The Extension Connection

What would you do if the unexpected happened? In this episode of the Extension Connection Podcast, we talk about simple ways 4-H members and families can be better prepared from building an emergency Go-Kit and making a family plan to practicing farm and livestock safety. We'll also talk about why being prepared isn't just about emergencies it's about being ready to lead, help other...

In this episode of our Wear More, Waste Less series, we dive into garment care, stain removal, and easy mending. Learn how to get the maximum lifespan out of your clothes so you can save money and reduce textile waste in landfills. Resources:  Apparel Production: https://fcs.mgcafe.uky.edu/publications/clothing-and-textiles Basic Repair : https://4h.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2022/0...

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast, Jessica Jackson, Polk County Extension 4-H Agent, explores how students can begin building their future long before they start filling out college applications. We'll talk about preparing for college, scholarships, careers, and the workforce, and how real-life experiences can help students discover their strengths, build confidence, and fin...

In this podcast, join Lindsey Edwards our Family and Consumer Science agent as we take a closer look at our consumption of textiles and explore practical ways to reduce overconsumption. We discuss how extending the lifespan of clothing through proper care, repair, and continued use can help reduce textile waste while also saving money over time. Resources:    https://fcs.mgcafe.uky.edu/publication...

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast , Jessica Jackson, Polk County 4-H Agent, explores the myth that 4-H has to be expensive. Through stories from Cooking Week, a fun grocery store budgeting challenge, and a surprisingly delicious Depression Chocolate Cake, you'll discover how 4-H teaches lifelong skills like budgeting, decision-making, confidence, and problem-solving—all with...

In this episode, we'll explore our local farmers markets and discuss how you can use your SNAP benefits at the Polk County Farmers Market to access fresh, locally grown foods. Resources:  NC State Local Foods:   https://localfood.ces.ncsu.edu/local-food-marketing-markets/local-food-farmers-markets/ Polk County Agricultural Economics Department: https://www.facebook.com/polkcountyfarms/ More i...

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast , Jessica Jackson explores how generational strengths and learning styles shape the way we work, teach, and connect with others. Drawing from her experiences as a 4-H agent, she shares stories from summer programming, discusses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles, and reflects on her own results from the NC State Learning Styles Ass...

In this episode, we will explore the food label and learn how to interpret the information found on both the front and back of food packages. We will also define common nutrition claims such as "fat-free," "low sugar," and other labeling terms to help you better understand what they mean. Join us as we break down the food label and discover how understanding nutrition informati...

This week on the Extension Connection Podcast , Jessica Jackson with 4-H is talking all about why summer is more than just time out of school—it’s a season for growth. From Safe Sitter and CPR classes to fair projects, camps, and hands-on learning, we’ll chat about the life skills young people build along the way—things like confidence, responsibility, leadership, and resilience that don’t always...

Welcome back to part three of our Home Maintenance series, where we dive into outdoor home maintenance and the key things you should be inspecting once a year to keep your home in good working condition. Follow along as we walk through a top-down list of essential annual tasks. Resources:  https://healthyhomes.ces.ncsu.edu/ https://www.fcs.uga.edu/docs/HomeMaintChecklist_update_6.21.pdf https://co...

In this episode of the Extension Connection Podcast , 4-H agent Jessica Jackson  explores the power of community partnerships and how they help 4-H grow and thrive. From schools and local businesses to volunteers and organizations, it truly takes a village to create meaningful opportunities for youth. Tune in as we share real-life examples from Polk County, highlight the impact of working together...

In this episode, we dive back into our home maintenance series with Part 2, where we focus on indoor maintenance tasks that can be done once a year or so. Listen along as we go deeper into this topic to help keep our homes running in peak condition—saving money and supporting a healthy living environment. Resources:  https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/preventative-home-maintenance https://healthyhomes.c...

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast , Jessica Jackson talks about the importance of health and wellness for youth and families. As spring brings a season of fresh beginnings, Jessica reflects on how life changes over time and how caring for our mental, emotional, and physical health remains important in every stage of life. She shares personal stories about managing stress, the rou...

In this episode, we break down how to make spring cleaning easier with four simple steps. We’ll also share helpful reminders about important yearly and even quarterly home maintenance tasks you may want to prioritize. Resources:  https://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/04/spring-has-sprung/ https://exclusives.mgcafe.uky.edu/2021/fcs/tips-tackling-spring-cleaning https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/preventative-h...

In this episode of the Extension Connection Podcast, we explore how 4-H prepares youth for the future by blending hands-on learning with modern technology. From STEM programs and agriculture to events like North Carolina 4-H Electric Congress, young people gain real-world skills in problem-solving, leadership, and career exploration. This episode highlights how 4-H helps youth build confidence, di...

Join me as we explore smart ways to save money at the grocery store and strategies to cut down on how often you shop. Resources:  https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/cnpp/usda-food-plans/cost-food-monthly-reports https://haywood.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/03/food-waste-101-what-is-food-waste-and-how-can-i-combat-it/ https://www.montana.edu/extension/lila_extn/lila_winter_23/TipsandTricksforSavingMoneyattheGr...