UACES Facebook Grown Up "U" Podcast | Tips for Adulting
skip to main content

Grown Up "U" Podcastlogo has the words "Grown Up U: Facts for Success" with a graduation cap with a 4-H clover on the band sitting on top of the "U" of the word upp

Do you or a young person in your life need a little help with learning how to "adult"? Have you ever asked yourself "Why didn't anyone teach me this in school?"

Our agents are here to help! They're talking finance, college, jobs, relationships, and more in our Grown Up U: Facts for Success podcast!

What do you know about banking, time management, or filing your taxes?

Join Arkansas Extension Family and Consumer Science agents as they talk us through the latest in research-based advice on these critical life skills needed to live independently. 

Not all life skills need to be learned first hand. Sit back, relax, and listen to our experts in their weekly podcast available on Buzzsprout, Apple Podcast, Spotify,& Google Podcasts. 

Image of a red circle with a green background with the words "Now Available! Educator Resources!

 

   Now Available! Parent and Educator Resources to use in relation

to our podcast episodes. 

Visit our Grown Up U Parent and Educator Resource Page!

 

 

Season 4 is starting soon!

We have some great new topics planned to make it easier for young adults navigating life on their own, plus more resources for educators.

 

Podcast Episodes

Tune in!

Season 3

Image contains the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service logo and the Grown Up U: Facts for Success logo on a textured green background with the words, "Tis the Season: Eating Healthy and Safe!Is it possible to eat healthy during the holidays and still enjoy all of the parties and family gatherings?

Julie Goings, Phillips County - Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, has some easy-to-follow tips for how make healthy food choices at holiday gatherings and still enjoy some cake. Plus, Julie has some food safety steps that can keep your holiday dishes safe as well as tasty.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to the Podcast Teaser

Image contains the UofA System Division of Agriculture Extension Service logo and the Grown Up U: Facts for Success logo on a textured green background with the words, "How to Follow a Recipe and Tips for MeasuringHave you ever tried to cook something, and it just didn't turn out like you hoped?  Learn what it means to follow a recipe and how to properly measure ingredients using the correct measuring tool. Valerie Turner, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Monroe County, shares tips to help your meals turn out like a pro.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to the Podcast Teaser

image includes the UofA System Division of Agriculture Extension Service logo and the Grown Up U: Facts for Success logo on a textured green background with the words, "How to Follow a Recipe and Tips for Measuring"Maybe you have not thought about it before, but networking is a valuable tool to finding the right job or making connections. In today's podcast, Garland County FCS Agent, Alison Crane, will share the basics of networking and what is the most effective type of networking - informational interviews. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to the Podcast Teaser

Contains the Grown Up U: Facts for Success logo and UofA System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service logo on a textured green background with the words, "Immunizations Yes or No?Are you a new parent or new at making vaccination decisions for yourself?

Knowing the facts about immunizations can help you make an informed choice.  Listen as Phillips County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Julie Goings, helps dispel some of the myths about vaccines so you can make an informed choice for you or your family. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to the Podcast Teaser

The Grown Up U: Facts for Success podcast logo and the logo for the UofA System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service on a green background with the episode title, "Making Introductions." Do you feel awkward when meeting someone for the first time? Are you unsure when and how to make an introduction in a social situation? This is the perfect podcast for you. Listen as Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Julie Going, shares tips based on Emily Post's Etiquette to help you make the perfect introduction. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to the Podcast Teaser

The Grown Up U: Facts for Success logo and the UofA System Division of Agriculture Research and Extension logo with the episode title "Roommates and Cleaning" on a matted green background.Cleaning and disinfecting have been hot topics for the past couple of years. But the importance of cleaning and its purpose hasn’t changed. Tristin Bolton, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Crawford County, along with Stephanie London from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, will share just why it is important to clean and share cleaning responsibilities in a shared space, like a dorm.  

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to the Podcast Teaser

Contains the Grown Up U and the UofA System Division of Agriculture Research and Extension logos and the episode title, "Basic Cleaning" on a green background

How often do you need to clean your home or living space? Where did you learn to clean? Tristin Bolton, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Crawford County, along with co-host Casey Ford,  will share the standards of cleanliness that we should all follow and suggest simple products to get you started. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to the Podcast Teaser 

Clean and Green Homemade Cleaners

Contains the Grown Up U and the UofA System Division of Agriculture Research and Extension logos and the episode title, "Suicide Grief: Coping with the Loss" on a green background

In today’s podcast, we will be discussing suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

The death of a friend or loved one by suicide can be one of the most traumatic experiences in a person's life. Picking up the pieces as a suicide survivor can take a long time but it can be done. In this episode of Grown Up U, Alison Crane, Garland County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, and her guest, Julie Fant, counselor and owner of Divine Therapy, discuss coping skills for those experiencing that type of loss and what friends and family can do to help. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to the Podcast Teaser

Contains the Grown Up U and the UofA System Division of Agriculture Research and Extension logos and the episode title, "Distracted Driving Can Be Costly" on a green backgroundWe hear all the time don't drive distracted, but why is that so important? Join Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and her guest, Dot Hart, as they share the costs of distracted driving. Staying focused on the road could save a life!

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to Podcast Teaser

 

Season 2

 

Contains the Grown Up U and the UofA System Division of Agriculture Research and Extension logos and the episode title, "Back to Basics with Mental Health" on a green backgroundDid you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? According to Mental health America, 46 percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14.  Join Rachel Chaney, Yell County FCS agent and special guest, Rebecca Simon, Family Life/Early Childhood Instructor and Mental Health First Aid Trainer, as they talk about getting back to basics with mental health. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to Podcast Teaser

Image contains the Grown Up U podcast and the UofA System Cooperative Extension Service logos and the episode title, "Staying Safe Online," on a green backgroundWe all know the internet as a place of endless information, connections, resources, apps, and of course, games. It has become the “next best thing to sliced bread” as the old saying goes. For as much good that the internet can and does bring to our lives, it also brings about the bad and ugly.
In today’s Grown Up You podcast FCS agents, Julie Going and Valerie Turner,  talk about why it is  important to stay on guard when you are on the internet and tips for staying safe.  

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to Podcast Teaser

Image contains the Grown Up U and University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture logos and the episode title, "Managing College Graduation Stress" on a green backgroundThe stress of graduating from college is real. Meeting all the requirements, completing those last assignments, and taking make or break your grade finals can all build up to make you feel overwhelmed. You have worked so hard to receive a degree and instead of exhilaration all you feel is stress. Alison Crane, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for Garland County, Arkansas, and her son, Jonathan Crane, discuss the stressors of college graduations and some stress busting tips for not letting them get to you.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to Podcast Teaser

Decorative picture with the Grown Up U: Facts for Success and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture logos and the episode title, "Managing High School Graduation Stress" on a green background.This may be the moment you have been waiting for but graduating from high school can still bring a lot of stress. Don't let the pressure make your memories of this important accomplishment unhappy. Taking steps to manage your stress by learning some coping skills can help you enjoy this special time in your life. Listen as Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Pamela Luker, and high school senior, Destini Nguyen, discuss ways to make your last weeks of high school less stressful. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to Podcast Teaser

Picture with the Grown Up U logo and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture logo and the words, "Tips for Safe Dating in a Digital Age" on a green backgroundIn the digital age, navigating online dating websites and apps can feel like a minefield, especially as romance scams have become more prevalent. Over the last five years, over one billion dollars has been reported lost to romance scams.  In this week’s podcast, Valerie Turner, Staff Chair in Monroe County and her guest, Rebekah Hall from the office of communications for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will highlight tips for dating safely in our digital age.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to Podcast Teaser

Picture with the Grown Up U logo and the UofA logo plus the words, "Help! I've Lost My Important Documents!" on a green backgroundOh No! Either you have lost your copy of one of your vital documents or maybe you never had a copy, and you need one for school or work. Before the thought of going to the Vital Records office makes you anxious, listen as Alison Crane, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, shares what you need to know to get a copy of your important records. You’ll learn how to get a copy of your birth certificate, marriage license, a replacement Social Security card and death certificates for a loved one.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Podcast Teaser

Download our Extension Fact Sheet: Replacing Valuable Papers for more information.

Pictured is the logo for the Grown Up U podcast with the episode title, "Getting Enough Sleep."Is your alarm clock your friend or foe?  For most of us that depends on how much sleep we got the night before. 
Over 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders that affect one’s overall sleep patterns. In today's podcast, Mary Ann Kizer, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, and Dot Hart, Extension Wellness Ambassador and EHC Delta District Director, share why you should get a good night's sleep plus some easy to follow, inexpensive tips for helping you get good sleep. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Podcast Teaser

Image of the Grown Up U logo with the words "Low Cost Food - More Than Ramen Noodles" with a green backgroundWith rising food costs, many Americans, especially young adults in college or just starting their careers are looking for ways to stretch their food dollars.  In this episode Family and Consumer Sciences Agents, Casey Ford and Tristin Bolton, brainstorm ways that young adults can save money on food.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Broadcast Transcript

Listen to Podcast Teaser

Image with a green background with the Grown Up U logo and the title "Can I Eat the Pizza That I Left Out Overnight?In today’s busy world, take-out and delivered foods are increasing in popularity. Some foods are served hot, and some are served cold when purchased. In this episode, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Jessica Angel, dives into safe steps in food handling, proper safety cooking techniques, and storage that are essential in preventing foodborne illness and keeping food safe. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

 Listen to Podcast Teaser

Promo picture for Season 2 Episode 3: Why Bother to Maintain a Healthy Weight?Losing weight is hard and maintaining a healthy weight requires self-discipline, but that does not mean the journey is not worth the effort. Alison Crane, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Garland County, will share the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight and how establishing some simple good habits can make it achievable and not miserable.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 3 Teaser

Promo picture for the Grown Up U Season 2 Episode 2 Podcast Fast Fact on Fad DietsWe hear about fad diets everywhere!!! Before you decide to try the latest craze, listen in on some fast facts about fad diets to learn about why they may not be all that they are cracked up to be. Join Pamela Luker, the Family Consumer Sciences Agent for Pope County, as she interviews Dr. Jamie Baum, the Associate Professor of Nutrition and Director of the Center for Human Nutrition Department of Food Science with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Dr. Baum shares information to help you know recognize fad diets and learn about diets that are proven to be effective and safe.

 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 2 Teaser

Grown Up U Season 2 Episode 1 Basic Nutrition Using MyPlateDo you get confused by all the nutrition information out there?  You are not the only one!!! Tune in to hear FCS agent, Alison Crane, and her daughter-in-law, Amanda Crane, share how you can use MyPlate as a tool to simplify healthy eating! March is National Nutrition Month, and we have some great information for how you can take some simple steps to improve your diet.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 1 Teaser

Link for myplate.gov

 

Season 1

Ever get to the DMV to renew your car tags only to find out your need proof of tax assessment? Did you know what to do? If you are clueless about what I am talking about then you need to listen to this episode of Grown Up U. Phillips County FCS Agent, Julie Goings, and Agriculture Agent, Shawn Payne, share all you need to know about tax assessment. Listening should save you time when heading to renew those tags and maybe keep your name out of the paper, too. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 22 Teaser

It is time to get those important tax papers ready! Tax season is upon us! Rachel Chaney, Yell County FCS Agent talks with special guest Dr. Laura Hendrix, Associate Professor for Personal Finance and Consumer Economics, as she shares tips for preparing your taxes once you have collected your important tax papers. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 21 Teaser

Whether it's your first time to file taxes or your twentieth time, filing taxes can be a little stressful. Never fear! There is hope! Follow our advice on collecting those important tax papers and you'll be cool as a cucumber and ready for next week's episode on your filing options. Listen as Rachel Chaney, the Yell County Family Consumer Science Extension Agent visits with Dr. Laura Hendrix, Associate Professor for Personal Finance and Consumer Economics with the University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. Dr. Hendrix has some great "adulting" information for you. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 20 Teaser

Have you ever wondered where you spent your money? Or maybe you are working to be independent, and you need to figure out if you can even afford to do that. In today's podcast, Garland County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Alison Crane, will share the basics of budgeting to help you set up your own spending plan. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 19 Teaser

In today's episode, Jefferson County Extension agents, Mary Ann Kizer and Kurt Beaty, share the steps you need to take when shopping for a credit card. Be a smart consumer and learn the facts about credit cards before you accept all those card offers coming each month in the mail. Once you have listened to our podcast, visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/personal-finance/uaex-money-blog/ to learn more about building your credit and wise money management. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 18 Teaser

Trying to decide whether to rent or buy? It's a big decision. 
Before you pay out any money or start shopping, take a few minutes to listen to Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Julie Goings and her guest, as they discuss the pros and cons of renting and buying and what you need to consider before making that big decision.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 17 Teaser

Maybe you’ve heard Brad Paisley’s song, All I Wanted Was a Car, and thought that you could work hard and save up to buy your first car. The cost of a car doesn’t stop once you’ve paid for the car… there’s maintenance, gas and of course, insurance. Join Alison Crane, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and her guest, Anna Crane, as they discuss what you need to know when purchasing car insurance and how to save money.

For more information you can download the brochure provided by the Arkansas Insurance Department at https://insurance.arkansas.gov/uploads/pages/brochures/auto.pdf

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 16 Teaser

Buying your first car can be a little scary. For many people, buying a car is their first major purchase. Cars are expensive and so is maintenance and insurance, you want to make a wise choice and get a car that you can be proud of and will last. On today's Grown Up U episode, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Mary Ann Kizer, and Agriculture Agent, Kurt Beaty, discuss everything you need to consider and check when buying a new or used car.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 15 Teaser

A major part of being an adult is paying bills. Following our practical steps to bill paying can help you track your expenses and give you some real peace of mind that your bills are being paid on time and you are keeping your credit in good standing. Listen to Family and Consumer Sciences Agents, Rachel Cheney and Pamela Luker, as they share their own personal experiences with paying bills and how to avoid the pitfalls of late fees and shut-off notices.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 14 Teaser

Have you thought about what to do with your hard earned money? Do you have questions about whether you should open an account at a bank? In today's podcast you can join FCS agents, Julie Goings and Valerie Turner, and their guest, Dana Worstell from Southern Bankcorp, as they discuss what you need to know about setting up an account and why you should keep your money in a bank.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 13 Teaser

Where did the year go?  Have you been saving all year for your Christmas purchases?  
Be ahead of the game!  Start with a holiday budget. 
Join  Mary Ann Kizer, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, and AEHC Delta District Director, Dot Hart, as they share tips for planning your holiday budget that will help you to enjoy all of the festivities without stressing about how you are going to pay for it later.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 12 Teaser

Just because your grades aren't the highest, it does not mean you aren't eligible for scholarships and just because you have great grades, it does not mean you will automatically win the scholarship. Listen to Family and Consumer Sciences agents, Valerie Turner and Julie Goings, as they discuss how it takes more than grades to get the scholarship.  You might find out you have more going for you than you think or at least learn a few areas to improve!

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 11 Teaser

College is expensive and for most students scholarships are a must, but the whole process can be super intimidating. Our easy to follow tips for finding scholarships and filling them out can take away some of the stress. (By the way, the Cooperative Extension Service has several scholarship opportunities across the state of Arkansas. Contact your county Extension office to learn more.)

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 10 Teaser

Part 1: Lost Keys

"Where, oh, where has my little _____ gone? Oh, where could it be?" Before this is you, singing this sad song, you might need a little talk about the costs involved in losing your stuff and in case, you have already lost something we'll give you some great advice for how to replace it. Join Amy Monk, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, and her son, Will, as they discuss the surprising costs of losing your keys and how to keep up with them in the future.

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 9 Part 1 Teaser

Part 2: Lost Wallet

There is a sickening feeling that accompanies the realization that you have lost your wallet or purse. In Part 2 of The Cost of Losing Your Stuff, Amy Monk, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, and her son, Will, discuss what to do if you lose your wallet and how to replace your important cards and documents.

Do you have hopes and dreams that you want to achieve? Making those goals a reality starts with time management. Join FCS agents, Casey Ford and Charla Hammonds, as they share winning strategies for using your time in a way that aligns with your goals. We guarantee it will be a good use of your time!

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 8 Teaser

Got stress? Today's podcast by Mary Ann Kizer, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Jefferson County, shares resources for managing stress. Join Mary Ann and her guest, Dot Hart,  as they talk about ways to overcome stress from our Extension handout, Managing Stress: Turning Challenges into Blessings. After listening to our podcast, visit our website to download a copy of the handout to learn more ways to handle stress at Managing Stress: Turning Challenges into Blessings (uada.edu)

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 7 Teaser

Woohoo! You've just received a refund check from your student financial aid! Before you go on a spending spree, there are a few thing that you need to consider. On today's episode of Grown Up U, Alison Crane, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, will talk about the educational and living expenses that your refund is meant to cover and how to budget it wisely so that you can actually afford to stay in school. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 6 Teaser 

It can be challenging to try to navigate interpersonal interactions - especially if you find yourself in a new place or tend to be shy or socially awkward.  Join Alison Crane and her guest, Conner Shipman, as they discuss the physical and verbal clues that happen during  conversations or social interactions. Learn tips for how to improve your ability to read social cues and ways to become more comfortable in social settings, both personal and professional. 

Play Audio Broadcast

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 5 Teaser

Managing relationships isn’t just about family and friends. You spend most of your day with co-workers or even live with college roommates. Cultivating these relationships from the start in a positive way means you are on the fast track to personal and professional success. Today’s podcast presented by agents, Rachel Chaney and Pamela Luker, will be the emotionally intelligent guide you need for building the basis of healthy habits in the workplace and dorm room.  

Play Audio Broadcast 

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 4 Teaser

So, you are going to move into your first apartment or house and you need to signup for utilities but aren't sure how to get started. Join FCS agent, Amy Monk, and her son Will as they discuss what Will needs to do to have the  power, internet, etc. turned on in his new apartment.

Play Audio Podcast 


Download Audio Podcast Transcript


Listen to Episode 3 Teaser 

Moving into a new place creates a long To Do list. Today, we are going to look at five things that need to be done after you have moved whether you have left home for college or moved out on your own for the first time. Listen as Alison Crane, FCS agent in Garland County, Arkansas visits her recently graduated daughter, Anna Crane. As they share some of the things that will help you get established after you have moved to a new place.

Play Audio Podcast 

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 2 Teaser

Are you nervous about starting college or starting your first “real world” job? If so, start  listening to Family and Consumer Sciences Agents, Pamela Luker and Rachel Chaney, as they share some tips to make the transition from high school to college or to your first job a little easier.  (By the way, we're a little nervous about starting up our podcast series, so we can totally relate!)

Play Audio Podcast 

Download Audio Podcast Transcript

Listen to Episode 1 Teaser

 

 

Top