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:

• How Integrity Music’s Hosanna! tapes sparked a movement in worship publishing
• The founding of Christian Copyright Solutions and the need for simplified blanket licenses
• Why churches and songwriters must understand copyright exemptions—and where they end
• The rise of independent artists and church-based publishing collectives
• International publishing pitfalls: what to know if your songs find an audience overseas
• How fraudulent copyright claims happen—and what policing your catalog really takes
• The importance of having the right administrator to protect your global rights

Key Episode Highlights

• From 70 songs to 4,400: building a catalog from scratch at Integrity Music
• How blanket licensing made it possible for churches to legally perform 20 million songs
• Stories from the “Wild West” of international publishing—like a $10,000 cash payout in Brazil
• Why indie songwriters today have more opportunities than ever—but also more responsibility

We’re proud to support Alabama music and the next generation of artists through the Hatch Music Accelerator — a free 12-week program helping artists grow as performers and professionals. With studio time and industry mentorship, musicians gain the tools they need to share their songs with the world.

Apply here: 119collective.hatchfairhope.com.

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:

• The Three-Lane System: Development → Curation → Placement
• The “Two or Three Sleeps” Rule for finishing songs
• Business fundamentals: PROs, publishing entities, splits, and monetization
• The Completion Test: How to know when a song is truly finished
• Collaboration strategies: who to co-write with and when to bring in outside voices
• The Live Test: Using audience reaction to refine your songs

Key Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:00] The staggering reality: 119,000 songs uploaded daily
• [00:02:52] Why even great albums usually only have 1–2 standout songs
• [00:03:44] The three lanes every song lives in
• [00:05:27] The 20-year test: writing songs you’ll still love playing decades later
• [00:06:15] Why finished songs often sound nothing like their first drafts
• [00:08:24] Placement lane: what to do with songs that don’t fit your brand
• [00:10:18] Business essentials: PROs, publishing entities, and revenue streams
• [00:13:12] Producer Tim asks: “How do you know when a song is finished?”

The Chris Estes Songwriting Philosophy:

The Three Critical Tests for Song Completion:

1. The Expression Test — Does it clearly convey your intended message?
2. The Live Test — Does it connect with a live audience?
3. The Community Test — Do trusted collaborators and listeners agree it’s complete?

Episode Quotes:

• “Average songs are ignored. Great songs get attention.”
• “Give it two or three sleeps, then come back to the song with fresh ears.”
• “What’s the last song you heard that made you say, *‘I have to share this’? That’s the mark you should be aiming for.”

Resources and Links:

• Apply now: 119collective.hatchfairhope.com
• Hatch website: hatchfairhope.com
• Instagram: @hatchfairhope

We’re proud to support Alabama music and the next generation of artists through the Hatch Music Accelerator — a free 12-week program helping artists grow as performers and professionals. With studio time and industry mentorship, musicians gain the tools they need to share their songs with the world.

Apply here: 119collective.hatchfairhope.com.

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:

• WC Handy, the “Father of the Blues,” born in Florence in 1873.
• Hank Williams Sr.’s Montgomery roots and timeless heartbreak ballads.
• Muscle Shoals writers like Dan Penn, Donnie Fritts, and Arthur Alexander.
• Lionel Richie, Brittany Howard, Jason Isbell, Mac McAnally, Jimmy Buffett, and more.
• And how Jamey Johnson carries this legacy forward with songs that are plainspoken, personal, and true.

👉 To learn more about the Hatch Music Accelerator — and how we’re supporting Alabama music and mentoring new artists — visit 119collective.hatchfairhope.com.

We’re proud to support Alabama music and the next generation of artists through the Hatch Music Accelerator — a free 12-week program helping artists grow as performers and professionals. With studio time and industry mentorship, musicians gain the tools they need to share their songs with the world.

Apply here: 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:

• Why South Alabama is the perfect place for a music + tech ecosystem
• How the Hatch Music Accelerator equips artists from songwriting to release
• A step-by-step look at the 12-week accelerator: collaboration, production, marketing, and business know-how
• Why collaboration is the secret ingredient for great songwriting
• How streaming reshaped the music business — and the new opportunities for indie artists
• How to build momentum and sustainability without signing to a label

Episode highlights:

• [00:01:50] Why the Gulf Coast is the right launchpad for the accelerator
• [00:07:31] The streaming economy: micro-royalties vs. unlimited reach
• [00:11:55] Songwriting camps and the power of collaboration
• [00:15:15] Beyond the song: marketing, content, and building attention
• [00:19:59] Why the accelerator is free — and how to get involved

Resources and links:

• Apply now: 119collective.hatchfairhope.com
• Hatch website: hatchfairhope.com
• Instagram: @hatchfairhope
  
  

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.

We’re proud to support Alabama music and the next generation of artists through the Hatch Music Accelerator — a free 12-week program helping artists grow as performers and professionals. With studio time and industry mentorship, musicians gain the tools they need to share their songs with the world.

Apply here: 119collective.hatchfairhope.com.

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

• How Michelle Scott transitioned from a speech pathology career to founding a sterilization company.
• The environmental and efficiency benefits of chlorine dioxide as an alternative to ethylene oxide in medical sterilization.
• The role South Alabama plays as a growing hub for biotech innovation.
• Insights into the challenges and opportunities in the medical device supply chain.
• How Gulf Sterilization is positioning itself for growth in the global and regional markets.

Key Topics Discussed

• The surprising connection between speech pathology and solving medical device sterilization challenges.
• Why ethylene oxide’s carcinogenic nature sparked a need for alternative sterilization methods.
• The advantages of chlorine dioxide: shorter cycles, no harmful emissions, and compatibility with modern medical devices.
• The impact of EPA regulations on the medical device industry and the push for sustainable practices.
• South Alabama’s emerging role in biotech, featuring innovative companies like ChoX, RO, and Isec Biotechnology.
• The significance of the Biotech Innovation Summit and its potential to foster collaboration in the region.

Show Resources and Links

• Gulf Sterilization Website: gulfsterilization.com
• LinkedIn: Connect with Michelle Scott or Gulf Sterilization
• Hatch Fairhope: Learn more about the podcast and upcoming events at hatchfairhope.com
• Bio Alabama Biotech Innovation Summit: Explore details about this inaugural event fostering biotech collaboration in South Alabama at bioalabama.com
• EPA Ruling on Ethylene Oxide: Read about the 2019 and 2023 EPA regulations on ethylene oxide emissions at epa.gov

Key Quotes

• “It seems to be a big leap, but in the end, it really is about solving problems and providing the best outcomes for patients.” – Michelle Scott
• “Chlorine dioxide offers shorter cycle times, clean emissions, and the ability to sterilize at ambient temperature, making it ideal for modern medical devices with electronics.” – Michelle Scott
• “I think people will be surprised to learn about the innovation that’s happening right here in South Alabama.” – Michelle Scott

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

• How Alabama Power is driving tech-based economic development
• The role of corporate partnerships in accelerating startup success
• Practical advice for energy tech founders partnering with large corporations

Key Topics Discussed

• The impact of the Techstars Alabama Energy Tech Accelerator on founders and job creation
• Success stories of startups like AIOps, ShipShape AI, and HD Data
• Strategies for expanding innovation to rural Alabama communities
• The importance of customer-focused innovation for startup success

Show Resources and Links

• Hatch Fairhope Website: https://hatchfairhope.com/
• Techstars Alabama Energy Tech Accelerator: https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/alabama-energytech
• Alabama Power Innovation: https://www.alabamapower.com/
• Biotech Innovation Summit Details: https://hatchfairhope.com/events/

Sponsor Spotlight

• C2 Wealth Strategies: Wes Cody and his team at C2 Wealth Strategies provide personalized financial planning to help you achieve financial freedom. https://c2wealth.com/
• Barranco and Associates: Johnny Barranco offers holistic accounting and financial consulting to align your finances with your long-term goals. https://barrancoandassociates.com/
• Content Fresh: Content Fresh transforms your social media presence with strategies that drive massive growth and engagement. https://contentfresh.com/
• Roadmap for Growth: Chris Francis and Rick Miller’s online course helps small service businesses scale, build teams, and create lasting systems. https://treebusiness.com/

Quotes

• “We’re not just focused on internal innovation, but tech-based economic development for the state of Alabama.” – Charles Jackson
• “You either participate in innovation, or innovation will happen to you.” – Charles Jackson
• “Spend time knowing your customers and responding to their needs, not just your own knowledge base.” – Charles Jackson

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

• How innovative apprenticeships are connecting local talent with high-demand industries.
• The role of data-driven strategies in workforce development.
• Why diversification is key to economic stability in Baldwin County.
• Emerging opportunities in biotech and life sciences in South Alabama.
• Practical steps for students to explore and prepare for rewarding careers locally.

Key Topics Discussed

• The "golden age" of economic growth in South Alabama and the challenges of meeting job demands.
• Coastal Alabama Community College’s role in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems with Hatch Fairhope.
• The impact of diversification on stabilizing Baldwin County’s economy post-COVID.
• Labor market trends, including the retirement of baby boomers and skill gaps in male-dominated fields.
• The upcoming Biotech Innovation Summit and its significance for emerging industries.
• How programs like Baldwin Prep are preparing students for real-world careers.

Show Resources and Links

• Hatch Fairhope: hatchfairhope.com
• Coastal Alabama Community College: coastalalabama.edu
• Bio Alabama: bioalabama.com
• Skills for Success Program: alabama.gov/skills-for-success

Notable Quotes

• "As a community, you’re either growing or you’re dying. There’s not a lot of communities just maintaining status quo." – Dr. Josh Duplantis
• "Hospitality and tourism will continue to be the goose that lays the golden egg, but bringing in industries that make diversification possible brings stability." – Dr. Josh Duplantis
• "Collaboration is going to help our businesses, government entities, and colleges solve the talent challenges that are coming." – Dr. Josh Duplantis

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:

• How the opioid crisis spurred Dr. Matthews’ medical innovation.
• The benefits of the MACB Introducer in knee replacement surgeries.
• Insights into navigating medical entrepreneurship.
• The role of robotics, AI, and innovation in healthcare’s future.

Quotes:

• “Innovation often starts with identifying a need and having the courage to pursue a solution.” – Dr. Dan Matthews
• “Opioids used to be the standard for post-surgical pain management, but we’ve proven that’s no longer necessary.” – Dr. Dan Matthews
• “AI and robotics have a role in healthcare, but nothing replaces the human touch and expertise.” – Dr. Dan Matthews

Sources and Links:

• Learn more about the MACB Introducer: MACB Solutions
• Dr. Matthews’ orthopedic practice: Alabama Orthopedic Sports Medicine
• Hatch Fairhope: HatchFairhope.com

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.