Welcome back… to the show! Hacker Valley Studio podcast features Host Ron Eddings, as he explores the world of cybersecurity through the eyes of professionals in the industry. We cover everything from inspirational real-life stories in tech, to highlighting influential cybersecurity companies, and we do so in a fun and enthusiastic way. We’re making cybersecurity accessible, creating a whole new form of entertainment: cybertainment.
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Welcome back… to the show! Hacker Valley Studio podcast features Host Ron Eddings, as he explores the world of cybersecurity through the eyes of professionals in the industry. We cover everything from inspirational real-life stories in tech, to highlighting influential cybersecurity companies, and we do so in a fun and enthusiastic way. We’re making cybersecurity accessible, creating a whole new form of entertainment: cybertainment.
Making Cybersecurity Marketing Creative (and a Little Sexy) with Maria Velasquez
Hacker Valley Studio
30 minutes
3 days ago
Making Cybersecurity Marketing Creative (and a Little Sexy) with Maria Velasquez
Who said cybersecurity had to be serious? The future of cyber is creative, human, and even a little sexy.In this special 400th episode, Ron Eddings celebrates six incredible years of Hacker Valley Studio with one of cyber’s most creative voices, Maria Velasquez, Co-Founder of the Cybersecurity Marketing Society and Co-Host of Breaking Through in Cybersecurity Marketing. Together, they discuss how bold storytelling, authentic community, and a touch of fun are reshaping the way we connect in cybersecurity. Maria opens up about turning burnout into purpose, building a 4,000-strong global movement, and why the next frontier in cyber might just be entertainment.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Introduction
02:00 - CISA layoffs and collaboration fragility
04:00 - Welcoming Maria Velasquez
06:00 - How loneliness sparked a global community
08:00 - Why collaboration fuels cybersecurity growth
10:00 - When cybersecurity marketing was “boring”12:00 - The rise of creativity and brand power
14:00 - Story behind Torque’s “Kill the S.O.A.R” campaign
15:00 - Making cybersecurity emotional and human
17:00 - Maria’s advice for bold marketing leaders
18:00 - The next big thing: experiential marketing
20:00 - Inside Cyber Marketing Con 2025
24:00 - Final reflections on community and creativity
27:00 - Ron’s takeaways: connection drives innovation
Links:
Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-vepa/
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/
Hacker Valley Studio
Welcome back… to the show! Hacker Valley Studio podcast features Host Ron Eddings, as he explores the world of cybersecurity through the eyes of professionals in the industry. We cover everything from inspirational real-life stories in tech, to highlighting influential cybersecurity companies, and we do so in a fun and enthusiastic way. We’re making cybersecurity accessible, creating a whole new form of entertainment: cybertainment.
