If People Only Knew with Anna Matson

#41 - Peninsula Township Part 2: Farmers are our Only Hope

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 Lawsuit 07:04 - Amendment 201: Things get Worse 10:47 - Township Prevented Garry from Opening his Winery 19:01 - Permanent Deed Restriction Raises Questions 25:04 - Does Peninsula Township have a Shadow Government? 37:56 - An Alleged Shell Organization 42:10 - What this is Costing Residents 54:08 - Farmers are Preventing Major Development 01:07:12 - What’s Next? If you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.com [http://annamatson.com] Follow me on: X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9W [https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9W] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr# [https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#] Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatson [https://substack.com/@annarmatson] Disclaimer - 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.

#40 - Peninsula Township Part 1: The 49 Million Dollar Verdict

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 Township 08:44 - Interview with Winery Owner Chris Baldyga 14:10 - Purchasing a Farm 20:28 - The Process of Build the Winery 23:15 - Things go South  45:07 - No Other Option but to Sue 1:00:34 - Operations After the $49 Million Verdict 1:13:44 - What the Federal Judge Found 2 Lads Winery https://www.2lwinery.com/ [https://www.2lwinery.com/] If you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.com [http://annamatson.com] Follow me on: X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9W [https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9W] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr# [https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#] Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatson [https://substack.com/@annarmatson] Disclaimer - 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.

#39 - Anna Matson: Records Speak Louder Than Words - How to Find What the Government Won’t Tell You

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 Expert 11:38 - Freedom of Information Act 23:44 - How Government Agencies Hide Records 26:58 - How to Fight Back 33:22 - Who can you Request Records From 35:55 - How to do a FOIA 43:08 - Open Meetings Act 49:01 - Violations of the Open Meetings Act Quick Links: Public Records Laws in Your State: https://substack.com/home/post/p-185752957 [https://substack.com/home/post/p-185752957] Censorship by Invoice: https://freedom.press/issues/censorship-by-invoice-public-records-cost-164000-in-michigan-township/ [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.com [http://annamatson.com] Follow me on: X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9W [https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9W] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr# [https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#] Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatson [https://substack.com/@annarmatson] Disclaimer - 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.

#38 - Dr. Christian Bogner: Autism can be Treated

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. Bogner https://www.drbognerhealth.com/ [https://www.drbognerhealth.com/] Timestamps  1:35 - About Dr. Bogner 04:54 - Switching Specialties from OB to Autism 12:12 - What is Autism? 19:36 - Is Autism Genetic? 35:26 - Breakthrough Autism Research 45:58 - Treatment for Autism If you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.com [http://annamatson.com] Follow me on: X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9W [https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9W] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr# [https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#] Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatson [https://substack.com/@annarmatson] Disclaimer - 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.

#37 - Anna Matson: Live FOIA Story

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 FOIA 11:58 - How to File a Request 20:19 - New FOIA Lawsuit 34:21 - New Federal Lawsuit 41:03 - Q and A If you are interested in being on the show, apply at annamatson.com [http://annamatson.com] Follow me on: X: https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9W [https://x.com/annarmatson?s=21&t=c1WbKT4scuv0D3LsuD9W] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@annarmatson?_t=ZT-8t7ZrjOZWCw&_r=1] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr# [https://www.instagram.com/annarmatson/?igsh=MXBkcWdxNXRhcDYydA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#] Substack: https://substack.com/@annarmatson [https://substack.com/@annarmatson] Disclaimer - 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.