The Hutch Podcast

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 [https://nunn.house.gov/]and follow him on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/repzachnunn?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]  Follow Me [https://www.linkedin.com/in/conor-hutchison/] on Linkedin for more information about the show and our guest  Follow the show's Instagram HERE. [https://www.instagram.com/thehutchpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] For Information on the China Commission and its mission visit it HERE. [https://www.cecc.gov/]  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/ [https://conorhutchison.substack.com/]

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 [https://thompsoncosalon.com/] Follow me on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/conor-hutchison/] for more updates on the show  Follow our Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thehutchpodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] 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/ [https://conorhutchison.substack.com/]

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 [https://openloophealth.com/]. 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/ [https://conorhutchison.substack.com/]

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  [https://www.amazon.com/Fair-Play-James-M-Olson-audiobook/dp/B079Q5ZBLD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3G2SW1Z73HHD5&keywords=fair+play+the+moral+dilemmas+of+spying&qid=1706560757&sprefix=fair+play+the+moral+%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1] To Catch A Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence  [https://www.amazon.com/To-Catch-Spy-James-M-Olson-audiobook/dp/B07W5RBBDR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Q7LNBQBZEKFF&keywords=to+catch+a+spy&qid=1706560805&s=audible&sprefix=to+catch+a+spy+%2Caudible%2C123&sr=1-1] 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/ [https://conorhutchison.substack.com/]

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/ [https://conorhutchison.substack.com/]