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 conversation to talk about what that seal means, why it matters, and how sustainability is reshaping media and marketing.

Debbie Levin has been a force in environmental storytelling for over two decades. She’s helped make green productions something brands can actually do—and want to do. From celebrity campaigns to certifying feature films, she’s helped shift the way Hollywood talks about sustainability.

In this episode, Debbie, Steve, and Joe dive into the Green Seal process, why it aligned with our values, and what it takes to build a space with sustainability in mind. They talk about the power of celebrity influence, including a story from EMA’s recent IMPACT Summit featuring George Clooney.

The episode wraps with a real talk on authenticity. With “greenwashing” on the rise, Debbie shares honest advice for brands that want to tell environmental stories the right way.

Whether you’re in media, marketing, or just want to make an impact—this one’s for you.

Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.

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 transforming the media landscape. Pete is also a Fast Company columnist with deep expertise in tech, AI and the future of content. In this episode, he offers a grounded yet forward-looking perspective on how brands can adapt in an AI-driven world.

AI is changing how people find and interact with content, and that means big changes for marketers. Pete gives a reality check for CMOs: just showing up on Google isn’t enough anymore. He explains AI-EO (Artificial Intelligence Engine Optimization), which is all about making sure your brand shows up in AI-generated answers, not just search results. He also explains why content ownership and licensing matter more than ever. If AI tools are using your brand’s content, how do you stay in control and get the credit? Pete shares practical advice on protecting your content, managing rights, and preparing for what’s next.

If you’re a brand leader, marketer or content creator looking to stay relevant in an AI-powered world, this episode is packed with practical insights and forward-thinking strategies. Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.

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 its first national title in 1995 and went on to win two WNBA championships, shares her unique perspective on how the narrative around women’s sports is evolving, it’s a branding shift with staying power.

The conversation kicks off with Jen’s reflections on how cultural momentum, increased media visibility and next-gen stars like Caitlin Clark have helped transform women’s basketball into a mainstream powerhouse. The trio digs into the “branding tsunami” that’s hitting the WNBA, where increased attendance, stronger TV deals and bolder brand partnerships are redefining what success looks like for a professional women’s league.

Listeners get an insider view into how the WNBA is marketing its expansion by adding teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia over the next five years, and how smart city selection and community engagement are core strategies. Jen also opens up about the Connecticut Sun’s own success story, including selling out TD Garden and what Boston’s market could mean for the franchise’s future.

Beyond the court, the episode explores the rapidly shifting dynamics of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) in college sports and how it might have changed the game for Jen’s era of players. She highlights how today’s women athletes are now more empowered than ever to build their personal brands and secure meaningful partnerships.

This is essential listening for any brand looking to align with purpose and momentum—because women’s sports aren’t just rising, they’re rewriting the playbook.

Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.