Butternomics the Business of Culture

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with entrepreneur and attorney Khadijah Robinson about what happens after the deal closes. Khadijah opens up about building Nile List from a spreadsheet to an acquired platform, all while balancing a high-powered legal career. She shares what most people get wrong about acquisitions, why the VC system doesn’t work for most Black founders, and what it really mean...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Olajuwon Ajanaku, co-founder of Eastside Golf, to break down how an idea born in an apartment turned into a cultural movement. Olajuwon shares how Eastside Golf redefined what golf looks like—and who it’s for—by leading with authenticity, grit, and purpose. From sketching logos by hand to collaborating with Jordan Brand and changing lives th...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Camaran Burke, founder of Holiday in Atlanta, to talk about what really goes into building a bar that becomes a community hub. Cam shares his journey from physics major to bartender to owner, and how the business of hospitality demands more than most people realize. From grief and burnout to building systems and culture, Cam gets honest about what it takes to...

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Troop Brand, the creative force behind Trap Sushi. What started as a passion project to find fellow anime lovers turned into a full-on cultural movement—now backed by brand deals with Adult Swim, UTA, and more. Troop shares how he blended nightlife, hip-hop, cosplay, and community into one of the most unique event brands in Atlanta. This episode is full...

On this episode, Butternomics host Brandon Butler sits down with Southside Ken, the mastermind behind Atlanta’s professional party scene, to unpack how he turned a single Facebook post into a movement that reshaped the city’s nightlife. From pitching restaurant owners on the Southside to packing out rooftops and opening his own restaurant, Ken breaks down the power of consistency, the importance of relationships over tr...

On this episode of Butternomics, host Brandon Butler sits down with Kenny Burns to talk about how he became the Lifestyle Specialist before influencers were a thing. They get into building culture, moving brands, and why real influence starts with authenticity. From radio to spirits to the streets of Atlanta, Kenny shares how he turned connection into a career—and why the dream is still real.

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On this episode of Butternomics, we sit down with Atlanta’s own cultural curator and Hip Hop’s official historian, Nuface. From ticket stubs to Grammy-winning studio sessions, Nuface has transformed a passion for hip hop and community into an unmatched legacy of being everywhere culture happens. We dive into how he built relationships that turned a love for music into a thriving business, the...

On this episode, Butternomics host Brandon Butler sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur and media innovator Sherrell Dorsey to break down how she built The Plug into the first Black-owned tech news publication to syndicate with Bloomberg—and why she ultimately decided to sell it. Sherrell shares her  approach to securing corporate sponsorships without chasing vanity metrics, the power of a hyper-engaged audience over a ...

On this episode of Butternomics, host Brandon Butler sits down with Ryan Cameron, the unmistakable Voice of Atlanta, to break down his journey from intern to media legend. He shares how he built a lasting career, stayed relevant, and why Atlanta’s culture thrives on reinvention. We talk betting on yourself, staying present, and the power of collaboration—plus some wild stories from his radio ...

On this episode of Butternomics, host Brandon Butler sits down with Krystal and Doug Peterson, a powerhouse couple leading the charge in Atlanta’s real estate, culture, and business scene. From revitalizing Bankhead Seafood to creating the Trap Music Museum, they’ve made it their mission to preserve and elevate Black-owned spaces in the city. They discuss their strategy for buying back the block, why restoring Bankhead ...

On this episode of Butternomics, we’re joined by F.L.Y.—the creators of the iconic Swag Surfin’. What started as a club anthem in Atlanta has transformed into a global movement, with everyone from Beyoncé to Taylor Swift and even the Kansas City Chiefs getting in on the wave. But beyond the music, there’s a business behind the culture. We dive into how F.L.Y. built a hit that refuses to fade, the unex...

Justin Samuels didn’t wait for Silicon Valley to bring tech opportunities to Atlanta—he built them himself. In this episode, we dive into how he turned RenderATL into one of the most exciting and culture-driven tech conferences in the country. From bootstrapping to booking A-list talent, Justin breaks down the strategy, the challenges, and the big vision behind Atlanta’s growing tech scene. If you care about tech,...

On this episode of Butternomics, we’re live with none other than Ray Daniels—music mogul, podcast powerhouse, and the self-proclaimed “Culture Referee.” Ray gets real about what it truly takes to build influence, from his journey in the music industry to his rise as one of the most talked-about voices in media. Brandon and Ray break down the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the mindset shifts that separat...

In this episode of Butternomics, Jamé Jackson Gadsden breaks down the art of building a personal brand that commands respect—and bigger paydays. From mastering LinkedIn and video content to negotiating with confidence, she shares how showing up authentically can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or professional looking to level up, Jamé’s insights will h...

In this episode of Butternomics, Brandon sits down with Donte Miller and Hariett Williams, co-founders of Village Micro Fund, to discuss how they bridge the gap between culture and capital. They share innovative funding models like the Workers Equity Fund, their work empowering Black entrepreneurs, and the importance of culturally competent mentorship. From building sustainable businesses in Atlanta to expanding globally, this epis...

On this episode of Butternomics, Brandon Butler chats with TJ Bennett, CEO of Sole Play, about transforming a sneaker boutique into a community-driven movement. TJ shares his journey from corporate life to business ownership, how Sole Play leverages culture and partnerships to impact mental health awareness, financial literacy, and gaming, and the importance of intentional marketing, building a strong team, and creating a purpose-d...

In this episode of Butternomics, host Brandon Butler sits down with Scotty ATL to unpack how he turned a side hustle into a cultural movement. What started as a side hustle has grown into a cultural phenomenon, blending music, entrepreneurship, and the art of custom grillz. Scotty takes us behind the scenes of his journey, from opening a new store on Edgewood to expanding to LA, all while dropping music like Couch Potato.

We d...