Talking FACS
Episodes

Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Brain Food
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Season 6, Episode 10
The title for this episode might make you think we are planning ahead for Halloween on Talking FACS, but really we are chatting with Dr. Courtney Luecking about the essential nutrients needed for healthy development of baby brains during pregnancy. Fetal brain development is rapid throughout pregnancy and lays the foundation for a child’s growth and development. Understanding which nutrients support fetal brain development and health in pregnancy can help expectant parents make nutrition choices that have lasting positive impact for their child.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Monday Aug 14, 2023
Exploring New Foods with Children
Monday Aug 14, 2023
Monday Aug 14, 2023
Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 6, Episode 6
Encouraging your children to try new foods is sometimes a daunting task. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking provides tips and strategies to make the new food transition smooth. Don't get discouraged or give up - sometimes new food needs to be offered 10 to 15 times before your child decides it is good!
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram
Going on NOW - Eating Over the Rainbow Challenge

Monday Aug 07, 2023
Eating Over the Rainbow
Monday Aug 07, 2023
Monday Aug 07, 2023
Hosts: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky and Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Guests: A panel of young friends and their moms
Season 6, Episode 5
If you have been listening to Talking FACS for any period of time, you already know that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables ensures that your body is getting the necessary nutrients for growth and development. On this episode of Talking FACS, Courtney and Mindy visit with a panel of young friends to discover their thoughts on eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables! This show supports our Eating Over the Rainbow Challenge as well as Farmers Market Week!
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Monday Jul 17, 2023
Feeding Toddlers
Monday Jul 17, 2023
Monday Jul 17, 2023
Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 6, Episode 2
Feeding toddlers can be challenging. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking shares strategies for encouraging healthy eating behaviors in young children.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Tuesday May 23, 2023
Eat Your Words - Phrases that Encourage Children to Try New Foods
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 5, Episode 37
Things adults say around children matter. This includes the way we talk about food and children’s behavior around food. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking discusses the differences between phrases that help or hamper children from trying new foods.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram
Full episode transcript

Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Nutrition for those living with Cancer
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Rachel Miller, MS, RD, CSO, LD, Registered Dietitian Consultant, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center
Cancer Conversations Episode 41
Making food choices may be difficult for those undergoing cancer treatment due to how the treatment might affect appetite, taste, and smell. On this episode of Cancer Conversation, Rachel Miller shares nutrition tips for those living with cancer.
Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS is a partnership project between Family and Consumer Sciences Extension and the Markey Cancer Center.
Connect with the UK Markey Cancer Center
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey

Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Strategies for Lower Stress Family Mealtime
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 5, Episode 25
Family meals can often be a source of stress when children are young, especially if they feel like a battleground between what a child wants to eat and what the parents want the child to eat. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking breaks down some simple strategies to help families lower the stress level for every during family mealtimes. She recommends using a proven methods that divides responsibility, so that everyone leaves meal feeling successful.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Monday Dec 26, 2022
Supporting Chilhood Immunity through Nutrition
Monday Dec 26, 2022
Monday Dec 26, 2022
As we enjoy the holiday break with our families, we invited you to listen to this classic episode from Season 3 that is very appropriate for now as well.
Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Episode 34, Season 3
As children across the Commonwealth return to the classroom, it is especially important to consider the implications of nutrition on their overall health and well-being. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking sits down with Dr. Jennifer Hunter to discuss how nutrition supports childhood immunity and steps parents and caregivers can take to ensure that children are eating a wide range of nutrients daily.
For more information:
Plan. Eat. Move.

Monday Nov 07, 2022
Holiday Meals on a Budget
Monday Nov 07, 2022
Monday Nov 07, 2022
Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Nichole Huff, Extension Specialist for Family Finance and Resource Management
MoneyWi$e Episode 5, Season 5
The holiday season is just around the corner. With inflation driving up the costs of good and services, the rising prices of of groceries might be on the minds of many Kentuckians as they plan to host holiday events this year. On this episode of Talking FACS, MoneyWi$e expert, Dr. Nichole Huff, is going to share strategies for keeping the down the costs of holiday meals.
For more information, visit:
MoneyWi$e Newsletter
MoneyWi$e Website
MoneyWi$e Facebook Page

Monday Aug 29, 2022
Creating Safe Spaces to Explore Foods
Monday Aug 29, 2022
Monday Aug 29, 2022
Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 5, Episode 7
Trying new things can sometimes be scary or uncomfortable. Creating a safe and positive experience at snacks and mealtime can help ease these strong reactions and support children in trying new, healthy foods. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking shares tips for introducing new foods to children that will encourage exploration.
For more information about Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, visit us at one of our local UK Cooperative Extension Offices or online through any of the sites listed below.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Monday Aug 22, 2022
Should I be taking a dietary supplement?
Monday Aug 22, 2022
Monday Aug 22, 2022
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 5, Episode 6
Dietary supplement use is growing in the United States. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf shares what dietary supplements are, how they impact our nutritional needs and overall health, and who might benefit from supplement use. She also provides research-based information about when supplement use might be unnecessary and who to consult if you are considering supplementing your diet with these products.
For more information:
NIH Article - Dietary supplements and nutracueticals market growth during the coronavirus pandemic - Implications for consumers and regulatory oversight
Information for Consumers Using Dietary Supplements
Understanding Dietary Supplements - FDA.gov
Comprender los suplementos dietéticos - FDA.gov

Monday Aug 08, 2022
How to respond when your child says ”I don’t like it!”
Monday Aug 08, 2022
Monday Aug 08, 2022
Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 5, Episode 4
Mealtime can be frustrating when a child says they don’t like something. Playing detective can identify easy solutions to support children in trying the foods on their plate. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking shares tips for parents to help uncover the reasons children might object to certain foods.
For more information about Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, visit us at one of our local UK Cooperative Extension Offices or online through any of the sites listed below.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram