Browse Episodes
The People Behind Birmingham’s AI Boom
Show Notes Birmingham is one of the cities driving AI training for small business, and in this episode of The Localist podcast, host Carrie Rollwagen sits down with Austin Senseman and Robert Hill, the co-founders of Caravan, to talk about how they built a fast-growing training business out of a listening tour, why every class…
Before You Book a Photographer, Listen to This
Show Notes Hiring a photographer for your small business sounds like a simple decision until you are staring at a gallery of photos you cannot actually use. In this episode of The Localist podcast, host Carrie Rollwagen sits down with Katey Beck and Taylor Davis, producers at Infomedia Studios, to talk about what really happens…
Pizza, Pasta, and the Birmingham Brunch Scene
Show Notes In this episode of The Localist podcast, host Carrie Rollwagen sits down with Bryan Stanfield of ZaZa to talk about how a fast-casual Italian restaurant became one of the most beloved lunch and brunch spots in the city, and how Bryan went from server to owner along the way. https://youtu.be/bQuwPZjfYc4 Bryan started at…
What’s Really Going On with Your Digital Ads (and How to Fix It)
Show Notes Digital ads for small businesses look nothing like they did five years ago. In this episode of The Localist podcast, recorded live at Localist Lab in Birmingham, Matt Robinson walks the audience through what has actually changed with Google Ads and Meta Ads in 2026, and what small business owners can do about…
Preserving Birmingham’s Past While Building Its Future | David Fleming of REV Birmingham
Show Notes Downtown Birmingham revitalization is a 30-year story, and David Fleming has been in it from the beginning. In this episode of The Localist podcast, host Carrie Rollwagen sits down with David, president and CEO of REV Birmingham, to talk about how the city got here, what REV Birmingham actually does, and what any…
AI Changed the Rules of Marketing. Here’s How to Play.
Show Notes AI marketing for small business isn’t just a new tool; it’s a shift in how customers find you, how platforms decide who to show your ads to, and how you should be spending your budget. In this episode of The Localist podcast, host Carrie Rollwagen sits down with Alan Harned, Director of Account…
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?