Browse Episodes
The Magic behind Ladybird Taco
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen is joined by guests Brooks Veazey and Gabe Scott from Ladybird Taco. They discuss the significance of setting a positive tone and fostering a welcoming culture in their business. Gabe shares insights on genuine communication in the restaurant setting, highlighting Ladybird’s attentiveness to customers’ personal lives. …
Restoring WorkPlay’s Musical Legacy
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen sits down with Johnny Grimes to explore the journey of restoring WorkPlay’s musical legacy. Johnny shares the fascinating story behind acquiring and renovating the 30,000-square-foot event space in Birmingham, which includes three concert areas, two recording studios, office space and an expanded bar. They dive into…
Hosting Great Events with Workshop Local
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen chats with guest Katherine Thrower, the owner of Workshop Local. Katherine shares insights on creating and hosting memorable and effective events. Topics covered include the importance of a suitable venue and tailored amenities, the balance between high-tech needs and personal interaction and the significance of choosing…
Growing Fast with Intention
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen chats with Josh and Mel Cosio, founders of Cala Coffee. They explore the origins and growth of their business, which is fueled by a love for coffee and community. The heart of their mission is to use coffee as a catalyst for bringing people together, with…
Faraway Theater Is Making It Up As They Go
This episode features a conversation between host Carrie Rollwagen and Michael Greene, co-owner of Faraway Theater. They discuss the origins of Faraway Theater and improv group Gladys, Michael’s journey through the improv world, the group’s approach to teaching improv and fostering a community, the business aspect of running the theater and the different courses and…
Little Professor Goes Off-Script with “A Little Bookish” Podcast
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen chats with Meredith Robinson and McCall Hardison, who also host a podcast called A Little Bookish and work together at Little Professor Bookshop in Pepper Place. The episode opens with a discussion on podcasting — their reasons for podcasting, what it’s like to host a podcast…
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!
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!
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.
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!
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?