Shining a light on the meaningful work being done in Northeast Ohio, the Rust Belt Rundown convenes manufacturing executives and business leaders for candid discussions about business, regional happenings, industry trends, entrepreneurship, and more.
Our guest this week is John Austin, an educator, leading advocate, and a fellow at several of the nation’s premier policy and research institutions. In this episode, John shares his perspective on the evolution of manufacturing in the Midwest and why the future of economic growth depends on innovation, education, and workforce development. John also offers insight into the evolution of skills required in today’s workforce and why adapting to technological change is essential for long-term prosperity.
His restaurant recommendations include Zingerman’s Deli (https://www.zingermansdeli.com/) in Ann Arbor and Corey's (https://coreyslounge.com/) in Lansing.
Connect with John Austin on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-austin-063b93bb/) to keep up to date on his work.
21 May 2026
Episode 98 featuring Amy Bircher Bruyn of MMI Textiles
This week our guest is Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO & Founder of MMI Textiles (https://www.mmitextiles.com/). In this episode, Amy shares how she built MMI into a nationally recognized industrial textile brand. She discusses the evolution of the U.S. textile industry, the importance of domestic manufacturing, and why solving problems and building trusted relationships have been the foundation of MMI’s success.
Amy also reflects on navigating the manufacturing world as a woman entrepreneur, mentoring the next generation, and the critical role textiles play in protecting military members and first responders.
Her restaurant recommendations include two great Italian spots in Cleveland, Il Rione (https://www.ilrionepizzeria.com/) and Bar Italia (https://www.baritalia.com/).
Connect with Amy on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bircher-bruyn-ab29326/) to learn more about MMI’s work.
16 Apr 2026
Episode 97 featuring Lorne Novick of JumpStart
Our guest this week is Lorne Novick, CEO of JumpStart (google.com/url?sa=D&q=https://jumpstartinc.org/&ust=1775833680000000&usg=AOvVaw1taZS-RQmWIZxG72shx8QB&hl=en), an entrepreneur support organization that equips tech startups and small businesses with the support they need to thrive. Lorne shares how his deep connection to JumpStart’s clients shape his leadership approach. He discusses the importance of building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast Ohio, the role of grit in both startups and the region itself, and how collaboration across corporations, investors, and support organizations drives long-term economic growth.
Lorne’s small business restaurant recommendation is Flour (https://www.flourrestaurant.com/). Follow Lorne on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorne-novick-2305345/) to stay connected and learn more about JumpStart.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
3,195
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 55 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
60
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
60
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