Browse Episodes
Surviving the Regulations Rollercoaster with Magic City Organics
This week we’re talking with Jenni Otwell, owner of Magic City Organics, a curated market of select CBD products in Birmingham, AL. There are a lot of misunderstandings surrounding the world of CBD and hemp-derived products, but Jenni breaks down how they handle that and educate their customers on the benefits of using their wide…
High Standards, Low Waste: Talking Sustainability with Filter Coffee
This week we’re chatting with James Little, owner of Filter Coffee Parlor in the Five Points neighborhood in Birmingham. Filter opened in 2019, not long before the pandemic began. We learn how the business had to pivot (and pivot again!), and how they’ve landed on their sustainability-focused ethos, as well as how they relay that…
What Can Your Business Do about Climate Change with Bryn Carey of Ski Butlers
This week we’re chatting with Bryn Carey, founder and CEO of Ski Butlers. Ski Butlers has been in business since 2004 and has been known for their legendary customer service ever since. Bryn dives into the origin of Ski Butlers, how he expanded in the beginning, and how he continues to expand every year by…
Do I Need a Lawyer? How and When to Get a Business Attorney
This week, we’re diving into the ins and outs of business law with attorney Tripp Watson. Dealing with lawyers can be intimidating, but Tripp breaks down what to expect, what to look for when seeking legal advice and how to best utilize legal counsel. It can be tempting to use sites like LegalZoom, but it’s…
Grassroots Marketing with Hoam Candle Co: Reels, Product Naming and More
This week we’re welcoming Derek Matthews, entrepreneur and creator of Hoam Candle Co. The Localist team is obsessed not only with the candles Derek creates, but also his excellent social media strategy. Derek shares his methods for creating content that resonates with other small business owners and how he manages to stay relevant and on…
Q2 Review: How to Assess Your Second Quarter and Prepare for Q3
This week we are wrapping up and reviewing the second quarter of 2022 and making plans for quarter three. Carrie shares her tried-and-true method for reviewing and assessing your goals, along with the best ways to keep yourself accountable and moving forward. We go over four different areas to consider in your review, as well…
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?