Adult Development and Aging

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
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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
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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
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Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guests: Natese Dockery, PhD Assistant Clinical Professor for Mental Health and Well-being and Amy Rodquist-Kodet, Health Coach, UK Health and Wellness
Season 8, Episode 34
Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCauley from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension. In this episode Mindy speaks with Dr. Natese Dockery, Assistant Clinical Professor for Mental Health and Well-Being, and Amy Rodquist-Kodet, a health coach with UK Health and Wellness, about what self-compassion really means and why it matters for overall well-being.
The conversation covers personal stories and research-backed benefits such as reduced anxiety and depression, and how self-kindness fosters resilience and healthier coping.
Guests share practical strategies listeners can try right away: positive affirmations, loving-kindness meditation, journaling, noticing and naming the inner critic, and simple self-soothing gestures to calm the nervous system.
Key takeaways: self-compassion isn’t selfish, it’s about being present with pain rather than erasing it, and regular practice helps cultivate greater peace and emotional growth. 
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
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Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guests: Brittany Thompson, Provider Liaison, Bluegrass Care Navigators and Amy Kostelic, PhD Associate Extension Professor for Adult Development and Aging
Season 7, Episode 21
Brittany Thompson, Bluegrass Care Navigator Provider Liaison, and Dr. Amy Kostelic, Associate Extension Professor for Adult Development and Aging return to delve into the often misunderstood world of hospice care, focusing on the challenges and barriers faced by patients and families during this pivotal time.
The discussion begins with Brittany addressing common misconceptions about hospice care and the importance of shifting goals toward enhancing quality of life. The conversation highlights the emotional and psychological challenges caregivers face, including the transition to a caregiving role and dealing with anticipatory grief. The episode also explores the financial burdens that families may encounter and the need for proper resources and support.
Amy emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers and introduces the "Living with Loss" series offered by the Family Consumer Sciences Extension. This series includes vital self-care strategies for caregivers who often struggle to balance their own emotional needs while providing care for loved ones.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the comprehensive support offered by hospice care, including 24/7 phone support and the integration of an interdisciplinary team to assist families through their journey. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of hospice care and the resources available to support caregivers and families.
For more information about Bluegrass Care Navigators:
Bluegrass Care Navigators
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
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Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guests: Brittany Thompson, Provider Liaison, Bluegrass Care Navigators and Amy Kostelic, PhD Associate Extension Professor for Adult Development and Aging
Season 7, Episode 20
In this insightful episode of Talking FACS Brittany Thompson, Bluegrass Care Navigators Provider Liaison, and Dr. Amy Kostelic, Associate Extension Professor for Adult Development and Aging, discuss the critical role of hospice care in enhancing quality of life during one's final months.
The episode explores the comprehensive services offered by hospice, emphasizing its team-based approach that includes medical, emotional, and spiritual support. Brittany clarifies common misconceptions about hospice, highlighting it as a service rather than a place, and explains how it aims to provide comfort and fulfill the wishes of patients and their families.
Listeners will learn about the eligibility criteria for hospice care, the importance of early planning, and the ways hospice supports families even after the passing of a loved one. The conversation also addresses societal challenges in discussing end-of-life transitions and underscores the value of hospice in improving caregiver well-being and reducing depression among the bereaved.
This episode is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand end-of-life care options and the profound impact of hospice services. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how hospice care can provide comfort and support during life's most challenging transitions.
For more information about Bluegrass Care Navigators:
Bluegrass Care Navigators
For more information about palliative care resources, listen to Cancer Conversations
Understanding Palliative and Supportive Care
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
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Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guests: Katherine Jury, MS Extension Specialist for Family Health
Season 7, Episode 18
In this insightful episode of Talking FACS, Katherine Jury, Extension Specialist for Family Health, shares about the importance of adult vaccinations. With a startling statistic that 75% of American adults are missing recommended vaccines, this engaging discussion sheds light on why staying updated with vaccines is essential.
The episode delves into the reasons why adult vaccination is vital, including reducing the risk of severe disease and preventing the spread of illnesses. Katherine highlights key vaccines such as the annual flu and COVID vaccines, T-dap, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines, while also addressing the importance of personalized vaccine schedules based on age, medical history, and lifestyle factors.
Listeners will gain insights into the role of vaccines in combating hard-to-treat diseases and the significance of regular health check-ups for preventative care. Tune in to learn how a proactive approach to vaccinations can enhance quality of life and protect community health.
Learn more at:
Adult vaccination schedule
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
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Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guests: Elizabeth Rhodus, PhD Sanders Brown Center on Aging and Amy Kostelic, PhD Assistant Extension Professor for Adult Development and Aging
Season 6, Episode 41
This episode starts with a profound conversation around brain health, emphasizing the importance of hydration, engagement, rest and the roles they play in brain performance. We explore disease and the implications of various brain functionality disorders.
Learn about the critical concept of cognitive reserve and the value of life-enhancing experiences in constructing a dense neural network, serving as a potential defense against cognitive diseases. Our experts touch base on the importance of social engagement, sensation, and physical activities, shaping a holistic approach towards brain health.
For more information, click the links below:
Sanders Brown Center on Aging
 
Are you caring for someone with dementia?
 
Harmony at H.O.M.E. (Help Online Modifying the Environment) Telehealth Program
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
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Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Amy Kostelic, PhD Assistant Extension Professor for Adult Development and Aging
Season 6, Episode 39
"Kick Kentucky Cancer: Caring for those You Love" is an illuminating podcast episode presented by the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program. Dr. Amy Kostelic, Extension Specialist for adult development and aging, ventures into the labyrinth of complexities around cancer and the crucial role caregivers play in assisting patients throughout the health crisis. The episode also calls attention to the unnerving cancer rates in the United States and highlights the "Kick Kentucky Cancer" program aiming to enlighten individuals about the cancer and its effective management.
Explore the insights regarding a caregiver's responsibilities, tips on dealing with a cancer diagnosis, and advice on how to communicate with the healthcare team. The conversation presents pivotal guidance and resource references for those seeking additional support and knowledge. Learn where effective communication, cooperation, and education stand in the context of cancer care.
This episode is deemed an essential guide for patients, caregivers, and individuals indirectly impacted by cancer, equipping them with the tools needed for navigating the challenges ahead. The unique role of a cancer caregiver, the challenges encountered, and the rewarding experiences are all explored in detail.
Emphasizing caregiving's emotional tone, the speakers highlight that caregivers are often spouses, partners, and loved ones. They share coping strategies for this colossal responsibility and stress the need for self-compassion during this journey. Additionally, they talk about the 'sunny days' or the times where the bond between the patient and the caregiver is being acknowledged and nurtured.
This podcast draws from personal stories shared by the speakers, illustrating the emotional investment and the inherent beauty of caregiving. They underline the importance of support, sharing tasks, and merely being present for your loved ones. Tune into this informative episode of Talking FACS to gain a deeper understanding of the world of cancer caregiving. Acknowledging the unsung heroes, we extend our gratitude to caregivers for their invaluable role in building resilient families and a stronger Kentucky.
For more information
Caring for someone with Cancer
American Cancer Society Resource 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
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Host: Jennifer Hunter, PhD Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guests:  Caroline Francis, EdS Director of UK Alumni Career Services and Amy Gamblin, MS Associate Director of UK Alumni Career Services
Season 6, Episode 36
Encore careers are an excellent opportunity to try something new or maybe something you have always wanted to do.  As we are living longer, the opportunity to have more than one career is a work path that many people are pursuing.  Listen as Caroline Francis and Amy Gamblin share strategies for ensuring that your encore career is successful.
For more information visit the UK Alumni Association:
Website
Facebook
Job Club

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guests: Sylvia Lovely, JD Founder of Connecting Our Voices and Amy Kostelic, PhD Assistant Extension Professor for Adult Development and Aging,
Season 6, Episode 33
On this episode of Talking FACS our guests will help us understand the importance of keeping storytelling alive, not just our personal stories, but the stories that help build community and connectedness.
For more information:
Connecting Our Voices
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.
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Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 6, Episode 26
What we eat impacts many facets of our lives.  Choosing what we eat to strengthen our bones begins early and lasts a life time.  Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf outlines many ways we can reduce our risk of developing osteoporosis through diet choices.
Learn more about osteoporosis and food choices:
Strong Bones for Life publication
International Osteoporosis Foundation
          Calcium Factsheet
          Nutrition Factsheet
          Exercise Recommendations
Connect with FCS Extension for assistance with this topic and others you hear about on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
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