In this episode of Butternomics, host Brandon Butler sits down with Gocha Hawkins, the dynamic entrepreneur behind Gocha's Breakfast Bar and several other successful ventures. Gocha shares her inspiring journey from cosmetology to the culinary world, highlighting the importance of consistency, quality, and community support in building a thriving restaurant business. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of expanding her brand, the critical role of a strong team, and the innovative strategies she employs to keep her customers coming back. Gocha also delves into her retail products, including her popular pancake mix and hot sauce, and her plans for a shared kitchen space to support other food entrepreneurs. 

In this episode of Butternomics, host Brandon Butler sits down with Branden Peters and Kevin Irvin, the dynamic duo behind Draught Season, a lifestyle brand dedicated to craft beer. They delve into the rich history of beer, tracing its origins back to ancient Mesopotamia and highlighting the pivotal role of Black women in its creation. Branden and Kevin share their journey of building Draught Season, emphasizing the importance of branding, community, and education in the craft beer industry. They discuss their numerous collaborations, including a notable partnership with the Sacramento Kings, and their mission to make craft beer accessible and appealing to a broader audience. Tune in to learn about the challenges and triumphs of navigating the beer industry, the significance of their "Beer is Black History" campaign, and their vision for the future. 

In this episode of Butternomics, host Brandon Butler sits down with Jenae Jenkins, the Executive Director of First Tee of Metro Atlanta. Jenae shares profound insights on how golf serves as a powerful tool for teaching life skills and building confidence in young people. From her own journey of discovering golf to leading an organization that impacts thousands of kids, Jenae discusses the importance of perseverance, living in the moment, and the transformative power of sports. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of success, the unique approach of First Tee, and how golf is breaking barriers and becoming a part of the culture. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or someone interested in youth development, this episode offers valuable lessons on life, leadership, and the game of golf.

On this episode of Butternomics, Brandon sits down with Dr. Key Hallman, founder and CEO of The Village Market, to discuss the power of community in building successful businesses. Dr. Key shares her journey of creating a platform for Black entrepreneurs, the importance of self-care as a leader, and the hard lessons she’s learned about scaling with purpose. She also previews her upcoming book, No One Is Self Made, offering insights for entrepreneurs on building impactful businesses while fostering legacy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

On this episode of Butternomics, we’re diving into the vibrant history and culture of Atlanta’s nightlife with none other than Biddy Barnes. Known as one of the architects of the city’s iconic club scene, Biddy takes us on a journey through the highs, lows, and transformative moments that shaped Atlanta’s nightlife in the ’90s and 2000s. From legendary venues like Club Kaya and Vision to the creation of VIP culture, Biddy shares behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in community building, and the evolution of what made Atlanta the epicenter of entertainment and culture. Whether you’re a nightlife enthusiast or just curious about the business behind the party, this episode is packed with gems you don’t want to miss.

On this episode of Butternomics, we sit down with Melissa Proctor, Chief Marketing Officer of the Atlanta Hawks, to explore her inspiring journey from a high school intern to a trailblazing executive. Melissa shares the unconventional path that led her to the C-suite, proving that success isn’t always a straight line. We dive into how she overcame challenges as a Black woman in sports, balanced motherhood with her demanding career, and used culture and authenticity to drive innovation. Melissa also reveals her strategies for shaping the future of fandom and inclusivity within the Hawks organization. Whether you’re looking for career inspiration, leadership insights, or just an incredible story of resilience and vision, this episode is packed with lessons that will leave you ready to take your own leap of faith.

On this episode of Butternomics, Brandon Butler chops it up with Rashan Ali, the ultimate Atlanta homegirl and multimedia trailblazer. From breaking into radio to thriving in TV, voiceover, and beyond, Rashan shares how she built her legacy by staying true to herself and her city. Hear how she learned the game, stayed moving, and became one of Atlanta’s most beloved voices.

On this episode of Butternomics, Brandon Butler sits down with Corey “Mr. Hanky” Denard, the hitmaking producer behind anthems like “Living My Best Life” and “Wobble.” They dive into the creative process behind turning everyday moments into chart-topping songs, how to build meaningful connections in the music industry, and the balance between artistry and business. Mr. Hanky shares insights on leveraging culture, creating opportunities, and staying relevant in a competitive industry. Whether you’re an aspiring producer, a creative entrepreneur, or just love good music, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

On this episode of Butternomics, Brandon Butler chops it up with Keinon Johnson, the guru at blending hip-hop beats with big biz buzz. Keinon dives into how he’s shaped the culture by hooking up top artists with major brands, changing the game from the days he was curating hits for radio to now calling the shots in boardrooms. Plus, he’ll break down his “Never Sold Dope” movement, proving you can win big in this industry without following the clichéd paths. Don’t miss out on Keinon’s real talk on making moves and making history in music and marketing.

On this episode of Butternomics, host Brandon Butler sits down with Jay Bailey, a champion for Black economic empowerment and the driving force behind the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. Dive deep into Jay’s journey and his dedicated efforts to create a sustainable ecosystem that uplifts and transforms Black businesses in Atlanta and beyond. Discover how the Russell Innovation Center is not just a hub for business but a beacon of community and cultural pride, providing the tools, resources, and network Black entrepreneurs need to thrive. Jay shares his insights on overcoming barriers, the power of community investment, and his vision for a future where economic success is accessible to all.