Brand Slam Podcast

EP 27: Chris Nowinski: Tackling CTE

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. Nowinski shares his journey from being a former Harvard football player and WWE wrestler to becoming a leading brain health advocate. His personal battle with career-ending concussions fuels his work at the Concussion Legacy Foundation, where he aims to advance research, promote safer sports and support affected individuals and families.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Nowinski stresses the importance of awareness regarding repeated head impacts and advocates for systemic changes in youth sports. He challenges early specialization and prolonged contact exposure, suggesting reforms like delaying contact sports and prioritizing informed consent. Additionally, he addresses the responsibilities of major sports organizations, emphasizing the need for transparency and health-focused reforms in ongoing dialogues with the NFL and NHL.
Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com. 

Episode 26: PetSmart Purpose: How Corporate Social Responsibility fetches brand loyalty

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.
Joanne explains strategies for embedding CSR into PetSmart’s business framework, emphasizing the importance of making sustainable choices accessible for consumers. She highlights how PetSmart’s passionate workforce, fueled by a shared love of pets, drives initiatives that differentiate the company in a competitive market. This shared passion helps to create a deep bond between employees and customers, strengthening the community around the brand. 
Reflecting on her previous experience, Joanne provides insights from the bold corporate decision to eliminate tobacco products at CVS Health. The initiative underscores the impact of aligning actions with core values. 
Focusing on how shared passions and CSR combine to strengthen brand-consumer relationships, Joanne shares key strategies for brands aiming to deepen their impact. The episode offers valuable insights into crafting and communicating CSR narratives that build authentic connections and foster consumer loyalty.
Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.

Overtime: José Andrés’ recipe for success

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 spirit that define the José Andrés Group.
The episode follows their journey through a variety of tasty dishes infused with rich stories and smart business ideas. Steve and Mary aim to understand the special touch Andrés has brought to his global brand over the past 30 years, observing how his forward-thinking approach blends remarkable food experiences with clever storytelling and unique dining atmospheres. They also discuss Andrés' commitment to social good, exploring how his brand makes a positive impact beyond the dining experience.
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover or are you interested in being a guest? Reach out to us at brandslam@addventures.com.

Episode 25: Branding under the influence: Global brands find success with local influencers

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 platforms. His story highlights the powerful blend of timing, authenticity and relatable content that has enabled him to partner with major brands like Dunkin’.
Ian's unwavering dedication to fostering genuine connections through local storytelling and humor sets him apart, resonating deeply with audiences who appreciate relatable narratives. By leveraging the unique traits of New England culture, Ian builds a bond with followers, transforming everyday experiences into memorable digital moments.
This episode underscores the significance of influencer marketing, especially for reaching Gen Z consumers. Recent reports indicate that 87% of Gen Z favor brands that collaborate with influencers. Through engaging discussions on the power of collaborations, Ian emphasizes the importance of aligning brand values authentically and trusting influencers to integrate brand messages organically.
Discover how Ian navigates the challenges of the ever-evolving social media landscape, maintaining resilience and adaptability amid potential changes like TikTok bans. He provides insights into his evolving strategy, highlighting the benefits of authentic collaboration with other influencers and the strategic efforts that continue to expand his reach and influence while emphasizing the importance of building a resilient personal brand.
Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com. 

Episode 24: Heating up the Irish cream market: Coole Swan takes on Baileys’ golden goose

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, Ireland last summer.
Coole Swan, launched in 2007 and crafted with care in Ireland, stands out in the Irish cream market with its meticulous craftsmanship and compelling storytelling. These elements form genuine connections with consumers who appreciate both a rich narrative and a quality drink. Highlighting its Irish roots and unwavering commitment to excellence, Coole Swan creates a unique bond with those who value tradition and depth of flavor. Having established a strong presence in Ireland and the U.K., Coole Swan is now making waves in the USA. 
This episode uncovers the passion and vision driving Coole Swan’s journey, showcasing how its dedication to authenticity carves out a distinct niche in a market dominated by a dominant brand like Baileys. Beyond just a beverage, Coole Swan transforms the drink into a cultural experience, inviting consumers to rethink their perceptions of Irish cream and positioning itself as a leader in authenticity and passion. Sláinte!
Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.

Episode 23: The Light Side of Branding: Sports, comedy and business with Matt Light & Lenny Clarke

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 event, organized by three-time Super Bowl champion and Light Foundation founder Matt Light, raises funds to provide young people with hands-on learning experiences outside of their everyday environments. Matt reflects on his transition from being a New England Patriot to leading the Light Foundation. He shares how the lessons he learned on the field—successes, failures and the people he met—served as a catalyst for the Foundation's growth. 
A supporter of the foundation, Boston comedian Lenny Clarke, a well-known figure in the comedy and acting world, adds a touch of humor to the episode. With a career that spans movies, TV shows and TV commercials, including the memorable Sam Adams Super Bowl commercial, he discusses the importance of authenticity, especially in Boston. He shares funny anecdotes from Hollywood auditions and these iconic commercials, while underlining the crucial role of humor in advertising and everyday life.
To learn more about the Light Foundation, visit https://www.mattlight72.com/
Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com. 
 

Episode 22: Leaders among leaders

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 that they’ve had the opportunity. She reflects on the rich history of LRI and the hard work that’s led to this moment, sharing the pride and excitement of bringing such a prestigious event to Rhode Island.
Lura discusses the wide-reaching membership of ALP, which extends across the country and includes participants globally. She emphasizes the conference’s role as a unique platform for global engagement and connection—she explains the value lies not only in the diverse learning opportunities but also in the invaluable connections made among attendees.
Both guests highlight the essential qualities needed in today’s rapidly evolving world, such as passion, collaboration, critical thinking, empathy and leading by example. They believe these traits are crucial for effective leadership and can significantly impact overcoming challenges faced by leaders today.
Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com. 

Episode 21: Cultivating authentic leaders

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 servant leadership, stressing the importance of being a great listener, demonstrating empathy, fostering others' growth and building community. He also underscores the need for leaders to envision a better future despite daily challenges. 
Emphasizing the crucial link between strong leadership and business success, Lewis provides actionable steps and real-world examples of how servant leadership can help businesses thrive. He also demonstrates how this approach aligns with modern consumer demands for authenticity and social impact, proving its effectiveness in today's business landscape. 
Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com. 
 

Episode 20: Brand culture and Gen Z: Trust is a must

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 and why transparency is key. They explore how their generation, often termed “the anxious generation,” values honesty and open dialogue, and how brands can adapt to meet these expectations. Having grown up with challenges such as Covid-19 school closings, the trauma of school and mass shootings and the pervasive influence of growing up on screens, their perspectives offer valuable insights into the importance of trust and authenticity.
They share their skepticism towards overly polished influencer endorsements and emphasize the importance of relatable and honest content in fostering trust with consumers. The conversation also touches on how (add)ventures prioritizes trust and authenticity within its own company culture and extends these values to its external brand strategies.
Our summer interns were the best cohort ever. Jessica, a rising senior at the University of Maryland majoring in public relations with a business minor, has played a key role in developing engaging content for both clients and internal communication initiatives. Ella, a graphic design major and athlete from Roger Williams University, has significantly impacted the team through her design skills and leadership. Kenzie, an incoming junior at Penn State majoring in public relations with a minor in recreation, park and tourism management, has brought a fresh and creative perspective to the marketing team.
Tune in to gain valuable insights from the next generation of marketing professionals and see how their fresh viewpoints and innovative ideas are shaping the future of branding. 
Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com. 

Episode 19: Gold medal branding with Kathryn Tappen

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 the secrets behind NBC's successful coverage, including the impactful addition of hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg to the coverage. They also explore the powerful emotional narratives that captivated audiences and highlight the standout brands that harnessed the Olympic spirit to create memorable marketing moments.
We also look towards the upcoming Paralympics and the importance of authentic, inclusive brand representation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sports, broadcasting and the strategic branding that makes the Olympics a global phenomenon.
Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.