Advertise on podcast: Talking FACS

Host: Alex Elswick, PhD Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Guest: Alex Johansson, UK Harm Reduction Hub Intern Season 8, Episode 45 Welcome to Talking FACS. In this episode guest-host Alex Elswick speaks with Alex Johansson, an intern with the UK Harm Reduction Hub, about harm reduction and a newer practice called syringe residue testing. They define harm reduction as both a philosophy grounded in respect and dignity and a set of practical strategies to reduce harms from substance use. Topics include everyday examples of harm reduction, practical interventions like naloxone distribution and syringe service programs, drug checking methods (including single-use test strips and syringe residue testing), and how the Harm Reduction Hub analyzes syringe residue to monitor Kentucky’s drug supply. Key findings discussed from recent Kentucky testing (February 2026) include widespread fentanyl and methamphetamine detection across five partnered counties (Fayette, Jefferson, Jessamine, Perry, and Rowan), notable county-level differences (e.g., high meth detection in Rowan County and higher fentanyl presence in Fayette/Jefferson), and the identification of additives such as metatomidine. The conversation highlights how timely, local data help target naloxone distribution, inform outreach and treatment providers, and guide public health responses. Tune in to learn what syringe residue testing reveals about local risks, how harm reduction agencies communicate alerts, and why this information matters for people who use drugs, families, healthcare providers, and the broader community. 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

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  Guest: Laurie McClouth, PhD, Assistant Professor, Behavioral Science, Markey Cancer Center Cancer Conversations Episode 74 On Cancer Conversations, Dr. Laurie McLouth, assistant professor of behavioral science at UK and researcher at the Markey Cancer Center, discusses cancer survivorship: who is considered a survivor, how survivorship is evolving, and what it means to live with and beyond cancer. Topics include the NCI definition of survivorship, national statistics (more than 18 million survivors in the U.S.), advances that extend life with cancer, physical and psychosocial domains of survivorship (late effects, mental health, financial toxicity, work and social roles), the new national survivorship care standards, and Markey’s Cancer Survivorship Research Initiative focused on survivors and caregivers. Expect practical insights on care coordination between oncology and primary care, the importance of planning long-term follow-up (including for childhood survivors), and growing attention to caregiver needs and community-based support—plus where to find resources from the Markey Cancer Center and UK Cooperative Extension. Connect with the UK Markey Center Online Markey Cancer Center On Facebook @UKMarkey On Twitter @UKMarkey

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           Facebook           Instagram           FCS Learning Channel

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 43 Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley talks with Kristen Jowers from One Op about practical bill negotiation strategies that can reduce your monthly expenses without a second job or harsh cutbacks. They cover what bill negotiation looks like, how companies use retention departments, and step‑by‑step scripts to use on calls. Kristen explains how to prepare (know your numbers, check competitor offers, note your tenure), which discounts to ask for (bundles, autopay/paperless, employer/military), and how often to review bills. Key takeaways for successful negotiations: be polite and prepared, ask to be transferred to retention or loyalty teams, set reminders for expiring promotions, and avoid paid negotiators since a short call can often secure savings. For more information: Consumer Finance Protection Bureau Online Bill Calendar  OneOp Blog  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

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: Liz Combs, EdD, RD, Assistant Professor, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition Season 8 | Episode 42 In this episode of Talking FACS, hosted by Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf, with guest Dr. Liz Combs of the University of Kentucky Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, they explore why nutrition matters for kids who play sports and how proper fueling supports growth, focus, mood, immunity, recovery, and performance. Topics covered include what a balanced meal and snack look like (carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and colorful fruits/vegetables), timing strategies including pre- and post-practice fueling, hydration guidance and when sports drinks are appropriate, and quick, budget-friendly breakfast and snack ideas for busy families and picky eaters. Key takeaways: carbohydrates are an athlete’s friend, small consistent habits beat perfection, plan ahead with grab-and-go options, and use recovery snacks within an hour after activity to support performance and overall well-being. 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

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           Facebook           Instagram           FCS Learning Channel

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  Guest: Dr. Mansi Shah-Jadeja, MD, Assistant Professor, Thoracic Surgery, Markey Cancer Center Cancer Conversations Episode 73 Welcome to Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS. In this episode host Mindy McCulley speaks with Dr. Mansi Shah, Assistant Professor in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, about using robotic surgery to treat lung cancer. They explore what robotic surgery is, how it differs from traditional thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and the main robotic platforms — including navigational bronchoscopy, multiport robots, and the new single-port robot. Dr. Shah discusses benefits such as 3D visualization, wristed instruments for greater precision, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, training requirements for surgeons, patient candidacy, and limitations for large or centrally invasive tumors. The episode closes with a look at the future of robotic thoracic surgery, the growing adoption of minimally invasive techniques, and how advancing technology aims to speed recovery and improve outcomes for lung cancer patients. Connect with the UK Markey Center Online Markey Cancer Center On Facebook @UKMarkey On Twitter @UKMarkey

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           Facebook           Instagram           FCS Learning Channel  

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

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

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  Guests: Nathan Vanderford, PhD Director, Appalachian Career Training in Oncology Program, Markey Cancer Center, Kameron Jackson and Matthew Sanders, ACTION Program student participants Cancer Conversations Episode 72 Welcome to Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley. In this episode we hear from Dr. Nathan Vanderford, director of the NIH-funded ACTION (Appalachian Career Training in Oncology) program, and students Kameron Jackson and Matthew Sanders about how the program engages Eastern Kentucky high school and undergraduate students in cancer education, lab research, clinical shadowing, mentorship, and community outreach. Topics covered include student experiences in research labs and mentorship, the program’s recruitment across the 54 Appalachian counties, and a unique writing project that produced four books of personal and realistic fictional stories about cancer in Eastern Kentucky. Kameron and Matthew describe how writing helped them process family history, spark conversations about cancer, and build communication skills alongside scientific training. Key takeaways: ACTION provides hands‑on research and outreach opportunities that change career trajectories, creative writing can open difficult conversations about cancer in communities, and the program aims to broaden access across the region. Find the students’ stories and the full book linked in the episode show notes and visit Markey.uky.edu or the UK Markey Cancer Center Facebook page for more information. Click the images below to hear student read excerpts from Cancer in Appalachia: A Collection of Youth Told Stories   For more information about : Appalachian Career Training in Oncology Program ACTION Books Connect with the UK Markey Center Online Markey Cancer Center On Facebook @UKMarkey On Twitter @UKMarkey

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

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 36 Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. David Weisenhorn discuss what to teach children about getting lost, drawing on personal stories and research. They cover how early to start, the importance of kids knowing their full name and parents' names, and other identifying strategies. Key safety tips include staying put so an adult can find the child, yelling or making noise to attract help, seeking out other parents or uniformed staff, and using identifiable clothing or bright colors for the family in crowded places. The episode also shares practical examples and encouragement for parents to practice these skills with their children. 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

Host: Nichole Huff, PhD, Assistant Extension Professor and Extension Specialist for Family Resource Management, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  Guest: Rick Sellnow, Digital Literacy Extension Agent, Blueprint Kentucky Season 8, Episode 35 Join host Dr. Nichole Huff and guest Rick Sellnow for MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS as they explain what digital wallets are, how they work, and why they can be safer than traditional payment methods. Topics include: tokenization NFC and MST technologies privacy implications the convenience of digital payment methods when digital wallets may not be accepted Key takeaways and practical tips include: most smartphones already include a digital wallet, prefer major providers for stronger security, read terms and conditions to understand data use, keep backup payment methods in case of dead phones or outages, and practice digital literacy to make informed spending choices. For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$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

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky   Guests: Natese Dockery, PhD Assistant Clinical Professor for Mental Health and Well-being and Amy Rodquist-Kodet, Health Coach, UK Health and Wellness Season 8, Episode 34 Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCauley from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension. In this episode Mindy speaks with Dr. Natese Dockery, Assistant Clinical Professor for Mental Health and Well-Being, and Amy Rodquist-Kodet, a health coach with UK Health and Wellness, about what self-compassion really means and why it matters for overall well-being. The conversation covers personal stories and research-backed benefits such as reduced anxiety and depression, and how self-kindness fosters resilience and healthier coping. Guests share practical strategies listeners can try right away: positive affirmations, loving-kindness meditation, journaling, noticing and naming the inner critic, and simple self-soothing gestures to calm the nervous system. Key takeaways: self-compassion isn’t selfish, it’s about being present with pain rather than erasing it, and regular practice helps cultivate greater peace and emotional growth.  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