Browse Episodes
How Starting a Business Impacted Our Marriage
This week, Carrie is in conversation with her husband, Russell Marbut. Russell is the new co-owner of the jiu jitsu gym Ohm Jiu Jitsu, and today, the couple talks about how business ownership impacts family and friends of the entrepreneur. Russell and Carrie use real examples to show how opening a business can be tough…
From Training Partners to Business Partners with Ohm Jiu Jitsu
This week, Carrie interviews brand new business owners DJ Wright and Russell Marbut, founders of the new Birmingham gym Ohm Jiu Jitsu. They talk about whether or not the market for jiu jitsu is saturated, how the partners found their space and navigated the world of new business ownership, and we even touch a bit…
2022 Year in Review … Plus, Buy-Local Bingo!
On today’s episode, Carrie introduces a free game of Buy-Local Bingo — download a copy at carrierollwagen.com and make buying local this season even more fun. We also shares a year in review, complete with Carrie’s favorite Localist episodes of 2022, favorite books she’s read this year, and a few local things she’s bought that…
A Christmas Story from The Localist
This week, Carrie laments Black Friday and Cyber Monday and longs for the simpler (but maybe more stressful) moments at independent shops. To get us thinking local, she’s sharing a story of working retail at a bookstore and coffee shop over the Christmas season. Get the free Localist Guide to Coffee Shops in Birmingham: tinyurl.com/bhamcoffeeshop…
A Thanksgiving Story from The Localist
This week, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving with a story perfect for getting into the holiday spirit on your road trip, or for playing while getting the stuffing and pies ready. Carrie also shares one of our favorite local shopping traditions, plus a free guide to finding the best local coffee shops in Birmingham. Get the free…
How to Name Your Business (and Products!)
This week, Carrie recounts her experience as a copywriter for Southern Progress, Church Street Coffee & Books and several small businesses. She shares how to brainstorm names, where to get inspiration, how to navigate legal issues and how to find out if other people are already using the name you want. Sign up for our…
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?