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

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guests: Kelly May, MS Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management

Season 8, Episode 26

In this episode of MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS, host Mindy McCulley talks with Kelly May, Senior Extension Associate for Family Resource Management, about using vision boards to support financial goals. They explain what a vision board is and why visualizing goals can motivate change.

The conversation covers how to set SMART financial goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound), an example focused on retirement and travel, and practical ways to create a vision board—digital or paper—plus tips for displaying it where you will see it daily to keep goals top of mind.

Listeners learn simple, actionable steps to turn dreams into plans and are invited to use this technique for short- or long-term goals.

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 Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky

Guest: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development

Season 8, Episode 25

In this episode of Talking FACS, Host Mindy McCulley speaks with Dr. David Weisenhorn, Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development, about how to raise thankful kids and why gratitude matters.

They review research showing grateful children experience higher well-being, stronger relationships, better academics, increased resilience, optimism, and social connection.

The episode offers practical strategies parents can use:

• modeling gratitude,
• regular conversations,
• a simple “three things” practice,
• drawing or journaling with young children,
• writing thank-you notes,
• acts of service (like baking and sharing), and
• using a gratitude jar.

They emphasize starting early, making practices consistent but not forced, and building intrinsic motivation over time.

Listeners can expect short, research-backed tips and ready-to-use family rituals to help children grow more grateful, empathetic, and resilient.

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. Joseph Kim, MD Professor and Chief of Surgical Oncology, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center

Cancer Conversations Episode 69

Cancer Conversations on Talking FACS welcomes Dr. Joseph Kim, Professor and Chief of Surgical Oncology at the University of Kentucky, to discuss pancreatic cancer — a rising and deadly disease. They cover why pancreatic cancer is often detected late, common symptoms such as jaundice, the role of family history, and the single most important modifiable risk factor: smoking.

The episode highlights an exciting individualized vaccine approach using tumor sequencing to create patient-specific vaccines sent from Europe after surgical removal of resectable tumors — intended to prevent or delay recurrence rather than prevent the initial disease. Eligibility, limitations (must be surgically removable), and the broader potential for vaccine technology in other cancers are explained.

Listeners will learn practical takeaways:

• seek medical attention for persistent or new symptoms,
• discuss family history and risk with providers, and
• learn about ongoing clinical trials and resources at UK Markey Cancer Center for patients in Kentucky and surrounding areas.

Connect with the UK Markey Center

Online Markey Cancer Center

On Facebook @UKMarkey

On X @UKMarkey

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 8, Episode 24

In the episode of Talking FACS host Mindy McCulley sits down with guest Dr. Monica Mundy, Extension Specialist for Family and Community Health. They explore the eight dimensions of wellness — emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual — and discuss why balance across these areas matters for overall quality of life.

Dr. Mundy explains the "wellness wheel" metaphor and offers practical, research-based strategies listeners can use: mindfulness and journaling for emotional health; decluttering and accessing green spaces for environmental wellness; budgeting and small savings for financial security; puzzles and lifelong learning for intellectual wellness; setting boundaries and finding satisfaction for occupational wellness; daily movement, better sleep, and nutrition for physical wellness; nurturing supportive relationships for social wellness; and meditation, prayer, or gratitude practices for spiritual wellness.

The episode emphasizes starting small: take an inventory of the eight areas, pick one realistic step, and build habits over time to create lasting balance and improved wellbeing.

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, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guests: Kristen Jowers, MS Extension Specialist for One Op and Barbara Breutinger, Family Financial Counseling Intern

Season 8, Episode 22

Welcome to MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS. In this episode Kristen Jowers (OneOp Extension Specialist) and Barbara Breutinger (Family Resource Management Intern) explore the realities of the Sandwich Generation — adults simultaneously raising children and supporting aging parents.

They define who fits this group, share key statistics about prevalence and caregiving hours, and outline the unique financial and emotional pressures these caregivers face, including costs for education, housing, healthcare, and lost work opportunities.

The episode presents four practical steps:

• keep family and parent budgets separate to protect benefits,
• prioritize your own retirement savings,
• explore assistance programs (Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, VA, and community resources), and
• seek professional help while accepting practical support from friends and family.

Special attention is given to military families, highlighting relocation and deployment challenges and resources such as VA caregiver programs, Military OneSource counseling, and OneOp Medicaid guidance.

Listeners will find actionable tips, resource links in the show notes, and encouragement to start family conversations and create a sustainable plan that protects both loved ones and their own financial future.

For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$e topics, visit:

MoneyWi$e Newsletter

How Can We Communicate Without Conflict?

VA Caregiver Support Program

Medicaid and Military Connected Families

UK Elder Care Resources

For more information about other MoneyWi$e topics, visit:

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