The Localist with Carrie Rollwagen Carrie Rollwagen

In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen talks with Josh and Mel Cosio, founders of Cala Coffee, exploring their journey fueled by coffee and community. They discuss the heart behind Cala Coffee, how they started the business and their expansion into brick-and-mortar locations, detailing the importance of branding, architecture, and their coffee cart in scaling the business.

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 benefits it offers. Michael delves into how improv skills are beneficial in all walks of life. They stress the importance of keeping an audience engaged during performances and share information on how to attend shows or enroll in improv classes. For more details on classes, performances, or corporate retreats, Michael directs listeners to visit farawaybham.com or follow their social media handles.
 
Website and Socials
Faraway Website: https://farawaybham.com/
Faraway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farawaybham/
Gladys Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gladysimprov/?hl=en
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Who’s Line Is It Anyway: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKg_ZFByYTINckLG76cjUEg
Wess Gregg of Sanctum Tattoos & Comics on Localist: https://carrierollwagen.com/podcast-episodes/making-a-career-from-what-you-love-with-wess-gregg-of-sanctum-tattoos-comics/
Vacant Manifesto: https://www.youtube.com/c/VacantManifesto
derrick comedy: https://www.youtube.com/derrickcomedy
Upright Citizens Brigade: https://ucbcomedy.com/
Peoples Improv Theater: https://thepit-nyc.com/
IO Chicago: https://ioimprov.com/
Groundlings: https://groundlings.com/school/online-classes?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2PSvBhDjARIsAKc2cgN_LJPnW4N-A0ekQ79iHRzVePFyS1Hnop9HGBxibuUnfy-1x9acS8IaAisaEALw_wcB
Ugly Baby: https://www.instagram.com/uglybabyimprov/
Harold form: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_(improvisation)
Faraway Website: https://farawaybham.com/
Faraway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farawaybham/
Gladys Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gladysimprov/?hl=en
Improv for corporations:  info@farawaybham.com

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 while working in a role that allows them to connect personally with their audience and how business podcasts are different from entertainment podcasts. McCall and Meredith talk details about Little Professor’s membership program, their unique book club experience and ways they make book signings a better experience for everyone involved. Full show notes at carrierollwagen.com. 
Mentioned in this episode: A Little Bookish podcast
First episode of A Little Bookish with a business owner perspective
Little Professor Membership
Parnassus
M. Judson
The Bookshelf Thomasville
Little Professor App
New York Times Book Review podcast
Infomedia’s One Quick Coffee Event
To get Carrie’s podcasting PDF, subscribe to her newsletter and request it here.
Bronze Horseman book
Wild Robot
Hope for the Flowers
The Women
Gladys Improv
Harrison Scott Key book
Olivetti book
Designing Your New Work Life book
Independent Bookstore Weekend Events at Little Professor
Power of Moments
 

In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen talks with Daniel Drinkard, owner of Seasick Records, about owning a local music store and balancing the revival of vinyl with the practicalities of offering CDs and tapes. They delve into the community-centric events of Record Store Day, the thoughtful approach to merchandising, and the importance of fostering a welcoming atmosphere for music lovers of all kinds, from Taylor Swift fans to vinyl connoisseurs. Daniel shares insights on the evolution of his business, from the practicalities of store layout to valuing community over profit in the independent retail scene.
 
Mentioned in this episode: Seasick Website: https://seasickbham.com/
Seasick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seasickrecords/
Record Store Day: https://recordstoreday.com/NewsItem/11083
Avondale Brewing: https://www.avondalebrewing.com/
Saturn: https://saturnbirmingham.com/
Firehouse: https://firehousecac.org/
Munchies: https://munchieson5th.net/
Cahaba Brewing: https://cahababrewing.com/
Mom’s Basement: https://www.momsbham.com/
End of All Music: https://theendofallmusic.com/
Crestwood Pharmacy: https://www.bhamrx.com/
Sub Pop: https://www.subpop.com/
Secretly Canadian: https://secretlycanadian.com/
Alliance of Independent Media Stores: https://thealliancerocks.com/
Sure Shot: https://www.instagram.com/theshureshotdjs/
Earth Libraries: https://earthlibraries.com/
Lee Shook: https://www.instagram.com/theaudiovore/
Postal Service: https://postalservicemusic.net/

The Localist is back! Tune in to this brief update episode to hear Carrie talk about the return and plans for the upcoming season.
In this episode of the Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen announces our podcast's return from an extended hiatus and shares plans for new weekly episodes every Tuesday. Highlights of the upcoming season include celebrating Record Store Day and Independent Bookstore Day, as well as features on a local coffee shop, a local theater and more. 
 Carrie explains that her break from the podcast was to focus on writing, which resulted in a draft of a novel and ghostwriting a book. With sponsorship from Infomedia Studios, the podcast is back! Carrie expresses excitement for the new season and invites listeners to join in the celebration of local businesses.

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 on relationships. Carrie also says a bittersweet goodbye (for now). Find full show notes at localistpodcast.com.
 
Sign up for our mailing list to get the Localist Guide to Coffee Shops in Birmingham.
 
Ohm Jiu Jitsu: Find out more (and get a free class) at ohmjiujitsu.com
Ohm Jiu Jitsu on Instagram: @ohmjiujitsu
 
Goal Setting Episodes:
New Year Goals that Actually Work
How Do I Actually Set a SMART Goal?
Feeling Like You’ve Already Failed Is Normal
Learn to Focus and Deal with Disruptions
The Essential Part of Goal Setting that Most People Skip
What to Do When Your Year Already Feels Off-Track


Paramount
Post Office Pies
Slim’s
12 Week Year
Church Street Coffee & Books Episode
A. Studio and Andrew Thomson (logo designer for Ohm)
Andrew Thomson’s episode of the Localist