Browse Episodes
A Thanksgiving Story from The Localist
This week, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving with a story perfect for getting into the holiday spirit…
How to Name Your Business (and Products!)
This week, Carrie recounts her experience as a copywriter for Southern Progress, Church Street Coffee…
The Business of Running a Coffee Shop
This week, we turn the tables — our host, Carrie Rollwagen, becomes the guest this…
Working in the Spotlight as a Live Painter
This week, we’re welcoming Ruth Oneya of Ruth Oneya illustrations. Ruth is an artist who…
Why Does Everyone Have a Podcast? Questions from Carrie’s Dad
Carrie’s dad, Mike Rollwagen, is a thoughtful intellectual, but he’s not into technology — like,…
Cultivating a Collective: Working with Staff and Customers
This week, we’re talking with Beth Doyle, owner of The Collective, a salon in Birmingham’s…
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.
Michelle Phillips
Show Runner
Michelle loves books, taking cute pics of her dog and listening to podcasts. She’s the one who writes such detailed show notes every week.
Brad Davis
Sound Engineer
Brad is a musician and web developer, and he makes sure the podcast sounds great in your headphones or coming through your car speakers.
Alana Harmond
Outreach Manager
Alana loves Bon Iver and her collection of 100+ houseplants. She researches and books our podcast guests and helps with our Instagram.
Beka Harmon
Production Assistant
Beka loves hiking and her dog, Buster. She lives in Vancouver, WA, and takes care of important details like getting the podcast posted.
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?