Talking Facs

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, the risks measles poses (including pneumonia and neurological issues), and how measles spreads easily through airborne particles. Katherine explains how adults can check their vaccination status through the Kentucky Vaccine Registry, request immunity testing, or receive a booster if uncertain. They emphasize the importance of

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, especially for new parents navigating the challenges of early parenthood. The episode delves into the concept of sleep protection, a strategy designed to ensure parents get uninterrupted sleep, even when caring for infants who require frequent attention. Dr. Yadon explains how sleep protection plans can be a game-changer for maintaining parental well-being, offering practical solution

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. Discover the reasons why money conversations can be challenging, learn how to select the right time for these discussions using the HALT acronym (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired), and explore open-ended questions to foster understanding and collaboration. Gain tips on managing conflicts and setting mutual financial goals to improve your family's financial health and freedom. Fu

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. Through heartwarming stories and practical advice, learn how educators, community groups, and volunteers collaborate to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families. Find out how you can support or get involved with local Backpack programs in your community. To connect with Nutrition Education Program resources, visit

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   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 preparation, and salary negotiations. While exploring the advantages AI provides, they also address common misconceptions, emphasizing that AI should supplement rather than replace personal strategies and authenticity. The conversation explores practical advice, including privacy tips and the importance of crafting quality prompts to optimize AI usage. Despite the benefits, Amy underscores that AI cannot substitute real human interaction and

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 cancers differ from those in older adults and learn about the unique symptoms, diagnostic challenges, and the importance of timely screening. Explore why awareness and self-advocacy are crucial for early detection, especially given Kentucky's high incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer. This episode equips listeners wi

Host: Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health Guest: Rachele Yadon, MD Assistant Professor for Psychiatry, UK College of Medicine, UK Healthcare Season 8, Episode 3 In this intriguing episode of Talking Facts, host Dr. Courtney Luecking sits down with Dr. Rachele 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. Dr. Yadon emphasizes that sleep is essential for physical restoration, memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and cognitive performance. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to serious health issues, underscoring the need for deep, uninterrupted, and restorative sleep. The conversation explores common barriers to quality sleep, such as artificial light, stress, and lifestyle demands, offering p

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 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 temporary escape from daily responsibilities, improve sleep, and stimulate mindfulness. Explore the science behind travel's impact on mental well-being, including its ability to activate the brain's reward system, boost neuroplasticity, and lower cortisol levels. Learn about mindful travel practices, such as local getaways, nature hikes, solo trips, and travel journaling, that can ma

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 growing your wealth over time. We discuss crucial investment strategies, focusing on the importance of starting early, regardless of age, and the benefits of employer retirement plans such as 401(k)s. Listeners will gain insights into building a diversified investment portfolio and understanding risk tolerance, along with tips on leveraging tax advantages an

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 having a trusted primary care physician, including the benefits of established patient-doctor relationships and the ability to receive timely care. Also explored are the considerations needed before opting for urgent care, including understanding insurance coverage, and the difference between urgent and emergency care situations. Finally, the episode delves into the burgeoning fiel

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 body's metabolic regulator, likening its function to a car's throttle. Dr. Valentino elaborates on how thyroid cancer, surprisingly, often does not affect hormone production despite tumor presence within the gland. The conversation unveils how modern imaging techniques have increased discovery rates, shifting medical approaches towards more nuanced, pe

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 actions in Indianapolis (a city very similar to Lexington) rather than reducing drug use, inadvertently lead to increased overdose rates. Through engaging discussion, learn about the unintended consequences of disrupting drug supplies, the complexities of addiction, and why current drug policies might need reevaluation. Dr. Elswick explains the necessity for pragmatic approac

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 how poverty and lack of transportation contribute to the crisis and emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions. The conversation highlights potential strategies to combat food insecurity, including policy advocacy, strengthening partnerships, and fostering education on nutrition. Join us as we explore sustainable approaches to ensure every Kentuckian has access to healthy foo

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 devices, including smartphones, tablets, and even our home appliances. With technology making life convenient, it's crucial to be aware of the potential privacy concerns that accompany these advancements. The episode explores how data is collected, from location services and browsing history to the more sophisticated tracking methods employed by apps and smart dev

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 body temperature. Heather sheds light on the importance of electrolytes, explaining how they maintain balance within the body's systems, aid in nutrient absorption, and facilitate proper organ function. She also addresses common misconceptions about the need for commercial electrolyte products, emphasizing that for most, a balanced diet and adequate water intake suffices. This episode also covers the impact of sweating on hydration, particularly for those engaged in strenuous activities or outdoor jobs, and the risks of over-consumption of electrolytes in certain products. Tune in to

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 a measure of academic performance but as an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and growth. He outlines four key strategies: creating a supportive environment focusing on positives using open-ended questions, and collaborating on solutions. Through these approaches, parents can foster a positive, motivating atmosphere for their children while avoiding the p

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  Guest: Susan Yacksan, 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 Yacksan, 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 processes involved. Dr. Yacksan shares her extensive career experiences, from academic medical centers to community hospitals, emphasizing her passion for patient relationships and the scientific approach needed in cancer care. If you are considering a nursing career or want to explore oncology, learn about the impact of this specialty and the opportunit

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 of their vibrant mating rituals. Dr. Larson sheds light on the widespread appearance of cicadas across central and eastern Kentucky, highlighting the regions prone to witnessing this extraordinary natural occurrence. The conversation takes a curious turn as they explore potential collaborations with Kentucky’s famous bourbon industry and consider the culinary prospe

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 managing vacation budgets, strategies to choose affordable destinations, save on accommodations, manage meal costs, and avoid travel scams. From planning road trips to exploring your own backyard, learn how to make the most of your travels while keeping expenses in check. Plus, discover military family camping programs offering valuable experiences for se

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, such as reduced social interactions and changes in behavior, and discover practical ways to enhance social connections. From spending quality time with loved ones to community involvement and even modern tech solutions, this episode provides essential insights for maintaining mental and physical well-being. For more information about mental health: Mindfulness for your mental