Butternomics the Business of Culture

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.

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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 understand. He explains blockchain in plain language, lays out why culture needs to be at the table, and shares a bold vision for where Atlanta fits into the next digital economy. If you’re tired of being late to the wave, this episode is your head start.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 transactions, and why curating authentic experiences beats bottle service every time. If you’ve ever wanted to build something real from scratch—or just throw a party people never forget—this one’s a blueprint.

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Ty McMath scaled and sold his first fitness company before building The Union Fit Hub—Atlanta’s first gym designed for fitness entrepreneurs. In this episode of Butternomics, he breaks down how he made it happen and why betting on trainers was the smartest move he ever made.

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