Within Reason with Mike Matson

On the heels of his first two year term, Peter Oppelt is running for reelection as a Manhattan City Commissioner. He joins Mike on today's show to talk downtown advancements, diversifying Manhattan's economy, and his own political hero Jimmy Carter.

Big changes are happening in Downtown Manhattan. Executive director Gina Snyder joins Mike on today's show to talk common consumption areas, a new multi-use building called Hartford LLC., and expanding west.

Andrew von Lintel is one of the nine candidates seeking one of three spots up for election on the Manhattan City Commission this fall.

The Boys & Girls Club is a before and after school care program that provides children with a bridge between structured learning and free exploration. Facilitating friendship, field trips, and holistic child development, the program is now facing strict budget restrictions due to federal cuts. Executive director Hannah Coash-Frye joins Mike today to discuss the unfolding of these budget cuts on ch...

The Manhattan Free Clinic works against the odds to make sure that access to healthcare is a reality for those in any financial state. A collaboration between the Manhattan Ministerial Alliance, area physicians and other community leaders, the clinic has been serving Manhattan since 2005. On today's show, executive director Rick Hernandez speaks with Mike about the free clinic's impact, and the ch...

Manhattan's Steel & Pipe Supply serves the community in more ways than one. Operating from the principle that service not only benefits the community, but also their employees, the company has a hand in supporting youth programs, health, education and the arts in Manhattan. CEO Matt Crocker joins Mike on today's show.

Mike sits down with first term 22nd District State Senator Brad Starnes of Riley County.

Eric Reid leads the public school system in Manhattan and Ogden. On today's show, he joins Mike to break down the district's mission of educating and supporting students.

The Wonder Workshop Children's Museum in downtown Manhattan was designed to address the educational, recreational and social needs of community youth. Executive director Katie Seel joins Mike on today's show to provide insight into the after school activities and interactive exhibits that allow children to learn about science, technology and other cultures.

RiverFront MHK is an effort to develop our riverfront to reflect its historical and cultural heritage, as well as to expand its recreational and commercial uses. Phil Anderson, leader in this coalition, joins Mike today to provide a preview into its potential.

One of nine candidates for the Manhattan City Commission, Jim Morrison joins Mike on today's show to discuss his campaign's emphasis on the bottom line.

On July 4, Wamego becomes "Boomtown USA." Voted the "Best Fireworks Show in Kansas," the pyrotechnic experience Wamego puts on annually is immersive and major. On today's show, Mike is joined by Chris Hupe and Neil Ebert, who volunteer their expertise and leadership to make the show happen.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides a structured program where adults volunteer to be mentors to young people. Today Mike is joined by volunteer Big Sister Kitra Cooper and lead professional staffer Michelle Sink to discuss the value of youth mentorship, and the impactful connections that have evolved from the program.

In an age where news consumers are bombarded by information and, often, misinformation, local media holds its ground. On today's show, Mike discusses the new frontier of media with Kansas Press Association Director Emily Bradbury and Kansas Association of Broadcasters President Allison Mazzei.

The mission of the Manhattan Parks and Recreation foundation is to enhance the parks and recreation experience in our community through charitable contributions, time and resources. Gail Urban, Foundation Chair, joins Mike today to talk CiCo Park upgrades, student scholarships and indoor water.

What is the sweet spot between technological advancement and privacy in healthcare? An ERH, or Electronic Health Record, is a digital version of a patient's medical history. It encompasses information like diagnoses, medications and test results that can be shared among different healthcare providers. Today, Mike is joined by Ron Campbell and Rachel Buchanan, who have championed the development an...

The First Infantry Division, or the "Big Red One," is a pride point and an economic driver for the people of Manhattan and Ft. Riley. Today, Mike is joined by Brigadier General Matthew Hardman, who serves as 1st Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General for Support. The pair discuss recruitment struggles, deployment to Europe, and The Big Red One's upcoming Victory Week.

ALICE, or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, is a grassroots initiative that formed from collaboration between United Ways, corporations, nonprofits, and other foundations. Its mission is to stimulate action that improves the financial stability of families who earn just above the Federal Poverty Level. On today's show, Konza United Way's Tara Clausen discusses the impact of ALICE for an...

45 years into a career in public education, former athletic coach and school administrator Lew Faust is now one of five candidates vying for three seats on the USD 383 school board. Today he joins Mike to discuss his long-time advocacy for athletes, students, and educators.

As local elections draw closer, Manhattan City Commissioner Jayme Minton is preparing herself to vie for re-election. Appointed to the Commission in 2024 after Wynn Butler resigned, Minton carved a voice for herself through service in the community. On today's show, Mike and Jayme talk private sector job growth, common consumption areas, and the growing pains of local construction.

The Manhattan Area Resettlement Team welcomes and helps integrates refugees from all over the world. Executive director Virginia Rodriguez joins Mike on today's show to discuss community building, misconceptions, and their mission of unity and understanding.

On today's show, Manhattan City Commission candidate Larry Fox answers the questions that matter in advance of this year's local election.

Today, guest host Sarah Hancock speaks with Todd Holmberg and Terri Lee about the upcoming season of the McCain Performance Series, and connection through the arts.

Nearly nine months into the job, Manhattan City Manager joins Mike today to discuss residential housing incentive districts (RHIDs), Aggieville construction, economic development and, of course, potholes.

On today's show, Mike is joined by Stormont Vail Health oncologist Brandon Weckbaugh in honor of June being cancer survivor awareness month. The pair discuss the resilience of cancer survivors, the conditions surrounding cancer, and what can be done for those affected.