The Cake Boss, the Commander & the Donut Lassies

Summary

Podcast Summary: Kennedy Saves the World

Episode: The Cake Boss, the Commander & the Donut Lassies
Date: June 3, 2026
Host: Kennedy
Guests: Buddy Valastro ("Cake Boss" of Carlo’s Bakery), Commissioner Merle Heatwole (Salvation Army National Commander)

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Episode Overview

This lively, heartfelt episode centers on the history and spirit of National Donut Day. Host Kennedy is joined by Buddy Valastro, famed pastry chef and owner of Carlo’s Bakery, and Commissioner Merle Heatwole of the Salvation Army. Together, they trace the origins of Donut Day, discuss the ongoing mission of the Salvation Army in supporting veterans and communities, and share ways listeners can get involved—from baking and eating donuts to volunteering and giving back.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Story Behind National Donut Day

• Origins: Kennedy opens with the tradition’s roots—the Salvation Army’s “Donut Lassies” who served donuts to American soldiers on the front lines during World War I, boosting morale and providing a sweet treat.
  • “The Salvation army actually helped popularize the donut craze in America.” —Buddy (02:00)
• Continuing Legacy: Donut Day, established in 1938, is now about honoring veterans and the volunteers who serve them, with events held nationwide.

2. Buddy Valastro’s Involvement

• Partnership: Buddy recounts getting involved with the Salvation Army, noting the extensive good they do in nearly every community in America, often unseen beyond their famous red buckets.
  • “It's 28 million people a year that Salvation army helps. So when you donate ... or you're eating a donut, that is helping.” —Buddy (03:40)
• Giving Back: On Donut Day, Carlo’s Bakery donates all donuts to veterans at events in multiple cities, demonstrating corporate partnership in action.

3. The Breadth of Salvation Army’s Mission

• Services Provided: Commissioner Heatwole highlights that the organization offers food, groceries, clothing, rental assistance, addiction recovery, job training, and more—serving over 28 million individuals annually.
  • “It's not just a matter of homelessness or having a lack of a job, but many times it's those emotional and spiritual issues they're struggling with.” —Merle (05:15)
• Veteran Support: Acknowledgement of the unique needs of veterans, from material to emotional and spiritual care.

4. Volunteering and Community Support

• How to Get Involved: Kennedy asks about student volunteering; Merle encourages people of all ages to sign up for local opportunities—a hands-on way to make a difference.
  • “We have centers in over 7,400 different locations... always going to be someplace close to you.” —Merle (07:43)
• Local Impact: Donations stay within donors’ communities, ensuring that contributions directly support local needs.

5. The Deeper Meaning of Giving and Connection

• Buddy’s Perspective: Giving time and energy is just as valuable as money; showing people they matter is transformative for recipients and for the giver.
  • “Anytime I've given back, it's in giving that we receive. I feel so much better and so much happier.” —Buddy (09:15)

6. Baking & Pastry Wisdom from the Cake Boss

• Frosting Tips: Kennedy’s gluten-free household sparks a discussion about the magic of frosting:
  • “The trick to making a pretty cake is making the frosting at the very last moment so it's nice and fresh... smooth buttercream, your cakes are going to look a lot nicer.” —Buddy (10:00)
• Donut-Baking Advice: Cake donuts are beginner-friendly, while yeast-raised require more skill but are extra special when hot and fresh.

7. Current Needs & Ways to Help

• Food Insecurity: As prices rise, Salvation Army food pantries are in greater demand; food drives and donations are needed.
  • “If people want to do a food drive, donate food... or simply make a donation... they can really make a difference in their community.” —Merle (12:08)
• Listening to Veterans: Sometimes, the most valuable gift is time—listening to veterans’ stories and letting them know their experiences matter.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Donut Day’s Impact:
  “We are donating all the donuts to our veterans who have done so much and given so much for our country.” —Buddy (03:13)

• On Volunteerism:
  “Whether you're a teenager, senior citizen, somewhere in between, there are going to be opportunities you can get involved and make a difference within your local community.” —Merle (07:56)

• On Baking Joy:
  “Making a cake is like breathing for me... if you want to get good at it, it's practice. It's repetition and muscle memory and just dream big and make it happen.” —Buddy (10:33)

• On Veterans’ Stories:
  “They want to feel that you care, that you understand, and that, you know, you’re thankful.” —Buddy (13:32)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Donut Day History & Salvation Army’s Role: 00:13 – 04:16
• Buddy on Giving Back & Partnership: 03:07 – 06:00
• Salvation Army Services and Support: 04:43 – 05:56
• Volunteering Opportunities: 07:07 – 08:36
• Importance of Time & Emotional Support: 08:54 – 09:22, 12:05 – 13:13
• Baking & Frosting Tips: 09:57 – 11:28
• Food Insecurity & Greatest Needs: 12:05 – 13:13
• Celebrating America 250: 13:40 – 14:16

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Conclusion

This episode offers a sweet, savory, and deeply meaningful conversation about America’s history, the importance of community support, and the small but powerful impact of giving—whether it’s donuts, time, or simply listening. Kennedy, Buddy Valastro, and Merle Heatwole remind listeners that everyone can play a rewarding role in making life a little bit sweeter, especially for those who have served.

For more information or to get involved: salvationarmyusa.org
To visit Buddy’s bakery: carlosbakery.com

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to [e-mail] Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month Required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full terms at Mintmobile do. Hello and welcome to this episode of Kennedy Saves the World. Did you know that it is Donut Day? This is a wonderful tradition started by the Salvation army back in 1938 when doughnut lassies were handing out free donuts to our veterans. The tradition continues and now the Salvation army has probably the greatest confectionary general in their corner, Buddy Pilaster, the cake boss. Maybe you've seen Carlo's bakery. Maybe you have salivated over the idea of having one of Buddy's cakes presented to you on your birthday. Well, now we go from salivating to salvation. Joining us here on this episode of Kennedy Saves the World, national commander of the Salvation Army, Merle Heatwall and Buddy Valastro, cake boss, owner of Carla's Bakeshop. Welcome to you both. Welcome to Kennedy Saves the World.

[C]

Thanks.

[A]

How you doing? Thank you for having us, Kennedy.

[B]

So, Buddy, how did you get involved in Donut Day? Are donuts just a round, smaller version of delicious cake?

[A]

I mean, kinda, you know, because you got all kinds of donuts. You got cake donuts, you got yeast raised donuts. I mean, my title is probably, you know, Colonel Cupcake, but, you know, I

[C]

mean,

[A]

that's my ranking. But, you know, listen, the more I partner with the Salvation army because they do so much good, you know, they're in almost every zip code across America. They help so many people. So, you know, I didn't realize that they started this tradition with the donut lassies in 1938 that would go to the front lines during World War I and to, you know, boost morale to our troops, they would give out these donuts. And oddly enough, because I think America is like the donut capital of the world, these troops, after the war, they came home, they wanted the donuts. So the Salvation army actually helped popularize the donut craze in America. So, you know, it kind of, they helped me out because now we get to sell more donuts. You know, Thinking about it, because people want them.

[B]

Buddy, were you selling a lot of donuts before your involvement with the Salvation army and Donut Day?

[A]

We always were. But, you know, Donut Day is about giving. So Donut Day, we are donating all the donuts to. To our veterans who have done so much and given so much for our country. And, you know, the more I work with Murl and the Salvation army, the more I got to realize what they do, right? Because, you know, look, everybody sees the red bucket, you know, for the holidays, and understands, and it's like, all right, but what exactly happens? And, you know, I visited a center last year where they help babysit kids in different communities. They give back to so many veterans. They give back. I mean, food, groceries, clothes, everything across so many different people. I mean, it's 28 million people a year that Salvation army helps. So when you donate in that little red bucket or you're eating a donut, that is helping. Go to the Salvation army, you know that it's helping so many people.

[B]

Well, Merle, I love that. And, you know, it's something as sweet and simple as a donut, and, you know, something for veterans to look forward to the first Friday of every June. It sort of is a metaphor for what the Salvation army does. You know, it's something that you can look forward to in a time of need. And you guys service so many people with, and I think that's such a beautiful thing. Talk about that, please.

[C]

Thank you, Kennedy. Of course, Donut Day is a special time for us to remember the veterans, to remember the volunteers that are serving all across the country, to help those that are coming back from serving our country. And we just honor them through the Donut Day process. We honor them throughout the year by providing them with assistance where it's needed. We have service centers all across the country that are helping to provide that basic assistance that's needed, whether that's job training, whether that is food assistance, whether that's rental assistance, whether it's dealing with addiction issues. All of those things are available to veterans and anyone else who is looking to have their needs met and have a way to get back up on their feet and be able to really enjoy life once again. And we know there are so many challenges that veterans face when they're coming back. And it's not just a matter of homelessness or having a lack of a job, but many times it's those emotional and spiritual issues that they're struggling with. And we are here to provide support in all areas of their Lives.

[B]

That's so beautiful. And it starts at the Donut. Absolutely, Buddy. Yeah.

[A]

And you know, Kennedy, my brother in law, served in the first Gulf War. So for me, the veterans and the troops, we're a military family. We know how much these families and these people sacrifice and what they have to go through. So, you know, to give back is for us is huge. We're actually doing events in Jersey City, New York, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Indian, San Antonio. We're going to be giving out with the local Salvation army donuts at all these locations. And you know, if you want to know more about the story of Donut Day, the Salvation army or what they do, if you go to salvationarmyusa.org you can get all the information and when you see it, you can't believe it. Like seeing those kids in that after school program or, you know, if somebody needs groceries or somebody needs rent assistance, it's not like one size fits all. Everybody's got different problems. And the Salvation army is there to help in any way possible.

[B]

So, Merle, I know I have high school junior and a lot of high school students are looking for ways to volunteer if people, you know, if they want to help out and you know, maybe they don't have a lot of money to give, but they'd like to give their time. How can they, how can they do that through the Salvation Army? And do you need people helping hand out donuts on Donut Day?

[C]

Well, we always welcome volunteers whatever day it is. And of course in places like where Buddy shops are going to be distributing donuts that we would welcome any volunteers that wanted to come and help with those efforts. But throughout the year, people can get involved. As Buddy [e-mail] they can go there, they can find volunteer opportunities within their own local community. One of the wonderful things is that we have centers in over 7,400 different locations across the country. So there's always going to be someplace close to you that you can go and get involved. And whether you're a teenager, whether you're a senior citizen, whether you're somewhere in between, there are going to be opportunities that you can get involved and make a difference within your local community. And, and one of the other great things is if you choose to donate on our website, those funds are redirected to your local community. So you can be assured that any dollars that you donate will be used within your local community to help those most in need.

[B]

That's nice. I mean, that's the wonderful thing about being so vertically integrated over A series of decades as you have found a way to come up with the best systems to really refine charitable giving, whether that's money, whether that's clothing, you know, or someone's time.

[A]

So yeah, I mean, time is a huge thing that people don't realize. Like, you know, letting these people know that people actually care, talking, helping, anything I think goes so far. You know, I just think, and for me, anytime I've given back, it's in giving that we receive. I feel so much better and so much happier. So it's special for me.

[B]

Don't go anywhere more. Kennedy saves the World right after this. So, buddy, whenever I watch one of your shows, I'm always inspired to bake. I love baking. I do have celiac and so I have a gluten free household. So I got to do a lot of gluten free baking, which can be very tricky. But we all know that oftentimes cake and muffins and different pastries are just delivery devices for things like frosting. So how do you make the best frosting? What is that? What is the key to your world class frosting that the home baker can internalize and know.

[A]

Okay, so for me it's ingredients, right? Simple things like butter, sugar. Now when the trick to making a pretty cake is making the frosting at the very last moment so that it's nice and freshly. Like when I mix a bowl of buttercream, it almost looks like shaving cream. So if you have smooth, smooth buttercream, your cakes are going to look a lot nicer. So it's about having like the right tool for the job. And look, Kenny, I'm not going to lie to you. I do make it look easy because I'm not saying that to brag, but making a cake is like breathing for me. I don't even think it's just I do it, you know, if you want to get good at it, it's practice. It's repetition and muscle memory and just dream big and make it happen.

[B]

Well, I'm dreaming big. You know, it's like, I'll take those reps, buddy. I'll keep doing it. I'll keep baking. Cake wraps, baby.

[A]

Or donut reps for donut day.

[B]

I know I gotta figure out how to make donuts. I've never made donuts. It's so intimidating.

[A]

The thing that. Listen, the cake donuts are easier to make than a yeast raised because you have to then make the dough, it has to proof, you have to roll it out, cut it, proof again, and then Fry it. But there's nothing like a hot yeast raised donut.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

That's a whole other world of donuts. Cake doughnuts are okay, but yeast rays is the way to go.

[B]

Do you have gluten free stuff at Carlos?

[A]

We. We dabble in a few things, but it's not my specialty. You know, to be. To be totally honest with you, we have a couple things that are.

[B]

Just sell me your frosting, put it in an IV bag, and put it in my veins, buddy. That's all I ask. All right, Merle, in addition to people volunteering, what. What are the Salvation Army's greatest needs right now? Listening to this podcast can kind of learn from and, you know, be activated for.

[C]

Well, one of the things is food insecurity all across the country that as people are dealing with rising prices, it gives them less expendable income to be able to provide for their families. And so many of our food pantries across the country are feeling the impact of that. And so if people want to do a food drive, donate food at one of our local community centers, that would be a wonderful way. Or simply make a donation. And again, they can find those local centers by going to our [e-mail] and seeing what's closest to them. If it's not possible for them to get there to make that donation online, they can do that, and they can really make a difference in their community if they have the opportunity to volunteer. One of the things that veterans need most is, is just people that would come and sit and listen to their stories. They want to be able to share what they've gone through and how that's impacted their lives. And so if you're a person who has the time to be able to do that and to be able to share your time giving back to them, that would be a wonderful way to get involved.

[B]

Yeah, and it's definitely enriching as well to listen to those stories and to learn from people who've worn the uniform and fought for this country.

[A]

Those stories are amazing, Kennedy. I mean, I've done it plenty of times, and you hear it and you're just, like, blown away. And to Merle's point, it does so much for them because that's what they want to feel. They want to feel that you care, that you understand, and that, you know, you're thankful.

[B]

Buddy, what are you doing for America 250 in terms of cakes and takeaways for people who want to go visit your shops?

[A]

We have a couple things that we're doing [e-mail] for 250. For me, I'm just, I'm just so happy to celebrate it, you know, with the family. Probably be at the Jersey Shore fourth of July weekend.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

Just, you know, doing it and just being with everybody. And I don't have any, like, crazy cake orders, you know, on the docket, but it should be pretty cool.

[B]

Hey, man, it's only June. I'm sure something big's gonna roll in, and I can't wait to see it. I want to thank you both so much for your time. Donut Day is this Friday. It's the first Friday of every June. SalvationArmyus.org is where you can go to learn more about it. Buddy Valastro and Merle Heat Wall, thank you both so much for your time and doing so much for the veterans and and for this incredible country where we live. Thank you both.

[C]

Thank you for giving us this opportunity just to share our story.

[B]

Absolutely. You both make life so much sweeter. Thanks again.

[A]

Thanks.

[B]

This has been Kennedy Saves the World along with Buddy Amurl. I'm Kennedy. Listen ad free with a Fox News podcast plus subscription on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Prime. Members can listen to this show and ad free on the Amazon music app. Oh, go ahead and leave me a review while you're there. I'd love to hear what you have to say. You've been listening to Kennedy Saves the World on the Fox News Podcast network.