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.

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 more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

Website

Facebook

Instagram

FCS Learning Channel

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 Bethel Harvest — and explains the program’s focus on logistics, food safety, recipes, toolkits, and training to help organizations use and preserve donated foods.

Listeners also hear national food-waste facts, practical tips to reduce waste at home (meal planning, proper storage, using “ugly” produce, freezing, and repurposing leftovers), and ways to get involved: donate produce, volunteer with transport or partner organizations, and access WiN-WiN resources online and on social media.

For more information:

WiN-WiN Pilot Program Website

Follow WiN-WiN on Social Media

Facebook

Instagram

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