We are Extension - Douglas County, KS Podcast

Welcome to the final episode for Season 1 of our "We are Extension" podcast! Sit back, relax, or do chores while listening to us in the background for this special year-end episode!  In this episode, Elesha, Communications Coordinator, speaks with some of the Douglas County, KS Extension staff and volunteers as they reflect on their highlights of the year and what they are looking forward to for 2...

It's rare to hear someone say, "Wow, that was cheap!" after going grocery shopping lately, us included! Everyone has different responsibilities and capacities when it comes to this shopping, meal planning, and more! This Thriving Together episode hopes to help you, no matter where you are in your food-prep / grocery-budget journey! Join in on the conversation as your hosts Kaitlyn Peine, Community...

Enjoy another look behind the scenes of Extension! Our Director, Marlin Bates , is joined by Johnson County Extension Director, Tara Markley as they tackle the topic of partnership! "We can't do our jobs in isolation, especially when we want to achieve systemic and community-wide change. What does that successful partnership look like?"  Learn how both directors take on the responsibilities of bui...

We welcome back Margit K., our Agriculture Agent ,  for another episode of Rooted in Ag! She is joined by her guest, Green Cover's Keith B ., and they talk regenerative agriculture. More specifically, the cover crops side of regenerative agriculture and how they can build resilience, biologically, agronomically, and economically.  Learn how to be a "student of the soil" as these two experts talk a...

We all know the saying that every building needs a solid foundation to stand strong. However, it is seldom noted that the framework is also crucial in supporting the interconnected parts that carry the building's load. The same can be said for the youth in our community. Having a good foundation is just the start. Listen in as Nancy, our 4-H Youth Development Program Assistant , shares her experie...

We hope you have "grown" fond of our weekly podcasts. If not, perhaps this wonderful new episode can help you change your mind! Our Horticulture and Natural Resources Agent, Sharon, and our Agriculture and Horticulture Program Assistant, Niki, host another episode of Beyond the Bloom. This time they are sharing information about a potential new fun hobby for some and interesting facts/tips for oth...

Your favorite Health and Wellness friends are back. Listen in as Kaitlyn and Ginny discuss simple yet important ways to safely prepare food for large gatherings. What should be left out at room temperature? How long should I let this thaw? Should my out-of-state relatives bring food? What are the "must-have" tools for food prep? They have the answers, resources, and more on this week's Thriving To...

Green. Blue. Yellow. Orange. Which color are you? Join Marlin and his co-host, Elesha, as they discuss a Community Development resource available to organizations within our community upon request, "Real Colors." Real Colors is a personality type test workshop experience that not only facilitates introspection but also aids participants in how they view and communicate with others. Fun, engaging,...

Hilary Kass, Kaw Valley Farm Tour Coordinator, is back again with some exciting guests as she continues to highlight the upcoming self-guided tour. From Sharon, who has been involved with the tour since the very beginning 21 years ago, to Saundra, who represents a historical site's first year on the tour, these guests have a wealth of history to share!  Listen in as they share their wealth of know...

Our 4-H and Youth Development Team is hosting another Beyond Ready segment. This time, they are expressing the importance of rewarding the hard work of the youth and volunteers alike. No one reward fits all, and they stress the importance of rewards being age-appropriate as well as expressing gratitude for volunteers! Such rewards provide satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment in youth, volun...

Enviable lawns in Kansas may not be an unattainable dream come true for some. Sharon, Horticulture and Natural Resources Agent, and Steve, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, talk about lawn care. Listen in to learn about proper lawn care management, the struggles that could come with it, and the proper way to manage them. From critters like moles and armyworms to overwatering issues, Sharon and...

Is it okay for my child to sleep in a car seat? How long is too long when I forget my groceries outside? What is a good balance for my youth with screen time?  Kaitlyn, Community Health and Wellness Agent, and Ginny, LiveWell of Douglas County Executive Director, have received many questions over the years and are excited to share the answers to them with you! Listen in to hear the answers to thes...

Today's We are Extension is hosted by Marlin, the Douglas County Extension Director and Community Development Agent. His guest is one of our Extension Council Members, Jack Low. Together, they talk about what the extension council is, Jack's personal experience on the council, and all the benefits one can gain by joining.  Marlin also speaks of the upcoming Meet and Eat, Open House event, in which...

The Kaw Valley Farm Tour happens during the first weekend of October every year! Hilary Kass, the Kaw Valley Farm Tour Coordinator, along with her guests, will talk more about it during this special episode. Not only will you learn a little bit about what to expect on the tour, but you are also invited to join them at the Harvester Kick-off party for the event! Enjoy the conversation as they talk...

Join us for another Beyond Ready episode. Listen in as Nickie speaks to her guest, Dr. Matthew Kelso, on his past and current journey with 4-H of Douglas County. She also speaks to him on a detailed yet easily digestible take on the 4-H Thrive Model and the positive impact it has on youth now and for their future.  Hosts Nickie Harding - 4-H Youth Development Agent Dr. Matthew Kelso - 4-H Alumni,...

Although it's not chilly yet, it's good to prepare some yummy veggies to eat when it is! Sharon Ashworth, Horticulture and Natural Resources Agent , hosts another episode of Beyond the Bloom. In addition to reminding listeners about upcoming opportunities at Douglas County Extension, Sharon invites one of our Horticulture Hotline volunteers, Sandra!  Sandra is an Extension Master Gardener voluntee...

Thriving Together is back with another episode. Kaitlyn and Ginny talk about Volunteerism! Volunteering can be a formal position with an organization or informal acts of kindness and can be short-term or on a recurring schedule, but regardless of the type or duration of volunteering, the mental and social health benefits seem to be the same. Hosts: Kaitlyn Peine, Community Health and Wellness Agen...

We are continually collaborating to build community! Today we have our host, Marlin Bates, Douglas County Extension's Director, having a conversation with our friends at the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF).  Learn about community foundations, how they help, who they impact, and so much more. The unique insights of DCCF's Director of Philanthropy and Community Relations, Heather Hoy, as...

Margit is back with another episode of "Rooted in Ag." In this episode she speaks with her guest, Margaret Kalb. Margaret Kalb, the previous Douglas County Fair Executive Administrator, has been a part of extension in varying capacities for over 26 years and counting! Listen in as they discuss: Agriculture Side of the Fair 4-H and Agriculture Fun Tidbits of History from Past Fairs Hosts: Margit Ka...

Let's Talk Fair with Nickie, Nancy, and Candice! Listen in to get a behind the scene take on the county fair and how it directly impacts 4-Hers growth and involvement in community. Also, see how the fair can be for all youth as well as community members!    Hosts Nickie Harding , 4-H Youth Development Agent Nancy Noyes , 4-H Youth Development Program Assistant Guest Candice Lavalette , Douglas Cou...

Our hosts,  Sharon, our Horticulture and Natural Resources Agent , and Niki, our Agriculture and Horticulture Program Assistant , talk tomatoes! Tomatoes had a late start this year, but don't count them out just yet. They still have time to shine! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a gardener in the making, listen to learn about the impact that weather, disease, and pests have on tomatoes.    R...

  Kaitlyn , Health and Wellness Agent, and Ginny , LiveWell Executive Director, are back with another episode of Thriving Together, a We Are Extension podcast segment. This episode highlights Key Nutrition Tips for Families.  Listen in to hear information you can trust about MyPlate Guidance, why hydration is crucial, smart snacking, and other tips to incorporate with your family's meal prep !   S...

Where there is a desire to gain resources to support your food-related business, there is a way! Food Systems Entrepreneurial Resource Navigators Jenny and Quinlan are a part of the  Heartland Regional Food Business Center Kansas Team and they are ready to help! In addition to providing resource-rich Business Planning Assistance, they will also help get food-related business training scholarships...

Listen in to our new " Rooted in Ag " segment! "Rooted in Ag" refers to the deep connection and importance of agriculture to a region's history, culture, and identity. It shapes its values, traditions, and way of life, as well as the practical aspects of food production and land management. Join Margit, our Agriculture Agent,  and her co-host/guest, Elesha, our Communication Coordinator as they ex...

" Beyond Ready "   is a We Are Extension podcast segment hosted by our 4-H Youth Development Department. Every month this segment explores the stories, insights , and ex periences of youth development through the lens of Douglas County , KS 4-H.   This month, our hosts are Nickie, 4-H Youth Development Agent ,  Nancy, 4-H Youth Development Assistant , and their guest, Lone Star 4-H's Lydia!   Reso...