Butternomics the Business of Culture

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 art of always knowing exactly where to show up, and the value of being authentically present. Tune in to hear how Nuface turned his incredible collection and impeccable timing into a powerful role at the center of hip hop culture.

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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 massive following, and why climate tech is the next billion-dollar opportunity Black entrepreneurs can’t afford to ignore. If you’ve ever wondered how to build, scale, and exit a media business on your own terms, this episode is packed with hard-won insights you won’t find anywhere else.

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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!

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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 Seafood was about more than food, the business of real estate and community impact, and how they turned the Trap Music Museum from a pop-up into a lasting cultural institution.

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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 unexpected corporate and global opportunities that came with it, and the lessons they’ve learned about ownership, publishing, and longevity in the music industry. From MySpace days to the Super Bowl stage, this is the story of how Swag Surfin’ became a cultural anthem.

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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, culture, and making big moves, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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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 separate winners from everyone else, and why showing up for yourself is the key to long-term success. Whether you’re building a brand, launching a business, or just trying to figure out your next move, this episode is packed with game you won’t find anywhere else.

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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 help you stand out, get noticed, and get paid what you deserve. 

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In this episode of Butternomics, C.D. Moody shares how passion and perseverance helped him shape Atlanta’s skyline. From overcoming personal challenges to building iconic landmarks, Moody’s story is a powerful blueprint for turning obstacles into opportunities. Tune in for lessons on grit, growth, and dreaming big.

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