The Extension Connection
Welcome to The Extension Connection: Polk County, the podcast where we connect you with the valuable resources and expert tips from the NC State Extension Polk County office. Whether you're a child, parent, farmer, gardener, or just curious about the many ways Extension can support you, you've come to the right place! In each episode, we'll dive into a wide range of topics, including 4-H youth development, Family and Consumer Science, Equine care, and horticulture. Whether you're looking for advice or tips caring for your horses, growing your garden, managing your family's health and wellness, or want to hear more about 4-H we’ve got you covered. Stay tuned on Wednesday's as we bring you practical insights, local resources, and the research based news on the topics that pertain to you! Let’s get connected!
Episodes
43 episodes
Summer Is a Building Season: The Skills You Can’t Grade
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-...
Home Maintenance Series Part 3- Outdoor Maintenance
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-do...
Growing Together- The Power of Community Partnerships in 4-H
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,...
Home Maintenance Part 2
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 condi...
Breaking Chains: Caring for Your Health in Every Season
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 tim...
Simple Solutions for Spring Cleaning
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: ...
Technology in the Trenches: How 4-H Prepares Youth for the Future
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, ...
Saving Money at the Grocery Store by Shopping Less
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:
It Takes a Village- Volunteers & 4-H Clubs
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 Exten...
Your New Year Exercise Kickoff
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....
Year-End Reflections & A Gentle Start to the New Year
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, competitio...
Combating Stress with Practical Coping Mechanisms
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:
Finding Joy in Pause
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...
Food Safety Reminders for the Holiday Season
In this episode, we’re diving into food safety—why it matters and the simple steps to remember when cooking for holiday gatherings.Resources: NC Cooperative Extension Food Safety Website: https://foodsafety.ces.ncs...
“Growing Through Decades and Generations The Legacy of 4-H”
Welcome back to Extension Connection! In this special episode, co-host Jessica Jackson takes a heartfelt look at the lasting impact of 4-H in celebration of National 4-H Week. From flipping through old Polk County archives to sh...