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.

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.

That’s what Episode 39 of the Brand Slam podcast is all about. Co-hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata talk with Nuno Azeredo, Vice President of Global Marketing at Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP). Nuno has a unique background: he’s worked on well-known consumer brands like Kleenex and held leadership roles in healthcare companies like Baxter and Hill-Rom. He understands both the heart and the science behind marketing.

In this episode, Nuno shares how emotion plays a big role in healthcare marketing—even when you’re selling something as technical as sterilization systems. It’s easy to focus on features and facts, but the strongest brands connect with people. They speak to how a product helps real patients, real caregivers and real lives.

Nuno also talks about the power of context—understanding where your customer is, what they’re feeling and what they need in the moment. It’s a powerful reminder for marketers: even in complex, technical industries, the best brands lead with empathy and real human connection.

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

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 transformed, and with it, the path to purchase. Grocery shopping has gone mobile. Every add-to-cart moment is influenced by ad placements, shopper data and personalized recommendations. For brands, that means the competition is no longer just on the aisle but inside the app.

The path to purchase? Rewritten. Every tap of “add to cart” is powered by data, driven by intent and shaped by strategic ad placements. Brands that once battled for endcaps are now fighting for screen space, and Instacart has become the field where that battle plays out. Ryan unpacks how Instacart is helping brands of all sizes break through the noise. It’s not just about showing up; it’s about showing up with relevance, at the exact moment a shopper is ready to act. Through smarter targeting, better insights and shoppable moments, the app is turning consideration into conversion.

Ryan also shares the story behind Instacart’s nostalgic Super Bowl campaign, a character-packed, joy-filled spot featuring icons like the Kool-Aid Man, the Jolly Green Giant and the Pillsbury Doughboy. The goal? Spark emotion. Drive recall. Make brands unforgettable.

As consumer habits shift and discovery becomes more dynamic, Ryan emphasizes the importance of using first-party data to guide strategy and build lasting relationships. Whether it’s a legacy name or a challenger brand, the rules are changing—and the most agile marketers are finding new ways to compete.

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

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 Napa Valley Red Blend.

On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Joe Kayata and Mary Sadlier explore Will’s journey from professional athlete to wine entrepreneur. He shares how a curiosity sparked during his NFL days evolved into a credentialed passion grounded in education, expertise and a desire to bridge the gap between luxury wine and everyday consumers. He also opens up about the challenges of life after football and the importance of intentional reinvention.

Will isn’t just putting his name on a bottle. With training from the Court of Master Sommeliers and multiple certifications, he’s earned real credibility in the wine world. For him, mastering the craft was essential to building trust and creating something with staying power. The Wine MVP started as a way to help athletes and professionals explore wine without pressure or pretense. With Blackmon Cellars, he’s now producing his own wine, a natural progression for someone who values connection, hospitality and excellence in every pour.

For Will, success off the field means finding purpose, staying curious and putting in the work—just like he did on every game day.

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

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 brand and how it connects to the evolution of personal partnerships in sports marketing, Billy offers offers a unique perspective on what makes certain brands stick, both on and off the course.

With only 96 players qualifying in 2025, The Masters is one of the most exclusive events in golf. But its prestige isn’t just about who’s on the leaderboard—it’s about the experience. From the no-cell-phone policy to the limited-run merchandise that can only be purchased on-site, every detail is intentional. It’s a place where tradition reigns, branding is subtle yet powerful and the patrons are treated to an atmosphere that feels more like a once-in-a-lifetime moment than a typical sporting event.

Billy shares incredible stories from his decades-long career in professional golf, including his first time stepping onto Augusta National as an amateur—an unforgettable moment made even more surreal by playing alongside legends Arnold Palmer and playing a practice round with Jack Nicklaus. The conversation also touches on one of his most memorable career milestones: being the first player to win a PGA Tour event using the now-legendary Titleist Pro V1 golf ball.

Throughout the episode, Billy reflects on how relationships have shaped his journey both on and off the course. For him, brand partnerships have always been rooted in personal connections. Whether it’s Skechers, Dell Technologies or with Major League Baseball, he believes that strong brand relationships start with shared values and mutual respect.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how authenticity, storytelling, and tradition can create lasting brand impact—on the green and beyond.

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

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 evolving their approach to collegiate sports marketing. From the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals to the growing demand for deeper, more meaningful connections between brands and fans, Daryl shares his expert take on the new era of sponsorships.

Gone are the days when a logo on an outfield billboard was enough to capture fans’ attention. Today, sports marketing—both professional and collegiate—is a year-round strategy that leverages social media, digital platforms and immersive experiences to engage audiences beyond the game. Daryl emphasizes how college sports hold a unique place in marketing because the connection to a university lasts a lifetime. Fans are not just students. They are alumni, family members and lifelong supporters, making collegiate partnerships an opportunity for brands to build relationships that extend far beyond the campus.

One of the biggest shifts in college sports marketing? The impact of NIL deals. Student-athletes have become key players in brand partnerships, opening up new opportunities—and challenges—for schools, brands and athletes alike. Daryl dives into how companies are structuring NIL partnerships, what these deals mean for the future of college athletics, and how they’re influencing sponsorship models and athlete education. As the rules continue to evolve, brands need to stay ahead of the game.

The playbook for sports marketing is being rewritten. Episode 35 has a fascinating look at how sports marketing is shifting and what lies ahead for brand partnerships in college athletics.

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