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, authentic messaging, and knowing your audience well before a crisis ever hits. She talks through the real challenges of information fatigue, why social media is a niche tool — not a mass communication one — and how local journalism still plays an irreplaceable role when things go sideways.

The conversation covers long-term recovery storytelling, a sharp look at when brands cross the line from helpful to opportunistic after a disaster, and hard-won lessons from the pandemic. Mimi also shares a standout case study about a North Carolina sheriff who called out misinformation head-on after Hurricane Helene — and why it worked.

Oh, and Larry admits he'd be the first one running if aliens landed.

If you work in marketing, PR, or communications — especially with destinations, airports, or community-facing brands — this one's packed with practical insight.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 00:07 - Introduction to Aqua Talks
• 02:39 - The Importance of Personal Connections in Public Relations
• 10:41 - Disaster Preparedness and Communication
• 17:37 - Crisis Communication and Preparedness
• 35:19 - Crisis Communication and Community Resilience
• 40:54 - The Impact of Empathy in Crisis Communication
• 46:11 - Communicating with Aliens: A New Era of Crisis Management
• 53:31 - The Role of Influencers in Crisis Communication

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The discussion highlights the transformative power of marketing in establishing meaningful connections with audiences.
• Emphasis was placed on the importance of returning to fundamental communication practices post-pandemic, particularly face-to-face interactions.
• Public relations professionals are increasingly recognizing the necessity of balancing technology use with personal engagement to foster relationships.
• The episode underscores the significance of disaster preparedness communication and the necessity for individuals to be informed about risks in their environments.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Dr. Mimi Perreault (LinkedIn)

Dr. Mimi Perreault is an Assistant Professor of Media and Communications with a focus on public relations, journalism, and communications research and teaching. She brings a well-rounded background to the classroom and beyond, with hands-on experience as a writer, editor, and layout designer across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. Whether she's behind a camera, coordinating a team, or managing an event, Dr. Perreault combines academic depth with real-world communications versatility.

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 efforts in enhancing public trust and the pivotal role of data visualization in decision-making processes. Through our discussion, we seek to illuminate the importance of scalable creative infrastructure within the context of federal marketing endeavors. Join us as we unpack these profound insights and share actionable strategies aimed at fostering meaningful connections with our audience.

IN THIS EPISODE

1. 00:06 - Introduction to Aqua Talks
2. 01:29 - Exploring Sauna Tourism and Fitness Trends
3. 06:53 - Transitioning to Veteran Outreach
4. 17:42 - Building Trust in Long-Term Contracts
5. 22:28 - Impactful Outreach: Helping Veterans

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 artificial intelligence and robotics in recruitment efforts. He elaborates on how Sinclair is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between local insights and federal outreach, ensuring that marketing campaigns resonate effectively with target audiences. We delve into the innovative solutions Sinclair is implementing to enhance engagement and foster meaningful connections in a rapidly changing landscape. Join us as we unpack these vital topics, providing you with actionable insights to enhance your marketing endeavors.

IN THIS EPISODE:

1. 00:07 - Introduction to Aqua Talks
2. 01:46 - Exploring Industry Trends and Challenges
3. 09:50 - Transitioning from Local to Federal Marketing Strategies
4. 14:50 - Emerging Strategies in Federal Marketing
5. 25:26 - Transition to Amazing America 250 Program

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. The discussion emphasizes the critical importance of adapting marketing strategies to align with emerging industry trends and audience preferences.
2. Brandon Nickerson elaborates on Sinclair's innovative approach to federal business development and their strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing recruitment efforts.
3. The podcast highlights the significance of utilizing local knowledge and tailored marketing strategies to effectively address community-specific needs and challenges.
4. Listeners are introduced to Sinclair's new initiatives, including the America 250 campaign, aimed at fostering nationwide engagement through custom content and localized outreach.
5. The conversation reveals the pivotal role of advanced technology and data analytics in shaping contemporary marketing strategies within the federal government landscape.