Within Reason with Mike Matson

On today's episode, Mike is joined by John Blair--Konza Prairie Biological Station Director. Blair, who is also a co-investigator on the Konza's Long-Term Ecological Research program, shares his insight on the ecological consequences of global change and the future of National Science Foundation-funded research.

In the first half of today's show, Mike speaks with Kristin Brighton--president of the USD 383 school board. The Manhattan-Ogden board of education is currently engaged in facilitating conversations about phone usage for students. Brighton talks about the effects of heavy screen time on young minds, advocating for change in the classroom. Mike is later joined by Philip Nel, leader of a local grass...

On today's episode, Mike sits down with Fort Riley Garrison Commander Colonel Jerry Nunziato. Col. Nunziato explains military nomenclature, speaks on Ft. Riley's unique culture, and provides a sense of Ft. Riley's role on the southern border.

Lavender corvettes for everyone? Today, Mike unpacked K-State 'Name Image Likeness' with Pierson McAtee and Curry Sexton, a pair of former KSU student athletes, now managing Wildcat NIL. Wildcat NIL aims to align student athletes with team-wide deals to bring maximum value to fans and the team. Capitalizing on the individual draw of student athletes through personal branding and social media, Wild...

On today's episode, Mike dialogues with Mary Martell and Dr. Carl Ade. Mary Martell is Vice President and Regional Administrator at Stormont Vail Heath; she also manages the Stormont Vail Manhattan Campus. Dr. Carl Ade directs the K-State Clinical Integrative Physiology Laboratory and the Clinical Research Coordination Center. Martell and Dr. Ade speak on the high-level research partnership formin...

On today's episode, Mike is joined by Manhattan City Commissioner Susan Adamchak. Adamchak has extensive experience in local volunteer systems and public advocacy; she shares her perspective on USAID cuts, refugee resettlement efforts, and vacancies in Aggieville.

What does it take to be an award-winning commodity judge? National champions Faith Winkelmann and Hailey Wurtz join Mike today to speak on the intricacies of crop and meat judging. Winners of inter-collegiate commodity judging competitions must be able to evaluate quality, articulate their reasoning, and present themselves professionally.

Could the fire devastation in L.A. happen here? On today's episode, Mike sits down with Jason Hartman and Bill Waln of the Kansas Forest Service. Many of the conditions that led to California's wildfires are present closer to home; the Kansas Forest Service is working hard to be proactive against that threat. Hartman and Waln speak on policy changes, climate change, and the cost of wildfires on ou...

Stephen Bridenstine has been director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center for two months, but his experience in education and public administration goes back much further. Today, he joins Mike to talk funding, community engagement, and upcoming development at the museum. A partnership-based organization, FHDC has worked closely over the past 12 years with local people who know and love the Flint H...

On today's episode, Mike speaks with Dee McKee--Pottawatomie County Commissioner. McKee has been in her role since 2014, and is considering seeking reelection in 2026. The diverse county faces a range of governance challenges that require its five commissioners to think strategically. McKee speaks on private sector job growth, a growing population, and thinking ahead on city infrastructure.

On today's episode, Mike continues catching up with the Manhattan City Commission. Commissioner John Matta serves on a host of community service drive boards and committees; he also serves as Advancement Director for Manhattan Catholic Schools and an adjunct professor in the College of Business at K-State. Matta speaks on zoning, job growth, and his decision not to seek reelection.

RCPD is "breaking up" with Fake Patty's Day--what will that look like as the unofficial holiday ensues tomorrow? On today's episode, Riley County Police Department Director Brian Peete and Deputy Director Erin Friedline join to discuss the tightening reins on local and state laws in regard to the infamous day of partying. In an effort to reduce crime and prevent crises, the department is making th...

On today's episode, Mike speaks with Andy Weiner, CEO of RockStep Capital. RockStep is a shopping center investment company based out of Houston; with an emphasis on investing in "hometown" communities, RockStep purchased Manhattan Town Center Mall in 2022. Weiner speaks on the essential economic drivers that make Manhattan an attractive location, the future of in-person retail shopping, and their...

On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson, Sheila Ellis-Glasper joins to talk about efforts to create a Yuma Street Cultural Center. Ellis-Glasper is the co-founder and executive director of the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, a group designed to equip entrepreneurs with the resources and skills necessary to reach their goals. Yuma Street has been a cultural hub for the Black co...

On today's episode, Mike speaks with local leaders Usha Reddi and Mary Stamey on gender equity in advance of International Women's Day, which takes place on March 8. Both guests are involved with the Manhattan branch of the American Association of University Women, where Reddi serves as president. AAUW seeks to address adversity facing women both in the workplace and at home. Reddi and Stamey spea...

Could a third party thrive in Kansas? On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson, Mike is joined by Aaron Estabrook--treasurer of United Kansas, a statewide political initiative which seeks to bridge bipartisan divides. United Kansas is one of many efforts across the country to provide an alternative to the two-party split. They aim to unite Kansans under shared values and common goals....

On today's episode of Within reason with Mike Matson, Josh Brewer from Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills is in for a conversation about their efforts. Brewer, who refers to himself as a "YIMBY" (Yes In My Back Yard), speaks to the intricacies of zoning, federal funding for housing, and generational differences over the subject. Brewer shares the stability that home ownership provide...

On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson, Mike splits his time with State Rep. Angel Roeser, Sen. Brad Starnes & Michael Rezkalla from Pawnee Mental Health Services. It's "turnaround week" in Topeka, where state legislators have been kept busy voting on non-exempt bills. For freshman lawmakers State Rep. Angel Roeser and Sen. Brad Starnes, this week is also the approximate halfway mark...

What keeps your city commissioners up at night? With a leadership style that emphasizes transparency and consensus building, Peter Oppelt is almost done with his first run as a Manhattan City Commissioner and will be seeking reelection for a second. On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson, the U.S. Army veteran and daytime insurance agent speaks on high interest rates, federal budget...

It's property valuation week in Riley County. What does this mean for resident tax dollars? On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson, Mike speaks with Riley County Appraiser Anna Burson and Riley County Public Information Officer Vivienne Leyva on the change of valuation notices going out in the mail this week. Properties are valued based on the current market. Diving into the tedious...

On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson, Mike speaks with Blade Mages about the future of Manhattan's Wareham Hall. Formerly an opera house, Wareham Hall has since held everything from pandemic court hearings to sing-along showings of Frozen. With extensive plans for renovation, Mages and his team hope to foster creativity, connection, and growth in the updated space. Mages clues list...

On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson, Jayme Minton, Manhattan City Commissioner joins Mike to talk about local topics of interest.

On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson, Mike speaks with Network Kansas CEO Steve Radley on community partnerships, the value of small businesses, and what it means to be an "entrepreneur." Established as part of the Kansas Economic Growth Act of 2004, Network Kansas connects entrepreneurs to the resources that are available to them. A state-wide network, the organization provides lo...

On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson he spoke with the Manhattan City Manager Danielle Dulin.

On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson, Mike splits his time with Megan Moser, executive editor of The Manhattan Mercury, and Brandon Keazer, director of Manhattan Regional Airport.  Mike and Megan dive into drastic employee cuts at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, a result of reduced federal funding for the government workforce.  Brandon Keazer joins in the s...