Talking FACS

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 19 

Host Mindy McCauley visits with Dr. Kerri Ashurst, Senior Extension Specialist for Family and Relationship Development, about National Military Family Month (the month of November), what it means, and how communities can honor and support military families.

Topics include practical recognition ideas (care packages, community events, discounts, flying the flag), volunteer opportunities, sharing and preserving military family stories, and ways to support military children and spouses. Local reso...

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...

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 pr...

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guests: Matt Dixon, Senior Meteorologist, UK Ag Weather Center and Natese Dockery, PhD Assistant Clinical Professor and Extension Specialist for Mental Health and Well-being

Season 8, Episode 16

In this episode of Talking FACS from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program, host Mindy McCulley visits with Matt Dixon, Senior Meteorologist at the Ag Weather Center, and Dr. Natese Dockery, Assistant Clinical Professor and Extension Specialist for Mental Health and Well-Being. They discuss recent shifts in Ke...

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guests: Kristen Jowers, MS Extension Specialist for One Op

Season 8, Episode 15

Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Kristen Jowers as they explore the world of financial technology on this episode of MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS. They explain FinTech and how common tools—mobile banking, peer-to-peer payment apps, budgeting and debt-tracking tools, and credit monitoring—can simplify everyday money management.

Kristen and Mindy discuss security and privacy concerns, fees and tax reporting for payment apps, how...

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  

Guests: Katherine Jury, MS Extension Specialist for Family Health

Season 8, Episode 14

Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program. In this episode, Extension Specialist Katherine Jury explains what concussions are, how they occur, and why even seemingly minor bumps can matter.

Discussion topics include:

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 13

In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley talks with Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, about the many pathways to recovery. They discuss why recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process and how individual factors—like mental health, trauma, family, work, and values—shape different routes to healing.

Topics covered include common and lesser-known recovery pathways...

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 67

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 di...

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 12

Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley. In this episode Mindy talks with Caroline Francis, director of University of Kentucky Alumni Career Services, about the four pillars that research shows make retirement (and semi-retirement) healthier, more meaningful, and more sustainable.

Caroline outlines the four pillars—health and wellness, social and emotional connections (combating loneliness), lifelong learning, and work/purpose—and explains why each matte...

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

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guests: Kelly May, MS Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management and Danielle Hagler, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, Nelson County

Season 8, Episode 10

On this episode of MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley visits with Kelly May, Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management, and Danielle Hagler, FCS Extension Agent in Nelson County, about how to ask for help after experience a disaster. They discuss the Extension Disaster Strike...

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 9

On this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley talks with Dr. David Weisenhorn, Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development, about what to do when partners parent differently. They explain the four parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, uninvolved), share research insights , and emphasize that differing styles can complement one another.

Key takeaways include practical strategies for parenting as a team:

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Dr. Mautin Barry-Hundeyin, MD Assistant Professor, Surgical Oncology, UK Markey Cancer Center 

Cancer Conversations Episode 66

Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS Host Mindy McCulley speaks with Dr. Mautin Barry-Hundeyin, Assistant Professor of Surgical Oncology at UK Markey Cancer Center, about liver cancer—what it is, how it spreads, and why Kentucky sees higher rates. They cover primary and secondary liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and major risk factors such as hepatitis B and C, alcohol...

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  

Guests: Katherine Jury, MS Extension Specialist for Family Health

Season 8, Episode 8

In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley is joined by Katherine Jury, Extension Specialist for Family Health, to discuss the recent surge in measles cases and how to protect vulnerable populations—especially young children. They cover the MMR vaccine schedule (first dose at 12–15 months, booster at 4–6 years), vaccine effectiveness (about 97%), and why vaccination helps prevent community spread. The conversation addresses common concerns about vaccine side effects versus disease complications...

Host: Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health

Guest: Rachèle Yadon, MD Assistant Professor for Psychiatry, UK College of Medicine, UK Healthcare

Season 8, Episode 7

Welcome to another insightful episode of Talking FACS with guest host Dr. Courtney Luecking from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program. Today, Dr. Luecking is joined by Dr. Rachèle Yadon, an Assistant Professor and Psychiatry Residency Training Program Director at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. The focus of their discussion is on creating effective sleep protection plans...

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guests: Kristen Jowers, MS Extension Specialist for One Op and Barbara Breutinger, Family Financial Counseling Intern

Season 8, Episode 6

Join us in this episode of MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS as we delve into the importance of discussing finances with loved ones. Our guests, Kristen Jowers, an Extension Specialist for OneOp, and Barbara Breutinger, an intern with Family Finance, share valuable insights on why communicating about money is crucial for reducing stress and enhancing relationship satisfaction.

Di...

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  

Guest: LaToya Drake, MS Extension Specialist for Food Access and Engagement, Kentucky Nutrition Education Program

Season 8, Episode 5

In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley welcomes LaToya Drake, Extension Specialist for Food Access and Engagement with the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program.

They dive into the crucial role that Backpack programs play in alleviating childhood hunger in Kentucky. Discover how these community-driven initiatives discreetly provide nutritious food to children on weekends and during school breaks, ensuring they don't go hungry...

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Amy Gamblin, MA Associate Director of UK Alumni Career Services

Season 8, Episode 4

In this episode of Talking FACS, we delve into the significant impact of AI on the job search process with expert guest Amy Gamblin, the Associate Director of Alumni Career Services.

Amy and host Mindy McCulley discuss how AI tools like ChatGPT can serve as personal assistants in job hunting, offering support in areas such as career path suggestions, resume writing, interview prepa...

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Dr. Erin Wolf-Horrell, MD Assistant Professor, Colorectal Surgery, UK Markey Cancer Center 

Cancer Conversations Episode 65

Join us on Cancer Conversations as Dr. Erin Wolf-Horrell, Assistant Professor of Colorectal Surgery at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center shares about the pressing issues of early-onset colorectal cancer affecting younger patients in Kentucky.

Dr. Wolf-Horrell discusses the trends and potential environmental factors contributing to the rise of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50. Gain understanding on how these...

Host: Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health

Guest: Rachèle Yadon, MD Assistant Professor for Psychiatry, UK College of Medicine, UK Healthcare

Season 8, Episode 3

In this intriguing episode of Talking Facts, guest host Dr. Courtney Luecking sits down with Dr. Rachèle Yadon, an assistant professor of psychiatry and director of the psychiatry residency training program at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. With extensive expertise in perinatal psychiatry, Dr. Yadon shares invaluable insights into the profound importance of sleep for both physical and 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 2

In this episode of Talking FACS, hosted by Mindy McCulley from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program, we delve into the mental health benefits of travel with Dr. Natese Dockery, Assistant Clinical Professor for Mental Health and Well-being. Discover how travel can enhance your mood, reduce stress, and improve social connections. Dr. Dockery shares insights on how even short trips can offer a tempor...

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guests: Kelly May, Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management and Barbara Breutinger, Family Financial Counseling Intern

Season 8, Episode 1

On this segment of MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS we delve into the essentials of investing with Kelly May and Barbara Breutinger who work on the Family Resource Management side of Family and Consumer Sciences Extension. This episode unravels the intriguing differences between saving and investing, emphasizing the power of compound interest and the potential of gro...

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky

Guest: Katherine Jury, MS Extension Specialist for Family Health

Season 7, Episode 52

In this episode of Talking FACS, Katherine Jury, Extension Specialist for Family Health, discusses the complexities of choosing the right medical care in today's healthcare landscape. With options ranging from telemedicine to emergency care, listeners will gain insights into when and why each service should be used, and the pivotal role of a primary care provider in ensuring consistent, personalized care.

The conversation touches on the advantages of...

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Dr. Joseph Valentino, MD Professor of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery), UK Markey Cancer Center 

Cancer Conversations Episode 65

Welcome to another engaging episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS where science meets community outreach. In this insightful session, host Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist chats with Dr. Joseph Valentino, a distinguished professor of Otolaryngology, to explore an organ often overlooked until trouble arises—the thyroid.

The episode dives deep into the thyroid gland's role as the b...

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 51

On this episode of Talking FACS we tackle a pressing issue often misunderstood—the impact of drug seizures on the addicted community. 

Join host Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist, and expert guest Dr. Alex Elswick, Assistant Extension Professor for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, as they delve into the counterintuitive study examining the real effects of drug seizures. Discover how law enforcement acti...

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  

Guest: LaToya Drake, MS Extension Specialist for Food Access and Engagement, Kentucky Nutrition Education Program

Season 7, Episode 50

In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley delves into the pressing issue of hunger in Kentucky with guest LaToya Drake, Extension Specialist for Food Access and Engagement.

They discuss the alarming rates of food insecurity affecting both children and adults across the state, with a particular focus on rural areas where access to nutritious food is limited. LaToya shares insights on...

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 49

In this episode of Talking FACS, we delve into the critical topic of online privacy and data protection. Hosted by the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program, this episode features Kelly May, Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management.

Kicking off the conversation, Kelly highlights the ubiquitous nature of digital data collection through our everyday d...

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 7, Episode 48

On this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley delves into the essential topic of hydration as we approach the warmer months with Dr. Heather Norman-Bergdolf, Extension Specialist for Food and Nutrition. Together, they explore the crucial role of hydration in maintaining overall health. Discover how water and electrolytes work hand-in-hand to support functions like energy metabolism, muscle and nerve function, and managing bo...

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 47

Welcome to another insightful episode of Talking FACS, brought to you by the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program. In this episode, host Mindy McCulley discusses the often nerve-wracking season of report cards with special guest Dr. David Weisenhorn, Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development.

Dr. Weisenhorn shares valuable advice for parents on how to approach their child's report card not merely as...

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Susan Yackzan, PhD, APRN, AOCN Enterprise Director of Service Line Performance Management, UK HealthCare

Cancer Conversations Episode 64

Join us on Cancer Conversations for an insightful discussion with Dr. Susan Yackzan, the Enterprise Director for Service Line Performance Management with Markey Cancer Center, as we take a look at the multifaceted world of oncology nursing. Discover the different pathways to becoming an oncology nurse, the various subspecialties such as medical, surgical, and GYN oncology, and the certification p...

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Jonathan Larson, PhD Assistant Extension Professor for Entomology

Season 7, Episode 46

In this exciting episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley invites Dr. Jonathan Larson, an Assistant Extension Professor from the Department of Entomology, to unravel the fascinating emergence of the 'Bourbon Brood', a unique group of periodical cicadas in Kentucky. As they discuss the significance of Brood XIV, listeners will journey through the cicadas' mysterious life cycle, their impact on the local ecosystem, and the quirks o...

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  

Guests: Kerri Ashurst, PhD, Senior Extension Specialist for Family and Relationship Development and Kristen Jowers, MS Extension Specialist for OneOp

Season 7, Episode 45

Welcome to another episode of Talking FACS. In this episode, we prioritize experiences over expenses in family vacations. Join host Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky, as she explores ways to enjoy unforgettable family trips without overspending with Dr. Kerri Ashurst and Kristen Jowers. 

Our guests share their expertise on...

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  

Guest: Natese Dockery, PhD Assisant Clinical Professor for Mental Health and Well-being

Season 7, Episode 44

In this episode of Talking FACS, Mindy McCulley is joined by Dr. Natese Dockery, Assistant Clinical Professor for Mental Health and Well-Being, to explore the critical role social connections play in mental health. They discuss how isolation can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues, emphasizing the protective benefits of strong social ties.

Listeners will learn to identify warning signs of isolation, su...

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Alexis Sheffield, MS Extension Specialist for Horticulture, Center for Crop Diversification

Season 7, Episode 43

Join us on Talking FACS as host Mindy McCulley welcomes Horticulture Specialist Alexis Sheffield with the Center for Crop Diversification at the University of Kentucky. This episode delves into the fascinating world of edible flowers, exploring their increasing popularity on menus and how you can incorporate them into your own culinary adventures. Alexis shares valuable tips on safely identifying and harvesting edible flowers, e...

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Dr. Melina Windon, MD,  Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology, UK Markey Cancer Center

Cancer Conversations Episode 63

In this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, Dr. Melina Windon, an Assistant Professor of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, discusses head and neck cancers. Dr. Windon provides insights into her specialty, emphasizing the critical aspects of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and reconstructive surgery, which restores patients' ability to speak and swallow.

Li...

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 42

In this enlightening episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Alex Elswick, Assistant Extension Professor for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, joins host Mindy McCulley to shed light on an often-overlooked issue: substance use and misuse among older adults. With the aging population rapidly growing, Dr. Elswick discusses why it is crucial to address this concern now more than ever.

Our conversation delves i...

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 41

Welcome to this month's edition of MoneyWi$e on Talking FACs, hosted by Mindy McCulley from University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension. In today's discussion, Mindy is joined by Jeanne Badgett, Senior Extension Associate for Clothing, Textiles, and Household Equipment. Together, they delve into the prevalent issue of having a closet full of unworn clothes and the common pitfall of buyer's r...

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 40

Join host Mindy McCulley and guest LaToya Drake as they delve into the exciting world of Kentucky's local foods in this episode of Talking FACS. Discover the upcoming Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit, a vibrant event uniting chefs, food service workers, and food enthusiasts. This Summit promises engaging activities like cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, discussions on food sustainability and small farm success, and the FEAST ev...

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 7, Episode 39

In this enlightening episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley welcomes Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf, Associate Extension Professor for Nutrition and Health, to explore the critical connection between diet and dental health. They delve into how dental issues can restrict dietary choices, leading to potential nutrient deficiencies and social impacts, especially highlighting the intricate relationship between oral and mental health.

Heather emphasizes th...

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Dr. Gregory Monohan, MD,  Professor, Division of Hematology and Blood Marrow Transplant, UK Markey Cancer Center

Cancer Conversations Episode 62

Dive into the latest episode of Cancer Conversation on Talking FACS, where host Mindy McCulley from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension is joined by Dr. Gregory Monohan, a professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Blood Marrow Transplant. In this insightful discussion, they explore groundbreaking advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of b...