Within Reason with Mike Matson

10 days away from Juneteenth, the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation liberating those enslaved in the Confederacy in 1865, Mike is joined by Manhattan celebrities Betty O. and Dave Baker to talk about the significance of the holiday. Long-time residents of the area, the pair have witnessed decades of cultural impact and evolution. Juneteenth celebrations for 2025 will take place on Frida...

On today's host, guest host Brandon Peoples is joined by representatives from American Legion Boys State. Occurring in Manhattan this week, the event is geared toward boys entering their junior year of high school. Boys State leaders help students, or "Staters," learn critical thinking skills and conduct civic discourse.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan operates as a partnership between the public and private sectors. The City of Manhattan owns and manages the facility, while the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation supports it through fundraising and community engagement. Today Mike is joined by Lesley White, Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation director, and Mary Ice, a member of its governing...

News Radio KMAN went on the air 75 years ago today. Today, Mike is joined by long-time KMAN general manager Rich Wartell and by Ned Seaton, publisher of the Manhattan Mercury. Exploring the history of the station and its community impact, the trio also look ahead to the next 75 years serving the area.

On today's show Mike is joined by Terry Force, commissioner on Pottawatomie County's newly expanded five-member county commission. Long-time land surveyor and former mayor of Wheaton, Force shares his experience and expertise on the future of the area.

Scott Schwab, Kansas Secretary of State, is running for Kansas governor. The GOP candidate joins Mike today to provide a glimpse into his campaign, sharing his views on abortion, election security, and international relations.

On Friday's edition of Within Reason with Mike Matson, Mike spoke with Leah McKeeman - a candidate for the USD 383 School Board.

The Konza Prairie Biological Station is a one-of-a-kind environment for ecological research, education and conservation. Konza Prairie environmental educator Jill Haukos joins Mike on today's show to discuss ways to support and continue those efforts.

The Stormont Vail Foundation provides funds for emergency patient needs, nursing scholarships, facility upgrades and more through donor generosity. On today's show, president Amy Burns joins Mike to discuss the impact of healthcare philanthropy.

Lori Feldkamp is retiring this week as president and CEO of Big Lakes Developmental Center in Manhattan. On today's show, she debriefs a career's worth of experience providing support and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

After a career of working in the school district as a teacher and principal, Greg Hoyt has some stories about the last day of school. As the school year wraps up today for Manhattan students, Greg shares his experience with Mike.

In a climate where remote work, online education and telehealth services are becoming the norm, access to reliable fiber broadband internet is essential. WTC Fiber is leading the way. CEO and president Jeff Wick joins Mike on today's show to discuss the company's philanthropy and community impact.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. For Brad Chapin, Director of Clinical Services for Stormont Vail Behavioral Health Services, this means addressing mental health challenges on every level with an acute care. Creator of the Self-Regulation Training System, a research-based toolset for those struggling with their mental health, Brad Chapin has helped thousands of people around the world develop...

Amid exhaustive federal budget cuts, support for the humanities has become a dying art. Humanities Kansas board member Lisa Sisley and executive director Julie Mulvihill are working hard to reverse this. Started in 1972, Humanities Kansas encourages Kansans to draw on history, literature and culture to create connections with one another. Supporting projects that enrich Kansan communities and stre...

In an ever-changing landscape, Riley County Police Department Director Brian Peete shares his insight on police security within schools, and the budget that pays for it, on today's episode of Within Reason.

The Kansas Association of School Boards aims to be a voice for public education and facilitate student success. Lobbyist Leah Fliter joins Mike on today's show to discuss her advocacy, from the classroom to the Capitol.

University athletic programs can be described as the "front door" to higher enrollment numbers and a more engaged student body. On today's show Gene Taylor, athletic director at Kansas State University, shares what this looks like behind the scenes. Mike and Gene discuss the end of student privilege fees going towards athletics, a recent lawsuit, and what is to come for athletes and fans alike.

Based in Topeka, PTMW Inc. has been leading the way in equipment manufacturing solutions and products since 1983. Now, they're bringing as many as 150 jobs to Manhattan. On today's show, Mike is joined by PTMW senior VP of manufacturing David Dobbs and VP of special projects Tyler Wudarczyk. As the company meets rising demands from the tech industry, specifically within data centers and AI advance...

On today's show, local attorney Tom Addair provides insight into his profession as a whole, and his office's motto: "Protect clients with compassion."

The aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis resulted in a noticeable dip in birthrates. 18 years later, there are fewer students preparing to head to college in the fall. On today's show Mike is joined by Richard Linton, president of Kansas State University. The pair discuss K-State's efforts to pull in out of state students and increase enrollment numbers overall.

As Kansas Riverkeeper, Dawn Buehler advocates for the Kaw by acting as leader, educator, spokesperson and investigator. She joins Mike on today's show in advance of tomorrow's Little Apple Cleanup of the Big Blue.

As president of Kansas Farm Bureau, Joe Newland understands that the prosperity and health of the nation are directly linked to the well-being of its farmers. On today's show, Mike and Joe discuss the involvement of the federal government in agriculture. Four months into the Trump administration, the landscape is changing for farmers all over the country; Joe provides insight into Kansas' unique p...

The papal conclave begins today in the Vatican. How will it affect the Catholic people of the Flint Hills? On today's show Mike is joined by Fr. Gale Hammerschmidt, who serves as the pastor of St. Isidore's Catholic Student Center in Manhattan. Fr. Gale provides insight into the process of papal selection and what a layperson should expect from the next week in the church.

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information objectively, evaluate arguments and form well-reasoned judgments. On today's show, Mike is joined by author and leadership consultant Amanda Cebula to unpack the importance of the 'second thought.'

On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson, Sydney Bouhaniche, MoA+L's Creative Director of Immersive Exhibitions on how digital art will hit you where you live.