Browse Episodes
Creating Belonging by Leading with Values with the Levite Jewish Community Center
Show Notes In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen sits down with Brooke Bowles, CEO of Birmingham’s Levite Jewish Community Center (JCC), to explore how the organization has become more than just a gym — it’s a thriving hub of inclusion, connection and community. Brooke explains how the JCC lives out its Jewish…
Behind the Bar with Whammy Coffee
Show Notes In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen talks with Mitch and Maddie McEver, the duo behind Whammy Coffee in Birmingham. They share how Whammy began as a weekend roasting project — complete with toy dinosaurs and nostalgic branding — and evolved into a full-fledged coffee business after Maddie joined as both…
What to Pack on Your Work Retreat
In this solo episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen shares her personal process for taking solo work retreats, explaining how these intentional getaways help her tap into deeper focus and creativity. Though often associated with artists or writers, Carrie emphasizes that retreats can benefit anyone needing to dive into a big project, catch up…
House Eleven: Coffee, Cocktails and Community
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen speaks with Kim Nguyen, co-founder of House Eleven — a newly opened coffee bar, cocktail lounge and event venue in Birmingham’s Woodlawn neighborhood. Kim shares how she and her husband Caleb originally purchased the building as an office for their construction company, only to realize the…
How to Handle Professional Jealousy
Show Notes In this solo episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen dives into the often-overlooked topic of professional jealousy. She acknowledges how difficult it can be to admit to feeling envious — especially in a professional setting — but argues that jealousy can serve as a powerful emotional signal rather than just something to…
Building a Business through Community with Wellness Passport and True40
Show Notes In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen speaks with Kaitlyn Bentley, the entrepreneur behind True40 and the Wellness Passport. Kaitlyn shares how her early career in corporate PR laid the groundwork for her transition into the fitness world, where she began as a franchisee and eventually acquired and now leads the…
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?