Talking FACS

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 suggest 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 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

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 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

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 internalize rules, use questions to build connection and understanding, and hold space for emotions to strengthen trust and influence.  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

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 health before retirement, and finding role models to emulate for a successful transition. For more information visit the UK Alumni Association: Website Facebook For more information about programs mentioned during this episode: OLLI Program If you are over 65, ask about the Donavan Scholars Program at ANY state supported college or university in Kentucky for tuition waiver. 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  

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, including potential warning labels on alcoholic beverages, reassessment of drinking guidelines, and gaps in research (patterns of drinking, age of initiation, and whether risk falls after stopping). Practical advice includes: don’t start drinking if you don’t already, consider reducing or stopping intake, know your family history and screening recommendations, and seek support for dependence when needed. Tune in for clear, research-based guidance on reducing cancer risk and how to translate the Surgeon General’s advisory into day-to-day choices for better health.