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, 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

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.

Today, we have Stephen Wilson. Stephen is the President and CEO of the Fresno Philharmonic, a gem in our community, and is one of our city's biggest advocates for the arts. Stephen and I had a fantastic conversation covering classical music, of course, but also exploring the arts more broadly. Please enjoy!

Fresno Philharmonic's Website

Books:

Authority and Freedom: A Defense of the Arts Jed Perl

The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York Robert Caro

Middlemarch George Eliot

Today we have Crystal Uyeno and Nayantara Rodrigues on the show. They're the co-founders of Rooted Heart Yoga, a 200-hour, all-levels yoga teacher training located here in Fresno. Between these two amazing women, there is so much knowledge and perspective—not only about yoga, the body, and mental health, but also about the qualities of a good teacher and developing a business-minded approach to fitness.

Rooted Heart Yoga's Website

Today, we have Molly DeFrank on the show. Molly is a mom to six children and the author of two parenting books, Mothering Boys: 8 Things Your Son Needs From You Before He Turns 10, and Digital Detox: The Two-Week Tech Reset for Kids. Before children, Molly worked as a press aide to Governor Schwarzenegger.

Molly's Website

Books:

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness Jonathan Haidt

Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen