Ellen’s Mardi Gras IQ Test

This episode of Modern Wisdom deviates from its usual format to present a lively New Orleans-themed trivia game titled "Cinjun Questions," hosted by Ellen. The segment features two local contestants, Toya Townsend and Abby Sanchez, who are put to the test on their knowledge of Mardi Gras traditions and history. Ellen playfully introduces the stakes, noting that as New Orleans natives, any poor performance would be an "embarrassment to their families and the state of Louisiana" [00:00].

The game proceeds with a rapid-fire format, where each contestant has 30 seconds to answer as many questions as possible. Toya faces a series of questions, including identifying the non-Mardi Gras color from a list (blue), what follows a Mardi Gras parade (a tableau ball), and the name for coins thrown from floats (balloons). Despite some initial jitters and a few missed answers, Toya manages to score two points during her turn [01:01].

Abby then steps up to the challenge, answering questions about Mardi Gras krewes, religious holidays associated with the celebration, and even corporate sponsorship of the event. She correctly identifies Orpheus as the krewe founded by Harry Kik Jr. and Ash Wednesday as the religious holiday that follows Mardi Gras. Abby showcases a strong performance, ultimately scoring four points in her round, surpassing Toya's score [02:04].

Initially, it appears Abby has won, but Ellen, after a humorous reflection on one of Toya's missed questions that could have tied the score, declares both contestants as winners [03:06]. The grand prize for their participation and performance in the "Cinjun Questions" game is revealed to be a luxurious 14-night Celebrity Cruise to Northern Europe. Both Toya and Abby are awarded a trip on the Celebrity Constellation, set to visit destinations like Sweden, Russia, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, much to their surprise and delight [03:06].

Listeners are treated to a lighthearted and entertaining break from typical podcast discussions, experiencing a segment filled with friendly competition, New Orleans culture, and the excitement of a significant prize giveaway. The episode concludes with the celebration of the contestants' unexpected cruise victory, highlighting the joy and generosity of the show.