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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Milton Little, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Atlanta, for a conversation about legacy, leadership, and the work that still needs to be done. Milton shares what it means to lead one of Atlanta’s most impactful nonprofits, how he thinks about equity at scale, and the moments that shaped his approach to change. From his roots in New York’s civil rights era to leading billion-dollar initiatives in the South, this episode unpacks what true service looks like, and why leadership without community is just ego.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, talks with Jhordan Gibbs, co-founder of Milk + Cookies, about building one of Atlanta’s most respected music platforms from the ground up. Jhordan shares how he and his partners booked Kendrick Lamar before the fame, took their festival from the BeltLine to South Africa, and earned the trust of brands by leading with culture first. They break down the real business behind festivals, the power of community, and how to build global momentum without losing your identity.

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.

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.

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.