About the Localist Podcast

A 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?

whyyamiiwriitingthiis