Talking FACS

Holiday Meals on a Budget

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: LaToya Drake, MS Communications Director, The Food Connection
Season 8, Episode 22
As we wrap up  our self-proclaimed Stretching Your Food Budget Week, host Mindy McCulley and guest LaToya Drake from The Food Connection share a compact guide to planning holiday meals without blowing your budget. They discuss practical strategies for saving money on traditional dishes, including choosing smaller cuts of meat, using seasonal or sale produce, ingredient substitutions, and inviting guests to help.
The episode explains a five-trip shopping strategy to spread spending and reduce last-minute stress, plus tips for shopping your pantry and freezer first, rotating older items, and stretching meals with staples like potatoes, rice, and beans.
Expect actionable, research-based advice for keeping holiday traditions while trimming costs and time in the kitchen so you can focus on gathering with loved ones.
For more information:
Planning Holiday Meals on A Thrifty Budget
To connect with Nutrition Education Program resources, visit:
PlanEatMove.com
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
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          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Pantry Power: Stretch Your Food Budget with Pantry Staples

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 21
Join Mindy McCulley and Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf as they explore how everyday pantry staples can stretch your food budget while keeping meals nutritious and satisfying. This episode of Talking FACS covers practical, research-based ideas focusing on making your pantry work for you.
Topics include:
creative uses for pasta (try a spaghetti stir-fry),
split pea and rice bowls,
using dried beans for tacos and soups to stretch servings, and
versatile uses for powdered (dry) milk in baking and breakfasts.
They discuss cost-saving tips like buying canned and dried goods in bulk, simple meal-building techniques, and the nutritional benefits of legumes and whole-grain or legume-based pastas.
Key takeaways: assemble meals from pantry basics, add small twists to avoid meal ruts, and use Extension resources  for recipes and step-by-step guides to save money and feed your family well.
For recipe ideas, visit:
Plate it up! Kentucky Proud 
Plan Eat Move
Daily Meal Ideas (30 days of meal ideas using pantry staples)
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
 

Fighting Hunger Together: How Communities Can Support Food-Insecure Families

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:
checking in on friends and family,
reducing stigma,
inviting someone to a shared meal,
donating money (which often stretches farther for organizations),
volunteering time and other service,
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
          Facebook
          Instagram

Honoring Military Families: Ideas & Resources for Military Family Month

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

Exploring Food Dyes: Keeping You Informed

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

Convenience Store Smarts: Healthy Picks on the Go

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
 
 

MoneyWi$e: FinTech at Your Fingertips

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
 
 

Hidden Dangers: What Everyone Needs to Know About Concussions

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:
who is most susceptible (with emphasis on children and teens)
common signs and symptoms to watch for
practical prevention tips (helmets, appropriate equipment, and emerging protective gear), and
clear guidance on what to do if you suspect a concussion
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
 

Many Roads to Recovery: Celebrating Individual Paths This Recovery Month

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

Catching Ovarian Cancer Early: Inside UK's Research Screening Program

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:
who is eligible
where screenings are offered
how abnormal findings are managed, and
barriers to participation.
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

The Four Pillars of a Fulfilling Retirement

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:
start healthy habits early
prioritize close relationships and cross‑generational friendships
explore local learning programs (OLLI, Donovan, community centers)
consider encore careers or volunteer roles
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

What's Behind Food Processing? 'Ultra-Processed' Foods Explained

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Anna Cason, RD Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition
Season 8, Episode 11
In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley talks with Anna Cason, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition, about the spectrum of food processing — from simple packaging to ultra-processing. They explore why foods are processed, when processing can be beneficial (fortification, extended shelf life, accessibility), and when ultra-processed options may be less nutrient-dense.
Key points include
how to identify ultra-processed foods,
what to watch for on Nutrition Facts labels (added sugars, sodium, saturated fat), and
practical advice for building a balanced diet using fresh, frozen, canned, and fortified options.
Listeners are encouraged to use dietary guidelines, read labels, and contact their local Extension for personalized help.
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