The Hutch Podcast

Conor Hutchison
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Welcome to The Hutch Podcast hosted by Conor Hutchison. The Hutch Podcast interviews highly successful and highly impactful members and alumni of the Iowa Community. For each episode, host, Conor Hutchison will interview some of the most widely known members of the Iowa Community and even some not-so-known members. We will dive into their stories; where did they come from? What was their time at the University of Iowa like? How did they become so successful? And what is their advice for you to chase your dreams and change the world? Sit back, relax, and dare to listen to some of the most inspiring stories to come out of your community.

Episodes

  1. The China Challenge: Insights from Congressman Zach Nunn on Competing Globally

    03/08/2024

    The China Challenge: Insights from Congressman Zach Nunn on Competing Globally

    On today's episode, we sit down with Congressman Zach Nunn. Congressman Nunn is currently in his first term serving Iowa's third congressional district. He is a 6th generation Iowan and grew up on his family's farm raising sheep, poultry, and growing row crops. As an intelligence officer, Zach served our country for almost two decades in the US Air Force. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Agriculture Committee in Congress. He is also a prominent member of the congressional executive commission on China. During today's episode, we dive further into our competition with China and how Iowans and the heartland can combat the intrusive actions of the PRC.  To learn more about Congressman Nunn go to his website and follow him on Instagram  Follow Me on Linkedin for more information about the show and our guest  Follow the show's Instagram HERE. For Information on the China Commission and its mission visit it HERE.  On today's episode, we cover: Congressman Nunn's background. What is the Congressional-Executive Commission on China? What is its purpose? Is an economic decoupling possible between the US and China? What might US-China cooperation look like in the future? Cyber Warfare with China. TikTok and other social media's role in this fight.   Check out and subscribe to my Substack for more information on episodes and guests:  https://conorhutchison.substack.com/

    22 min
  2. Mane Attractions: The Art and Business of Elite Hair Styling in Iowa City with Bobby Thompson

    03/07/2024

    Mane Attractions: The Art and Business of Elite Hair Styling in Iowa City with Bobby Thompson

    On today's episode, we sit down with Bobby Thompson, co-founder and owner of Thompson & Co Hair Salon. Bobby is a local entrepreneur in Iowa City and founded the popular hair salon with his wife Kayla back in 2015. Having gone to college here in Iowa City Bobby worked different service jobs around downtown before deciding to pursue his passion of making people feel great and confident about themselves. Today Thompson & Co has two locations in Iowa City and Coralville and is a popular destination for students and locals looking for premium cuts and services. Listen in as we go behind the scenes of his business, discussing the origins of the salon, its mission, and what makes it tick.   Check out Thompson & Co on their website Follow me on Linkedin for more updates on the show  Follow our Instagram In today's episode, we discuss:  1. Personal Journey Background and journey to the founding of the salon Career before Hairstyling.2. Thompson & Co Salon  How did Thompson & Co. come to be? Biggest challenges when starting the company. What do you look for when hiring a new stylist? In what ways do you guys foster your relationship with the local community?3. Career and Life Advice  How do you define success? How do you balance your career with your personal life? What does Bobby see as the greatest obstacle to success in his life? What has brought Bobby the most joy and happiness in life? Why?  Check out and subscribe to my Substack for more information on episodes and guests:  https://conorhutchison.substack.com/

    44 min
  3. Healthcare of the Future, Navigating Fundraising and Operating as a CEO, and Keys to Success with Jon Lensing

    02/21/2024

    Healthcare of the Future, Navigating Fundraising and Operating as a CEO, and Keys to Success with Jon Lensing

    Jon Lensing is the Co-founder and CEO of Openloop. OpenLoop is a Des Moines-based startup powering the telehealth industry from end-to-end solutions that streamline virtual care. After graduating from medical school at the University of Iowa, Jon and his co-founders started OpenLoop.  As the pandemic shocked the world OpenLoop found itself in a unique position to capitalize on the rapidly changing healthcare industry. Today, OpenLoop serves thousands of clients worldwide and continues to grow and expand operations to connect patients with medical professionals.  In this episode with Jon Lensing, we discuss:  1. Personal Journey and Founding of OpenLoop Jon's background and journey to founding OpenLoop. Current business model of OpenLoop. How do early founders build moats? 2. Telehealth Industry trends, size, competitors, and future What does the future of healthcare and telehealth look like? How close are we to the human-to-model healthcare interface? What will AI's effect on the industry look like? What is the relationship between telehealth and mental health look like? 3. Fundraising Lessons and Tips What to expect from Iowa VCs vs coastal investors. Do all VCs add value? How do you maintain the growth of the company while fundraising? Fundraising and acquisition strategies. Is it good to fundraise in a heavily regulated market? 4. Leadership Lessons  Biggest leadership lessons over the past 4 years. What is the core role of a CEO? What is the key to a motivated and talented workforce? What is the greatest piece of advice you've received as a founder?  Check out and subscribe to my Substack for more information on episodes and guests:  https://conorhutchison.substack.com/

    50 min
  4. Statecraft, Spying, and the Moral Dilemmas of Modern Espionage with James Olson

    01/29/2024

    Statecraft, Spying, and the Moral Dilemmas of Modern Espionage with James Olson

    Check out James Olson's books:  Fair Play: The Moral Dilemmas of Spying  To Catch A Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence  In this episode with James Olson, we discuss:  1. Personal Journey and Public Service: James' Background and how he was contacted by the CIA How did Jim get discovered by the CIA?2. Historical Roots of Intelligence:  What are the historical roots of intelligence and its uses in history?3. College Campuses and Higher Education in Espionage Operations:  How are the PRC and MSS infiltrating our higher education institutions in the US? How do we combat the intrusion of the Chinese government in education?Why should college students care about these operations? 4. Modern Intelligence Gathering and Operations:  What is the current state of US intelligence operations? What more should we be doing? What is the difference between the Chinese Intelligence and US intelligence operations? Will HUMINT always be essential to the mission? What should the relationship between the public and intelligence agencies look like moving forward? Is modern statecraft an Infinite or Finite game? 5. Fair Play: Moral Dilemmas of Spying  Deciphering what is moral and immoral in spying. Is intelligence a war weapon? Does it come under St. Thomas Aquinas' Just War Theory? Spying in historical philosophies and arguments. How did you ground yourself in your faith while undercover?   Check out and subscribe to my Substack for more information on episodes and guests:  https://conorhutchison.substack.com/

    1h 8m
  5. Inside the US Congress and Current Events with Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks

    11/16/2023

    Inside the US Congress and Current Events with Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks

    It was great to sit down with Congresswoman Miller-Meeks to discuss her journey and career prior to  Congress and to discuss her perspectives on recent events both in Congress and around the world. If you would like to learn more about Congresswoman Miller-Meeks you can head over to her website at https://millermeeks.house.gov/.  Follow us on Instagram @thehutchpodcast Some show notes:  Childhood and Background 01:15 Childhood and Background  08:00 Career in the military and achieving graduate degrees 11:15 Miller-meeks advice on how to take calculated risk 14:00 Meaning of leadership   Congressional Career and Legislative Priority  18:42 Winning her first election by only 6 votes 24:45 Just how hard is it to get a bill enacted into law in Congress?  28:35 Healthcare Policy Current State of US Congress 34:50 Recent Speaker election in House of Representatives 44:12 Leadership in the House Ukraine, Israel, and the United States role in the world  52:40  United States' role in Ukraine  1:00:00 Israel-Hamas and the Importance of Israel in the Middle East           Check out and subscribe to my Substack for more information on episodes and guests:  https://conorhutchison.substack.com/

    1h 7m
  6. Eric Engelmann on Venture Capital and the State of VC in Iowa

    11/03/2023

    Eric Engelmann on Venture Capital and the State of VC in Iowa

    Eric and I had a great discussion about Venture Capital in Iowa and the greater Midwest. From discussing Eric's journey as an entrepreneur to an investor as well as digging into his $22M fund ISA Ventures, Eric drops a ton of knowledge and advice for listeners! For more information about ISA Ventures, you can visit their website here: https://www.isaventures.com/ Follow us on Instagram @thehutchpodcast  To contact Conor you can send an email to hawktalkspodcast@gmail.com Here are some show notes:  Entrepreneurship Journey  01:25 Eric's journey to entrepreneurship  05:50 Founding Geonetric  07:50 Getting into investing  11:00 Why it's important to have an exit strategy as a founder ISA Ventures  12:50 What is Venture Capital?  15:00 Who are the LPs in ISA Ventures 18:25 Pros and Cons of sticking to only Iowa investments 20:30 What do you look for before investing in a company and team?  22:05 Analyzing market sizes of potential investments 24:13 ISA Ventures $22M fund model  29:26 Balancing risk and diversification on investments 32:30 What happens when a company has a liquidation event?  State of Iowa VC  35:15 Upcoming industries to look at in Iowa and the Midwest  37:25 Iowa Innovation  42:07 Do you need to be an expert in a specific industry?  46:45 Local groups helping bridge the gap between startups and VC  50:15 How does Iowa position itself for more outside VC investment?  Wrap Up Questions 52:15 How can students learn more about VC? 54:40 Books and Podcast that Eric recommends:  Built to Sell Radio Podcast 20VC by Harry Stebbings  Scaling People by Claire Johnson  Venture Deals by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson  Check out and subscribe to my Substack for more information on episodes and guests:  https://conorhutchison.substack.com/

    59 min
  7. Miss Iowa USA 2023 Grace Lynn Keller

    10/20/2023

    Miss Iowa USA 2023 Grace Lynn Keller

    It was great to sit down with Miss Iowa USA 2023, Grace Lynn Keller. Grace had some great stories about her time as a student and advice for listeners and young women looking to follow in her footsteps. If you would like to reach out to Grace be sure to find her on her social media platforms @missiowausa and @gracelynnkeller.  Some notes from the show:  02:00 Grace's time at Iowa  05:25 Start in pageantry competitions  09:00 Miss America vs Miss USA competitions  13:18 Breakdown of pageantry competitions 19:50 What it means to have a public image  23:55 Importance of being vulnerable and being yourself  26:00 Advice for younger women looking to go into pageantry 30:00 Representing Iowa's values and culture 32:45 2023 Miss USA competition  40:00 Read to Succeed Initiative  Books Grace recommends:  Confidence Code by Katty Kay  The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest  Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger  Anything Hemingway! (the best suggestion so far!) Follow us on Instagram @thehutchpodcast and visit our website www.hawktalkspodcast.com Thanks for listening!  Check out and subscribe to my Substack for more information on episodes and guests:  https://conorhutchison.substack.com/

    58 min
  8. Developing Yourself as a Leader with Mark Kaufman

    10/14/2023

    Developing Yourself as a Leader with Mark Kaufman

    It was great to hear about Mark's journey and his wisdom on leadership in your professional career and personal life.  Athletico's success as one of the largest physical therapy companies in the country is a true testament to Mark's leadership and the culture built at Atheltico. It was great talking with Mark about his company and life! Some notes from the show:  02:00 Mark's time at Iowa 09:30 Outpatient physical therapy and its need for improvement 14:20 Athletic Trainers vs Physical Therapy  19:30 Why relationships matter so much in the founding of a business  24:45 Why failure isn't an option 27:25 Developing confidence as a founder and leader 29:35 Importance of your personal network 34:18 How leadership roles change with the growth of your company 38:12 Keeping the best version of yourself 42:45 What it means to be a life long learner 48:00 Building your personal board of directors Books and Podcast Mark recommends:  How I Built This Podcast by Guy Raz Pour Your Heart Into It by Howard Schultz   Setting The Table by Danny Meyer  Follow us on Instagram @thehutchpodcast  Thanks for listening!    Check out and subscribe to my Substack for more information on episodes and guests:  https://conorhutchison.substack.com/

    1h 3m
  9. Steve Davis Founder and CEO of Bio::Neos

    10/10/2023

    Steve Davis Founder and CEO of Bio::Neos

    We're back with another great episode with a local entrepreneur Steve Davis! It was great to sit down with Steve and talk about his time at Iowa as well as his career and journey building his company Bio::Neos.  Here are some notes from the show: 01:05 Time at Iowa  09:15 Interest and passion for computer programming  14:40 Best ways to learn full-stack and web development  21:00 Start of Bio::Neos on campus  24:20 Bio::Neos  29:40 Integrating AI into our lives 35:40 The importance of side-hobbies 38:30 Wrap up  Books and Podcast Steve suggests:  Endurify Podcast by Mario Minnaert  Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark Winters  Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Series  For more information about Bio::Neos and Steve visit their website https://bioneos.com/ Follow us on Instagram @thehutchpodcast  Thanks for listening!      Check out and subscribe to my Substack for more information on episodes and guests:  https://conorhutchison.substack.com/

    47 min
  10. Matt Swift Founder and CEO of Big Grove Brewery

    09/28/2023

    Matt Swift Founder and CEO of Big Grove Brewery

    This is another great episode! Matt is a rockstar in the local Iowa community with all of his successful ventures. It was a pleasure to sit down with Matt and discuss his journey and advice for students and young professionals.  Here are some show notes from the episode:  01:30 Matt's background in Iowa  05:30 Matt's start in the restaurant business partnering up with his Mom 08:25 The start of Red's Alehouse and craft beer journey  11:40 Starting a craft brewery career out of a basement 13:20 The founding of Big Grove Brewery in Solon, IA  19:30 Scaling BGB  to one of the largest breweries in Iowa  21:30 Maintaining a positive culture and relentless hospitality while you're scaling your business 26:45 Determining what the concept is for new ventures 31: 20 The state of craft beer in Iowa and the Midwest 38:00 Career and life advice for college students   39:42 Books and podcast Matt recommends:  Atomic Habits by James Clear  Culture Code: The secrets of highly successful groups  41:00 Rapid Fire round   Thank you to Matt for coming on! There are a ton of good lessons and advice for listeners in this episode. Be sure to check out Big Grove Brewery on their website https://biggrove.com/pages/iowa-city and on their Instagram @biggrovebrewery  For more information about The Hutch Podcast visit www.hawktalkspodcast.com and follow us on Instagram @thehutchpodcast   Thanks for listening!    Check out and subscribe to my Substack for more information on episodes and guests:  https://conorhutchison.substack.com/

    44 min
  11. Steve Grubbs Founder and CEO VictoryXR

    09/21/2023

    Steve Grubbs Founder and CEO VictoryXR

    Intro 1:40 Steve's background and decision on choosing Iowa for college 3:12 Why were student politics in college the hardest politics Steve has been involved in?  5:15 Lessons learned while in college 6:45 Being involved in presidential campaigns in Iowa as a young adult  Politics 9:25 Steve's thoughts on moving away from Iowa as first state election and caucus for presidential campaigns  11:28 Steve's thoughts on the upcoming 2024 presidential election  13:09 Creating the state's first education technology bill as a state rep 15:00 What are the biggest roadblocks in education right now?  Hiring Process and Preparation for Your Career 15:30 How Steve and his company decide to hire new employees and how necessary critical thinking is in the hiring process  17:15 Higher education and is it preparing students for the professional world?  VictoryXR 19:17 What is VictoryXR and it's mission 21:35  Education, Time-traveling, and Triple-A gameplay  23:30 Future of Education and EdTech Wrap-Up  Books that Steve suggests for entrepreneurs:  Good to Great by Jim Collins  0 to 1 by Peter Thiel  The Founders by Jimmy Soni Books to understand the world:  Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand Podcast to Listen to:  How I Built This with Guy Raz This was a great episode with Steve! If you would like to learn more about Steve and what VictoryXR are doing you can head over to their website at www.victoryxr.com For more information about the show and your host visit www.hawktalkspodcast.com and follow us on Instagram @thehutchpodcast Thanks for listening!      Check out and subscribe to my Substack for more information on episodes and guests:  https://conorhutchison.substack.com/

    29 min
  12. Amanda Boleyn: Self-Discipline, Drive, and Focus as Students

    09/14/2023

    Amanda Boleyn: Self-Discipline, Drive, and Focus as Students

    This episode is full of information and advice for students and young professionals! Starting off, Conor and Amanda sit down and discuss Amanda's time at the University of Iowa. Amanda talks about some of the organizations she was involved in as a student including Dance Marathon and running for student senate. Amanda and Conor take a deep dive into lessons learned as a student in college and what some of those lessons meant going into her professional career.  Amanda discusses what it meant for her to be comfortable being uncomfortable and what it takes to really excel at whatever you want to do in your career. After briefly discussing her time at Target and Wells Fargo we turn to her career as a entrepreneur and how taking that leap changed her life forever.  We take a dive into Amanda's time as host of the She Did It Her Way podcast. Listen as Amanda discusses everything from what it took to be vulnerable enough and confident enough to start the show to lessons learned along the way from digital marketing to online product development.  Other than talking about Amanda's success in the podcast world we also discuss the growth vs. fixed mindset that is so fundamental to entrepreneurship and success in the professional world. Around the 35-minute mark Amanda and I discuss some of the most important parts of what it means to have self-discipline as a college student and young professional. Amanda walks us through the WHAT, WHY, and HOW of creating self-discipline by creating restraints and where you should really put your energy to succeed.  Towards the end of the episode around the 40-minute mark, we discuss what it takes to maintain focus and discipline to achieve your goals.  The first episode wraps up with a quick rapid-fire round about Iowa.  This was a great first episode and couldn't have asked for a better guest with Amanda! Be sure to go find Amanda at https://attentionaudit.com/  Follow The Hutch Podcast on Instagram @thehutchpodcast and head over to our website to learn more about the show. https://www.hawktalkspodcast.com/ Here are the books and podcasts Amanda recommends!  "Hands Off Investor" - Audiobook  "Legacy Wealth Podcast" "Women Invested in Real Estate Podcast" Thanks for listening! Check out and subscribe to my Substack for more information on episodes and guests:  https://conorhutchison.substack.com/

    56 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Hutch Podcast hosted by Conor Hutchison. The Hutch Podcast interviews highly successful and highly impactful members and alumni of the Iowa Community. For each episode, host, Conor Hutchison will interview some of the most widely known members of the Iowa Community and even some not-so-known members. We will dive into their stories; where did they come from? What was their time at the University of Iowa like? How did they become so successful? And what is their advice for you to chase your dreams and change the world? Sit back, relax, and dare to listen to some of the most inspiring stories to come out of your community.

Information

  • Creator
    Conor Hutchison
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 The Hutch Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Hutch Podcast