University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs are designed to reach audiences across the lifespan. Many individuals in the 20-50 age range need the skills taught by Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) agents, but do not attend traditional programming due to other commitments, life phases, or real or perceived stigma. To reach these individuals, FCS agents in Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins, and Livingston knew they must pivot and offer research-based information in a new way. On average, 62 % of the US population have listened to podcasts. Out of these listeners, 50% of individuals aged 12-34 and 43% of individuals aged 35-54 have listened to a podcast within the last month.   

The Life Simplified Podcast was created to distribute research-based information on topics such as mental health, relationships, parenting, physical health, and resource management.  Life can be difficult, and the goal of this podcast is to make the difficult seasons of life a little easier by offering practical tips to assist listeners with applying the research-based information to their life. 

Life Simplified has a dedicated following of listeners and the vast majority learned about the podcast from social media and their local extension office.  There have been over 50 episodes recorded, edited, and shared on the Life Simplified website. The podcast has been downloaded over 1700 times. Nearly three-quarters of listeners surveyed shared that they were able to dig deeper and have meaningful conversations with family members and friends after listening to Life Simplified. When asked to share what they have changed because of an episode, listeners mentioned trying to balance responsibilities, being more mindful of the things that matter most, making more of an effort to increase peace in life by decluttering, setting healthy boundaries, and being more intentional with relationships. One listener said, “This has improved my mental health.” Another listener said, “I really enjoy how they structure the conversations.” A third listener said, “I love how honest these ladies are and they don’t make life out to be perfect.”