Butternomics the Business of Culture

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 next generation. This episode is your crash course in protecting what you’ve earned and making sure it lasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 therapy changed everything, and why she built #SilenceTheShame to help others do the same. This is a conversation about legacy, loss, and finding purpose on the other side of pain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Bossip stays Bossip without selling out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marlon Williams, founder of Starter Labs and the Atlanta Blockchain Center, dives into the transformative potential of Web3 as a major wealth opportunity. He shares his journey from having no connections to creating community-driven platforms in Atlanta. Marlon breaks down blockchain technology in simple terms, emphasizing its disruptive power in finance and the importance of culture. He discusses how decentralization can democratize financial access, while showcasing initiatives that promote equity and innovation in the blockchain ecosystem.

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 their partnership thrive, and why saying no is one of the most powerful things a founder can do. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 growing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 means to protect your peace while scaling impact. If you’re thinking about building something big, this conversation will save you years of mistakes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 through community programs, this episode is packed with lessons on building a brand that stands for more than just business. If you’re serious about growing something real, this is a masterclass in vision, perseverance, and impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 survive in an industry where 16 bars in West Midtown have closed in just the last year. If you’ve ever thought about owning a bar, this conversation is your reality check—and your blueprint.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 of real talk on partnerships, business growth, and how to scale without losing your voice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.