Brand Slam Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.