If People Only Knew with Anna Matson

If People Only Knew that farmers the only ones preventing major developments like wind farms, solar farms, data centers, and high density housing. In part two of this investigation into Peninsula Township and the ongoing winery lawsuit, I explore a question at the center of the peninsula debate: what actually happens when farmers can no longer afford to farm?Across the country, small farms are disappearing, and many farmers are turning to direct-to-consumer sales just to survive. Most farmers can’t survive just by growing grapes anymore, they’re trying to sell their products directly to visitors in order to keep their land profitable and preserve it from major development. They often sell their grapes in the form of wine - at wineries. But while Peninsula Township says it wants to protect agriculture and preserve the beauty of the peninsula, farmers I talked to argue that new ordinances and zoning restrictions are doing the opposite. From rising acreage requirements to years-long permitting battles, many say the township has created hurdles that only wealthy landowners can overcome.Policies meant to “protect” the peninsula may actually be accelerating the very thing many residents fear most: the loss of farmland and the spread of subdivisions and large-scale development.Timestamps 02:31 - Aftermath of the Winery Lawsuit07:04 - Amendment 201: Things get Worse10:47 - Township Prevented Garry from Opening his Winery19:01 - Permanent Deed Restriction Raises Questions25:04 - Does Peninsula Township have a Shadow Government?37:56 - An Alleged Shell Organization42:10 - What this is Costing Residents54:08 - Farmers are Preventing Major Development01:07:12 - What’s Next?If you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.comFollow me on:X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9WTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatsonDisclaimer - The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and/or the guest(s) only. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners should independently verify information.

If People Only Knew that Peninsula Township has imposed unconstitutional ordinances on their 11 winery owners over the course of several decades.The wineries ultimately sued which resulted in a five year, 49 million dollar lawsuit. But even after all of that, not much has changed.I sit down with Chris Baldyga, owner 2 Lads Winery, to talk about his experience that led to the decision to sue. Peninsula Township claims the wineries have not been transparent, but Chris paints a very different picture. Timestamps 01:58 - About Peninsula Township08:44 - Interview with Winery Owner Chris Baldyga14:10 - Purchasing a Farm20:28 - The Process of Build the Winery23:15 - Things go South 45:07 - No Other Option but to Sue1:00:34 - Operations After the $49 Million Verdict1:13:44 - What the Federal Judge Found2 Lads Wineryhttps://www.2lwinery.com/If you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.comFollow me on:X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9WTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatsonDisclaimer - The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and/or the guest(s) only. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners should independently verify information.

If People Only Knew that each state has laws that force the government to be transparent - but these laws mean nothing unless they are enforced. That’s where you come in. Use these laws to see how government agencies are spending your money, what they are doing with their time, and if they are working for the people. In this episode I explain how I became an expert in this area, how public records laws work, how to request records, and what open meetings laws are. Most importantly, I explain how you can fight back against corrupt government bodies. Timestamps 01:35 - How I Became an Expert11:38 - Freedom of Information Act23:44 - How Government Agencies Hide Records26:58 - How to Fight Back33:22 - Who can you Request Records From35:55 - How to do a FOIA43:08 - Open Meetings Act49:01 - Violations of the Open Meetings ActQuick Links:Public Records Laws in Your State: https://substack.com/home/post/p-185752957Censorship by Invoice: https://freedom.press/issues/censorship-by-invoice-public-records-cost-164000-in-michigan-township/If you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.comFollow me on:X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9WTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatsonDisclaimer - The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and/or the guest(s) only. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners should independently verify information.

If People Only Knew that there are treatments for autism being discovered. While many are looking to prevent autism, there are millions who need treatment today. Dr. Christian Bogner is a functional medicine practitioner with over 17 years of experience bridging traditional and integrative care. Board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, his work took a deeply personal turn after his son was diagnosed with autism.Through his practice, he helps patients better understand their bodies and take control of complex conditions by addressing underlying imbalances rather than just symptoms.Find Dr. Bognerhttps://www.drbognerhealth.com/Timestamps 1:35 - About Dr. Bogner04:54 - Switching Specialties from OB to Autism12:12 - What is Autism?19:36 - Is Autism Genetic?35:26 - Breakthrough Autism Research45:58 - Treatment for AutismIf you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.comFollow me on:X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9WTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatsonDisclaimer - The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and/or the guest(s) only. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners should independently verify information.

Over the years, I have spoken out over local government corruption - especially when it comes to transparency. I was invited to speak at a MAJ conference to discuss my story with my own local government and to give helpful tools to the attorneys about the Freedom of Information Act. Provided is my full live speech. Timestamps 06:33 - My Very First FOIA11:58 - How to File a Request20:19 - New FOIA Lawsuit34:21 - New Federal Lawsuit41:03 - Q and AIf you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.comFollow me on:X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9WTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatsonDisclaimer - The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and/or the guest(s) only. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners should independently verify information.

I know I know, the dose makes the poison with fluoride. But did you know that we don’t just get fluoride from our water? It is also in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the formula given to babies, and already in dental products.Years of research ignored the health effects of fluoride on the entire body - until recently. But now fluoride has become a way of life.People have come to believe that fluoride prevents cavities without considering why cavities form in the first place. The answers are all found in the industries that have profited off of water fluoridation. Timestamps 02:53 - RFK JR on Theo Von04:03 - How Fluoride was Found10:26 - Where does Fluoride Come From13:06 - What does the Science Say?18:46 - Fluoride Effects on the Environment19:54 - Toxic Levels of Fluoride22:41 - Is Fluoride Needed to Prevent Cavities?25:56 - So Now What?Substack on Fluoridehttps://substack.com/@annarmatson/note/p-188185905?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=2l83hrIf you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.comFollow me on:X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9WTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatsonDisclaimer - The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and/or the guest(s) only. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners should independently verify information.

Did you know the government actually mandates that our homes are full of toxic chemicals?The Flammable Fabrics Act was passed in 1953 to make children’s pajamas flame resistant. Today, the act has been amended to include most textiles in our home. Now we live in homes full of toxic flame retardants and synthetic fibers. It’s time we talked about this. Timestamps 01:40 - Flame Retardants in Children’s Pajamas06:12 - Whole Home Mandated to Have Toxins12:07 - How the Government Tests Flammability18:10 - U.S. Bans One Flame Retardant20:26 - 1996 Amendment25:03 - Different Fibers29:45 - Health Effects of Wearing Polyester33:47 - Miracle Properties of Wool37:02 - Now What?If you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.comFollow me on:X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9WTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatsonDisclaimer - The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and/or the guest(s) only. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners should independently verify information.

Larry Sharpe is a veteran, entrepreneur, and libertarian who's making his third run for Governor of New York in 2026. I asked him why he thinks he can win and what he wants to do for the state of New York.He's also the host of "The Sharpe Way," a popular podcast and radio program where he dives into policy debates, civil liberties, and solutions to government overreach.Timestamps 07:05 - Why Sharpe is Running for Governor18:58 - Why Visit New York22:20 Congestion Pricing34:10 - Creating a Sovereign Trust ? Education44:08 - Immigration59:44 - Crime / EnergyWhere to Find Larry Sharpe:larrysharpe.comIf you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.comFollow me on:X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9WTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatsonDisclaimer - The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and/or the guest(s) only. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners should independently verify information.h

I am on a mission to interview every candidate for Michigan Governor to give voters a place to get informed on their options. Nesbitt is a current Michigan Senator who is running to become governor so people can make it in Michigan. We discussed his background, Michigan’s declining education, medical freedom, farming, and more.Timestamps 02:05 - About Aric08:55 - Education in Michigan18:14 - School Safety24:18 - Medical Freedom37:18 - Pesticides46:08 - Government Transparency57:41 - EconomicsWhere to Find Aric Nesbitt:nesbittforgovernor.comIf you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.comFollow me on:X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9WTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatsonDisclaimer - The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and/or the guest(s) only. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners should independently verify information.

If People Only Knew the true cost of keeping people safe. I sat down with Fire Union President Matthew Sahr to talk about how fire departments cost more than money. Fire fighters are suffering with chronic health conditions and ptsd. The increase in property taxes can be traced back to private equity firms buying up all the fire and ambulance truck manufacturers. If you do not get anything else from this episode, I hope you at least stop into your local station, say thank you to your first responders, and wish them a Merry Christmas. The show will resume in the New Year!Timestamps 01:12 - About the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union03:19 - 100k FOIA from Grand Blanc Twp20:55 - ISO Ratings24:56 - What Do Fire Departments Do?27:55 - Negotiating Staffing with the Union37:40 - What is Ideal Staffing to Keep Residents Safe?42:04 - Toxins Throughout the Home46:49 - Declining Health of Firefighters 59:24 - Rising Property Taxes Because of Private Equity01:11:02 - If People Only KnewWhere to Find The Fire Union:Mpffu.orgIaff.orgMore on the Private Equity Takeover:https://substack.com/@annarmatson/note/p-176075487?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=2l83hrIf you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.comFollow me on:X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9WTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatsonDisclaimer - The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and/or the guest(s) only. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners should independently verify information.