Gardening is one of the most practical ways to reconnect with the land we live on—and in a place like Fresno, where climate, water, and ecology are constant topics of conversation, it can also be a civic act. In this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Linda Furnas, President of the Fresno County University of California Master Gardener Advisory Board and a member of the Board of the Master Gardener Association of Fresno County, to explore what it means to garden responsibly in the Central Valley.

Linda explains what distinguishes a Master Gardener from a typical backyard enthusiast: certification through the University of California Cooperative Extension and a commitment to sharing science-based, environmentally responsible gardening knowledge with the community. From answering questions on the Master Gardener helpline to organizing community classes and managing demonstration gardens like the Garden of the Sun, the program blends education, environmental stewardship, applied science, and volunteer service.

The conversation ranges widely—from soil health and composting to pollinator gardens, lawn culture in Fresno, and the philosophy of how much control we should exercise over our landscapes. Linda also weighs in during a rapid-fire “overrated vs. underrated” segment, tackling topics like front lawns, heirloom vegetables, rain barrels, artificial turf, and more.

Along the way, Jordan and Linda discuss how gardens shape a city’s identity, why green space matters for Fresno’s future, and how small decisions in our yards can affect water use, biodiversity, and the overall health of our community.

If you’ve ever wondered how to start gardening in Fresno—or how to do it better—this episode offers practical insights from someone helping lead one of the region’s most important gardening education programs.

Fresno Master Gardeners Website

Books: 

The Blind Assassin Margaret Atwood

The Sunset Western Garden Book Editors of Sunset Magazine

The Antidote: A Novel Karen Russell

On this episode of Fresno’s Best, Jordan Mattox sits down with Tai Chi instructor Francisco E. Alvarez to explore the discipline, philosophy, and lineage behind one of Fresno’s longstanding martial arts communities.

Inspired as a child by Bruce Lee’s appearance in The Green Hornet, Francisco began training in different martial arts, building a foundation of discipline that eventually led him toward the internal arts. In 1995, he began formal study at the Tai Chi Center of Fresno, later apprenticing and becoming an instructor. Today, he serves as President of the nonprofit and senior instructor, teaching the 37-movement Yang-style form of Professor Cheng Man-ch’ing with a commitment to preserving its integrity and lineage.

In this conversation, Jordan and Francisco discuss the difference between external and internal martial arts, the philosophy embedded within Tai Chi practice, and how traditional forms continue to shape modern lives here in Fresno. This episode is about patience, mastery, community, and the quiet power of long-term discipline.

Tai Chi Fresno Website

Books Recommended: 

Tao Te Ching Lao Tzu

T'ai Chi The Supreme Ultimate Excercise for Health, Sport and Self-Defense Cheng Man-ch'ing 

Today we’re talking about something that quietly shapes our daily lives in Fresno—our trees. From the ones lining our streets and shading our homes to the big, aging oaks that define entire neighborhoods, trees are one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of our city.

My guest today is Ian Ashby, a board-certified master arborist and consulting arborist based here in Fresno. Ian helps homeowners, cities, insurance companies, and even attorneys understand what’s actually happening with their trees—when they’re healthy, when they’re under stress, and when well-intentioned care can actually make things worse.

We talk about everything from hot pot restaurants and Ethiopian food to drought stress, pruning myths, urban canopy planning, soil compaction, mulching mistakes, and why Fresno’s trees so often suffer at the hands of bad trimming practices. If you’ve ever wondered why your tree looks sick, why topping is such a bad idea, or how Fresno could rethink its urban forest for a hotter future, this conversation is for you.

What does it really take to build community in Fresno — and why does alcohol sit at the center of so many of our public spaces?

On this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Evan, entrepreneur and founder of Grizzly Fest, to talk about food, festivals, sobriety, and the hidden structures that shape life in the city. Evan shares why The Mad Duck remains his go-to Fresno restaurant.

The conversation digs deep into the rise and fall of Grizzly Fest, the politics of noise complaints, downtown development, and why Fresno struggles to support long-term cultural projects. From there, the episode pivots to Evan’s current work with Grand Rising, a daytime, sober community event that blends music, movement, wellness, and social connection — and challenges the idea that alcohol is necessary for people to gather.

Along the way, Jordan and Evan explore:

Why younger generations are drinking less — and what that means for restaurants and events

The economics of alcohol, mocktails, and sober nightlife

Weed culture, potency, and the shift from “event” use to everyday ambient use

Overrated vs. underrated

Why Fresno may be leaving money — and cultural energy — on the table by making events so hard to produce

The episode closes with a look ahead to the next Grand Rising event and a reflection on what Fresno could become if it invested more seriously in public life, creativity, and inclusive community spaces.

What does “recovery” actually mean — and why does it matter so much for how we live, move, and age?

In this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Paris Gaines and Dr. Chris Telesmanic, Doctor of Physical Therapy, from Recover Lab — a Fresno-based recovery and wellness studio focused on personalized, evidence-informed approaches to healing and longevity.

The conversation explores the difference between active and passive recovery, why modern medicine often struggles to individualize care, and how modalities like assisted stretching, infrared saunas, cold plunges, red light therapy, and mobility work fit into a broader picture of health. Dr. Telesmanic breaks down what’s actually happening in the body during inflammation, soreness, and recovery — and why blunting symptoms without understanding them can sometimes do more harm than good.

Jordan also presses on bigger questions: youth sports specialization, injury prevention, flexibility, longevity, and how Fresno schools and communities could better support health through movement and education. Along the way, the group dives into cold plunge science, sauna benefits, sleep, diet, and the psychology of discomfort — plus a rapid-fire “overrated vs. underrated” segment covering everything from hot yoga and sensory deprivation tanks to Fresno pizza and NFL running backs.

This episode is a thoughtful, grounded look at recovery not as a luxury, but as a foundation for a longer, healthier, and more functional life — right here in Fresno.

Recover Lab Website

In this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Luke Hoekstra, Executive Director of the Kings River Land Trust, for a wide-ranging conversation about one of the Central Valley’s most important—and most misunderstood—natural resources. Luke shares his favorite Fresno restaurants, then dives into the true nature of the Kings River: its volatile flows, its complex system of forks and irrigation diversions, and how the river once supported salmon runs all the way to the Pacific. Jordan and Luke unpack flood risks, groundwater recharge, and why river strainers and spring runoff make the Kings so dangerous. From there, they explore what land trusts actually do, how conservation easements work, and why protecting farmland, ranchland, and riparian habitat matters for the region’s long-term environmental and economic health. The conversation also touches on recreation, environmental psychology, balancing human needs with ecological stewardship, the politics of California water, and the practical challenges of restoring rivers in a changing climate. Luke closes with insights into the Kings River Land Trust’s vision, an update on recent conservation projects, and some favorite books and hiking spots.

Donate to Kings River Land Trust

In this episode of Fresno’s Best, Jordan talks with Christopher, owner of the soon-to-open We Rock the Spectrum inclusive sensory gym in Clovis, beginning with a tour of Fresno’s Filipino food scene—including food-truck favorites and the eternal question of when Fresno will finally get a Jollibee—before diving into what makes an inclusive gym truly inclusive. Christopher explains how his experience raising two children on the autism spectrum motivated him to bring this franchise to the Central Valley, and he describes how sensory-friendly equipment, child-directed play, calming spaces, and a philosophy of belonging shape every decision he’s making as the gym prepares to open. Jordan and Christopher explore some of the biggest questions facing families of kids with disabilities, including balancing structure and freedom, navigating overstimulation, understanding risk, creating opportunities for social connection, and partnering with schools and therapists. Christopher also offers insights on why Fresno needs more inclusive public parks, how “play with purpose” differs from therapy-led play, what parents should expect during a visit, and ways the gym keeps pricing competitive to remain accessible.

In this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox talks with Robert Scott, President of the Fresno Cactus and Succulent Society and Caltrans environmental specialist, about the surprising richness of succulents and cacti in the Central Valley. Scott explains how his environmental work informs his love of plants, shares practical tips on caring for and propagating succulents, and discusses the ethics of collecting, the debate over hybrids, and the importance of drought-tolerant landscaping in California. Together, they explore how Fresno’s plant enthusiasts are cultivating both sustainability and community.

Fresno Cactus and Succulent Society Website

In this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Mona Cummings, CEO and Director of Tree Fresno. Mona shares her fascinating journey from serving in the Peace Corps on islands off the coast of Africa to leading international forestry projects in Mozambique, and how those experiences shaped her approach to community work in Fresno. The conversation dives into the role of trees in urban life—from cooling neighborhoods and improving air quality to the deep inequities reflected in canopy cover across the city. Along the way, Mona reflects on the power of storytelling and data in nonprofit fundraising, the cultural meanings of trees, and the importance of engaging communities in building greener, healthier neighborhoods. Whether you’re passionate about the environment, local equity, or just love Fresno, this episode will leave you looking at the city’s trees in a whole new way.

In this episode, Jordan sits down with Jordyn Houseworth, the creative force behind Love On Tap, a unique singles experience bringing speed dating to breweries and venues across California. They dive into the ins and outs of modern romance—how dating apps are changing the game, why in-person connection still matters, and what it takes to organize a successful speed dating event in today’s world.

Book Recommendation: 

I'm Glad My Mom Died Jennette McCurdy