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.