
Find Vaccines
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:
me time looks different for everyone (alone time or social time),
even 10 minutes counts,
it’s important to set boundaries and ask for support, and
caring for your own needs helps you be a better caregiver for others.
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

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: Leslie Frame, MS Extension Specialist for Family and Consumer Sciences and EXCITE Health Agent 
Season 8 | Episode 51
In this episode to MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley talks with Leslie Frame, Extension Specialist and EXCITE health agent, about simple strategies to get the most from medical visits, avoid surprise medical bills, and protect your health and budget. They explain the EXCITE program and why vaccine confidence and health literacy matter.
Learn five practical steps for doctor appointments—what to bring (ID, insurance, assistive devices), how to prepare a two-minute health history, the importance of repeating back instructions, handling forms and tech, and tracking medications (including OTCs and supplements). The episode also covers vaccinations, when to consult your clinician, and useful resources like KYIR and VaccineFinder.org to locate records and vaccine sites.
Short, actionable, and budget-focused, this episode helps you be a better health advocate, make informed choices, and save money through preventive care and clear communication.
For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$e topics, visit:
MoneyWi$e Newsletters
MoneyWi$e Website
Kentucky Immunization Registry
Find Vaccines
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: Natese Dockery, PhD Assistant Clinical Professor for Mental Health and Well-being 
Season 8 | Episode 50
Join Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Natese Dockery as they wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month with a focused conversation on reducing stigma, recognizing the signs of stress, and building simple, sustainable habits to support daily mental well‑being.
Topics include what Mental Health Awareness Month means, how language and openness can reduce stigma, common emotional, cognitive, and behavioral signs of stress, practical stress‑management strategies, and tips for caregivers navigating the challenges of summer routines. The show also highlights the weekly Mental Health Minute video series and resources from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension.
To view the Mental Health Minute playlist on YouTube, click below.
For Mental Health support, 988 The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, every day. 
988 | The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) provides training for anyone who wants to help those experiencing mental health challenges.
For more information, click the link below:
QPR
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any topic 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 Ayman Qasrawi, Assistant Professor of Medicine, (Hematology) and Dr. Ruta Arays, Assistant Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology), Markey Cancer Center
Cancer Conversations Episode 75
Host Mindy McCulley interviews Dr. Ayman Qasrawi (Dr. Q) and Dr. Rita Arays of the UK Markey Cancer Center about multiple‑modality management and interdisciplinary collaboration in treating advanced melanoma.
The episode explains tumor‑infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) and why this personalized immunotherapy can produce durable responses when other options fail.
Key takeaways include the multidisciplinary workflow needed to deliver TILs in Kentucky, candidate selection and timing/referral considerations, program availability at UK (and UofL), and implications for future vaccine research and community care.
 
Connect with the UK Markey Center
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey

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 49
In this episode of Talking FACS, Extension specialists Dr. David Weisenhorn and Katherine Jury discuss the vital role of unstructured free play in child development.
They cover the key benefits of play—physical (muscle and bone development), cognitive (problem solving and learning by doing), social (cooperation and rule-making), and emotional health—with examples like playgrounds, outdoor exploration, and even learning from minor risks such as poison ivy. Guests emphasize outdoor play, practice-driven skill building, and why free time is children’s "work."
Listeners can expect practical takeaways on encouraging safe, unstructured play, why less-structured schedules help long-term development, and where to find University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension resources for families.
 
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: Natese Dockery, PhD Assistant Clinical Professor for Mental Health and Well-being 
Season 8 | Episode 48
Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Natese Dockery from University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension as they discuss crisis support and suicide prevention. This episode covers how to recognize signs of emotional distress, when and how to reach out, and why staying connected matters for mental health.
Listeners will learn about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—how to call, text, or chat for immediate, confidential help—and the basics of QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) as a simple framework for supporting someone in crisis. The conversation emphasizes practical, compassionate actions community members can take, even without professional training.
Key takeaways:
pay attention to changes in mood, sleep, or behavior;
asking and listening can save lives;
resources are available 24/7 (call or text 988).
Help, hope, and connection are possible.  Even small acts of presence make a big difference.
For more information, click the links below.
QPR
988 | The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
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: Kelly May, MS Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management 
Season 8 | Episode 47
Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Kelly May, Senior Extension Associate for Family Resource Management, as they break budgeting into simple, realistic steps to help you spend with purpose, save with confidence, and gain control of your financial future.
Topics include understanding gross vs. net income, categorizing expenses (fixed, flexible, occasional), planning for surprise costs, handling surpluses and deficits, avoiding lifestyle creep, and using side gigs or resources to improve your balance.
Listeners will come away with practical actions: plan with take-home pay, track all food and small cash purchases, build an emergency fund, prioritize or trim flexible expenses when needed, and reach out to local Extension resources for help.
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