The King Cake Show
By Podcast Yaya & Cantaloupe AI
Episode 1 Streaming Now!
Episode 1 - Joe Gambino's VS Party Palace
Listen to who won the very first blind taste challenge between two longtime New Orleans classics
Hosted by Rich Simmerman, Jonathan Holder and Lucia Hall
Podcast Yaya - Season 1
Cantaloupe AI is celebrating New Orleans hospitality the sweetest way—through king cakes! In Season 1, CEO Rich Simmerman and Endymion Krewemember Jonathan Holder visit local bakeries, grocers, and kitchen tables to uncover the stories behind iconic king cakes. Each episode ends with a guest blind-tasting two king cakes. The winner advances in the 2025 King Cake Challenge Bracket to compete for the title of Best King Cake!
How our 2025 King Cake Challenge Works
We're covering 14 King Cakes - 7 Make The Playoffs
The 2025 King Cake Show Championship is on Fat Tuesday!
Premiering on Apple Podcasts and LinkedIn mid-January 2025
14 King Cakes
Chosen based on recommendations from locals. Each show, a guest (or multiple) performs a blind taste test, picking 1 to move on
7 Quarterfinalists
Make the playoffs based on the weekly blind taste test. Playoffs begin on March 3. The semifinals feature 4 cakes, and the championship features 2.
5 Babies
Like stars, the highest rating a king cake can receive is 5 babies. The lowest, of course, is 1 baby.
Behind The Cake
Each week, we go beyond the cake, looking for locals, bakers and grocers to chat about their experiences with the cake.
Proudly Recorded In New Orleans
Wanna be a guest on our show? Email Rich, rich@trycantaloupe.com
Ep. 1 - Gambino's V. Party Palace
Called the "King" of King Cakes, this Metairie-baked classic has reigned over Mardi Gras since 1949. Does it still stand the test of time in 2025?
Joe Gambino's
Often called a "hidden-gem" by King Cake lovers from Kenner Bra, the Party Palace turns 38 this year. Can it take down a Mardi Gras giant?
Party Palace
Meet our hosts, dahlin
Born and raised in Southeast Louisiana, Rich has lived Uptown for 8 years. A graduate of Tulane, he is passionate about New Orleans culture and history.
Rich Simmerman, Host
A member of Endymion and lifelong New Orleanian, Jonathan "J-Money". Holder grew up on Randazzo's King Cake and Blue Runner Red Beans.
Jonathan Holder, Co-Host
Born in Michigan, Lucia is a New Orleans transplant who can't get enough Louisiana cookin'. A lifelong Foodie and soon-to-be Louisiana Lafayette alum, Lucia loves exploring New Orleans culinary culture.
Lucia Hall, Co-Host
Legal Disclaimer
The King Cake Show, produced by Cantaloupe Technologies Corporation, celebrates King Cake culture and fosters awareness for makers, sellers, and fans. Opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect Cantaloupe’s views.
We are not affiliated with, paid by, or sponsored by any bakeries or businesses mentioned. All mentions are for informational and positive exposure purposes only.
For inquiries, contact [insert contact info].
