Aqua Talks

Larry talks with Daniel Cohanpour, CEO of Trove Tourism Development Advisors, a New York agency that works exclusively with tourism boards and DMOs across marketing, research, and destination development. Daniel's core message: the industry has changed more in the last six months than ever, and the destinations winning right now are the ones treating traveler research as a living feed rather than...

Larry sits down with Brittany Kenner, marketing director for Murray, Kentucky — the self-proclaimed friendliest small town in America, home to Murray State University and a tourism office of exactly two people running the whole show. Brittany's through-line is that a small budget and a small team aren't a handicap so much as a forcing function: when you can't buy your way into attention, you get v...

Recorded live from the Etourism Conference in Louisville, this one's a fun reminder that the biggest travel trend of 2026 might be walking around on four legs. Coryn Briggs, Senior Director of Marketing at Traverse City Tourism, breaks down TripAdvisor's "VIP Travel" trend — which turns out to mean Very Important Pets , not very important people — and explains why dog and cat owners are increasing...

Episode Summary: Cristal Rodriguez, Tempe Tourism Larry catches up with Cristal Rodriguez, Director of Marketing at Tempe Tourism and a recent Marketer of the Year, for a conversation that covers solo travel, a rooftop renaissance, a 13-years-in-the-making rebrand, and the slightly terrifying reality of competing with ChatGPT for "best pizza in Tempe" searches. Cristal makes a strong case that Tem...

Larry sits down with Daniel Horsch, Senior Sales Director at Azira, for a wide-ranging conversation about what data can actually do for destination marketers when you stop chasing impressions and start asking better questions. Daniel describes Azira as "the Swiss" of the data world — neutral, flexible, and plugged in across channel partners, agencies, and direct clients — with geolocation data tha...

Episode Summary: Ladona Weathers, Visit Table Rock Lake Larry catches up with Ladona Weathers from Visit Table Rock Lake — a marketing department of one running point for an 800-mile shoreline tucked into southwest Missouri (yes, more shoreline than California, and no, you can't drive around it). Ladona makes the case that small DMOs don't have to play small: her org consistently posts top-in-the-...

In this episode of Aqua Talks , Larry Aldrich and Mady Dudley explore the role of marketing in veteran outreach and why connecting veterans to resources is both a responsibility and a strategic challenge. Drawing from Larry’s firsthand experience, the conversation highlights the gaps many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life—particularly around awareness of healthcare, education, and...

In this episode of Aqua Talks , Larry Aldrich and Mady Dudley break down how modern destination marketing is evolving—especially through influencer strategy and targeted audience growth. They highlight how travelers now rely heavily on social platforms for inspiration, making influencers a key driver of awareness and visitation rather than just a branding tactic. Using Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach...

In this episode, Larry and Mady sit down with Dr. Mimi Perreault, Assistant Professor of Public Relations and Mass Communications at the University of South Florida, for a wide-ranging conversation about crisis communication — and what we keep getting wrong. Mimi draws on her background as a former journalist and PR pro to make the case for getting back to basics: face-to-face connection, authenti...

This podcast episode speaks to the intricate dynamics of marketing strategies, particularly as they pertain to the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) and its outreach initiatives. Co-hosts Mady Dudley and Larry Aldrich delve into the significance of effective communication in bridging the gap between veterans and the myriad services offered by the VA. We explore the evolution of our collaborative ef...

This episode of Aqua Talks centers around the imperative of adapting marketing strategies to meet the evolving needs of federal and local agencies. Our esteemed guest, Brandon Nickerson, Director of Federal Business Development at Sinclair Inc., engages in a comprehensive discussion about the recent trends in government budget priorities and the significant role of emerging technologies such as ar...

Today's discussion revolves around the critical importance of consumer trust in the rapidly advancing realm of technology, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence in marketing strategies. We are joined by Howard Koval, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Development with TravelSpike, as we delve into the intricate relationship between technological adoption and t...

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the About Face program, a vital initiative aimed at assisting veterans grappling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As we engage in a comprehensive dialogue, hosts Larry Aldrich and Mady Dudley delve into the intricacies of this program, highlighting its significance in providing veterans with a platform to share their experiences...

The principal focus of this podcast episode is the in-depth exploration of the public relations strategies employed for Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). Hosts Mady Dudley and Larry Aldrich delve into the intricacies of their collaboration with DAB, highlighting the significance of authentic messaging and the necessity of cultivating robust relationships with stakeholders. Throughout the...

This podcast episode features an insightful discourse on the evolving landscape of digital marketing, particularly emphasizing the transition from a focus on mere access to a more nuanced approach that values quality engagements. We, the hosts, Larry Aldrich and Mady Dudley, are joined by esteemed guest Brendan Kennedy, who brings over 15 years of experience in the digital marketing realm. Our con...

This podcast revolves around the innovative capabilities of Coastal Creative, a multifaceted production studio that exemplifies the intersection of marketing and creative media. We, your hosts, Larry Aldrich and Maddie Dudley, engage with Zach Moore, the president of Coastal Creative, to delve into the intricacies of their diverse offerings, which include state-of-the-art filming technologies and...

In this episode we get into the pivotal role of marketing in workforce development and recruitment, particularly within the public sector. We engage in a profound discussion with Jackie Krick, the CEO and Founder of ECU Communications, who expounds upon her journey in strategic marketing and her commitment to empowering communities. Jackie articulates how her organization aligns its mission with t...

The discussion in this podcast episode centers on the transformative nature of storytelling within the realms of food and travel blogging. Our esteemed guest, Andrea Updike, elucidates the essentiality of infusing personal narratives into one's content, particularly in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and generic recipes. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity amidst...

The primary discourse of this podcast episode centers on the vital importance of authentic human connection within the realm of marketing, particularly in the face of advancing technological trends such as artificial intelligence. As we engage with our distinguished guest, David Dees, a seasoned copywriter and brand storyteller, we delve into the nuances of effective communication strategies that...

This podcast episode revolves around the ever evolving and increasing trend of sports tourism and its transformative impact on destinations, particularly in Florida. Larry and Mady delve into the art and science of capturing attention within this dynamic field with Sean Doherty, Tourism Executive Director and Sean Walter, Sales/Sports Business Development, Director, both with Punta Gorda/Englewood...

Our discussion centers around the innovative marketing strategies employed by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, particularly in the context of revitalizing the area's image and attracting diverse visitors. Joining us is Oliver Kugler, the Community Relations Manager, who shares valuable insights into the evolving landscape of tourism and marketing within Pinellas County. We delve into the challenges and...

This discussion centers on the significance of seasonal tourism, particularly emphasizing the economic benefits derived from Halloween-themed events and attractions. We delve into the multifaceted nature of haunted tourism, exploring its capacity to enhance local economies through increased visitor numbers and engagement with unique cultural experiences. Our conversation traverses a variety of hau...

This episode dives into the transformative impact of travel on young individuals, particularly through the lens of the Student Travel Group, founded by Matthew Wade. Our discourse delves into the essence of fostering authentic experiences that transcend conventional tourism, as Matthew shares his mission to inspire students to embrace travel and cultural exploration. We engage in a detailed examin...

This episode delves into the recent Destinations International conference held in Chicago, a pivotal gathering for destination marketers. We, your hosts, Larry Aldrich and Maddie Dudley, reflect on the significance of this event as an educational platform that fosters connections among professionals dedicated to enhancing tourism and local economies. Throughout the discussion, we share our insight...

This episode covers the intricate relationship between consumer behavior and the evolving landscape of travel marketing, articulated through the lens of algorithmic insights. Larry and Chip (sitting in for normal co-host Mady Dudley) engage in a profound discussion with Seraj Bharwani from Illumin, who possesses a wealth of knowledge in the realms of digital marketing and consumer analytics. We de...