Michael Sellers is reviving Ghost Train, launching a new brand called Porch, and building an entire beverage collective on Birmingham’s Hugh Kaul Trail. In this episode, he joins Carrie Rollwagen to talk about alcohol trends, risk, regulation—and building brands that last.

Mentioned in this episode:

Porch Instagram: www.instagram.com/drinkporch/  Porch Website: www.DrinkPorch.com  Good People Brewing Company Instagram: www.instagram.com/gpbrewing/  Good People Brewing Company Website: www.goodpeoplebrewing.com  Avondale Brewing: www.instagram.com/avondalebrewing  Avondale Website: www.avondalebrewing.com  Ghost Train Brewing Instagram: www.instagram.com/ghost_train_brewing/  Ghost Train Website: www.ghosttrainbrewing.com  All Good Beverage Instagram: www.instagram.com/allgoodbeverage/  All Good Beverage Website: www.AllGoodBeverage.com 

McCall Harwell of Nan Curated joins Carrie Rollwagen to talk about building Birmingham’s most stylish pop-up. From sourcing vintage pieces across Alabama to turning social media buzz into real foot traffic, McCall shares her journey of turning taste into a thriving business — all while keeping the experience front and center.

Mentioned in this episode:

Website: https://www.nancurated.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nan.curated TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mccallharwell Zephyr Barbershop: https://www.instagram.com/zephyrbarber/

Bustle Gowns isn’t your typical bridal shop. Owner Meredith Carter and creative director Laine White join Carrie Rollwagen to talk about creating a luxury experience with sample gowns, training consultants to be true guides, and navigating viral fame with grace. You’ll hear stories of treasure-hunt dresses, intimate appointments, and why brides keep recommending Bustle long after the big day.

Mentioned in this episode:

Website

Instagram

Breakout Games 

Asia Nicole

Ashley Wilhite

Carrie Rollwagen chats with her husband, Russell Marbut, about co-owning the Alabama Twisters, a state-based team in the Professional Grappling Federation. They explore how nine gym owners joined forces, the fast-paced PGF format, and their mission to grow Alabama’s jiu jitsu community.

Mentioned in this episode:

Alabama Twisters Website: https://www.alabamatwisters.org/ Alabama Twisters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alabamatwisters Watch PGF on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PGFWorld

Ohm Jiu Jitsu: https://ohmjiujitsu.com/ 

Russell’s photo Instagram, Jiu Jitsu Still: https://www.instagram.com/jiujitsustill

Ohm Jiu Jitsu on The Localist: https://carrierollwagen.com/podcast-episodes/ohm-jiu-jitsu/ 

Carrie talks with Paul Shunnarah, co-owner of Fit Five Meals and Gauntlet Fitness, about how he turned a nutrition need at his gym into one of the Southeast's fastest-growing meal prep companies. Paul shares what makes Fit Five stand out, why they avoid subscriptions and how they've grown without sacrificing quality.

Mentioned in this episode:

Fit Five Meals

Fit Five Meals on Instagram

Gauntlet Fitness

Elite Nutrition

Wheelhouse Salon

Infomedia

Overtime Grill & Bar

Church Street Coffee & Books

Baba Java

Paul Shunnarah on Instagram

Absolute Nutrition

Carrie Rollwagen shares her personal checklist for turning every business event into authentic, engaging social media content. Learn how to build your brand and tell better stories with simple, actionable tips you can implement at your next conference or networking event.

Mentioned in this episode:

carrierollwagen.com

Infomedia

@crollwagen on Instagram

On this episode of The Localist, Carrie talks with Brooke Bowles, CEO of the Levite Jewish Community Center (JCC), about what makes the JCC more than just a fitness center. Brooke shares how the J fosters connection across cultures and ages, from preschoolers to long-time legacy members, and how its Jewish values shape its inclusive, mission-driven programs.

Mentioned in this episode:

Levite Jewish Community Center

The JCC on Instagram

Infomedia

The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal

Morgan Johnston on the Localist

Duquette Johnston on the Localist

Swim School

I3 Academy

Girls Inc.

United Way

Glenwood

United Ability

Full Circle BHM

The J’la Gala

In this episode of The Localist, Carrie shares her simple but powerful end-of-week routine to set herself up for a calmer, more focused Monday. Inspired by Kelly Nolan’s calendaring techniques, she explains why Friday planning works better than Sunday, how to catch calendar conflicts and why your agenda should include joy as well as tasks. Find out how to organize your week without losing yourself in the shuffle.

Mentioned in this episode:

Kelly Nolan

Free course on calendaring with Kelly Nolan

Kelly Nolan on Instagram

In this episode of The Localist, Mitch and Maddie McEver share how Whammy Coffee grew from a playful weekend project — complete with toy dinosaurs and nostalgic branding — into a thriving Birmingham café. What began as a creative roasting experiment evolved through pop-ups, coffee carts and shared entrepreneurial dreams into a brick-and-mortar shop in the Denham Building.

Mentioned in this episode:

Whammy Coffee

Whammy Coffee on Instagram

Little Professor Bookshop

Denham Building

East Pole Coffee

Church Street Coffee & Books

Noble & Main Coffee Company

Localist episode with June Coffee

Ohm Jiu Jitsu

Cala Coffee

Localist episode with Cala Coffee

Redeemer Community Church

In this solo episode, Carrie Rollwagen unpacks her approach to solo retreats — why she takes them, what she brings and how they transform her work. Tune in to hear how a few days away can lead to long-term clarity and productivity.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for Carrie’s newsletter