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.

In Episode 34 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Joe Kayata and (add)ventures President Mary Sadlier sit down with Mark Bohen, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mass General Brigham, to discuss the strategy behind one of the most significant healthcare rebrands in recent years. This effort went beyond introducing a new logo or brand identity—it was a strategic and high-stakes initiative to unify two world-renowned hospitals, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, under a collaborative identity. Along with esteemed institutions like Spaulding Rehabilitation, McLean Hospital, and Mass Eye and Ear, the goal was to preserve their outstanding reputations while reinforcing a shared commitment to providing world-class patient care.

Mark shares what it takes to transition from a network of independent hospitals to an integrated health system, highlighting the challenges of balancing brand identity, patient experience and internal collaboration. The conversation dives into how healthcare branding extends beyond names and logos—it requires buy-in from constituencies inside and outside the organization, as well as clear communication and sensitivity. As Mark explains, the objective was not only to unite the organization but also to reinforce the quality of care and expertise that patients associate with the brand. And with an established international presence and a reputation for world-class care, its branding had far-reaching implications. By investing in strategic communication and marketing, Mass General Brigham continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in healthcare.

This episode offers an inside look at what it takes to bring a major healthcare brand into the future while staying true to its legacy.

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

In Episode 33 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit with Brian Bonilla, Ad Age senior agency reporter, to unpack the biggest marketing trends shaping 2025. With new tools, evolving consumer behavior and rapid advancements in AI, the industry is experiencing a shift that’s redefining how brands and agencies operate. From mergers and acquisitions to the growing role of influencers, Brian breaks down what’s driving the future of marketing and what CMOs need to know to stay ahead.

One of the most significant shifts is how brands and agencies are integrating AI into their strategies. While AI enhances personalization and efficiency in advertising, the challenge remains: How do brands maintain creativity and human connection? Some agencies are deploying AI at scale to drive hyper-personalization, while others are experimenting with AI-generated content in groundbreaking ways. But at its core, AI can’t replicate human emotion—making it critical for brands to balance automation with authenticity. Another game changer? Virtual production. More brands are investing in high-quality content creation without the limitations of traditional filming. Steve and Joe highlight how (add)ventures’ virtual production wall—the largest in New England—is a prime example of how brands can leverage cutting-edge technology to produce immersive, dynamic campaigns more efficiently.

Beyond technology, Brian discusses how industry shifts are reshaping agency-client relationships and how CMOs can navigate an evolving marketing landscape. More brands are shifting toward flexible creative rosters instead of relying on a single agency. The way companies connect with audiences is changing fast, and building strong relationships and staying informed on industry trends has never been more essential.

This episode provides a look at the forces shaping marketing in 2025 and offers valuable insights for brands navigating a complex and fast-moving landscape.

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

In Episode 32 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata are joined by Shelle Santana, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing at Harvard Business School and Bentley University, to uncover the secrets behind Super Bowl commercials—just in time for the big game next weekend. Shelle shares how brands use the big game to connect with over 100 million viewers, crafting stories that tap into our emotions and resonate long after the final whistle.

Shelle dives into how social media has transformed the Super Bowl advertising landscape. Platforms like X and Instagram let brands engage directly with fans as their ads air, creating real-time buzz—or backlash. It’s no longer about the ad itself, but about the conversation that it sparks online and in living rooms around the world. And with stakes this high, at $7 million-plus per 30-second spot, every moment matters.

The conversation also highlights the strategy of releasing teasers before the game, a move that can generate early buzz but risks taking away the joy of seeing an ad for the first time during the event. Whether you are in it for the commercials, the halftime show, or the game itself, this episode will have you thinking about Super Bowl ads in a whole new light.

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