Butternomics the Business of Culture

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with marketing expert Mahdi Woodard to explore his proven blueprint for turning content into commerce. Mahdi shares insights on the real definition of marketing, the secret behind finding product-market fit, and how he transitioned from hobby to thriving business without losing authenticity. This episode is a masterclass in translating your ideas, hobbies, and ins...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Isaac Hayes III, the force behind Fanbase, a groundbreaking social media platform redefining creator monetization. Isaac opens up about his unique approach to raising capital through equity crowdfunding, his journey transitioning from entertainment to tech, and why building infrastructure is the key to securing the financial future of black creators.

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On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with Henry Mason about what it means to build a healthcare company rooted in care, not just code. From a tech background to running one of Georgia’s top hospice providers, Henry shares how he’s navigating the business of medicine with honesty, grit, and a clear vision. If you’ve ever felt like the healthcare system isn’t built for you—thi...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with Legendary Jerry Clark about what it really means to move culture behind the scenes. For more than 30 years, Jerry helped shape the sound and soul of Atlanta’s music scene—from street promo to artist development to city proclamations. They get into how the business has changed, what the new generation needs to understand, and why Jerry believes teachin...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Ryan Wilson, co-founder of The Gathering Spot, to talk about what it really takes to build power through community. Ryan opens up about the early rejections, the hard conversations, and the moments that shaped his vision for one of Atlanta’s most influential spaces. They talk Black excellence, business strategy, and why The Gathering Spot was never just...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Archie Clay III to talk about what it takes to start over after success. Archie shares how a season of loss, anxiety, and self-doubt became the foundation for something new: Brain Love. Built from therapy, reflection, and purpose, the brand represents a shift toward vulnerability, mental wellness, and honest storytelling. This conversation is about identity, ...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with John Hope Bryant to talk about the $3 trillion opportunity sitting in front of Black America—and what happens if we keep missing it. John breaks down why financial literacy is the new civil rights, how capitalism can be reclaimed, and why ownership is no longer optional. From Operation HOPE to AI to economic dignity, this episode is a blueprint for powe...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Terrance Albritton, founder of Grady Baby Company, to talk about building a brand that reps Atlanta for real. Starting from just sticky note on his desk to licensing deals and airport retail, Terrance breaks down how he turned a local phrase into a cultural symbol. They talk about legacy planning, streetwear economics, and why Grady Baby was never just about ...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Shannon Joyner, VP of Marketing for the Atlanta Falcons, to talk about what it means to build a football brand that reflects a city’s identity. From collabs with Outkast to campaigns rooted in community, Shannon shares how he’s helping the Falcons connect with fans in a way that feels bigger than the game.

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On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Milton Little, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Atlanta, for a conversation about legacy, leadership, and the work that still needs to be done. Milton shares what it means to lead one of Atlanta’s most impactful nonprofits, how he thinks about equity at scale, and the moments that shaped his approach to change. From his roots in New York&rsq...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with Jhordan Gibbs, co-founder of Milk + Cookies, about building one of Atlanta’s most respected music platforms from the ground up. Jhordan shares how he and his partners booked Kendrick Lamar before the fame, took their festival from the BeltLine to South Africa, and earned the trust of brands by leading with culture first. They break down the real business be...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with attorney Amber Saunders to talk about the most overlooked step in building generational wealth: estate planning. Amber breaks down wills, trusts, life insurance, and why GoFundMe is not a strategy. She shares the real stories behind what happens when families don’t have a plan, and how one house, passed down the right way, can shift everything for the n...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with music executive turned mental health advocate Shanti Das to talk about her journey from hit records to healing. Shanti helped shape the sound of Atlanta, working with Outkast, Usher, TLC, and more, before stepping away from the industry to start something even more personal. She opens up about what pushed her to the edge, how thera...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with Danielle Canada about what it really takes to run one of the most recognizable names in Black digital media. From navigating celebrity mess to protecting culture with integrity, Danielle breaks down the art and pressure of writing for the people—every single day. This episode dives deep into the business of attention, the future of Black media, and how Boss...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Marlon Williams—founder of Starter Labs and the Atlanta Blockchain Center—to break down why Web3 could be the most important wealth shift of our generation. From starting with no connections in Atlanta to launching two venture-backed platforms, Marlon shares how he built trust, capital, and community in a space most people still don’t unders...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with Pop’N Creative founders Lori Hall and Jessica Lane about turning uncertainty into opportunity. After both were laid off from their corporate roles, they teamed up to build the kind of agency they’d always wanted to work at—one rooted in culture, trust, and real collaboration. They break down the realities of working with friends, what makes thei...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Peter Kiley to talk about how he’s reshaped what a brewery can represent. Peter shares the Monday Night Brewing origin story, how the team scaled with intention, and why community is the heartbeat of the brand. They dig into the business side of craft brewing—from funding to culture to creativity—and what it takes to stay grounded while grow...