Browse Episodes
I work on websites for a living: AI still made me cry | Laine White, Marketing Strategist
Can you build an AI website if you are not a developer? Laine White did, and it was much harder than she expected. On this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen talks with Laine, Head of Growth at PackPay and a returning favorite on the show. Laine spent years at Uptick Marketing planning and…
Selling Calm in a Loud World | Bart Stephens of High Dive and Lakeview Marina
Listening bars have grown from fewer than 10 in the U.S. to more than 300 in about five years. Bart Stephens thinks he knows why. On this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen talks with Bart, the owner of High Dive HiFi Lounge and Lakeview Marina in Birmingham’s Lakeview neighborhood. Bart visited listening bars…
A Shopping Center Built for Neighbors, Not Chains | Sam Hickmott and Payne Baker of Bruto and Mom’s Basement
What does it take to build a neighborhood shopping center around local businesses instead of chains? On this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen talks with Payne Baker and Sam Hickmott of Bruto and Mom’s Basement in Avondale. Payne owns the Avondale Mills shopping center. He is also a co-owner of Mom’s Basement, the…
Is Posting on Social Media a Waste of Your Time? | Laine White
Is posting on social media a waste of your time? On this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen asks Laine White that question. Laine is a Birmingham marketing strategist, a returning guest and “the friend who answers your marketing questions.” That is exactly what she does here. So, is posting on social media a…
Buying Businesses You Believe in | Jimmy Truong of June Coffee, Daily Edition & Last Call
Buying a business you already love is a different job than starting one. Jimmy Truong knows that: He started June Coffee in downtown Birmingham, and, this year, he also took over two places he had admired for years. Jimmy first joined host Carrie Rollwagen on The Localist before June had a storefront. Back then, he…
The Algorithm Hack That Actually Works: Serve Before You Sell | Laine White
Most algorithm hacks work for a while, then stop. In this Localist Lab session, host Carrie Rollwagen welcomes marketing consultant Laine White to explain why. Laine’s answer is simple. Google, Meta, and AI tools all want the same thing: a good experience for real people. The hacks that last are the ones that give people…
About the Localist Podcast
@crollwagen on InstagramA conversation with local makers and independent entrepreneurs.
Author and local business advocate Carrie Rollwagen invites mom-and-pops, freelancers, side hustlers, and start-up founders to talk about the ins and outs of how they got their start, the pros and cons of owning your own business, how they handle the hard stuff, and yes, even the mistakes they’ve made along the way. Carrie and her guests get into the nitty-gritty details: staffing, funding, hiring, and inspiring — and everything in between.
First-hand accounts of running a business
As a former small business owner, Carrie knows the struggles and triumphs of owning a business first-hand, and that experience helps her ask questions that are often ignored — questions about failure as well as success, and details about exactly how entrepreneurs face challenges, grow their businesses and work with their staffs.
The Localist Team
Carrie Rollwagen
Host
Carrie produces and hosts the podcast. She’s author of the Localist book, co-founder of Church Street Coffee & Books and VP of Infomedia.
Taylor Davis
Show Runner
Taylor keeps the podcast running and makes sure the rest of us stay on track. She’s also a videographer, photographer and marketing specialist.
Jen Tucker
Outreach Manager
Jen handles booking for the podcast and makes sure guests are prepped and welcomed when they visit our studio.
Alana Harmond
Promotions Manager
Alana manages our YouTube channel and handles show notes, as well as helping concept our promotions strategies.
The Localist Reviews
A Gem! I just discovered this podcast and let me tell you, I’m glad I did! The conversations are natural and easy going but you can also tell that Carrie has put a lot of thought and care in her questions. And I love that she’s also in Alabama!
ChelseaR83
A Must-Listen for Those Who Love Local! So excited to listen to Carrie’s new podcast! Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer or just looking to get inspired — Carrie offers a wealth of information from the many skills she’s picked up throughout her diverse careers. I can’t wait to hear who she brings on The Localist!
SarahCook323
Great Podcast! I just happened upon this podcast and It is really good. It gives really great tips and I especially liked the newest podcast about maintaining company culture in the current work from home environment.
Fun for a dollar
Carrie has an obvious talent for storytelling and making an interview more of an engaging conversation. I’ve been a listener as well as a podcast guest and I’m in awe of Carrie’s ability to connect her guests’ experiences with something helpful and relevant to a wide range of listeners, whether or not they are local to Birmingham, Alabama. I also strongly suggest her book if you are into localism!
Tacheek
Lovely listen — I loved the “In Search Of The Perfect Storefront.” I found it entertaining, yet super informative. I even took notes, who am I?