Podcasts Episodes

Carrie’s guest this week is Russell Marbut, who is both Carrie’s coworker and her husband. Carrie and Russell already work together, and are also working together remotely during quarantine. Russell and Carrie start off with a typical WFH day, and discuss the differences between working together before quarantine and during quarantine. They then move on to the challenges of communication while working remotely, the emotional roller coaster some of us might be on, and how exercise is a big part of maintaining some semblance of normalcy.

This week, Carrie is joined by Derek Brown, former co-owner of WideNet Consulting, on what it’s like to leave the business you’ve built. Derek tells us what made him decide to leave the business he co-founded and gives us some insight on how to make a business split a little less traumatic. He then touches on the possibility of forcibly losing a business during this global health crisis, how Derek’s business survived the recession of 2008, and what he thinks it will take for a business to survive this new kind of crisis.

Carrie is back with another short bonus episode about how to take care of yourself during a global health crisis, even if that seems impossible. Carrie breaks down some of the basic human needs (sleep, food, movement, and yes, even showering!) and gives shortcuts for when changing out of your pjs sounds too daunting. She wraps up with the critical importance of community, especially during this time, and introduces us to the idea of health bingo.

In this short bonus episode, Carrie shares unfiltered thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic. She looks to history and to literature for perspective on our current state of events and shines light on the realities of a shut down of most shops and services (especially for small business owners!). She wraps up with some of the opportunities that we still have that hold hope for the future for artists and entrepreneurs.

Connor Knapp, co-owner and co-founder of Piper & Leaf Tea Co. delves into how COVID-19 is affecting small businesses. In this incredibly honest conversation, Connor and Carrie discuss the pros and cons of shutting down a business, what the stimulus plans really offer, and how big corporations are still making huge profits during this crisis. Connor talks about his contingency plan, how they are trying to pivot the business to meet the needs of the community, and the importance of adapting as quickly as possible.

Morgan Johnston of Rugged & Fancy and Club Duquette joins Carrie on this week’s episode of The Localist to discuss the ins and outs of pushback on social media and in building a business. Morgan and Carrie kick off the conversation discussing a recent incident that Morgan had on social media that took her back to a previous experience with a troll in 2014. Morgan tells us how that experience affected everything going on in her life at the time, and how she handles negative comments now versus then.

Seth Newell, founder and owner of Ala Grip Co., joins Carrie Rollwagen on this week’s episode of The Localist. Ala Grip Co. is a Birmingham-based rental company specializing in lighting, grip, and production equipment. Seth tells us about the logistics of storing all of his equipment and the value in having a supportive community in Birmingham. Seth and Carrie get into networking, the barter system, and how Seth’s early entrepreneurial spirit showed itself with dumpster diving. Seth and Carrie wrap up with some great travel tips and a shoutout to some local companies.

Trevor Newberry of Newberry Consulting joins Carrie this week on The Localist. We dig into the topics of software products, the necessity of meeting your client where they are, and the surprising amount of creativity involved in web development. Trevor and Carrie then tell us how not to work with developers. Trevor details networking, mentors, building relationship and working with a digital assistant. Trevor and Carrie wrap up with building your team and the merit of some personality tests over others (Enneagram or Meyers-Briggs!).

Susan Rollwagen, owner and founder of Pepperbox Solutions (and Carrie’s mom!), is back on The Localist this week. Susan and Carrie focus on the topic of stepping away from the workforce with the ultimate goal of returning at some point. Susan gives pointers for how to stay engaged during time away from work and encourages anyone considering time off to make a plan for re-entry. She gives us some killer tips for crafting a resume, discusses the power of transferable skills, and talks about finding opportunities for self development.

Craig Hurst, owner and founder of the Birmingham-based camper van rental company Gearbox Adventure Rentals, joins Carrie on this week’s episode. Craig tells us how Gearbox refined the process of camper van build outs and running business operations: marketing the business at events, deciding which vans to use, and the surprising benefits of not having investors in the beginning. Craig wraps up by giving us the scoop on some of the future plans for Gearbox.