Stories of innovation and entrepreneurship in South Alabama
In this second conversation with Susan Fontaine Godwin, we go deeper into the business of songwriting — from co-writing splits to performance rights, mechanical royalties, and how to protect your work in the streaming age.
Susan, founder of Christian Copyright Solutions and a pioneer in publishing administration, joins host Chris Estes to unpack what every indie songwriter should know about contracts, PROs, and revenue streams — and why protecting your creative work is just as important as creating it.
👉 Apply now for the Hatch Music Accelerator: 119collective.hatchfairhope.com
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Key Episode Highlights:
Quotes:
“Publishing really comes down to three things: protect, collect, and promote.”
“If you’re co-writing, document your splits early. The conversation you skip now can become the argument you have later.”
“The song and the sound recording are two different copyrights — and two different revenue streams.”
“Don’t just check the box and move on. Know what you’re signing, what you’re giving up, and what you’re keeping.”
With over three decades of experience in publishing, licensing, and songwriter advocacy, Susan Fontaine Godwin has seen the music industry from the inside out. From launching the publishing department at Integrity Music to founding Christian Copyright Solutions, Susan has been at the forefront of protecting songwriters’ rights and ensuring artists get paid fairly.
In this episode of The Hatch Podcast: Music Accelerator, host Chris Estes sits down with Susan to unpack her journey, the evolution of music publishing, and the lessons indie artists need to know about copyright, licensing, and revenue collection.
👉 Apply now for the Hatch Music Accelerator: 119collective.hatchfairhope.com
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Key Episode Highlights
With 119,000 songs uploaded every day, how do you write something that cuts through the noise?
In this episode of The Hatch Podcast: Music Accelerator, host Chris Estes and Hatch director Keith Glines dive deep into the art and business of songwriting — the foundation of every music career. From the creative process to the essential business fundamentals, they share how independent artists can refine songs that don’t just get heard, but truly get remembered. You’ll learn why consistency beats chasing one hit, how to use the “two or three sleeps” rule to improve your work, and the business steps that protect your songs and royalties for years to come.
👉 Apply now for the Hatch Music Accelerator: 119collective.hatchfairhope.com
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Key Episode Highlights:
The Chris Estes Songwriting Philosophy:
“There’s no bad songs — they’re just not finished.”
The magic happens in that last 10–20% of development, where good songs become great songs.
The Three Critical Tests for Song Completion:
Episode Quotes:
Resources and Links:
Did you know some of the most iconic songs in American music were written by Alabama songwriters? From Hank Williams Sr. in Montgomery to Lionel Richie in Tuskegee, from the Muscle Shoals sound to Jimmy Buffett on the Gulf Coast — Alabama’s storytellers have shaped music across every genre.
In this episode of The Hatch Podcast: Music Accelerator, we feature Alabama-born hit songwriter Jamey Johnson. Jamey opens up about writing his Grammy-winning song “In Color,” the struggles that fueled That Lonesome Song, and the tough decision to include “High Cost of Living” on the record.
Narrated by Tim Scott — Hatch podcast producer, Alabama native, and 25-year music industry veteran — the episode traces Alabama’s deep songwriting tradition and connects Jamey’s story to the larger history of the state’s music.
You’ll hear about:
👉 To learn more about the Hatch Music Accelerator — and how we’re supporting Alabama music and mentoring new artists — visit 119collective.hatchfairhope.com.
What does it really take to launch a music career today?
In this very first episode of The Hatch Podcast: Music Accelerator, host Chris Estes and Hatch director Keith Glines pull back the curtain on a brand-new program designed to help independent artists in Alabama navigate the modern music business. Over 12 weeks, artists will write, collaborate, record, and walk away with a fully produced song — plus the marketing and business tools to sustain a real career in today’s streaming economy.
👉 Apply now for the Hatch Music Accelerator: 119collective.hatchfairhope.com
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Episode highlights:
Resources and links:
About the show:
The Hatch Podcast: Music Accelerator is your inside track on building a music career today. From songwriting and production to distribution and marketing, each episode features the insights, mentors, and real-world tools artists need to turn creativity into momentum.
How can innovation in medical sterilization improve patient safety and protect the environment? Join us on The Hatch Podcast as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Michelle Scott, CEO and founder of Gulf Sterilization. With a background in speech pathology, Michelle transitioned into the medical device industry to address critical supply chain challenges and environmental concerns. Learn how her company is revolutionizing sterilization with chlorine dioxide, offering a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional methods. This episode explores her entrepreneurial journey, the future of biotech in South Alabama, and the impact of innovation on healthcare and sustainability.
What You Will Learn
Key Topics Discussed
Show Resources and Links
Key Quotes
Conclusion
Michelle Scott’s journey from speech pathology to founding Gulf Sterilization is a testament to the power of innovation and problem-solving in healthcare. By addressing critical gaps in the medical device supply chain and prioritizing sustainability, Gulf Sterilization is paving the way for safer patient care and a healthier environment. This episode also highlights South Alabama’s growing role as a biotech hub, with events like the Biotech Innovation Summit fostering collaboration and growth. Tune in to discover how one entrepreneur’s vision is transforming an industry and inspiring a region.
What does it take to build a thriving tech ecosystem? Join the Hatch Podcast as we sit down with Charles Jackson, Innovation Development Manager at Alabama Power and a key figure in the Techstars Alabama Energy Tech Accelerator. From his Air Force service to shaping Alabama’s startup landscape, Charles shares insights on fostering innovation, supporting energy tech founders, and driving economic growth. Explore how corporate partnerships and intentional strategies are energizing industries and creating opportunities across Alabama.
What You Will Learn
Key Topics Discussed
Show Resources and Links
Sponsor Spotlight
Quotes
Conclusion
In this episode, Charles Jackson reveals how Alabama Power is fueling innovation and economic growth through strategic partnerships and the Techstars Alabama Energy Tech Accelerator. From supporting cutting-edge startups to expanding innovation into rural communities, his insights highlight the power of collaboration and customer-focused strategies. Tune in to learn how Alabama is becoming a hub for tech innovation, and share this episode with aspiring founders or anyone interested in the future of energy tech.
How is South Alabama shaping the future of its workforce? Join Dr. Josh Duplantis, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at Coastal Alabama Community College, on the Hatch Podcast as he unveils the strategies driving economic growth and workforce innovation in the Gulf Coast region. From pioneering apprenticeships to launching biotech programs, discover how Baldwin County is diversifying its economy and preparing the next generation for high-demand careers. Tune in for insights on bridging education and industry to build a stable, thriving regional economy.
What You Will Learn
Key Topics Discussed
Show Resources and Links
Notable Quotes
Dr. Josh Duplantis paints an inspiring picture of South Alabama’s economic transformation, emphasizing the power of collaboration, education, and diversification. From apprenticeships to biotech innovation, Coastal Alabama Community College is at the forefront of preparing a skilled workforce for a dynamic future. Whether you’re a student, educator, or industry leader, this episode offers actionable insights into building a thriving regional economy. Don’t miss the Biotech Innovation Summit to see these ideas in action and join the conversation shaping South Alabama’s future.
How can innovative thinking in medicine redefine patient care and recovery?
In this episode of The Hatch Podcast, part of our Medical Innovation Series (Season 1), we explore cutting-edge advancements in orthopedic surgery with Dr. Dan Matthews, an accomplished surgeon, Air Force veteran, and medical entrepreneur. Dr. Matthews discusses the development of the MACB Introducer—a revolutionary device that reduces opioid use and accelerates recovery for knee replacement patients.
Through candid insights into his career and the challenges of medical entrepreneurship, Dr. Matthews explains how innovation, patient-centered solutions, and determination can transform healthcare. Whether you're in the medical field or simply interested in breakthroughs that enhance lives, this episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of technology and care.
What You’ll Learn:
Quotes:
Sources and Links:
Conclusion:
Dr. Dan Matthews exemplifies the spirit of innovation, turning challenges into opportunities to enhance patient care. His story offers valuable lessons for aspiring medical entrepreneurs and highlights the power of collaboration and persistence in bringing impactful solutions to life. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes where innovation takes center stage.
This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast. Dive into the groundbreaking world of gene therapy with Chris Lucas, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of DNA Nanobots, on this episode of The Hatch Podcast. Learn how this biotech startup is leveraging DNA nanotechnology to transform drug delivery, reduce side effects, and make treatments more accessible. Discover their journey from Ohio State University labs to partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies. Tune in for insights on the future of non-viral gene therapy, challenges in biotech innovation, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
What You’ll Learn:
Quotes:
Sources and Links:
Conclusion:
Chris Lucas and his team at DNA Nanobots are revolutionizing gene therapy with non-viral, targeted solutions. Their innovative approach promises to reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and make gene therapy accessible for rare diseases and beyond. Stay tuned for updates as they continue to break new ground in biotech innovation.
What if you could transform the lives of millions by making health management not just simpler, but also smarter?
This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast, where we explore groundbreaking advancements and stories from leaders driving. We are excited to host Hashem Aliedeh, the visionary founder of Avicenna Diagnostics. Driven by a passion to combat the global diabetes crisis, Hashem shares his journey from a practicing medical doctor to an innovator in the field of glucose monitoring, focusing on the most vulnerable segment—seniors. With a staggering 530 million people grappling with diabetes worldwide, Hashem’s insights into how Avicenna’s advanced glucose meters and intuitive software are setting a new standard for clinical outcomes among adults aged 60 and above are not to be missed.
In our conversation, Hashem discusses the strategic pivot to focus on elderly diabetics, whose unique challenges are often overlooked. He opens up about the technological and financial hurdles faced in developing medical sensors and how Avicenna’s solutions prioritize data quality and contextual insights, pushing the boundaries of diabetes management. Beyond the technicalities, we explore the rewarding essence of entrepreneurship and the power of unwavering commitment to one’s vision. For those inspired to embark on their own innovative journeys, Hashem generously shares invaluable advice based on his personal experiences and highlights the importance of perseverance. Join us for an enlightening session that promises to inspire and inform.
This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast.
Dive into the future of drug discovery with Caley Anderson, Business Development Director at Collaborative Drug Discovery, in this episode of The Hatch Podcast. Discover how CDD Vault is transforming scientific research, swapping outdated paper notebooks and spreadsheets for a cutting-edge, secure SaaS platform that drives real-time global collaboration. Caley unveils how CDD Vault is breaking down data silos and accelerating innovation, enabling scientists to register entities, perform complex multi-query searches, visualize data dynamically, and leverage AI to enhance analysis—all in one robust system.
With a legacy of 20 years and partnerships with leading organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the NIH, Collaborative Drug Discovery has become a force in advancing research for rare and neglected diseases. Caley shares her journey from the healthcare business world to pioneering breakthroughs in drug development, underscoring the transformative impact of CDD Vault on researchers worldwide.
Join us for a compelling look at the future of scientific collaboration, data management, and innovation.
What if a technology could transform surgical precision while protecting doctors from harmful radiation?
This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast. Join us as we explore this groundbreaking innovation with Ryan DeBoer, CEO of the Shape Sensing Company. Our latest episode is your gateway to understanding how 3D guidance systems, rooted in NASA's strain measurement technology, are revolutionizing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Ryan shares his journey from medical device commercialization to pioneering a new era in minimally invasive surgeries, where accuracy and safety are at the forefront. With over 2.8 million procedures potentially benefiting from this advancement, this episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the future of medical technology.
What happens when the discipline of a military career meets the world of innovative sleep technology?
This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast, where we explore groundbreaking advancements and stories from leaders driving the future of healthcare and technology.Join us as we sit down with former Air Force intelligence officer Conner Herman. Conner shares her extraordinary journey from post-9/11 operations to founding Percy, a startup revolutionizing sleep care for individuals with autism. Her transition was fueled by her personal battle with postpartum depression and a profound understanding of the crucial role sleep plays in overall health. Her story is one of resilience and innovation, proving that military precision and personal challenges can lead to groundbreaking solutions in sleep care.
Discover how severe burnout and a grand mal seizure led Conner to study behavioral psychology and uncover the science behind sleep behaviors. This understanding has been instrumental in creating Percy, an AI-driven solution designed to implement effective sleep interventions without medication. We also explore the transformative support of the Hatch Powered by Bessel program, which has been pivotal in advancing Percy’s mission. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone fascinated by medical innovations and their real-world impact.
Key Topics Covered:
- Conner Herman’s journey from Air Force intelligence officer to health tech entrepreneur
- The impact of personal health challenges on professional direction
- The science behind sleep behaviors and the importance of sleep in overall health
- How Percy is revolutionizing sleep care for individuals with autism using AI technology
- Overcoming challenges in developing non-pharmaceutical sleep interventions
- The role of the Hatch Powered by Bessel program in supporting Percy’s mission
- Insights into behavioral psychology and its application in sleep technology
Guest Bio:
Conner Herman is the founder of Percy, a startup dedicated to revolutionizing sleep care for individuals with autism through AI-driven solutions. A former Air Force intelligence officer, Conner's personal experiences with severe burnout and health challenges led her to study behavioral psychology and focus on the science of sleep behaviors. Her work combines military precision with innovative technology to improve patient outcomes without the use of medication.
Links & Resources:
- Learn more about Percy at www.percysleep.com
- Connect with Conner Herman on LinkedIn: Conner Herman
- Learn more about the Hatch Powered by Bessel program: www.hatchfairhope.com
Join the Conversation:
Follow Hatch Fairhope on social media for updates, and subscribe to the Hatch Podcast for more inspiring conversations with innovators pushing the boundaries of technology and healthcare.
Subscribe & Listen:
https://www.hatchfairhope.com/podcast
Revolutionizing Orthopaedic Care: A Conversation with Greg Parranto, CEO of Endeavor Orthopaedics
Episode Description:
Curious about the revolutionary advancements in orthopaedic care?
This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast, where we explore groundbreaking advancements and stories from leaders driving the future of healthcare and technology. Join us as we sit down with Greg Parranto, CEO of Endeavor Orthopaedics, to hear his fascinating journey from Army combat engineer officer to a pivotal player in the medical device industry. Greg shares how his passion for innovation and commitment to improving patient outcomes led him to spearhead Endeavor's mission of tackling complex bone fractures with state-of-the-art solutions.
Greg dives into the cutting-edge technology that sets Endeavor Orthopaedics apart, especially their unique approach to treating avulsion fractures. Learn about Dr. Brent Norris's groundbreaking solutions for effective soft tissue management and how they’re transforming patient care. Greg also discusses the hurdles faced in bringing these pioneering products to market and offers a glimpse into the future of orthopaedic treatments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in medical innovations and their real-world impact.
Key Topics Covered:
- Greg Parranto’s transition from Army combat engineer to CEO of Endeavor Orthopaedics
- The revolutionary technology behind avulsion fracture treatments
- Insights into soft tissue management and how it's changing orthopaedic care
- Overcoming challenges in bringing medical innovations to market
- The future of orthopaedic treatment and innovation
- Dr. Brent Norris’s contributions to orthopaedics and patient care
- The mission and impact of Endeavor Orthopaedics in the medical field
Guest Bio:
Greg Parranto is the CEO of Endeavor Orthopaedics, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the treatment of complex bone fractures through innovative medical devices. With a background as an Army combat engineer officer and over a decade of experience in the medical device industry, Greg is passionate about advancing orthopaedic care and improving patient outcomes.
Links & Resources:
- Learn more about Endeavor Orthopaedics at www.endeavorortho.com.
- Connect with Greg Parranto on LinkedIn: Greg Parranto
Join the Conversation:
Follow Hatch Fairhope on social media for updates, and subscribe to the Hatch Podcast for more conversations with innovators pushing the boundaries of technology and healthcare.
Subscribe & Listen:
https://www.hatchfairhope.com/podcast
Hatch Podcast Show Notes: Episode #1
Episode Title:
Medical Innovation & Startups: A Conversation with Chris Danek, Founder of Bessel
Episode Description:
This episode is part of the Medical Innovation Series, Season 1 of The Hatch Podcast, where we explore groundbreaking advancements and stories from leaders driving the future of healthcare and technology.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of medical innovation and startups with Chris Danek, the founder of Bessel. Chris shares his extensive experience in life sciences, his journey from engineer to entrepreneur, and how Bessel is helping startups navigate the complex road from concept to commercialization.
Chris discusses the Hatch Fairhope Accelerator, Powered by Bessel, which recently launched its first cohort. He explains the fundamentals of starting a company, the importance of accelerators, and the impact startups can have on healthcare. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with insights into medical technology, innovation, and the future of healthcare.
Key Topics Covered:
- The role of startups in addressing big healthcare problems
- What accelerators do for startups and what a cohort is
- Chris Danik’s journey from R&D engineer to founding Bessel
- Success stories of medical innovations, including companies like AtherMed
- The Hatch Fairhope Accelerator, powered by Bessel, and its impact on the Gulf Coast region
- The importance of community and collaboration in the entrepreneurial journey
- Highlights from the Powered by Bessel curriculum: fundraising, technology strategy, and the Bessel Rapid Innovation Framework
- The future of Bessel and its mission to improve millions of lives through innovation
Guest Bio:
Chris Danek is the founder of Bessel, a company focused on turning breakthrough medical ideas into successful innovations. With over 20 years of experience in the life sciences and a passion for guiding startups, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge in commercializing medical devices and advancing healthcare technology.
Links & Resources:
- Learn more about Bessel at www.bessel.co
- Connect with Chris Danek on LinkedIn: Chris Danek (https://www.linkedin.com)
- Learn more about Hatch Fairhope and the accelerator program: www.hatchfairhope.com
Join the Conversation:
Follow Hatch Fairhope on social media for updates, and subscribe to the Hatch Podcast for more inspiring conversations with innovators pushing the boundaries of technology and entrepreneurship!
Subscribe & Listen: https://www.hatchfairhope.com/podcast