Butternomics the Business of Culture

On this episode of Butternomics, Brandon Butler sits down with Mali Wilson, a music industry veteran who spent 15 years running Tree Sound Studios in Atlanta, one of the most iconic recording spaces in hip hop history. Lil Wayne was loyal to that building for over a decade. Drake, J. Cole, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz — they all came through her doors, many of them before the world even knew their names. Mali took over a studio that was $300,000 in debt and turned it into the room where some of the biggest records in rap got made. In this conversation, Mali opens up about what she learned watching superstars build and lose careers up close, why she walked away from a deal with Clive Davis when the industry was collapsing, and what it really takes to earn respect as a woman operating in rooms full of men who weren't always ready to make space. She talks about launching Earth Girl, a movement that has reached over 4,000 young women through camps, mentorship, and real music industry education, placing nearly 200 songs on networks like Paramount and A&E. And she gets into the deeply personal story behind her debut album "Retro in Real Time," co-written with her husband Eric, aka The Black Banker, a project born out of falling in love for the first time after a lifetime of putting everyone else's music before her own. Mali recorded on Aretha Franklin's mic and Al Green's mic in Memphis, and she's not playing small. This is what it looks like when someone who spent their whole career building for others finally decides to build for themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, Brandon Butler sits down with Onaje Henderson, co-owner of Zucot Gallery, one of the largest Black owned art galleries in the Southeast. Onaje grew up watching his father, a Tuskegee trained engineer turned full-time painter, create in the family garage every single day. That upbringing sparked a 15 year mission to build a space where Black art, Black artists, and Black collectors are not just welcome but centered. In this conversation, Onaje breaks down how art quietly functions as a wealth building tool through the secondary auction market, why our community keeps missing that opportunity, and what it actually looks like to take ownership of our own cultural narrative. He gets into how Zucot was built to feel welcoming instead of intimidating, why someone outside our culture should never be the one determining the value of our art, and what it means to support Black art with your actual dollars not just your words. Culture costs. This episode is about understanding why that investment matters more right now than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, Brandon Butler sits down with Courtney English, Chief of Staff and Chief Policy Officer for the City of Atlanta under Mayor Andre Dickens. Courtney is a born-and-raised Atlanta native, a product of Southwest Atlanta, Douglas High School, and Morehouse College, who got elected to the Atlanta Board of Education at just 24 years old, became the youngest board chair in the district's history at 28, and has spent his entire career fighting to make Atlanta work for the people who built it. In this conversation, Courtney pulls back the curtain on what it actually looks like to run the agenda for one of the fastest growing cities in America. He breaks down how Atlanta has driven violent crime down by over 34 percent, how the city is building 20,000 units of affordable housing by 2030, and how the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative is putting real resources into communities that have been overlooked for too long. He also gets into what the FIFA World Cup means for small business owners right now and how Showcase Atlanta is making sure the people who grew up here are positioned to win.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of Butternomics, hosted by Brandon Butler, sits down with Tasha Belle Cyril, founder of J'ouvert Caribbean Kitchen and Bar and co-founder of Apartment 4B, a hospitality entrepreneur and service strategist with over 15 years of experience building restaurants across Atlanta, New York City, Jamaica and Saint Lucia. Tasha gets real about what it actually takes to survive in the restaurant industry, from managing razor-thin margins and training staff to maintaining standards when customers push back. She breaks down why most people who want to open a restaurant probably shouldn't, what Atlanta gets right (and wrong) when it comes to dining culture, and why the best restaurants are built on service, strategy and identity rather than trends like hookah and grass walls. Tasha also shares the story behind The Family Table, her monthly initiative providing hot meals to families experiencing food insecurity out of J'ouvert, and explains why giving back is inseparable from her mission as a restaurateur. Whether you're dreaming of opening your own spot or just love eating at one, this conversation will change how you think about the business behind the plate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Omar Ali to break down how commercial real estate actually creates long term wealth. Omar shares the mindset shift most people miss when they think about property, including why patience, scale, and structure matter more than quick wins. They talk through capital access, government programs, and the quiet mechanics behind deals that last for generations. This conversation goes beyond buying buildings and gets into how wealth is built, protected, and passed down over time. If you want a clearer picture of how real estate works at the highest level, this episode delivers it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people leave the military with a thank you and a handshake. Aristole left with a million dollars. On this episode on Butternomics hosted by Brandon Butler, we sit down with Aristole Investments, the Atlanta-raised financial educator who went from cutting hair in the barracks to teaching thousands of soldiers how to build wealth through the stock market. At 18, he joined the Army with no plan B. By 24, he walked out a millionaire. Now he's building an 8-figure legacy center in East Point and dropping gems on how Atlanta can own its own economic power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, host Brandon Butler sits down with Greg Mike—the artist who turned painted soda cans into a global brand and a 500 square foot studio into ABV Gallery, one of Atlanta's most influential creative houses. Greg Mike's signature character, Larry Loudmouth, is everywhere from the Beltline to the Swiss Alps. But his story isn't about overnight success. It's about starting with nothing, using what you have, and building something that lasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with the one and only Nitti Beatz, a foundational figure in Atlanta's music scene. Nitti takes us back to his roots, from his gospel radio upbringing with his mother to learning seven instruments by ear. He recounts the early days of Atlanta hip-hop, being inspired by local legends like Mr. Cool, and his big break producing tracks for 8-Ball. Nitti pulls back the curtain on the creation of the multi-platinum hit "It's Goin' Down" for Young Joc, sharing the creative process and the lessons learned about the industry. This conversation is packed with insights on the importance of music quality, branding, mentorship from figures like Jermaine Dupri and Diddy, and his passion for developing the next generation of artists. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, we’re kicking it with Angela Watts, the visionary behind Atlanta Fashion Week. Angela saw the potential for ATL to be more than just a hub for music and culture—she knew it could be a global fashion hotspot too. So, she built a platform that highlights everything from streetwear to high fashion. Fast forward over a decade, and Atlanta Fashion Week is pulling in designers, brands, and fashion lovers from around the world. Tap in as Angela breaks down how she turned her vision into one of ATL’s biggest fashion events, what it really takes to make it in the fashion game, and where she sees the future of Atlanta’s fashion scene heading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, dives into the franchise hustle with Randy Hazelton, CEO of H&H Hospitality. Randy reveals how he went from flipping real estate to running Shake Shacks, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Sweetwater Brewhouses in major airports. He breaks down the difference between building concepts from scratch versus leveraging franchises, and why the latter can be a shortcut to success. This conversation is packed with insights on funding, private equity, and the overlooked opportunities in boring businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 days. Packed with laughs, wisdom, and real talk—this is one you don’t want to miss!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, we sit down with Melissa Proctor, Chief Marketing Officer of the Atlanta Hawks, to explore her inspiring journey from a high school intern to a trailblazing executive. Melissa shares the unconventional path that led her to the C-suite, proving that success isn’t always a straight line. We dive into how she overcame challenges as a Black woman in sports, balanced motherhood with her demanding career, and used culture and authenticity to drive innovation. Melissa also reveals her strategies for shaping the future of fandom and inclusivity within the Hawks organization. Whether you’re looking for career inspiration, leadership insights, or just an incredible story of resilience and vision, this episode is packed with lessons that will leave you ready to take your own leap of faith.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Kelvin Collins, Vice President of Economic Development at the Atlanta BeltLine, to explore how the BeltLine has become more than a trail. Collins breaks down how it’s connecting 45 neighborhoods, sparking billions in investment, and creating opportunities for small businesses, artists, and everyday Atlantans. From affordable shipping container storefronts to preparing entrepreneurs for global events like the World Cup, this episode highlights the BeltLine as both Atlanta’s front porch and its billion-dollar future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Michael Barclay II, Chief Events and Experience Officer at Sundial Media, to break down the massive machine behind Essence Fest, AfroPunk, and BeautyCon. Barclay shares how Essence Fest became more than concerts, growing into a conference, marketplace, and cultural touchstone driving over $350 million in economic impact for New Orleans. He also opens up about his journey from Def Jam college rep to leading some of the biggest cultural festivals in the world. Listeners will learn the truth about what it costs to stage massive events, how brands and partners really work behind the scenes, and why patience and community-building are non-negotiable for long-term success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Terri Lee, President and CEO of Atlanta Housing, to explore what the future of affordable housing looks like in one of America’s fastest-growing cities. They discuss the challenges of rising rents, the opportunities in public-private partnerships, and how housing serves as the foundation for thriving communities. Terri shares her vision for equity, innovation, and sustainability in building homes that truly open doors for Atlanta families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, dives into the story of how Black Spades turned a classic card game into a thriving culture brand. From learning manufacturing lessons in Shenzhen to testing product demand through Kickstarter, this episode shows what it takes to build a business rooted in authenticity. Mackey breaks down the power of sampling before scaling, the grind of overseas trips, and why cultural trust beats big budgets every time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Brandon Chubb, former NFL player and founder of Do Not Disturb Wellness. Chubb breaks down how he’s taking pro-athlete-level recovery practices like sauna, cold plunge, and massage and making them accessible to the public. The conversation dives into the business model behind wellness memberships, the cultural shift toward recovery as lifestyle, and why Atlanta is the perfect home for this new wave of wellness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with DJ, producer, and cultural curator Jeremy Avalon to explore how parties can become platforms. Jeremy shares the story behind The Groove, the R&B experience that has lasted nearly a decade, and why building community around music is just as important as the music itself. From filling cultural gaps in Atlanta to securing sponsorships and turning nightlife into a business, Jeremy breaks down what it takes to transform creativity into sustainability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Dr. Kevin James, the president responsible for the extraordinary resurgence of Morris Brown College. Dr. James shares the gripping story of how he led the Atlanta-based HBCU from bankruptcy and lost accreditation back to national recognition. From his audacious decision to pursue the presidency, to rallying alumni, partners like Arthur Blank, and the AME Church, Dr. James reveals the strategy and resilience behind the rebirth of this historic institution. He also dives into his philosophy of "no excuses," team-building insights, and why he believes preparation is the key to overcoming impossible challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with media powerhouse Dawn Montgomery to discuss how she's mastered the elusive art of going viral. Dawn shares her journey from modeling to journalism, revealing the intentional strategies and authenticity behind her most talked-about moments. From valuing her work and pivoting careers to leveraging cultural insights, Dawn breaks down exactly what it takes to turn buzz into lasting business success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Michael MacDonald, the behind-the-scenes architect of Earn Your Leisure and Invest Fest, to share the real story of how it all came together. Michael opens up about his early hustle designing flyers, the pivotal equity deal that taught him the power of residual income, and the bold moves that helped EYL grow into a global brand. He also breaks down the business strategy behind EYL University, the Mac Pack legacy project, and why Invest Fest has become the Black Friday for entrepreneurs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Playboy Tre and B Rich, hosts of Atlanta’s hottest sports podcast, The Waterboyz Show. They dive into the real struggles and triumphs of being Atlanta sports fans, revealing how they've turned that passion—and pain—into a powerhouse podcast. Hear the behind-the-scenes stories of their journey, how their entertainment background shaped their unique style, and why the city has fully embraced their authentic take on sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with financial strategist Nicole Garner Scott about breaking down the myths that keep people from true financial empowerment. Nicole shares her journey from PR powerhouse to financial expert, revealing the common misconceptions about wealth, generational financial literacy, and why cultural narratives around money often keep communities stuck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From humble beginnings in Milwaukee to building one of the South’s most respected hip-hop platforms, Spitty shares how he turned a camera, a porch, and a passion for storytelling into a full-scale media business. He opens up about working with legends like Young Dolph and Snoop Dogg, surviving the pandemic, and stepping out from behind the camera to become a voice of the culture. This is a masterclass in consistency, vision, and staying true to the streets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with CJ and Kelli Stewart to break down how they’re using baseball to build character, confidence, and cultural pride in Black youth. From turning $40,000 into a million-dollar mentorship program to creating coaching certifications that heal generational trauma, they’re transforming more than just talent. The Stewarts share real talk on pricing your value, showing up with purpose, and building community through sports. This is a masterclass in what it means to lead with love—and legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Curtis Daniel III to uncover the real story behind Patchwerk Studios, the legendary recording space that helped shape the sound of the South. Curtis breaks down how he built a world-class studio without outside backing, earned trust across the music industry, and stayed relevant for 30 years. From working with Outkast and Jeezy to running a studio with zero debt and 26 employees, Curtis shares game for creatives and business owners alike. He also opens up about the importance of standards, customer service, and raising the bar, not lowering it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with J-Bizz about what it truly takes to create authentic content that resonates and goes viral. J-Bizz shares insights from his journey—from growing up in Richmond, Virginia, to becoming a cultural force in Atlanta—detailing how consistency, creativity, and community connection led to his breakthrough moments. He breaks down the secrets behind leveraging culture, content, and personal authenticity to build a thriving multifaceted brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with Jarvis George, the creative powerhouse behind VibesInATL, about the secrets to creating content that consistently goes viral. Jarvis shares his journey from Navy veteran and grad student to one of Atlanta’s most influential creators, detailing how he leverages culture, consistency, and authenticity to drive engagement and build community. From content creation tips to understanding algorithms, this episode offers actionable insights for anyone looking to grow online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, speaks with Sarah Oak Kim, co-founder of Our Bar ATL, about the intersection of nightlife, culture, and community advocacy. Sarah discusses how Our Bar became a gathering place for meaningful change, offering insights into initiatives like Hug the Block, Narcan training, and community-driven events. From challenging misconceptions to addressing social issues head-on, Sarah shares how nightlife can truly be a catalyst for change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with Chilly-O, a cultural pioneer and community advocate who has shaped Atlanta’s creative identity for decades. From his early work in the city’s housing projects to becoming a streetwear innovator and action sports enthusiast, Chilly-O has consistently leveraged his influence to uplift the youth and creative communities. In this conversation, he shares the importance of authenticity, the power of mentorship, and how creative communities can help Atlanta maintain its cultural edge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with marketing legend Darryl “DC” Cobbin to explore what it truly means to create culture, not just chase it. From his groundbreaking work at Sprite, shaping hip-hop’s first mainstream brand partnerships, to driving billion-dollar success at Boost Mobile and marketing blockbusters like Avatar, DC shares strategic insights on how brands can authentically shape culture. He dives into the difference between marketing and advertising, why asking the right questions matters more than having quick answers, and how real culture drives real profits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Wintter Alex and Chic Lauren of The Manner Co to discuss their journey from styling one of Atlanta’s most iconic music videos, “Bad and Boujee,” to building a thriving creative empire. Wintter and Chic share how they’ve navigated fashion, marketing, and community to create a business that blends style with strategic success. This conversation dives into what marketing truly means beyond advertising, how to scale authenticity, and why community remains their most valuable asset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 insights into commerce while staying true to yourself and your community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Keyeriah Miles, founder of Ladies Who Golf, to talk about how a side hobby turned into a national movement. Keyeriah shares how a single text message evolved into the largest golf community for women in the country and what it really took to scale the brand with clarity, confidence, and culture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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—this conversation confirms it, then gives you the game plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with marketing strategist and speaker Mr. Daniel Dickey about how to turn your lived experience into a revenue-generating engine. Mr. Daniel Dickey shares how his love of culture, service, and storytelling evolved into a business and why you don’t need a gimmick if your strategy is strong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 teaching is his next stage of impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 about networking—it was about shifting access to capital, creativity, and collective power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, evolution, and building a business that feels like you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 power, wealth, and real freedom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 shirts, it’s about stories that last.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.