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.