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 changes and veteran tax breaks, GOP legislators Sen. Titus and Rep. Bloom recap the session.

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 safe space for those who need it. Hagemeister speaks on food insecurity and poverty, struggles which are more pervasive in the Manhattan area than it might seem.

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 talent at Stormont Vail. Reflecting on the pandemic and providing insight into the current healthcare professional shortage, Dean has a unique perspective on her industry.

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 industry trends on a local, national and global scale.

McCownGordon aims to preempt volatility in the construction industry, handling its constant changes proactively. The trio share insight on tariffs, labor shortages and technological advances.

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 dialogue between generations and communities.

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 Special Olympics Kansas, Andrist is inspired by children's confidence and willingness to share their stories. 'Becoming Confident' highlights the importance of self-acceptance and believing in one's own abilities.

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 chatbook, and have the opportunity to share it at a group reading. Brimhall and Peterson aim to bring together local artists by making interdisciplinary connections, joining the visual and literary arts.

April is National Poetry Month.

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."