The Extension Connection

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...

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast , Jessica Jackson kicks off the new year by sharing important 4-H updates, including enrollment reminders, goal setting for youth, and exciting programs coming to the Polk County Extension Office. The episode also highlights the vital role volunteers play in the success of 4-H and walks listeners through what it takes to build a strong, welcoming...

Do you have a New Year’s resolution to exercise more? Start here with this podcast, where we talk about the benefits of exercise, how much you should be getting, and practical examples to help you incorporate more movement into your day. Sources: https://richmond.ces.ncsu.edu/2021/10/the-benefits-of-aging-actively/ https://odphp.health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2...

Join Jessica Jackson on this festive year-end episode of The Extension Connection Podcast as she reflects on a year filled with growth, gratitude, and unforgettable 4-H moments. Jessica shares heartfelt stories from classes, competitions, and small-town celebrations while offering gentle advice for entering the new year with intention not pressure. With encouragement for parents, pride in every 4-...

Come along as we explore the research on how stress affects our bodies and learn practical coping strategies to help calm stress in our everyday lives. Sources:  https://www.montana.edu/extension/wellness/stress-management/mt_farm_stress_clearing_house/manage_your_stress.html https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/what-happens-in-the-body-during-stress/   https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy...

In this heartwarming holiday episode of The Extension Connection , Jessica Jackson reflects on the beauty of slowing down during the busy season and appreciating life’s simple gifts from family traditions to small acts of kindness. Join her as she shares personal stories of motherhood, 4-H service projects, and the joy of giving back. A reminder that the true spirit of 4-H — learning, serving, and...