Talking FACS

Unveiling the Hidden Threat: Xylazine in the Drug Supply

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 7, Episode 31
In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley is joined by Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, to discuss Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative increasingly found in the drug supply. Originally used in veterinary medicine, Xylazine is not intended for human consumption but is being mixed with drugs like fentanyl without users' knowledge, complicating the ongoing opioid crisis.
Dr. Elswick explains the unexpected presence of Xylazine in the drug market and its implications, highlighting how it poses new risks to overdose situations. The conversation delves into the difficulties posed by Xylazine's sedative effects, which can mask opioid overdoses and complicate life-saving interventions such as Naloxone administration.
The episode also explores methods used to detect Xylazine presence in communities, including innovative wastewater analysis. As the discussion unfolds, listeners gain an understanding of the broader context of drug contamination and the pressing need for enhanced public awareness.
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
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Navigating Preteen Needs: Essential Parenting Tips

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development  
Season 7, Episode 30
Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. David Weisenhorn in this insightful episode of "Talking FACS" as they explore what preteens need from their parents. Delve into the challenges and pivotal moments faced by children aged 9 to 12, a time marked by significant physical, emotional, and social development.
Dr. Weisenhorn, an Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development, outlines four essential aspects that are crucial for parents to consider: maintaining open communication, offering emotional support, setting clear boundaries, and encouraging independence. Through engaging dialogue, Mindy and David provide practical advice and personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of adapting these strategies to meet individual needs, taking into account gender and personality differences.
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
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Whether you're a parent seeking reassurance or strategies to support your preteen, this episode equips you with the knowledge to foster a nurturing environment and successfully guide your child through this transformative stage.

Nutrition of Energy Drinks: Are They Really Boosting Your Energy?

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 7, Episode 29
In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley welcomes Anna Cason, Extension Associate for Food and Nutrition at the University of Kentucky, to delve into the world of energy drinks. Are these popular beverages truly effective, or do they hide potential health risks? Anna provides a comprehensive overview of what energy drinks are, highlighting their ingredients, including caffeine and various herbs, and discusses how these drinks are marketed.
The discussion addresses the differences between energy shots and larger energy drinks, along with their potential impact on health, such as the interaction of ingredients with medications and the challenges of accurately determining caffeine content.
The episode also explores the implications of high caffeine and sugar intake, emphasizing the restrictions for children and the importance of regulating daily consumption. Anna offers insights into healthier alternatives for genuine energy boosts, focusing on nutrition and balanced diet, rather than the temporary fix energy drinks might offer.
For more information about feeding children well, check out the Nutrition Education Program or SNACK Club resources.
To connect with Snack Club resources:
SNACK Club website
To Connect with Nutrition Education Program resources, visit:
PlanEatMove.com
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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Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis: Empowerment and Support

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Cheri Tolle, MAEd Director, UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network (MCCAN)
Cancer Conversations Episode 60
In this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Cheri Tolle, Director for the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network, shares her extensive experience and personal insights into dealing with a cancer diagnosis. She discusses the emotional challenges faced when diagnosed with cancer and offers empowering strategies to handle the journey.
The conversation covers essential questions to ask your cancer care team, the importance of understanding your diagnosis and treatment options, and effective management strategies for dealing with side effects. Additionally, Cheri addresses the significant role of caregivers and provides practical advice on seeking support and utilizing trusted information sources.
Join us as we explore how to navigate the complexities of cancer care, offering both patients and caregivers the knowledge and resources needed to take control of their health and well-being. Don't miss this informative discussion that aims to demystify cancer treatments and empower individuals with reliable information.
Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS is a partnership project between Family and Consumer Sciences Extension and the Markey Cancer Center.
For more information about MCCAN visit:
Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network
For more information about cancer diagnoses:
American Institute for Cancer Research
National Cancer Institute
Connect with the UK Markey Center
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey

MoneyWi$e: Forming Healthy Financial Habits

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Kelly May, Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management
Season 7, Episode 28
On this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley engages with Senior Extension Associate Kelly May to explore the science behind forming habits that stick. Focusing on financial habits, they discussing how to break ineffective patterns and cultivate productive ones.
Kelly introduces the concept of the habit loop detailed in James Clear's 'Atomic Habits,' explaining how cues, cravings, responses, and rewards form behaviors. Through practical examples, she reveals the secrets to breaking bad habits, such as excessive spending, and building new, beneficial ones.
Listeners will discover actionable strategies for making desirable habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying while learning how to render undesirable habits invisible, unattractive, difficult, and unsatisfying. Tune in to take the first step toward achieving your financial goals and improving your quality of life with science-backed strategies.
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
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          FCS Learning Channel

Exploring the 2025 Nutrition Education Program Calendar

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: LaToya Drake, MS Extension Specialist for Food Access, Kentucky Nutrition Education Program
Season 7, Episode 27
In this episode of Talking FACS we delve into the 2025 Nutrition Education Program Calendar with LaToya Drake, Extension Specialist for Food Access, who reveals the beautifully crafted calendar packed with enticing recipes.
Discover the process behind the calendar’s stunning food photography, emphasizing the use of real, edible food without wasteful practices. Gain insights into the cost-effective recipes, including the split pea soup and buffalo cauliflower bites, which are designed to be budget-friendly and delicious.
Learn about the innovative cooking methods featured in the calendar, such as air frying, and the diverse range of recipes that cater to various dietary needs and occasions. This episode highlights the educational aspect of the calendar, providing food safety tips, ingredient spotlights, and nutritional benefits to help listeners make informed choices.
Join us as we celebrate the role of these calendars in enhancing the nutritional habits of communities across Kentucky while offering versions accessible in Spanish to reach a broader audience. Listen and get inspired to try new recipes and cooking techniques in 2025!
To Connect with Nutrition Education Program resources, visit:
PlanEatMove.com
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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Avoiding Snowplow Parenting Pitfalls

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development  
Season 7, Episode 26
Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. David Weisenhorn, Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development, as they delve into the concept of snowplow parenting. In this enlightening episode of Talking FACS, they explore the transition from helicopter to snowplow parenting and discuss the implications of overly protective parenting styles on children's development.
Dr. Weisenhorn emphasizes the importance of allowing children to face obstacles, make mistakes, and develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Mindy shares personal anecdotes and the lessons she learned as a parent, highlighting the significance of finding a balance between offering support and fostering independence.
Listeners will gain insights into promoting open communication, recognizing the potential pitfalls of over-parenting, and understanding how to nurture their children's independence effectively. Tune in for practical advice that underscores the crucial role of stumbling blocks as stepping stones in a child's growth journey.
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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Mystery Holes in Your Clothes

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Jeanne Badgett, MS Extension Associate for Clothing, Textiles, and Household Equipment
Season 7, Episode 25
In this enlightening episode of Talking FACS, Jeanne Badgett, Extension Associate for Clothing, Textiles, and Household Equipment, delves into the perplexing issue of tiny holes appearing in our t-shirts and other garments.
The discussion highlights the common causes of these holes, such as abrasion from belt buckles, zippers, or kitchen counters, as well as the impact of modern, thinner fabrics. Practical solutions are offered to prevent and repair these unwanted holes, including proper laundering practices, the use of aprons, and innovative techniques like visible mending.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into maintaining their clothing and extending its life despite the challenges of contemporary fashion and fabric quality. Whether it's through careful clothing choices or creative mending, this episode provides the knowledge to tackle one of clothing's most nagging issues.
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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Oncology Nutrition: Expert Insights on Diet and Cancer

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 59
In this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Rachel Miller, a certified specialist in oncology nutrition explores the significance of nutrition in cancer prevention and care. With over a decade of experience at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Rachel shares her insights on the impact of diet in reducing cancer risks and managing nutritional needs during cancer treatment.
Rachel explains her role as an oncology dietitian and addresses common misconceptions about cancer and diet, emphasizing the benefits of a flexible, plant-based approach. She provides practical advice on how patients can navigate nutritional challenges during various stages of cancer treatment, focusing on maintaining adequate nutrition even when side effects pose difficulties.
The episode also highlights valuable resources for evidence-based information, including the American Institute of Cancer Research and the National Cancer Institute, offering listeners access to recommended dietary guidelines, healthy recipes, and up-to-date research.Listen in to understand how a mindful diet can be a crucial part of cancer prevention and care, and discover reliable sources to support your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
For more information:
American Institute for Cancer Research
National Cancer Institute
Connect with the UK Markey Center
Online Markey Cancer Center
On Facebook @UKMarkey
On Twitter @UKMarkey
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Extension
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Unraveling the Twin Epidemic

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 7, Episode 24
In this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, sheds light on the alarming rise in stimulant use alongside the ongoing opioid crisis, a phenomenon referred to as the "twin epidemic."
Alex discusses how stimulant use, particularly methamphetamine and cocaine, has spiked nationally and in Kentucky, becoming a significant driver of overdose fatalities alongside opioids. The episode explores the complexities of drug use patterns, including the notable shift from injection to smoking as the primary route of drug administration. The conversation also touches on social perceptions around drug use and the lack of effective treatments for stimulant addiction, posing challenges for healthcare providers and communities alike.
The discussion emphasizes the integral role of the Extension in combating substance use by fostering health and wellness through improving nutrition, physical health, relationships, and finances. This episode is a call to action for community engagement in building recovery capital and addressing the root causes of addiction.
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

Be a Responsible Information Consumer

Host: Nichole Huff, PhD Extension Specialist for Family Finance and Resource Management, University of Kentucky
Guest: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support
Season 7, Episode 23
In this episode of Talking FACS, hosted by Dr. Nichole Huff, we dive into the ever-relevant topic of information literacy in the digital age. Featuring Mindy McCulley as the guest, we explore the challenges of distinguishing between fact and opinion in the realm of viral news and media. Mindy and Nichole discuss five key factors to identify misinformation: authenticity, source, evidence, context, and reasoning. From understanding the impact of manipulated visuals and unsupported claims to trusting your instincts, this episode offers valuable insights for becoming a wise information consumer.
Listeners will gain practical tips on how to effectively evaluate news stories and media content before sharing, drawing parallels between these practices and financial consumer awareness. Discover how applying these concepts can prevent the spread of misinformation and promote responsible sharing in today’s fast-paced digital world.
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
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          Instagram
          FCS Learning Channel

Unlocking Positivity: The Power of Kindness and Gratitude

Host:  Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: Kerri Ashurst, PhD, Extension Specialist for Family and Relationship Development
Season 7, Episode 22
On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Kerri Ashurst discusses practical strategies for shifting focus toward positivity and expressing gratitude in everyday life, emphasizing how small changes in mindset can significantly improve happiness and reduce stress levels.
The discussion also highlights the impact of gratitude on self-worth and behavior, both for oneself and for others, and offers insights on how to incorporate gratitude practices, like journaling or simple acknowledgments, into daily routines. Join us to learn how practicing thankfulness can transform your mental well-being and foster a more positive outlook on life.
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