Browse Episodes
Zkano Socks: Building a Business to Be Proud of
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen speaks with Gina Locklear, the founder of Zkano Socks, about her journey in the sock manufacturing business. Gina discusses the challenges of running a small, sustainable business, especially when public expectations push for continual growth and higher capacities despite their current limitations. She emphasizes the significant…
Don’t Just Rely on ChatGPT — These Writing Tricks Can Help Your Business
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen discusses the continued importance of writing skills for business owners despite the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. She introduces her writing guides designed to help business owners improve their communication, which include tips for editing, basic grammar, effectively using AI and more. Buy all the…
Food as Theater with Sons Donuts
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen chats with Jim Watkins about his entrepreneurial journey with Sons Donuts and his previous success with Steel City Pops. Jim shares insights into the establishment and layout of his donut shop, highlighting their cost-effective, hands-on approach to construction and design that involved his sons and added…
How to Find Your Hype People
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen talks about the importance of safeguarding new ideas from immediate criticism and skepticism. She emphasizes the necessity of nurturing these ideas by first seeking validation and encouragement, rather than exposing them to potential negativity. Drawing from Tara Schuster’s book, Carrie categorizes the people in our lives…
Sustainable Fashion and the Business of Art with Julie Maeseele
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen is joined by Julie Maeseele to discuss the intersection of sustainable fashion and the business of art. Julie shares her journey from Belgium to Birmingham, Alabama, highlighting her unexpected but rewarding integration into the local fashion scene. She describes her unique fashion label that emphasizes hand-sewn,…
Do You Have a Manager or a Maker Schedule?
In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen explores the concept of “manager time” versus “maker time” and how it impacts productivity. Manager time is structured in one-hour blocks suitable for meeting-filled schedules, whereas maker time requires extended uninterrupted periods to foster deep work and creativity. Carrie highlights the frustrations that arise when creative…
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?