Browse Episodes
Rebranding Little Professor and Rethinking the Independent Bookstore: Free Textbooks Founder Jonathan Robinson Buys a Brick and Mortar Shop
Jonathan Robinson, new owner of Little Professor bookstore in Homewood, AL, joins Carrie this week. Jonathan has an extensive history in the online book industry through Free Textbooks, and he tells us how he is translating that experience to a brick and mortar location. Jonathan took ownership of Little Professor only a few weeks before…
When the Show Can’t Go On: Brian Teasley of Saturn on Running a Music Venue During COVID-19
Brian Teasley, founder and owner of Saturn in Birmingham, AL, joins Carrie this week on The Localist. Saturn is celebrating its fifth year as a music venue, bar, and coffee shop, and Brian tells us how he pulled from his years of experience as both a touring musician and venue co-owner (of Birmingham’s Bottletree) to…
Through a Glass, Darkly: David O’Gwynn on Remote Lectures, Zoom Meetings and Our Attempt at Virtual Connection During Quarantine
David O’Gwynn, chair of the computer science department at Belhaven University and freelance security professional, joins Carrie. They dive in with how much harder it is to teach remotely, and how none of the video conferencing apps are really cutting it. David points out that now is the time for tech companies to build something…
How to Lead a Team During Quarantine: Susan Rollwagen on Managing Remotely in a Time of Uncertainly and Stress
Susan Rollwagen, owner and founder of Pepperbox Solutions, helps businesses with performance management and achieving common goals, so we thought she would be the perfect guest to talk about working remotely. Susan and Carrie discuss running meetings remotely, how to reprimand employees, how to work with parents who are juggling raising kids and working full…
When Your Spouse Is Your Coworker: Russell Marbut and Carrie Rollwagen on Remote Work and Professional Partnerships
Carrie’s guest this week is Russell Marbut, who is both Carrie’s coworker and her husband. Carrie and Russell already work together, and are also working together remotely during quarantine. Russell and Carrie start off with a typical WFH day, and discuss the differences between working together before quarantine and during quarantine. They then move on…
Saying Goodbye to Your Business: Former Business Owner Derek Brown on What to Expect When You Leave Your Company
This week, Carrie is joined by Derek Brown, former co-owner of WideNet Consulting, on what it’s like to leave the business you’ve built. Derek tells us what made him decide to leave the business he co-founded and gives us some insight on how to make a business split a little less traumatic. He then touches…
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?