Making Healthy Choices

Let Them Leap: Supporting Risky Play

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
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          FCS Learning Channel

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
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          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
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          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
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          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
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          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
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          FCS Learning Channel
 

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
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          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Quick Bites: Making Fast Food Nutritious

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 41
In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf discuss how to make fast food choices that support nutrition, budget, and busy lifestyles. They cover practical strategies—like choosing grilled proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; understanding menu language (grilled, baked, a la carte); customizing combos; and considering kids' meals for appropriate portion sizes. Examples of balanced meals are given for burgers, breakfast, and Mexican-style bowls, plus tips for planning, reducing sodium/saturated fat/added sugars, and managing costs compared to grocery options.
Listeners will learn small, consistent changes to improve on-the-go eating, when to indulge without guilt, and how to align food choices with personal health and financial goals.
For more information:
Quick Bites, Nutritious Picks: A Fast Food 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
UK FCS Extension
          Website
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          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

When Food Feels Hard: Understanding Eating Disorders

Host: Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN, Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky
Guest: Abbigail Pace, PhD, RDN. Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
Season 8 | Episode 40
Join host Dr. Courtney Luecking and guest Dr. Abbigail Pace as they explore how eating disorders differ from common food and body concerns. This episode covers types of eating disorders, warning signs, physical and mental impacts, and prevalence statistics.
Dr. Pace explains when to seek help, who to contact (primary care providers, dietitians, certified eating-disorder professionals), and offers guidance for friends and family on supporting loved ones with compassion. Resources like NEDA, Health at Every Size, and intuitive eating approaches are highlighted, along with encouragement for those in recovery.
For more information:
National Eating Disorder Association Grace Holland Cozine Resource Center
Project Heal
Find a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist
Kentucky Eating Disorder Council
 
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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          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel
 

MoneyWi$e: Making Healthy Choices as Food Prices Rise

Host: Nichole Huff, PhD, Assistant Extension Professor and Extension Specialist for Family Resource Management, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Anna Cason, Senior Extension Associate, Polk-Dalton Clinic
Season 8, Episode 39
Join host Dr. Nichole Huff and guest Anna Cason as they tackle how to eat healthy while food prices climb. This episode of MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS covers the basic food groups, meal planning tips, and practical strategies for stretching your grocery dollars.
Anna shares concrete tips for shopping and eating on a budget:
use canned and frozen fruits and vegetables,
choose plant-based proteins like beans and lentils,
buy grains in bulk,
cook once to eat multiple times.
She also offers advice for smarter convenience store and fast-food choice.
Key takeaways include focusing on patterns not perfection, leaning on plant-based proteins, keeping grains and shelf-stable produce on hand, planning ahead to reduce waste, and using all the places you shop intentionally to save money and eat well.
For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$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

A Conversation about the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Host: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Associate Extension Professor for Nutrition and Health, University of Kentucky, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Assistant Extension Professor and Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
Season 8, Episode 38
Join host Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf and guest Dr. Courtney Luecking as they unpack the 2026 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), explaining what the guidelines are, how they are developed, and what has changed.
They cover key takeaways: the DGA public-health (not clinical) purpose, the emphasis on overall dietary patterns and balance rather than single nutrients, continued support for whole grains and fiber, and real-world implementation issues like cost, access, and school nutrition.
Learn how Cooperative Extension translates these evidence-based recommendations into practical, community-relevant guidance.
For more information:
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Connect with FCS Extension through the links below for more information about the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
          Website
          Facebook
          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

How Pop Culture Shapes Health

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 37
In this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Monica Mundy, Assistant Extension Professor for Community and Family Health, chats with host Mindy McCulley, about what pop culture is and how it influences health.
Topics include definitions and examples of pop culture (TV, music, social media, influencers), positive influences like Let’s Move and TV story lines that open dialogue about mental health, and negative impacts such as youth vaping and fad diets. The episode highlights memorable public-health moments in pop culture and how they shape awareness and behavior.
Dr. Mundy discusses practical ways communities can harness pop culture for health promotion—partnering with local influencers, using music, art, film, salons and barbershops for outreach, and small grassroots campaigns like the Be Kind initiative.
Listeners can expect a concise, research-informed conversation with actionable ideas for using everyday culture to normalize healthy behaviors and engage 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