Talking Facs

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: carbohy

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

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

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 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

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

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

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 stor

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

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

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: Money

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 g

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 33 This is Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Monica Mundy. In this episode we explore how civic engagement directly impacts individual and community health. What comes to mind when you think of civic engagement? In this episode we will push the boundaries of what many people think civic engagement is and share the health benefits you can enjoy. Topics include research-backed health benefits (longer life expectancy, lower rates of heart disease, depression, and even some cancers), how community involvement builds social connection, resilience, and local decision-making power, and real-world examples like community responses to public health crises. Dr. Munday shares five simple steps to get involved: stay informed, join groups, speak up, volunteer, and bring others

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  Guest: Dr. Jessica Moss, MD Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Cancer Conversations Episode 71 Welcome to Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Jessica Moss, assistant professor of internal medicine in the division of Medical Oncology at the Markey Cancer Center. In this episode Dr. Moss reviews recent advances in breast cancer care, including the incorporation of immunotherapy for triple-negative disease and new targeted therapies for stage IV patients. Topics include how breast cancer subtypes affect treatment and prognosis; the importance of genetic counseling and testing—especially for men, young patients, and those with triple-negative tumors; common risk factors such as obesity, alcohol use, and reproductive history; and warning signs that warrant medical attention. Dr. Moss

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 8, Episode 32 Join Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley and guest Jeanne Badgett from the University of Kentucky FCS Extension for a practical episode about organizing without breaking the bank. Strategies include: decluttering first grouping like items establishing zones repurposing containers, and suggestions for when to invest in uniform storage Key takeaways: toss broken items, sort and label for visibility, try no-cost solutions first (repurpose boxes, jars, trays), enlist a friend instead of hiring help, and remember clutter has both financial and opportunity costs. Resources mentioned: Money Wise newsletter and your local Extension office for more tips and hands-on support. For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$e topics, visit: MoneyWi$e Newsletter MoneyWi$e Websi

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 31 Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Alex Elswick from University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension as they explore support options for families affected by addiction. This episode explains why addiction is a family disease and how family members are impacted emotionally and physically. Topics include common family support groups, alternative programs, and the idea of multiple recovery pathways. Dr. Elswick emphasizes education, peer connection, grief support, and practical steps families can take. Key takeaways: support is essential, different groups fit different values and needs, try multiple options before deciding, and family members deserve resources and care. Visit the UK FCS Extension for more information and local resources. Connect with FCS Extension

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 30 Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCauley and guest Dr. David Wiesenhorn, Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development. In this episode they explore how parents can continue to influence their teens through the challenges of adolescence—moodiness, identity formation, and growing independence. David shares four evidence-based strategies: foster open, regular communication using open-ended questions; set clear, consistent expectations while offering choices; model the values and behaviors you want your teen to adopt; and show empathy by validating big emotions instead of minimizing them. The conversation includes practical examples and parent-tested tips to apply these approaches at home. Key takeaways: don’t take teen moodiness personally, maintain steady boundaries to help teens

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 29 Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley sits down with Caroline Francis, director of the University of Kentucky Alumni Career Services Program, to discuss how to avoid failing at retirement and how retirement is being redefined for today's generations. They explore topics beyond finances, including: loss of identity, shrinking social networks, declining health, and lack of purpose. Sharing practical strategies that lead to successful retirement years, like starting a bucket list or curious journal, pursuing encore careers or volunteer roles, taking advantage of programs such as Donovan Scholars or the OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) program and prioritizing lifelong learning and health. Key takeaways include starting to plan 3–5 years ahead, building social connections and purpose, improving

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  Guest: Dr. Leah Winer, MD Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Cancer Conversations Episode 70 In this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley welcomes Dr. Leah Winer, Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Surgical Oncology at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, to unpack the Surgeon General's advisory linking alcohol consumption to increased cancer risk. They discuss why public awareness of the alcohol–cancer connection is low, how alcohol causes harm at the cellular level, and why even small amounts may raise risk. Dr. Winer explains which cancers are most strongly connected to alcohol—mouth and throat cancers, larynx, breast, liver, esophageal, and colorectal cancers—and how alcohol may compound other risks like smoking or obesity. The conversation covers implications of the advisory, includ

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky Guests: Natese Dockery, PhD Assistant Clinical Professor and Extension Specialist for Mental Health and Well-being Season 8, Episode 28 In this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Natese Dockery explores what healthy boundaries are, why they matter, and how poor boundaries can lead to burnout, resentment, and health problems. The episode defines different types of boundaries (physical, emotional, time, mental) and highlights common signs you may need stronger limits. Dr. Dockery shares practical steps listeners can use right away: identify needs and limits, choose which boundaries to set, use clear I-statements to communicate limits, and stay consistent while prioritizing self-care. Listeners will learn that setting boundaries is essential—not selfish—for protecting mental well-being and improving relationships. Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for m

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: Dawn Brewer, PhD, RD, Associate Professor, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition Season 8, Episode 27 Guest host Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf talks with Dr. Dawn Brewer, Associate Professor and Registered Dietitian at the University of Kentucky, about the WiN-WiN (Waste Not, Want Not) pilot program that redirects surplus produce to feed food-insecure residents in Jessamine County. They discuss how the program connects farmers, gardeners, markets, and local feeding partners to reduce landfill waste and increase availability to nutritious food. The episode outlines WiN-WiN’s local partners — including Revived Life House, the Man of Meals program at Nicholasville Methodist Church, the Jesmond County Food Pantry, the Kentucky United Methodist Children’s independent living program, and