Brand Slam Podcast

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s becoming a brand essential. And no one understands that better than the Environmental Media Association (EMA). In this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata go behind the scenes of a major milestone, how our virtual production studio became the first on the East Coast to earn EMA’s Green Seal for Studios. EMA CEO Debbie Levin joins the co...

AI is rewriting the rules of branding, media and digital strategy. In Episode 41 of the Brand Slam podcast, (add)ventures founder and CEO Steve Rosa teams up with Joe Kayata to tackle how to navigate AI's accelerating impact on the way we search and connect with audiences.   Joining them is Pete Pachal, founder of The Media Copilot, a newsletter and podcast that explores how generative AI is trans...

If you want to understand one of the biggest power shifts happening in sports and branding right now, look no further than the WNBA. In this episode of Brand Slam, Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti to break down the rise of women’s sports, and why it’s not just a moment, but a movement transforming the industry. Rizzotti, a trailblazer who led UConn to...

When people think about healthcare marketing, they often picture numbers—safety stats, product specs and clinical data. But behind every hospital decision is a person who cares. A nurse focused on keeping patients safe. A doctor working for better outcomes. An administrator trying to build a healthier, more supportive environment. Healthcare is personal—and the marketing behind it should be too. T...

Can your brand win the digital cart? In today’s grocery game, it’s not about who owns the shelf, it’s about who wins the cart. On this episode of Brand Slam, Ryan Garvey, Senior Director and Head of Midmarket, Growth, and Non-Endemic Sales at Instacart, dives into what it takes to compete in a digital-first world where convenience, personalization and timing rule. The grocery experience has transf...

From the gridiron to the vineyard, Will Blackmon is redefining what it means to build a second act rooted in authenticity and excellence. Dubbed the “NFL Wine Guy,” he’s on a mission to make wine more approachable, inclusive, and unforgettable. That philosophy drives every facet of his brand, from curated experiences through his concierge service, The Wine MVP, to the debut of his Blackmon Cellars...

What do you get when you mix one of the most iconic sporting events in the world with a masterclass in branding and personal storytelling? Episode 36 of Brand Slam. There are iconic brands—and then there’s The Masters. In Episode 36 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Joe Kayata and (add)ventures President Mary Sadlier sit down with pro golfer Billy Andrade to talk about the power of The Masters b...

College sports marketing isn’t just changing—it’s evolving at warp speed. As the NCAA tournament tips off, brands are rethinking their playbooks, and we have a courtside view of what’s next. In Episode 35 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Joe Kayata and (add)ventures President Mary Sadlier sit down with Daryl Jasper, Vice President of Sports Properties at LEARFIELD, to discuss how brands are evo...

In Episode 34 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Joe Kayata and (add)ventures President Mary Sadlier sit down with Mark Bohen, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mass General Brigham, to discuss the strategy behind one of the most significant healthcare rebrands in recent years. This effort went beyond introducing a new logo or brand identity—it was a strategic and high-stakes initiati...

In Episode 33 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit with Brian Bonilla, Ad Age senior agency reporter, to unpack the biggest marketing trends shaping 2025. With new tools, evolving consumer behavior and rapid advancements in AI, the industry is experiencing a shift that’s redefining how brands and agencies operate. From mergers and acquisitions to the growing role of in...

In Episode 32 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata are joined by Shelle Santana, Ph. D., assistant professor of marketing at Harvard Business School and Bentley University, to uncover the secrets behind Super Bowl commercials—just in time for the big game next weekend. Shelle shares how brands use the big game to connect with over 100 million viewers, crafting stories that...

In Episode 31 of the Brand Slam Podcast, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata chat with Andy Pearson, Vice President of Creative at Liquid Death, to reveal how the brand has disrupted the beverage industry with its fearless marketing and commitment to sustainability. Liquid Death isn’t just selling water—it’s leading a revolution. Known for its unapologetically edgy branding and viral campaigns, the co...

In Episode 30 of the Brand Slam Podcast, co-host Joe Kayata welcomes back World Series Champion and pioneering baseball development coach Kayla Baptista, joined by her mentor, legendary baseball leader Jerry Weinstein. This inspiring episode explores how mentorship transcends five generations, genders and industries, fostering growth and collaboration. Jerry Weinstein, with a nearly 60-year career...

In this special episode 29 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata reflect on a remarkable year of achievements. From insightful conversations with trailblazing guests to setting major milestones, Brand Slam has solidified its place as a leading voice in the world of marketing podcasts. Over the past year, Brand Slam has earned global recognition, now ranking in the top 3% of...

In Episode 28 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Tory Pachis, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Amica Mutual Insurance, for an inspiring conversation about branding, community, and connection. Tory shares how Amica's innovative marketing strategies set the company apart in the competitive world of insurance, with a particular focus on their dynamic part...

In Episode 27 of the Brand Slam Podcast, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. Chris Nowinski, co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, about the critical issue of brain injuries in sports. This episode provides insightful exploration into the world of athletic safety, focusing on the impact of concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Dr...

In Episode 26 of the Brand Slam Podcast, co-host Steve Rosa and (add)ventures President Mary Sadlier explore the impactful world of corporate social responsibility (CSR), featuring insights from Joanne Dwyer, vice president of Corporate Communications and CSR at PetSmart. This episode sheds light on the strategic significance CSR plays in defining brand identity and cultivating consumer trust. Joa...

On this bonus episode of Brand Slam: Overtime, co-host Steve Rosa and (add)ventures President Mary Sadlier share insights from their trip to Washington, D.C., where they explored the world of chef José Andrés, a culinary genius and global humanitarian. During their travels, they visited three of his acclaimed restaurants and witnessed the vibrant storytelling, energy of the staff and innovative sp...

In Episode 25 of the Brand Slam Podcast, join hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata as they explore the fascinating world of influencer marketing with Ian Brownhill, a social media influencer celebrated for his authentic New England charm. Ian shares his journey from working construction to support his acting career, to becoming a prominent influencer with over 1.6 million followers across social media...

In Episode 24 of the Brand Slam Podcast, host Steve Rosa and guest host Mary Sadlier explore the inspiring journey of Coole Swan, a brand committed to elevating the Irish cream market. Get to know the remarkable connection between our host, Mary Sadlier, and her distant cousin with the same name, Coole Swan founder Mary Sadlier, whose paths intertwined on LinkedIn, and led to a meeting in Dublin,...

In Episode 23 of the Brand Slam podcast, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata attend the Matt Light Celebrity Shoot-out at Addieville East Farm. They interview Matt Light about his New England Patriots career and transition to his eponymous foundation brand. Plus, the laughter is non-stop with comedian and actor Lenny Clarke who was in Something About Mary, Rescue Me, and DraftKings commercials. This e...

In Episode 22 of the Brand Slam podcast, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata attend the Association of Leadership Programs (ALP) National Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. They speak with Michelle Carr, executive director of Leadership Rhode Island (LRI), and Lura Hammond, executive director of ALP. Michelle shares the immense honor LRI feels hosting the event—this is the first time since 1988 t...

In Episode 21 of the Brand Slam podcast, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata attend the Association of Leadership Programs (ALP) National Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. There, they engage with the event’s keynote speaker, Reginald Lewis, Executive Director of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership and Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall University. Lewis highlights the core principles of ser...

On episode 20 of the Brand Slam podcast, host Steve Rosa is joined by a standout group of interns from the (add)prentice summer 2024 program: Jessica Kalmowitz, Ella Waryas and Kenzie Freedman. A major focus of the discussion is on brand authenticity and the critical role it plays in today’s marketing landscape. The interns delve into how brands can build genuine connections with their audiences a...

In this episode of the Brand Slam podcast, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata discuss  the branding triumphs of the 2024 Summer Olympics. They are joined by Kathryn Tappen, the celebrated daytime studio host for USA Network’s Olympic coverage. Kathryn shares her behind-the-scenes experiences at NBC Sports, discussing the challenges and rewards of broadcasting such a major event. This episode uncovers...