Talking FACS

UK FCS Extension

Welcome to Talking FACS: What you need to know about family, food, finance, and fitness. This podcast is hosted by University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

  1. 1d ago

    Cancer Conversations: New Frontiers in Breast Cancer Detection

    Host: Mindy McCulley, MS, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  Guest: Dr Julie Lang, Section Chief of Breast Cancer Surgery, Markey Cancer Center Cancer Conversations Episode 77 In this episode of Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley speaks with Dr. Julie Lang, Section Chief of Breast Surgery at UK Markey Cancer Center, about the vital role of breast cancer screening and how early detection changes treatment options and outcomes. They explore multidisciplinary care and tumor boards, oncoplastic surgery techniques that preserve quality of life, and innovative research on circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA (liquid biopsies) that enable more personalized monitoring and treatment decisions. Listeners will hear screening recommendations, real-world statistics on mammography’s impact, the value of precision medicine and clinical trials, and a reminder—especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month—to schedule screening mammograms. Connect with the UK Markey Center Online Markey Cancer Center On Facebook @UKMarkey On Twitter @UKMarkey

  2. 3d ago

    Gut Check: Simple Science-Backed Tips for a Healthier Microbiome

    Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky   Guest: Anna Cason, Senior Extension Associate for Nutrition and Health, Polk-Dalton Clinic Season 9 | Episode 17 In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley sits down with Anna Cason, Extension Associate for Nutrition and Health with the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, to explore why gut health matters and how it affects the whole body. They define the gut and the gut microbiome and review common signs of poor gut health, including bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Anna explains how nutrition supports gut balance through antioxidants prebiotics, and probiotics. She shares practical food examples—berries, leafy greens, whole grains, beans, yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi—and tips like choosing smoothies over juice, reading yogurt labels for live cultures, and pairing probiotic and prebiotic foods. Key takeaways: make small, sustainable changes, stay hydrated when increasing fiber, and focus on variety to support digestion and nutrient absorption. For more information, check out these publications: Fiber: Are You Bulking Up on the Benefits? Probiotics: Friendly Bacteria

  3. Oct 20

    When Joy Turns to Grief: Understanding Pregnancy Loss

    Host : Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition Guests: Aubrey Jones, PhD, Assistant Professor, College of Social Work Season 9 | Episode 16 In this episode of Talking FACS, host Dr. Courtney Luecking speaks with Dr. Aubrey Jones, assistant professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, about the deeply personal topic of pregnancy loss. They define types of loss (miscarriage and stillbirth), discuss common emotional responses including grief, anxiety, and depression, and emphasize how loss affects partners, siblings, and extended family. Dr. Jones explains the lasting nature of grief, the role of rituals and remembrance, and the importance of practical support and open conversation. The episode also covers how healthcare providers and social workers can better support bereaved families through sensitive practices and specialized training, and points listeners to support groups, journaling, and community resources to aid healing. Listen for compassionate guidance on recognizing and supporting those who have experienced pregnancy loss, and for tips on how friends, family, and providers can respond in caring, practical ways. Reach out to the College of Social Work through the links below: Website Socials Facebook                  TikTok Instagram                  X 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 Socials Facebook Instagram YouTube FCS Learning Channel

  4. Oct 13

    Smart Use of AI in the Job Hunt

    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 9 | Episode 15 In this episode of Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley speaks with Amy Gamblin, Associate Director of Alumni Career Services at the University of Kentucky, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the job search for both applicants and employers. They explore topics including the “application arms race,” how employers use AI to recruit and screen candidates, strategies to avoid the “spray and pray” approach, and why job seekers should preserve authentic voice and verify resume claims. Amy shares practical tips on using AI ethically—treating it as a thinking partner, creating AI competency stories that show how you used AI to solve problems, and using portfolios or projects to back up skills. Key takeaways include the green/yellow/red framework for AI use and the renewed importance of networking to validate skills and connect with opportunities.  For more information visit the UK Alumni Association: Website Facebook Job Club 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

  5. Oct 6

    The Scary Truth about Convenience

    Host:  Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky Guest: Dr. Nichole Huff, Extension Specialist for Family Finance and Resource Management Season 9 | Episode 14 On this episode of MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley talks with Dr. Nichole Huff, Assistant Extension Professor for Family Finance and Resource Management, about the true "cost of convenience." They explore common spending leaks, from food and grocery delivery fees to auto-draft subscriptions and more, to explain how small, frequent purchases can add up. Dr. Huff breaks down real examples (like a $25 meal that can incur roughly $14 in convenience costs) and the long-term impact (over $700 a year if done weekly). She offers practical tips to plug the leaks: track purchases and receipts, review and cancel unused subscriptions, have family conversations about shared expenses, pick up orders to avoid delivery charges, and avoid saving payment info to reduce impulse buys. Listeners will come away with concrete steps to identify hidden costs, reduce unnecessary convenience spending, and redirect savings toward meaningful goals. For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$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

  6. Sep 29

    Non‑Abstinent Recovery: Harm Reduction as the Front Door to Healing

    Host: Alex Elswick, PhD Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Guest: Alex Johansen, UK Harm Reduction Hub Intern Season 9| Episode 13 In this episode of Talking Facts, host Dr. Alex Elswick speaks with Alex Johansson, a psychology PhD student at the University of Kentucky, about harm reduction and non‑abstinent pathways to recovery for substance use disorders. They debunk common myths about non‑abstinent recovery, define harm reduction as a pragmatic philosophy and set of tools, and explain recovery as an incremental, process‑based journey supported by "recovery capital" (personal, social, and community resources). Listen for research and public‑health implications — including UK clinical findings that reductions in stimulant use can improve cardiovascular, immune, and quality‑of‑life outcomes — and a discussion of why shifting endpoints beyond strict abstinence could expand treatments, reduce stigma, and address rising stimulant‑related harms in Kentucky. For more information about harm reduction, listen to these shows referenced in the current podcast: Harm Reduction Harm Reduction in the Real World Reducing Harm. Saving Lives To learn more about the Twin Epidemic referenced on this episode: Unraveling the Twin Epidemic 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. Sep 25

    Leveling Up Cancer Education: How Serious Games Teach Families

    Host: Mindy McCulley, MS, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  Guest: Olufunmilola Abraham, PhD, MS, BPharm, Department Chair and Professor, US Surgical Endowed Professor in Pharmacy Practice, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science Cancer Conversations Episode 76 In this episode of Cancer Conversations, host Mindy McCulley talks with Dr. Olufunmilola Abraham, Chair of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the University of Kentucky, about using games to improve cancer education, prevention, and family support. They discuss the CRoME lab's community-engaged research, youth-focused findings, and examples like the Outsmart Cancer game. Key points include how serious games (mobile and web-based) can engage patients, caregivers, and young people through customizable characters, role-play and narrative formats, ongoing updates, and family-centered play that sparks difficult conversations. Listeners will learn how to access games through community events, schools, and direct contact with the research team, and what to expect from game-based cancer education across Kentucky. For more information about Outsmart Cancer: CRoME Lab Connect with the UK Markey Center Online Markey Cancer Center On Facebook @UKMarkey On Twitter @UKMarkey

  8. Sep 22

    Prepare All Year: Simple Seasonal Home Safety Tips

    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 12 Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley sits down with Dr. Monica Mundy to explore why year-round seasonal preparedness matters and how small, regular home maintenance tasks can prevent big problems. Topics include season-by-season tips—roof and gutter checks in spring and fall, HVAC servicing before summer and winter, insulating outdoor spigots, testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and planning for power loss with generators. We cover emergency planning basics: building a communications plan and grab-and-go kits with water, food, medications, and pet or child needs, plus differences in preparedness for rural versus urban households. Resources discussed include contacting your local Extension office and weatherization programs, and local health or county services to help families prepare, protect their homes, health, and finances. 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
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About

Welcome to Talking FACS: What you need to know about family, food, finance, and fitness. This podcast is hosted by University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

Information

  • Creator
    UK FCS Extension
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    544
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Talking FACS

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