Making Healthy Choices

How Civic Engagement Becomes a Health Boost

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 33
This is Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Monica Mundy. In this episode we explore how civic engagement directly impacts individual and community health.
What comes to mind when you think of civic engagement? In this episode we will push the boundaries of what many people think civic engagement is and share the health benefits you can enjoy.
Topics include research-backed health benefits (longer life expectancy, lower rates of heart disease, depression, and even some cancers), how community involvement builds social connection, resilience, and local decision-making power, and real-world examples like community responses to public health crises.
Dr. Munday shares five simple steps to get involved:
stay informed,
join groups,
speak up,
volunteer, and
bring others along.
She pairs these steps with practical ideas such as food bank volunteering, PTAs, and neighborhood cleanups. Listeners are encouraged to pick one action and connect with local FCS Extension resources to start making a difference.
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

Family Support Groups: Helping Loved Ones with Addiction

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 31
Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Alex Elswick from University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension as they explore support options for families affected by addiction. This episode explains why addiction is a family disease and how family members are impacted emotionally and physically.
Topics include common family support groups, alternative programs, and the idea of multiple recovery pathways. Dr. Elswick emphasizes education, peer connection, grief support, and practical steps families can take.
Key takeaways: support is essential, different groups fit different values and needs, try multiple options before deciding, and family members deserve resources and care. Visit the UK FCS Extension for more information and local resources.
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

Keeping Influence: How Parents Shape Teen Behavior

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development  
Season 8, Episode 30
Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCauley and guest Dr. David Wiesenhorn, Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development. In this episode they explore how parents can continue to influence their teens through the challenges of adolescence—moodiness, identity formation, and growing independence.
David shares four evidence-based strategies:
foster open, regular communication using open-ended questions;
set clear, consistent expectations while offering choices;
model the values and behaviors you want your teen to adopt; and
show empathy by validating big emotions instead of minimizing them.
The conversation includes practical examples and parent-tested tips to apply these approaches at home.
Key takeaways: don’t take teen moodiness personally, maintain steady boundaries to help teens internalize rules, use questions to build connection and understanding, and hold space for emotions to strengthen trust and influence. 
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

Don't Fail Retirement: Plan for Purpose, Health & Social Connections

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 29
Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley sits down with Caroline Francis, director of the University of Kentucky Alumni Career Services Program, to discuss how to avoid failing at retirement and how retirement is being redefined for today's generations.
They explore topics beyond finances, including:
loss of identity,
shrinking social networks,
declining health, and
lack of purpose.
Sharing practical strategies that lead to successful retirement years, like starting a bucket list or curious journal, pursuing encore careers or volunteer roles, taking advantage of programs such as Donovan Scholars or the OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) program and prioritizing lifelong learning and health.
Key takeaways include starting to plan 3–5 years ahead, building social connections and purpose, improving health before retirement, and finding role models to emulate for a successful transition.
For more information visit the UK Alumni Association:
Website
Facebook
For more information about programs mentioned during this episode:
OLLI Program
If you are over 65, ask about the Donavan Scholars Program at ANY state supported college or university in Kentucky for tuition waiver.
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
 

WiN-WiN: Turning Food Waste into Community Meals

Host: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Associate Extension Professor for Nutrition and Health, University of Kentucky Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment
Guest: Dawn Brewer, PhD, RD, Associate Professor, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
Season 8, Episode 27
Guest host Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf talks with Dr. Dawn Brewer, Associate Professor and Registered Dietitian at the University of Kentucky, about the WiN-WiN (Waste Not, Want Not) pilot program that redirects surplus produce to feed food-insecure residents in Jessamine County. They discuss how the program connects farmers, gardeners, markets, and local feeding partners to reduce landfill waste and increase availability to nutritious food.
The episode outlines WiN-WiN’s local partners — including Revived Life House, the Man of Meals program at Nicholasville Methodist Church, the Jesmond County Food Pantry, the Kentucky United Methodist Children’s independent living program, and Bethel Harvest — and explains the program’s focus on logistics, food safety, recipes, toolkits, and training to help organizations use and preserve donated foods.
Listeners also hear national food-waste facts, practical tips to reduce waste at home (meal planning, proper storage, using “ugly” produce, freezing, and repurposing leftovers), and ways to get involved: donate produce, volunteer with transport or partner organizations, and access WiN-WiN resources online and on social media.
For more information:
WiN-WiN Pilot Program Website
Follow WiN-WiN on Social Media
Facebook
Instagram
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
 

Raising Thankful Kids: Simple Habits That Build Gratitude

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development  
Season 8, Episode 25
In this episode of Talking FACS, Host Mindy McCulley speaks with Dr. David Weisenhorn, Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development, about how to raise thankful kids and why gratitude matters.
They review research showing grateful children experience higher well-being, stronger relationships, better academics, increased resilience, optimism, and social connection.
The episode offers practical strategies parents can use:
modeling gratitude,
regular conversations,
a simple “three things” practice,
drawing or journaling with young children,
writing thank-you notes,
acts of service (like baking and sharing), and
using a gratitude jar.
They emphasize starting early, making practices consistent but not forced, and building intrinsic motivation over time.
Listeners can expect short, research-backed tips and ready-to-use family rituals to help children grow more grateful, empathetic, and resilient.
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
 

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
          Facebook
          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
 

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
 
 

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

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