Talking FACS

Fiber Forward: Balance for Better Health

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

Save Money, Stay Healthy

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

Practical Steps for Daily Mental Health

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
 

Personalized Cancer Care Fighting Melanoma

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

Play Is Children's Work: Why Free Play Matters

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

Resources for Hope: QPR and 988

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

Simple Steps to Budgeting

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

Future of FCS Extension: Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf on Leadership

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
Guest: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Assistant Extension Director for Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky  
Season 8 | Special Edition Episode 1
Mindy McCulley sits down with guest Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf, the new Assistant Extension Director for Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Kentucky, for a conversation about the future of Extension. Heather shares her Kentucky roots, long history with Extension and 4‑H, and the path that led her from Extension specialist to administrative leadership.
Topics include Heather’s top priorities—alignment, clear roles, strengthened communication, and intentional partnerships—plus how FCS can protect proven programs while exploring new ways to deliver research‑based education. They discuss supporting county agents, specialists, and staff, reaching communities with greatest need, and keeping community impact central to the mission.
Key takeaways:
Extension translates science into practical community benefits,
leadership grounded in people and data matters, and
FCS remains a trusted local resource across nutrition, health, resource management, family development, and civic engagement.
Expect insights on work–life balance, motivations on tough days, and a relatable look at how personal experience shapes public service.
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
 

Midwifery, Choices, and Care in Kentucky

Host: Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
Guest: Hayden Meza, APRN, Certified Nurse Midwife, UK Healthcare
Season 8 | Episode 46
Join guest host Dr. Courtney Luecking in a conversation with Hayden Meza, a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) at the University of Kentucky, as they explore the history and modern practice of midwifery. Topics include Kentucky’s midwifery roots with Mary Breckenridge and the Frontier Nursing Service, the role of CNMs within the healthcare system, differences between midwives and OB‑GYNs, and common myths about midwifery and birth settings.
Hayden shares patient‑centered examples of midwifery care, evidence on outcomes, guidance on choosing the right care model for individual risk and preferences, and tips for finding midwives locally.
For more information:
About Midwifery | American College of Nurse Midwives
Find a Midwife | Midwives of Kentucky
Core Competencies | American College of Nurse Midwives 
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
 

Reducing Harm, Saving Lives

Host: Alex Elswick, PhD Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Guest: Alex Johansen, UK Harm Reduction Hub Intern
Season 8, Episode 45
Welcome to Talking FACS. In this episode guest-host Alex Elswick speaks with Alex Johansson, an intern with the UK Harm Reduction Hub, about harm reduction and a newer practice called syringe residue testing. They define harm reduction as both a philosophy grounded in respect and dignity and a set of practical strategies to reduce harms from substance use.
Topics include everyday examples of harm reduction, practical interventions like naloxone distribution and syringe service programs, drug checking methods (including single-use test strips and syringe residue testing), and how the Harm Reduction Hub analyzes syringe residue to monitor Kentucky’s drug supply.
Key findings discussed from recent Kentucky testing (February 2026) include widespread fentanyl and methamphetamine detection across five partnered counties (Fayette, Jefferson, Jessamine, Perry, and Rowan), notable county-level differences (e.g., high meth detection in Rowan County and higher fentanyl presence in Fayette/Jefferson), and the identification of additives such as metatomidine. The conversation highlights how timely, local data help target naloxone distribution, inform outreach and treatment providers, and guide public health responses.
Tune in to learn what syringe residue testing reveals about local risks, how harm reduction agencies communicate alerts, and why this information matters for people who use drugs, families, healthcare providers, and the broader community.
UK Harm Reduction Hub
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

Who is a Cancer Survivor?

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Laurie McClouth, PhD, Assistant Professor, Behavioral Science, Markey Cancer Center
Cancer Conversations Episode 74
On Cancer Conversations, Dr. Laurie McLouth, assistant professor of behavioral science at UK and researcher at the Markey Cancer Center, discusses cancer survivorship: who is considered a survivor, how survivorship is evolving, and what it means to live with and beyond cancer.
Topics include the NCI definition of survivorship, national statistics (more than 18 million survivors in the U.S.), advances that extend life with cancer, physical and psychosocial domains of survivorship (late effects, mental health, financial toxicity, work and social roles), the new national survivorship care standards, and Markey’s Cancer Survivorship Research Initiative focused on survivors and caregivers.
Expect practical insights on care coordination between oncology and primary care, the importance of planning long-term follow-up (including for childhood survivors), and growing attention to caregiver needs and community-based support—plus where to find resources from the Markey Cancer Center and UK Cooperative Extension.
Connect with the UK Markey Center
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey

Family Health History: The Story That Protects Your Future

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
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel