Brand Slam Podcast

EP 48: The Dodgers’ dynasty blueprint with GM Brandon Gomes

Episode 48 takes listeners inside one of the most dominant franchises in modern sports: the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fresh off back-to-back World Series championships, the Dodgers are rewriting the blueprint for what a modern sports dynasty looks like. Great dynasties do not happen by accident. They are built with intention, culture and a relentless commitment to winning, much like great brands. In sports, that formula shows up on the field, in the front office and across a global fan base.
Hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata talk with Brandon Gomes, General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, to explore how one of the most recognizable brands in sports sustains greatness in an era of constant change. From player development and global recruiting to culture, leadership and long-term vision, Brandon reveals how championship organizations build systems that outlast trends and competitors.
Brandon’s journey to the GM seat wasn’t linear. A former MLB pitcher with roots in Fall River, Massachusetts, he climbed from the clubhouse to the front office, gaining a rare perspective on what makes elite teams work. That experience now shapes how the Dodgers balance tradition with innovation, data with instinct and star power with team chemistry.A major driver of that evolution is the Dodgers’ emergence as a truly global brand. With superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the team has expanded far beyond Los Angeles, connecting with fans across Asia and around the world. Gomes reflects on traveling with the club to South Korea and Tokyo, calling it a powerful reminder of baseball’s universal reach. “Seeing the impact that baseball can have all over the world and the passion that it brings,” he says, underscores how the Dodgers are leading the future of the game on a global stage.
This episode is a masterclass for marketers, leaders and sports fans alike. It’s a reminder that dynasties aren’t built on hype, they’re built on clarity, culture and consistency. Get those right, and winning stops being a goal and becomes the brand.
Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com.

EP 47: How GoodRx turns savings into brand loyalty

Great brands don’t just promise value; they prove it where it matters most. In healthcare, that moment happens at the pharmacy counter, where millions of Americans face a confusing and often emotional question: What is this medication going to cost me today? Episode 47 explores how GoodRx is transforming that moment from anxiety into confidence. The company has built a brand on trust, clarity and humanity, showing that when people feel in control of their healthcare decisions, loyalty follows. It’s a powerful case study in how simplifying real-world complexity can unlock massive brand value.
In this episode, Joe Kayata and guest host Mary Sadlier sit down with David Graziano, Head of Retail Network for GoodRx, to examine how a company that does not manufacture drugs, own pharmacies or operate insurance plans became one of the most recognized healthcare brands in America. With more than a decade of healthcare marketing experience, including seven years at CVS Health, David reveals how GoodRx builds partnerships, removes friction and keeps consumers at the center of every decision.
GoodRx was created to fix a critical moment: when a patient discovers the cost of their medication only after they have reached the counter. David breaks down how the platform works behind the scenes with retailers and pharmacy benefit managers to deliver transparency and meaningful savings. The result is a rare healthcare trifecta: lower costs for consumers, increased foot traffic for pharmacies and a more informed, confident experience for everyone involved.
From demystifying drug pricing to strengthening consumer trust, Episode 47 shows how GoodRx has rewritten the script on value. And it offers every marketer a reminder: when you solve a real human problem and do it consistently, you don’t just earn customers; you earn believers.
Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com.

EP 46: Reading the room: Marketing lessons from the auction floor

The best marketers know how to read the room, and few people on earth do it better than an elite auctioneer. Brand Slam Episode 46 takes listeners inside the high-stakes world of auctions to uncover how energy, emotion and crowd psychology can drive marketing outcomes that spreadsheets can’t.
In this episode, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Jacqueline Towers-Perkins, a London native turned New Yorker with nearly 15 years of experience commanding auction floors around the globe. She’s led sales at prestigious houses like Sotheby’s and Bonhams, hosted events for everyone from the King of England to Jay-Z, and helped move hundreds of millions in art, luxury goods and rare collectibles. Known for her fast-paced delivery, sharp instincts and commanding stage presence, Jacqueline brings a rare mix of theater and business acumen to every auction she directs.
Now, as Founder and CEO of Towers & Co., Jacqueline is redefining what it means to “read the room.” Her global auctioneer agency and fundraising consultancy blends stagecraft and psychology—the same mix that turns a quiet crowd into a bidding frenzy.
 
Throughout the conversation, Jacqueline shares powerful parallels between auctioneering and marketing — both demand authenticity, timing and the ability to stir emotion at just the right moment. She reveals how professional auctioneers elevate fundraising events beyond transactions, transforming them into unforgettable experiences that build momentum and inspire generosity.
The hosts explore how the spectacle of auctioneering mirrors the craft of brand storytelling — where emotion fuels engagement and exclusivity drives value. Jacqueline also breaks down the psychology of bidding wars, showing how urgency and competition can be engineered to influence consumer behavior.
For CMOs, this episode is a reminder that your best-performing campaigns aren’t just well-targeted — they’re well-timed, emotionally resonant and charged with purpose.Whether you’re building a global brand or leading a local charity gala, Episode 46 is your masterclass in energy, emotion and the art of engagement.
Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com.

EP 45: Messi magic and miraculous marketing: Argentina’s global brand story

When passion meets purpose, branding magic happens, and Leandro Petersen knows it better than most. As Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer for the Argentine Football Association (AFA), he’s helping turn Argentina’s fútbol legacy into a global brand phenomenon. In this special bilingual episode, Petersen joins Steve Rosa and Michelle Spriegel to talk about building one of the most recognizable brands in sport — from global partnerships and new markets to the storytelling and strategy that keep Argentina’s fútbol heartbeat strong.
In Argentina, fútbol more than a sport, it’s almost part of their national DNA. And at the center of it all is the Argentine Football Association (AFA), where Petersen leads the charge in transforming that cultural heartbeat into a global business powerhouse. From Lionel Messi’s worldwide influence to AFA’s expansion across markets like China, India and the U.S., Petersen shares how strategy, storytelling and pure passion are driving Argentina’s global rise. The conversation dives into how AFA plans for their new high-performance center in Miami, and what it takes to keep the magic alive both on and off the pitch.
Looking ahead, Petersen has his eyes set on FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With soccer’s popularity surging in North America, he sees a massive opportunity to grow AFA’s reach during the tournament. From brand activations to fan engagement initiatives, Petersen’s focus is on making Argentina not just the team to watch, but the experience to feel throughout the summer of 2026.
At its heart, this conversation is about how passion, heritage and purpose can transform a team into a timeless global brand. Argentina’s story is proof that when emotion meets execution, the result isn’t just victory, it’s legacy.
Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com.

EP 45: La magia de Messi y el marketing milagroso: La historia de la marca global de Argentina

Cuando la pasión se encuentra con el propósito, ocurre la magia del branding, y Leandro Petersen lo sabe mejor que nadie. Como Director Comercial y de Marketing de la Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA), está ayudando a convertir el legado futbolístico de Argentina en un fenómeno de marca global. En este episodio especial bilingüe, Petersen se une a Steve Rosa y Michelle Spriegel para hablar sobre cómo construir una de las marcas más reconocidas en el deporte, desde asociaciones globales y nuevos mercados hasta la narrativa y estrategia que mantienen fuerte el latido del fútbol en Argentina.
En Argentina, el fútbol es más que un deporte; es casi parte de su ADN nacional. Y en el centro de todo está la Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA), donde Petersen lidera la transformación de ese pulso cultural en un gigante de negocios global. Desde la influencia mundial de Lionel Messi hasta la expansión de la AFA en mercados como China, India y EE.UU., Petersen comparte cómo la estrategia, la narrativa y la pura pasión están impulsando el ascenso global de Argentina. La conversación se adentra en cómo la AFA planea su nuevo centro de alto rendimiento en Miami y lo que se necesita para mantener la magia viva tanto dentro como fuera del campo.
Mirando hacia el futuro, Petersen tiene su mirada puesta en la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026, que se celebrará en Estados Unidos, México y Canadá. Con la creciente popularidad del fútbol en América del Norte, ve una enorme oportunidad para ampliar el alcance de la AFA durante el torneo. Desde activaciones de marca hasta iniciativas de compromiso con los fanáticos, el enfoque de Petersen es hacer de Argentina no solo el equipo a seguir, sino la experiencia a sentir durante todo el verano de 2026.
En esencia, esta conversación trata sobre cómo la pasión, el patrimonio y el propósito pueden transformar a un equipo en una marca global eterna. La historia de Argentina es prueba de que cuando la emoción se encuentra con la ejecución, el resultado no es solo la victoria, sino el legado.
¿Tienes un invitado en mente? Contáctanos en brandslam@addventures.com. 

Overtime: Two years of Brand Slam: Looking back, moving forward

This week, Brand Slam hits a milestone: our two-year anniversary! Two years of conversation, curiosity and serious mic time–44 episodes deep, packed with enough stories to fuel your commute for months, all with the people shaping how we think about brands, business and culture.
When we launched the podcast, we couldn’t have predicted the journey it would take us on. Along the way, we’ve built relationships, learned from industry leaders and created a platform for stories that matter. From the first episode to our most recent Overtime edition, one thing has remained constant: the pursuit of uncovering what makes brands win.
So what’s next?
Two years in, we’re proud of the ground we’ve covered. Even more, we’re fired up for what’s ahead. The business world shifts daily—especially in an AI-driven era— our mission remains the same: share the personal insights of the leaders, challengers and doers who keep brands winning.
Like in sports, our goal is simple: keep getting sharper, smarter and stronger every season.
Thank you to everyone who’s listened, shared and supported us. We’re just getting started.

EP 44: Inside José Andrés media: Building a brand with a name

What happens when the brand is a person?
When your most valuable asset is a human—known as much for feeding people in crisis as for fine dining—you’re building a brand and capturing a personality.
In this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Mary Sadlier sit down with Ellen Kaplan, VP of Marketing at the José Andrés Group, to explore how a hospitality brand grows into a global media presence, without losing the voice that started it all.
José Andrés is a chef. A humanitarian. A visionary. But above all, he’s a genuinely good person driven by curiosity, compassion and a belief that food can change lives.
While his name appears on restaurants, cookbooks and TV shows, there’s a team behind the scenes making sure that name shows up with purpose and consistency. Ellen leads that team. She and her colleagues aren’t just promoting a personality. They’re translating a real, human presence into a brand that spans restaurants, hotels, books, podcasts and digital platforms, without losing the heart that started it all.
Ellen shares how her team brings José’s energy and values to life through branded experiences that feel personal, polished and authentic. She talks about how his personality comes through across platforms, and how storytelling became a key to growing the José Andrés Media brand. She also reflects on leading a creative team across formats, and why voice and values matter even more as a brand grows.
Whether you're managing a multi-channel strategy or shaping a purpose-driven brand, this episode offers thoughtful, real-world insight into building something that lasts.
Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com.

EP 43: Branding with flavor: Steve DiFillippo’s recipes for success

When it comes to building a brand, the secret ingredient might just be the same one that makes an unforgettable meal: genuine hospitality.
On this episode of Brand Slam, (add)ventures founder and CEO Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Steve DiFillippo, the culinary visionary behind Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse. With 10 locations from Boston to Atlanta, Davio’s has become a national name, but its commitment to making every guest feel at home has kept the brand deeply personal.
The conversation begins with DiFillippo’s entrepreneurial leap at age 24, when he bought a struggling Boston restaurant and transformed it into the Davio’s we know today. He kept the name but reinvented everything else, from the food and atmosphere to the service, creating a brand rooted in both consistency and creativity.
Listeners will hear how DiFillippo has marketed Davio’s with heart and hustle, using creative grassroots tactics and strategic retail offerings like his signature steak and cheese spring rolls and sausages that are sold in markets. 
The episode also explores how Davio’s adapts to evolving customer lifestyles through collaborations like Awaken180° Weightloss, and how exceptional staff experiences and thoughtful, one-on-one service, showcase the brand’s values in action.
DiFillippo reflects on lessons learned from icons like Julia Child and Bruce Springsteen, and emphasizes the importance of weaving personal values into a brand, from supporting community organizations to embracing new technologies like AI without losing the human touch.
This episode goes beyond the kitchen. It's a branding masterclass for marketers looking to turn values into value.
Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.

EP 42: Lights, Camera, Impact: Going Green in Virtual Production

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.

EP 41: AI Killed the SEO Star: Marketing in an AI world

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.