Brand Slam Podcast

Hosted by (add)ventures

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Join (add)ventures founder and CEO, Steve Rosa, and brand sportscaster Joe Kayata, for the only podcast that covers winning brands, team-culture building and marketing trends with a triple play of insights, humor and fun. Our Brand Slammin’ discussions go off the pole as guest champions knock it out of the park. We always get real—and often real rowdy.

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October 15, 202625 min

EP 66: How General Mills turns culture into connection

What does it take for household names like Cheerios, Pillsbury and Nature Valley to connect with consumers across cultures? And how can marketers make those connections without losing what makes their brands recognizable? On this episode of Brand Slam , Joe Kayata and guest co-host Michelle Spriegel, VP of Global Marketing Strategy and Innovation at (add)ventures, sit down with Glory Alcántara, Director of Multicultural Marketing at General Mills, to explore how some of the world’s most recognizable brands are making more meaningful connections with consumers. With nearly two decades at General Mills, Alcántara has helped brands navigate an increasingly diverse marketplace. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, she shares how her cultural background and career journey from research to marketing shaped her approach to understanding consumers beyond mere demographics. The conversation tackles questions marketers face every day. What's the difference between translating a campaign and truly adapting it for another culture? How can brands connect with different audiences while staying true to their identity? The challenge goes beyond translating messages into another language. It requires understanding the cultural values, traditions and experiences that influence purchasing decisions. As audiences become more diverse and consumer expectations evolve, the brands that succeed will be those that understand culture as a business opportunity, not simply a marketing category. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .

October 1, 202634 min

EP 65: Serving up a Hall of Fame brand

The International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI, is built on 150 years of history, but staying relevant requires more than preserving the past. It means creating new reasons for fans to care and new ways for partners to connect. On this episode of Brand Slam , hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO Dan Faber to discuss how one of sports’ most historic institutions continues to evolve. Faber has led the Hall of Fame since 2023 after spending a decade with the USTA Foundation. He shares how his background in education and tennis helped shape his leadership approach, and what comes next after Roger Federer’s induction brought one of the biggest weekends the Hall of Fame has ever experienced. It’s a challenge that anyone managing a legacy brand will recognize. How do you build on a moment like that and give people a reason to keep coming back? The conversation explores the Hall of Fame’s connection to Newport, the historic Newport Casino and the museum experience that brings tennis history to life for both longtime fans and new audiences. Faber also talks about what the Hall of Fame offers its brand-partners and why sports properties can be such powerful platforms for connection. Listen for a look at how the organization is turning its history into opportunities for the future. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .

September 18, 202621 min

EP 64: The romantic, dancing and baby raves: Branding human connection

Human connection is becoming a competitive advantage for brands in a world shaped by screens, algorithms and always-on content. On this episode of Brand Slam , hosts Steve Rosa and Mary Sadlier explore how artists, entrepreneurs and event creators are redesigning familiar experiences around presence, connection and shared experience. The episode looks at four examples, beginning with the multigenerational energy of a recent Bruno Mars concert and the way Anderson .Paak moves between identities, from opening as DJ Pee .Wee to performing alongside Mars as part of Silk Sonic. From there, the conversation explores the rise of phone-free parties, Earlybirds Club rethinking nightlife for women and Lenny Pearce turning children’s songs into Toddler Techno for parents and kids. What connects these stories is a shift toward experiences that feel more personal, intentional and connected to the way people want to spend their time. Each one takes something familiar and reshapes it around changing habits, expectations and lifestyles. For marketers, the lesson is clear: relevance comes from understanding what audiences already value and creating experiences that feel more useful, authentic and human. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .

September 4, 202642 min

EP 63: Passing the Gen Z brand test

Gen Z is forcing brands to rethink how they earn attention, build trust and stay relevant with a generation that has never known a world without smartphones, social media and unlimited access to information. On this episode of Brand Slam , hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with members of our 2026 (add)prentice class to hear directly from Gen Z about what brands are getting right, what they are getting wrong and what marketers should be paying attention to next. The episode features summer interns Katie, Hailee, Nabiha and Thomas, representing our marketing, content strategy, design and video teams. Together, they offer a firsthand look at how their generation thinks about social media, influencers, brand loyalty, design, long-form content, shopping habits and the expectations shaping the next era of marketing. ‍The conversation shifts to brand communication. Gen Z expects more than one-way messaging. They pay attention to authenticity, peer influence, creator credibility and how brands show up across different platforms. From Trader Joe’s to Red Bull, the interns share examples of brands that resonate with them, along with the mistakes that can quickly cause younger consumers to tune out. ‍That perspective matters for marketers trying to build relevance with younger audiences. Reaching Gen Z is not simply about following trends or adopting the newest platform. It requires understanding how people consume information, form opinions and decide which brands deserve their attention and loyalty. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .

August 20, 202638 min

EP 62: WWE beyond the squared circle with Megan Morant

WWE has built one of the most powerful entertainment brands in the world by turning characters, stories and live moments into lasting connections with generations of fans. Behind that success is a relentless focus on storytelling, audience experience and personalities who help bring the brand to life every week. On this episode of Brand Slam , hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with WWE broadcaster Megan Morant to explore what brand builders can learn from a company that lives at the intersection of sports, entertainment and culture. Before joining WWE, Morant built her career across traditional sports, including roles with the Cape Cod Baseball League, the BIG EAST Conference and the New England Patriots. She shares how those experiences prepared her for the unique world of WWE, where broadcasters are surrounded by larger-than-life personalities and where an interview, entrance or unexpected moment can become another chapter in an ongoing story. The conversation goes behind the scenes of WWE to examine how the organization creates a loyal, multigenerational fan base, produces its live programming and continues evolving without losing the traditions and human stories that have made people watch for decades. Morant also discusses developing her own on-air identity while working within a brand where personality is central to the experience. That balance should sound familiar to anyone responsible for building a brand: stay recognizable without standing still. Give people something consistent to return to while finding new reasons for them to care. WWE has been doing both for generations. Morant also shares a deeply personal side of her story, including balancing her career and family with competitive distance running, qualifying for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials after donating a kidney. From building brands to building endurance, it’s a conversation about the stories and personalities that give fans a reason to keep coming back for more. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .

August 5, 202624 min

EP 61: Quack attack: How Boston Duck Tours won over the city

Boston Duck Tours has built a brand that has become part of Boston's identity. For millions of visitors, it's their introduction to the city. For locals, it's part of the celebrations that define it. What began as a small local business grew into a city icon, forever tied to the championship parades that have defined Boston’s sports over the last quarter century. On this episode of Brand Slam , hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Cindy Brown, CEO of Boston Duck Tours, to explore how one of New England’s most recognizable brands became part of the fabric of the community. Cindy has been with Boston Duck Tours since its earliest days in 1994, helping grow the company from a small operation into a beloved Boston institution known by locals and tourists alike. What started as a unique way to see the city has become a rolling and floating symbol of Boston storytelling, civic pride and shared celebration. The conversation looks at how Boston Duck Tours built emotional connection, created a consistent experience through its ConDUCKtors and scaled without losing the personality that made people love the brand in the first place. Cindy also shares what happens behind the scenes when New England wins big and the Duck Boats become the center of the city’s championship parade tradition. For the last quarter century, “Cue the Duck Boats” has become synonymous with Boston’s championship moments. For marketers and brand leaders, this episode offers a look at how a local business becomes part of a city's culture. It explores experience design, community trust, operational readiness and storytelling. Most of all, it shows how lasting loyalty is earned by showing up, year after year, in the moments people remember. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com.

July 21, 202626 min

EP 60: Boo Boo’s Brand is Boomin’

Boxing may be the ultimate test of a personal brand. Every time the bell rings, reputation, preparation and performance are all on the line.. On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Providence native, Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, a 2008 U.S. Olympian and former two-division world champion, just days before his July 24 return to the ring at Mohegan Sun Arena. With humor and honesty, Andrade shares the story behind his famous nickname, the influence of his father and the mindset that carried him through one of boxing's most accomplished careers. He also reflects on being labeled one of the sport's most avoided fighters and what that taught him about confidence, patience and betting on himself. Outside the ropes, Andrade discusses building businesses, investing in real estate and preparing for life after boxing through promotion and commentary. He also weighs in on how social media, influencer culture and personalities like Jake Paul have changed the business of boxing. The conversation takes a personal turn as Andrade reflects on his Cape Verdean heritage, being welcomed by the president and prime minister of Cabo Verde and the pride of watching the country capture global attention during the 2026 World Cup. Whether you're building a business, a career or a personal brand, Andrade's story is a reminder that the strongest reputations are earned one decision at a time. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .

July 16, 202629 min

EP 59: World Cup 2026: Brand winners and world champions

The World Cup is more than a soccer tournament. It is a global brand experience shaped by fandom, culture, hospitality and the shared moments that bring people together. On this special episode of Brand Slam, (add)ventures founder and CEO Steve Rosa and (add)ventures President Mary Sadlier examine World Cup 2026 through a brand and marketing lens, exploring the players building global influence, the media shaping the tournament narrative and the brands earning an authentic place in the fan experience. Steve and Mary analyzed which players emerged as global brands, the role FOX played in bringing the tournament to American audiences and the sponsors that earned their place in the experience instead of simply attaching their logos to it. They also discussed the international fans who transformed stadiums and host cities, the tournament’s impact on communities like Boston and Providence and how firsthand experiences can reshape perceptions of a city, a company or even a country. For marketers, the lesson is clear: brands win cultural moments by understanding the audience, contributing something meaningful and creating a genuine sense of belonging. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .

July 2, 202629 min

EP 58: Basketball without borders

Basketball is no longer just an American game. It is a global business, a cultural force and a powerful case study in how leadership, talent development and brand growth can move across borders. On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata chat with Ryan Richman live from Tokyo. Richman is head coach of Alvark Tokyo, assistant coach for the Japan Men’s National Team and a former assistant coach with the Washington Wizards. With experience across the NBA, international basketball and player development, Richman brings a unique perspective on how the game is growing around the world and what leaders can learn from the way elite teams are built. The conversation explores Richman’s coaching journey from the NBA to Japan, what championship cultures have in common and why chemistry, accountability and trust often separate good teams from great ones. He also shares what Americans may still underestimate about basketball’s rise throughout Asia, including the impact of players like Rui Hachimura and the growing influence of the game in Japan. For marketers and brand leaders, the episode offers a broader lesson in multicultural connection, leadership and continuous improvement. Richman discusses how the Japanese principle of kaizen, the philosophy Toyota lives by as owner of Alvark Tokyo, has shaped his approach to coaching, development and team building. At its core, this is a conversation about more than basketball. It is about how global brands, leaders and organizations grow by understanding culture, building trust and committing to the long game. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .

June 11, 202640 min

EP 57: UConn’s playbook: Growing a winning brand in a new NIL era

College athletics is no longer just about winning games. It is about building brands powerful enough to compete in a rapidly changing market. On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Jason Butikofer, Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer at the University of Connecticut, to talk about how one of the country’s most recognized college athletics brands is navigating the NIL era. From championship momentum and national visibility to revenue sharing, facilities investment, fan engagement and brand partnerships, Jason offers an inside look at what it takes to lead a modern athletic department during a period of significant change for college sports. The conversation explores UConn’s approach to NIL strategy, the value of partnerships, the influence of powerhouse programs like men’s and women’s basketball and the role legendary coaches like Dan Hurley and Geno Auriemma play in extending the university’s brand beyond the court. For marketers and brand leaders, this episode is a case study in momentum, relevance and trust. UConn’s success shows that while winning creates attention, brand building turns that attention into loyalty, culture and long-term value. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .

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