Aqua Talks

Aqua Talks
Podcast Description
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 Mady 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 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.
Meet Mady Dudley, an accomplished public relation...
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a range of marketing topics including destination marketing, government procurement strategies, and the role of AI in advertising. Example episodes highlight trends in sleep tourism, the needs of LGBTQ+ travelers, and the impact of cultural influences on travel marketing, with a particular focus on fostering inclusivity and accessibility.

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 Mady 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 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.
Meet Mady 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 here.
This podcast episode introduces the pivotal concept of “JOMO travel,” or the joy of missing out, as a counterbalance to the prevailing fear of missing out (FOMO) in contemporary society. Our esteemed guest, Joseph St. Germain, Ph.D., president of Downs and St. Germain Research, expounds upon the significance of relaxation in travel amidst an increasingly hectic lifestyle. St. Germain articulates how the act of traveling can facilitate profound connections with oneself and others, thereby enriching the human experience. He further explores the essential role of market research in understanding consumer preferences, which can ultimately guide destination marketers in crafting more resonant campaigns. Through a series of insightful discussions, we delve into the transformative potential of tourism and its ability to foster meaningful engagement with diverse audiences.
IN THIS EPISODE
- 00:07 – Introduction to Aqua Talks
- 02:56 – Understanding Tourism Trends: The Joy of Missing Out
- 07:43 – Journey into Tourism: Understanding Human Behavior
- 12:57 – Understanding Destination Appeal
- 23:21 – Understanding Brand Perception in Tourism Marketing
- 28:24 – The Importance of Research in Tourism
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The podcast emphasizes the significance of understanding consumer behavior in tourism marketing, which is vital for effective strategy development.
- In the current marketing landscape, the concept of ‘JOMO’ or ‘Joy of Missing Out’ highlights the increasing desire for relaxation and meaningful connections during travel.
- The integration of complex data techniques such as structural equation modeling is essential for discerning key variables that influence visitor satisfaction and marketing decisions.
- Destinations must continuously adapt their branding strategies to align with evolving consumer values, particularly among younger generations seeking authenticity and unique experiences.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Joseph St. Germain, Ph.D., is President and Partner at Downs & St. Germain Research, a full-service market research firm based in Tallahassee, Florida. Since joining the firm in 2007, he has helped lead its evolution from Kerr & Downs Research into a nationally recognized consultancy serving clients that range from local businesses and associations to Fortune 500 companies and government agencies.
With advanced degrees in educational psychology, Joseph brings a unique perspective to research—using numbers not just to measure, but to tell compelling stories. He is highly skilled in predictive modeling, survey design, and multivariate statistical techniques, as well as focus group moderation. His ability to translate data into clear insights and actionable strategies has guided organizations across a wide range of industries.
Beyond his client work, Joseph has taught at Flagler College’s Tallahassee campus and is active in professional and community leadership roles, including Leadership Tallahassee. Known for his approachable style and deep expertise, he blends technical rigor with a practical, results-driven outlook, helping decision-makers better understand audiences and make smarter choices.

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