Within Reason with Mike Matson

On today's episode, guest host Sarah Hancock sits down with Sunset Zoo director Scott Shoemaker to discuss the zoo's conservational impact and local involvement. Sarah Hancock is the senior project manager and editor at New Boston Creative Group in Manhattan. The duo talk upcoming events, additions, and infrastructural changes at the zoo.

Access to transportation is no small factor in the success of a community. Anne Smith and Daphne McNelly from Flint Hills ATA Bus have experienced the impact of their industry firsthand. Through community collaboration and connection, the ATA bus continues to expand its reach and ensure that Manhattan residents are able to get where they need to go.

Amanda Gnadt and her family are preserving history in Alma, Kansas by bringing the historic Brandt House hotel back to life. Built in 1887, the space is now open as a seven room boutique hotel that carries a long history. On today's episode, Gnadt shares the story of the Brandt House and provides a look into its future.

Today Mike Matson spoke with Dick Carter of the Carter Group Segment 1 - 00:00 Segment 2 - 10:25 Segment 3 - 22:38 Segment 4 - 34:17

On today's episode, Mike is joined by Katharine Hensler, director of the Riley County Historical Museum. Kensler shares insight on the museum's structure and funding, speaking from an extensive career in preservation and curation.

Amid National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Mike sits down with Jayme Morris-Hardeman from the Sunflower Children's Collective to discuss awareness and advocacy for children facing abuse and neglect. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate and a leader in the Manhattan non-profit community, Morris-Hardeman utilizes her backgrounds in both biology and social work to make an impact.

On today's show, Mike is joined by Manhattan mayor Karen McCulloh. She shares her insight on the push for a common consumption area in downtown Manhattan, electric vehicle infrastructure development, and indoor water.

The 2025 legislative session in Kansas just wrapped up. On today's show, Mike sits down with State Senator Kenny Titus of Manhattan and State Representative Bill Bloom of Clay Center to debrief. Rep. Bill Bloom claimed there was more disparity between urban and rural ideals than between the Republican and Democratic parties. Addressing the state budget, the Republican supermajority, property tax c...

Karla Hagemeister, Director of the Flint Hills Breadbasket, joins Mike on today's show to discuss high poverty rates in Riley County and what her organization is doing to help residents meet their basic needs. On the brink of expanding into a new and larger space, the Flint Hills Breadbasket carries the mission of feeding the community; they offer healthy food choices, basic hygiene items and a sa...

Talent acquisition helps organizations attract, recruit and retain employees that will help them reach their goals. Terri Dean, Talent Acquisition Manager at Stormont Vail Health, sits down with Mike on today's episode to discuss how hiring works in the healthcare industry. Nearly 34 years into her career in human resources, Dean shares the rigorous process of interviewing and onboarding new talen...

On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson, Mike is joined by McCownGordon Construction Manhattan Market Team Leader Brian Fuemmeler. Along with Katie Loughmiller, Acting Department Head and Associate Professor of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science at K-State, and Keith Prather, Managing Partner and Co-founder of Armada Intelligence, Fuemmeler shares on construction indus...

What, exactly, is the county comprehensive plan? On today's episode, Mike is joined by Riley County Commissioner John Ford. From windy wildfire conditions to Medicaid cuts, Ford fills in on the changes affecting the county.

What's it like to be gay in MHK? On today's episode, Mike is joined by Maria Snyder and Tyler Woods--leaders of Little Apple Pride. The registered non-profit organization aims to celebrate and uplift the LGBTQ community in Manhattan. A demographically and politically diverse town, Manhattan provides a unique environment for its gay residents. Snyder and Woods share a desire to create meaningful di...

Confidence is an ever-evolving factor in the human experience. Today, Mike is joined by Katelyn Andrist--author of 'Becoming Confident.' A children's book based on Andrist's own journey of self-confidence, 'Becoming Confident' is making an impact across the state. Andrist graduated from K-State with a degree in human development and family sciences. A full-time special events coordinator at Specia...

Today Mike spoke with Kristy Peterson, Vice President of Learning, Engagement and Visitor Experiences at the Museum of Art and Light and Traci Brimhall, Kansas Poet Laureate. The pair join the show in advance of an ekphrastic poetry workshop at the MoA+L on April 5. An ekphrastic poem is one that describes another work of art; participants in the workshop will have their work published in a chatbo...

Could Manhattan become a hub for youth sports? Today Mike visited with Marcia Rozell, the director of Visit Manhattan, to discuss attracting sporting events and their spectators to Manhattan. Rozell shares the impact of sports tourism on the local economy, including more money spent on hotels, food, and fun.

The Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization aims to provide a safe, efficient transportation system for the region. Planning Manager Jared Tremblay joins Mike today to discuss the plan for Highway 24, the future of electric vehicles, and the long-term transportation strategy dubbed "Connect 2050."

There would be no BRI, no Hale Library, and no NBAF without the work and political experience of Sue Peterson--former K-State lobbyist, and today's guest. In the wake of the legislative session adjourning, Peterson shares "how the sausage gets made" when it comes to advocating for the university.

As executive director of the Crisis Center in Manhattan, Kathy Ray understands the complexity and necessity of providing quality, trauma-informed care. On today's show, she sat down with Mike to discuss her role as a longtime advocate for victims of domestic violence and abuse. One of just 25 crisis centers in Kansas, Manhattan's Crisis Center serves five counties and is funded by a combination of...

Despite controversy, Manhattan developer T.J. Vilkanskas is still working to make his mark in Aggieville. After losing a major investor, Back 9's plans for Midtown--a large-scale commercial space in the heart of Aggieville--were halted. Now, Back 9 will be developing a hotel and attached parking garage in that space. Vilkanskas joins Mike to address public opinion on that development.

On today's episode, Manhattan Arts Center director Kendra Kuhlman shares about a tasty upcoming event through the organization. "MAC and Cheese" is a gathering of food, art and music returning for its second year. The event was created to raise money for MAC's youth scholarship program, as well as to highlight local talent and promote the many opportunities available at MAC for artists of all ages...

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. With one in 24 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime, it is the second deadliest cancer in the country; however, it's highly preventable. Mike sits down with Dr. Molly Disbrow, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Stormont Vail Health in Manhattan. Dr. Disbrow debunks misconceptions about the disease and shares ways to identify symp...

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.