Talking FACS

UK FCS Extension
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Talking FACS: What you need to know about family, food, finance, and fitness. Hosted by the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program.

  1. 1d ago

    Decision Fatigue: Reclaim Your Mental Energy

    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 9 | Episode 11 On this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley speaks with Dr. Natese Dockery, Clinical Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Mental Health and Well-Being, about decision fatigue — what it is, how constant small choices drain our mental energy, and the signs to watch for. The conversation covers research-backed insights and practical strategies to simplify daily life, including meal planning, setting low-stakes defaults, preparing the night before, and adopting a “good enough” standard to reduce second-guessing. Listeners will learn how small routine changes can preserve focus for the people and decisions that matter most. To view the Mental Health Minute playlist on YouTube, click below.   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

  2. Sep 8

    Raising Independent Kids: Practical Steps from Toddlers to Teens

    Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky   Guest: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development Season 9 | Episode 10 Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley speaks with Dr. David Wiesenhorn, Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development, about how parents can foster independence in children at every stage — from toddlers learning to dress themselves to teens making decisions and driving. They cover practical strategies: start small, offer choices, teach then step back, create routines, encourage problem-solving, and praise effort over outcome. Real-life examples (like teaching a teen to help build a fence) illustrate how patience and guided practice build confidence, responsibility, and stronger parent–child connections. 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

  3. Sep 1

    Cut Costs, Cut Waste: Simple Swaps That Save Money and the Planet

    Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky Guest: Kelly May, MS Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management  Season 9 | Episode 9 On this episode of MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley and guest Kelly May explore practical, easy-to-adopt strategies families can use to reduce waste and stretch their budgets. Topics include the benefits of choosing reusable products over disposables, creative ways to repurpose household items, regional recycling considerations, and community-minded ideas like consignment shopping and stuff swaps. Key takeaways include simple swaps (cloth napkins and washable cleaning cloths instead of paper towels, refillable water bottles), repurposing and upcycling ideas (denim crafts, furniture refinish), how reuse can save real money (example: replacing paper towels can save roughly $250/year), and ways Extension resources can support family resource management. Expect practical examples, money-saving estimates, and ideas you can try at home. For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$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

  4. Aug 25

    Dr. Yum's Food Adventure: Helping Kentucky Kids Love New Foods

    Host: Anna Cason, RD Senior Extension Associate, Polk-Dalton Clinic Guests: Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition Ashley Board, Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, Caldwell County Season 9 | Episode 8 In this episode of Talking FACS host Anna Cason speaks with Dr. Courtney Luecking and Caldwell County FCS agent Ashley Board about Dr. Yum’s Food Adventure — a research-based, multi-sensory nutrition program for preschoolers now piloted by Kentucky Cooperative Extension. They discuss the program’s expert-backed design, the statewide pilot, results, and how lessons use tasting, touching, smelling, movement, and positive language to make new foods familiar and fun. Ashley shares practical classroom strategies, memorable successes like pomegranate day, and takeaways for families. For more information, contact your local Family and Consumer Sciences Extension agent. 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

  5. Aug 18

    Supporting Breastfeeding in Kentucky Communities: Everyone has a Role

    Host: Mindy McCulley, MS, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Assistant Extension Professor and Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition Season 9 | Episode 7 In this episode of Talking FACS Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, shares why breastfeeding is important, guidance recommendations, and the health benefits for babies, parents, and communities. The episode covers real barriers families face from hospital policies, lack of support, and cultural norms to return-to-work challenges. With Kentucky data, Dr. Luecking explains the concept of continuity of care and why coordinated, community-wide support matters. Listeners will hear practical actions community members and organizations can take, from offering welcoming spaces and small acts of support to connecting families with local resources and promoting workplace and policy changes to make breastfeeding easier and more sustainable. 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

  6. Aug 11

    Helping your Child Survive Middle School Drama

    Host:  Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky   Guest: Kerri Ashurst, PhD, Extension Specialist for Family and Relationship Development Season 9 | Episode 6 In this episode of Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley talks with Dr. Kerri Ashurst, Senior Extension Specialist for Family and Relationship Development, about navigating preteen and teenage drama. They discuss how everyday stressors ripple through a teen’s life and what parents and caring adults can do to help. Key topics include: active listening, validating emotions, sitting with teens through difficult moments, asking "How can I help?", letting teens take the lead, and modeling problem-solving and coping skills. Listeners will gain practical strategies to be a steady, supportive presence and help youth build lifelong resilience. 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

  7. Aug 4

    MoneyWi$e: Travel Smart and Protect Your Money

    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 9 | Episode 5 Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Monica Mundy from the University of Kentucky Extension as they share practical, research-based tips for protecting your money and personal information while traveling. This episode covers smart travel planning, safe payment practices, how to notify banks, carrying multiple payment methods and keeping them separate, and what to do if a card is declined. Tips discussed for safeguarding personal data on the go include: avoiding unsecured public Wi‑Fi, using VPNs, choosing RFID-blocking wallets, and securing phones and bags to prevent theft. Listeners will learn to save customer-service numbers, keep copies of important documents, cover PIN entries, monitor accounts regularly, and report lost or stolen cards immediately. Whether you are taking a weekend getaway or an international trip, this concise episode delivers clear, actionable steps to reduce financial stress, avoid scams, and enjoy travel with confidence. For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$e topics, visit: MoneyWi$e Newsletters 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

  8. Jul 28

    Back-to-School Backpack Rescue

    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 9 | Episode 4 On this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley and guest Jeanne Badgett, Senior Extension Associate for clothing and textiles, walk listeners through practical steps to clean backpacks for the new school year. Topics include checking care labels, emptying and vacuuming crevices, treating stains, and caring for straps and hardware. Jeanne explains when to machine wash versus hand wash, how to treat canvas/nylon vs leather, and why air drying is essential. The episode highlights easy stain-removal tips, balancing loads, and towel-rolling to remove excess water after hand washing. Key takeaways: many backpacks can be refreshed instead of replaced, extending product life, saving money, and reducing waste. For more practical tips and local resources, contact your Cooperative Extension office and subscribe to Talking Facts for more Family and Consumer Sciences guidance. 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

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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Welcome to Talking FACS: What you need to know about family, food, finance, and fitness. Hosted by the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program.

Information

  • Creator
    UK FCS Extension
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    536
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Talking FACS

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