Planning a cruise should feel exciting, not overwhelming. We sit down with Alfonso Aduna of Expedia Cruises in Norwalk to unpack how a local storefront combines Expedia’s massive buying power with the calm certainty of face-to-face service. From unbeatable cruise pricing to rapid help when flights get canceled, Alfonso shows why a real person in your corner can turn a stressful booking into an easy, joy-filled trip.

Alfonso’s journey from wealth management to travel planning reframes the goal of saving: money matters, but memories matter more. He explains how his team pre-purchases 50,000 cruise rooms across major lines to unlock lower fares, upgrades, and group amenities you rarely see when booking direct. We dive into common myths about travel advisors, the real cost of DIY mistakes, and the quiet perks that make a big difference, like choosing the right ship class for families, timing shoulder-season deals, and securing onboard credits that stretch your budget.

Community sits at the heart of this conversation. Alfonso shares how families and groups fuel referrals when service is personal and fast, why his Norwalk storefront features a coffee bar, a wine bar, and ship videos to help guests compare options, and how quick texts and local support become a safety net when plans shift. We close with practical takeaways on saving money without sacrificing experience, plus details on their January 29 kickoff event with major deals at 12840 Rosecrans Avenue. Subscribe for more local business stories, share with a friend who loves to cruise, and leave a review to help neighbors discover their next great getaway.

A trusted trade doesn’t have to feel transactional, and that’s the heartbeat of our conversation with second-generation owner Mike Prencavage Jr. of The Family Plumber. From a 1990 start to an upcoming 40-year milestone, Mike walks us through growing from a handful of trucks to a countywide fleet while keeping the warmth, responsiveness, and follow-up that neighbors remember. We get into how a family business serves homes, commercial sites, and new construction across Orange County and parts of Los Angeles without losing the small-company feel that builds loyalty.

We go straight at the big questions homeowners ask: Are plumbers overpriced? What’s the real value of hiring a licensed, insured company that backs its work with warranties and 24/7 service? Mike explains why “cheap” often hides risk and how clear options, honest scopes, and fast response lower lifetime costs. He also opens up about community-first marketing—skipping the PPC arms race to invest in chambers, youth centers, and city partnerships. As the exclusive plumber for Los Alamitos parks, recreation, and civic facilities, his team shows how trust grows when a company shows up for the place it calls home.

There’s a practical side, too. Mike hosts Instagram Live sessions that move beyond textbook plumbing into the street-smart techniques that save hours on the job. He shares how training, documentation, and technician-client relationships lead to repeat requests for familiar faces. Along the way, we get to know Mike beyond the uniform—live music, trunk-or-treats, golf, and surfing—reminding us that service is personal. If you’re searching for reliable plumbing services, licensed plumbers, emergency plumbing, or a local plumber you can actually trust, this story delivers both insight and proof.

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The room changes when horns hit the first note. We sat down with bandleader Aidan Bras to share how a college idea became the Silver Bullet Big Band, a tight-knit ensemble bringing swing, modern jazz, and big, warm energy to Orange County events. From backyard parties to restaurant patios and wedding dance floors, Aidan explains why live music doesn’t just fill silence—it turns gatherings into stories people remember.

We dig into the origin of the band and the simple steps that made it real: recruit talented friends from local school districts, lock a repertoire that spans Glenn Miller to Gordon Goodwin, and keep the focus on joy without losing professional standards. Aidan challenges the common myth that “professional” means rigid or overly formal. Instead, he makes the case that fun and excellence amplify each other, especially in jazz where interaction and spontaneity define the experience. You’ll hear how the group adapts sets on the fly, meets audiences where they are, and brings a sense of community to every stage.

For anyone curious about booking, Aidan breaks down practical marketing: Instagram reels, direct outreach, and word of mouth that spreads through happy venues and hosts. He talks candidly about balancing school, music, sports, and health, and why that mix keeps the band fresh and ready. If you’ve been debating a playlist versus a live band for your next event, this conversation lays out the real difference—energy that breathes, moments that surprise, and a soundtrack shaped in the room, not in a studio. Want to learn more or request a date? Find Silver Bullet Big Band on Instagram or email brassonbrass@gmail.com. If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more neighbors discover local talent.