Butternomics the Business of Culture

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.