The Hatch Podcast

Inside Hatch: Conversations from 2025 — Innovation, Health, Business, and Culture on the Gulf Coast

The Hatch Podcast Network Episode 28

What does innovation actually look like on the Gulf Coast and across lower Alabama?

In this episode of the Hatch Podcast, we’re taking a look back at some of the conversations that shaped 2025. Rather than a highlight reel, this episode offers a snapshot of the kinds of discussions we’ve been having on the show, across business, bioscience, healthcare, development, and the creative economy.

These conversations come from different industries and perspectives, but they share a common thread: people doing thoughtful, often difficult work in the places they’ve chosen to build.

Featured conversations include:

Michael Lynch — CHONEX
Michael shares how CHONEX is using biology and process to turn agricultural waste into something useful, with implications for soil health and sustainable systems. His conversation offers a grounded look at what innovation actually looks like when it’s hands-on and operational.
🔗 https://www.chonex.ag

Chris Harber — Simparo Surgical
Chris talks about identifying inefficiencies in common surgical procedures and rethinking how those procedures can be done more reliably and consistently. The conversation focuses on practical medtech innovation and improving outcomes through better design.
🔗 https://simparosurgical.com

Dr. Grant Zarzour — Sperity Health
Grant discusses prevention, longevity, and why healthcare needs to start long before someone becomes a patient. His perspective reframes health around risk, time, and quality of life rather than reactive treatment.
🔗 https://www.sperityhealth.com

68 Ventures — Around the Table
In a wide-ranging conversation, the team at 68 Ventures reflects on failure, resilience, and what it actually takes to build teams and organizations over the long term. The discussion emphasizes patience, perspective, and learning through experience.
🔗 https://www.68ventures.com

Susan Godwin — Music Accelerator (119 Collective at Hatch)
Susan breaks down music publishing, licensing, and ownership, explaining why so many artists misunderstand how publishing works and why education is critical. Her conversation highlights the importance of protecting creative work and building sustainable careers in the music industry.
🔗 https://119collective.hatchfairhope.com

This episode is designed as an entry point, a way to understand what kinds of conversations happen on the Hatch Podcast and why they matter.

There’s a lot more coming in 2026, and we’re glad you’re here.

About The Hatch Podcast

At the intersection of innovation, creativity, and community — The Hatch Podcast shares stories from founders, scientists, and artists shaping the future of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

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🔗 Learn more: hatchfairhope.com

📩 Contact: team@hatchfairhope.com

Produced by Tim Scott for The Hatch Podcast Network.