Welcome to this episode of Aqua Talks! Join hosts Larry Aldrich and Madison Dudley as they dive into Larry’s fascinating journey, from cowboy aspirations to his federal procurement and marketing expertise. This episode introduces Aqua Marketing & Communications and its parent company, Brunsis Technology, showcasing how these two brands operate as powerhouse teams. Together, they provide full-service marketing and communications solutions tailored to small businesses, nonprofits, and federal agencies. From creative services like logo design to impactful public relations and social media campaigns, Aqua delivers results with a personal touch. Tune in to hear stories about their work with Veterans Affairs, their passion for outreach campaigns, and how they help clients get the most out of their marketing dollars.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (1:08) Larry shares a story about his cowboy aspirations
• (3:38) Mady shares her honky tonk story
• (4:34) Larry shares his marketing solutions and communications experience and understanding of marketing for federal procurement
• (8:37) Larry talks about their Veterans Affairs Campaign
• (11:02) Larry says that he is passionate about the work Aqua does and invites listeners to reach out for a free consultation

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Aqua Marketing & Communications and its parent company, Brunsis Technology, offer comprehensive marketing and communication services tailored to various clients, from small businesses to federal agencies. These include public relations, social media management, creative services (e.g., logo and menu design), video production, program management, and outreach campaigns aimed at maximizing ROI and reach for their clients.
• Cowboy tourism is a top travel trend for 2025, inspired by cultural influences like Yellowstone and pop icons. This can include activities such as visiting Montana for authentic ranch experiences or attending rodeos in Texas.
• Successfully marketing to federal agencies requires understanding the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), adhering to its guidelines, and showcasing strong past performance to build trust and credibility.

RESOURCES:

Aqua Talks - Website

Larry Aldrich - LinkedIn

Madison Dudley - LinkedIn

@MadytheExplorer

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Meet Larry Aldrich, host of Aqua Talks. With a background in the U.S. Air Force and as the founder of BrennSys Technology LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Larry has decades of experience in the public and private sectors. In 2024, he acquired Aqua Marketing & Communications, merging the firms into a leader in destination marketing and public sector solutions. Join Larry for insightful, lively conversations and actionable marketing takeaways in each episode of Aqua Talks.

Meet Madison Dudley, a public relations expert skilled in crafting strategic campaigns that elevate brand awareness and generate buzz. With roles at Codeword, Red Rooster PR, and Paradise Advertising, she’s worked with top clients like JW Marriott Marco Island, The Dalí Museum, and Visit Indian River. Madison’s achievements include amplifying earned media for Google and driving a 25% boost in referral traffic for a client within 90 days. Tune in to Aqua Talks, where...

Welcome to this episode of Aqua Talks! Join hosts Larry Aldrich and Madison Dudley as they dive into some of the hottest trends and insights in the marketing and PR world. In today’s episode, Mady explores the rising trend of sleep tourism, where travelers prioritize rest over traditional vacation activities, and how destinations incorporate sleep-focused amenities to cater to this demand. Mady also shares her professional journey, offers a detailed look at the evolving landscape of public relations, and highlights the role of AI in reshaping the industry. Plus, she discusses her goals for 2025, including attending the IMM Travel Conference and building strong media relationships. Don’t miss this insightful conversation filled with valuable takeaways for anyone interested in the marketing and PR space!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:58] Mady discusses the rise in popularity of sleep tourism
• [3:54] Mady shares her marketing journey and defines public relations
• [7:00] Mady talks about her favorite campaigns and the most significant changes in public relations marketing she has seen over several years
• [10:44] Mady shares her goals for 2025 and discusses going to the IMM travel conference
• [13:31] Reach out to Aqua Talks for your free consultation

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Sleep tourism is a growing trend in which travelers prioritize rest over traditional vacation activities. Hotels and destinations incorporate sleep-focused amenities like turn-down services, sleep masks, and sleep yoga classes to meet this demand for relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Public relations has expanded significantly, incorporating earned media, paid content, influencer partnerships, and thought leadership articles. The rise of AI tools, like ChatGPT, is also reshaping how PR professionals create and structure pitches, making the process more efficient and creative.
• Building strong, thoughtful relationships with reporters and media outlets is essential in PR. This approach emphasizes long-term connections, ensuring that even if a reporter isn't currently working on a relevant story, they may reach out in the future. Being detail-oriented and innovative in finding new ways to tell a client's story is crucial.

RESOURCES:

Aqua Talks - Website

Larry Aldrich - LinkedIn

Madison Dudley - LinkedIn

@MadytheExplorer

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Meet Larry Aldrich, host of Aqua Talks. With a background in the U.S. Air Force and as the founder of BrennSys Technology LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Larry has decades of experience in the public and private sectors. In 2024, he acquired Aqua Marketing & Communications, merging the firms into a leader in destination marketing and public sector solutions. Join Larry for insightful, lively conversations and actionable marketing takeaways in each episode of Aqua Talks.

Meet Madison Dudley, a public relations expert skilled in crafting strategic campaigns that elevate brand awareness and generate buzz. With roles at Codeword, Red Rooster PR, and Paradise Advertising, she’s worked with top clients like JW Marriott Marco Island, The Dalí Museum, and Visit Indian River. Madison’s achievements include amplifying earned media for Google and driving a 25% boost in referral traffic for a client...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Aqua Talks! Hosts Larry Aldrich and Madison Dudley are joined by Rachel Covello, founder of Outcoast, an LGBTQ travel blog dedicated to promoting inclusive and welcoming travel experiences. In this episode, Rachel shares her inspiring journey. She defines what inclusive travel truly means—rooted in safety, belonging, and genuine connection for all travelers, including those from LGBTQ, neurodivergent, and hidden disability communities. They discuss the transformative power of the Hidden Sunflower Disability Program, the importance of avoiding stereotypes in marketing, and the critical role of pre-evaluating destinations to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. Rachel also explores how AI can revolutionize marketing and personal productivity while emphasizing the need for a human touch to preserve authenticity and diversity. Finally, she offers a glimpse into her vision for the future, sharing examples of impactful campaigns and her plans for the road ahead. This episode is packed with insights on creating inclusive travel experiences, leveraging technology, and building authentic connections in the travel industry.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (1:59) Rachel shares her background, and she defines inclusive travel for LBGTQ+
• (3:59) Rachel reveals her vision for the future and how Outcoast works with clients
• (9:14) Discussion of travelers with hidden disabilities, neurodivergence, medical issues and the Hidden Sunflower Disability Program
• (15:38) Education and the use of AI in marketing
• (25:52) Rachel discusses where she sees herself working shortly and gives an example of a campaign she developed

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Inclusive travel goes beyond diversity, ensuring all travelers feel safe and welcomed. Destinations should prioritize creating environments where individuals from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ and neurodivergent communities, feel a sense of belonging and comfort.
• Effective marketing involves avoiding stereotypes and understanding the lived experiences of different demographics. This includes recognizing the preferences and needs of individuals with hidden disabilities, addressing intersectionality, and featuring authentic representations in campaigns to ensure genuine connections with diverse travelers.
• Before creating content, marketers should assess destinations through the lens of the intended audience. This includes experiencing the location firsthand, understanding its strengths and weaknesses, and addressing areas requiring improvement, such as accessibility, inclusivity training, or safety for diverse groups.

RESOURCES:

Aqua Talks - Website

Larry Aldrich - LinkedIn

Madison Dudley - LinkedIn

Rachel Covello - LinkedIn

Outcoast - Website

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Rachel Covello is a creative force and strategist redefining the intersection of tourism, wellness, and belonging. With expertise in sales and marketing rooted in safety and belonging, Rachel empowers communities, organizations, and tourism destinations to cultivate meaningful connections.

As the founder of OutCoast, Rachel has built a nationally recognized platform showcasing LGBTQ+ travel,...

Welcome to Aqua Talks, the podcast where marketing meets bold, game-changing ideas. From state and federal government campaigns to industries spanning the private sector, we delve into the art and science of cutting through the noise, capturing attention, and building meaningful, profitable connections. Join visionary host Larry Aldrich, with decades of expertise in multi-industry marketing, and Madison Dudley, a PR professional renowned for crafting engaging, results-driven campaigns. Together, they deliver insights that inspire and strategies that transform.

Brought to you by BrennSys Technology LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Aqua Talks is your gateway to the vibrant intersection of inspiration and marketing innovation. From designing campaigns that spark adventure to providing strategic solutions for public sector clients, Aqua Talks effectively bridges the gap between storytelling brilliance and mission-critical objectives.

Whether you’re drawn to the allure of destination marketing or curious about how federal government design projects come to fruition, every episode serves as your backstage pass to uncover key industry trends and actionable insights. From unraveling AI’s role in fostering engagement and growth to understanding the complexities of collaborating with government versus private sector clients, Aqua Talks provides sharp analysis and practical takeaways.

Curious about vacation rental trends or the next big thing in eco-tourism? We’ve got you covered. Want to discover the secret to making meaningful connections with disabled veterans? Tune in for answers. Aqua Talks will also explore how to target diverse audiences, ensuring your media strategies resonate with everyone and amplify your visibility.

Whether you’re a destination marketer, government contractor, or simply passionate about the transformative power of marketing, Aqua Talks offers engaging discussions designed to inspire and inform. Welcome to the intersection of robust solutions and marketing innovation in a digital-first world.

Meet Your Co-Hosts:

Meet Larry Aldrich, the insightful and engaging host of Aqua Talks. With decades of experience spanning both public and private sectors, Larry brings a wealth of knowledge, sharp wit, and curiosity to every episode. His career began in the U.S. Air Force, where his discipline and innovative thinking took flight. As the CEO and founder of BrennSys Technology LLC, Larry transformed his expertise into a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business specializing in cutting-edge marketing communications for Federal and State clients.

In 2024, he took a bold step forward, acquiring Aqua Marketing & Communications and merging the firms into a powerhouse of destination marketing and public sector solutions. Expect lively conversations, sharp insights, and plenty of actionable takeaways as Larry guides listeners through the art and science of marketing innovation. With his knack for digging deep and uncovering valuable lessons, Aqua Talks is your go-to podcast for marketing inspiration.

Meet Madison Dudley, an accomplished public relations expert with a talent for developing strategic PR and integrated communications campaigns that elevate brand awareness and generate buzz. With a foundation in journalism, Mady brings valuable newsroom insight to every pitch, press release, and PR strategy she creates.

Throughout her career, Mady has held key roles, including PR Account Supervisor at Codeword and Public Relations Account Executive at Paradise Advertising & Marketing. Her diverse client portfolio ranges from industry giants like Google to innovative startups, as well as renowned destination marketing organizations and travel and hospitality leaders. To keep up with what Mady is up to, follow her on Instagram @MadytheExplorer or connect with her on LinkedIn...