Talking FACS

UK FCS Extension
  • 5.0 (21)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 4D AGO

    Personalized Cancer Care Fighting Melanoma

    Host: Mindy McCulley, MS, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  Guest: Dr Ayman Qasrawi, Assistant Professor of Medicine, (Hematology) and Dr. Ruta Arays, Assistant Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology), Markey Cancer Center Cancer Conversations Episode 75 Host Mindy McCulley interviews Dr. Ayman Qasrawi (Dr. Q) and Dr. Rita Arays of the UK Markey Cancer Center about multiple‑modality management and interdisciplinary collaboration in treating advanced melanoma. The episode explains tumor‑infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) and why this personalized immunotherapy can produce durable responses when other options fail. Key takeaways include the multidisciplinary workflow needed to deliver TILs in Kentucky, candidate selection and timing/referral considerations, program availability at UK (and UofL), and implications for future vaccine research and community care.   Connect with the UK Markey Center Online Markey Cancer Center On Facebook @UKMarkey On Twitter @UKMarkey

    19 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Play Is Children's Work: Why Free Play Matters

    Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky   Guests: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development and Katherine Jury, MS Extension Specialist for Family Health Season 8, Episode 49 In this episode of Talking FACS, Extension specialists Dr. David Weisenhorn and Katherine Jury discuss the vital role of unstructured free play in child development. They cover the key benefits of play—physical (muscle and bone development), cognitive (problem solving and learning by doing), social (cooperation and rule-making), and emotional health—with examples like playgrounds, outdoor exploration, and even learning from minor risks such as poison ivy. Guests emphasize outdoor play, practice-driven skill building, and why free time is children’s "work." Listeners can expect practical takeaways on encouraging safe, unstructured play, why less-structured schedules help long-term development, and where to find University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension resources for families.   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

    13 min

  3. MAY 12

    Resources for Hope: QPR and 988

    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 8 | Episode 48 Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Dr. Natese Dockery from University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension as they discuss crisis support and suicide prevention. This episode covers how to recognize signs of emotional distress, when and how to reach out, and why staying connected matters for mental health. Listeners will learn about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—how to call, text, or chat for immediate, confidential help—and the basics of QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) as a simple framework for supporting someone in crisis. The conversation emphasizes practical, compassionate actions community members can take, even without professional training. Key takeaways: pay attention to changes in mood, sleep, or behavior; asking and listening can save lives; resources are available 24/7 (call or text 988). Help, hope, and connection are possible.  Even small acts of presence make a big difference.

    10 min

  4. MAY 5

    Simple Steps to Budgeting

    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 8 | Episode 47 Join host Mindy McCulley and guest Kelly May, Senior Extension Associate for Family Resource Management, as they break budgeting into simple, realistic steps to help you spend with purpose, save with confidence, and gain control of your financial future. Topics include understanding gross vs. net income, categorizing expenses (fixed, flexible, occasional), planning for surprise costs, handling surpluses and deficits, avoiding lifestyle creep, and using side gigs or resources to improve your balance. Listeners will come away with practical actions: plan with take-home pay, track all food and small cash purchases, build an emergency fund, prioritize or trim flexible expenses when needed, and reach out to local Extension resources for help. 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

    14 min

  5. MAY 1

    Future of FCS Extension: Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf on Leadership

    Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Guest: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, PhD, Assistant Extension Director for Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky   Season 8 | Special Edition Episode 1 Mindy McCulley sits down with guest Dr. Heather Norman-Burgdolf, the new Assistant Extension Director for Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Kentucky, for a conversation about the future of Extension. Heather shares her Kentucky roots, long history with Extension and 4‑H, and the path that led her from Extension specialist to administrative leadership. Topics include Heather’s top priorities—alignment, clear roles, strengthened communication, and intentional partnerships—plus how FCS can protect proven programs while exploring new ways to deliver research‑based education. They discuss supporting county agents, specialists, and staff, reaching communities with greatest need, and keeping community impact central to the mission. Key takeaways: Extension translates science into practical community benefits, leadership grounded in people and data matters, and FCS remains a trusted local resource across nutrition, health, resource management, family development, and civic engagement. Expect insights on work–life balance, motivations on tough days, and a relatable look at how personal experience shapes public service. 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

    12 min

  6. APR 28

    Midwifery, Choices, and Care in Kentucky

    Host: Courtney Luecking, PhD, MPH, RDN Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health, Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition Guest: Hayden Meza, APRN, Certified Nurse Midwife, UK Healthcare Season 8 | Episode 46 Join guest host Dr. Courtney Luecking in a conversation with Hayden Meza, a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) at the University of Kentucky, as they explore the history and modern practice of midwifery. Topics include Kentucky’s midwifery roots with Mary Breckenridge and the Frontier Nursing Service, the role of CNMs within the healthcare system, differences between midwives and OB‑GYNs, and common myths about midwifery and birth settings. Hayden shares patient‑centered examples of midwifery care, evidence on outcomes, guidance on choosing the right care model for individual risk and preferences, and tips for finding midwives locally. For more information: About Midwifery | American College of Nurse Midwives Find a Midwife | Midwives of Kentucky Core Competencies | American College of Nurse Midwives  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

    22 min

  7. APR 21

    Reducing Harm, Saving Lives

    Host: Alex Elswick, PhD Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Guest: Alex Johansen, 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. UK Harm Reduction Hub 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

    13 min

  8. APR 16

    Who is a Cancer Survivor?

    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

    15 min
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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
    519
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Talking FACS

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