In this holiday 2025 episode of 50 Tastes Of Gray, I sit down with journalist and author Robert Sullivan for a conversation that moves easily between warmth and darkness—Christmas traditions, family food memories, literary history, and the less nostalgic realities of sports, gambling, and organized crime. It’s a festive episode with teeth. #FoodAndMemory #ChristmasPodcast #50TastesOfGray

Chapters

00:00 Christmas Cheer and Gift Giving

03:01 Culinary Traditions and Family Feasts

06:00 New England Food Culture and Personal Memories

09:41 Literary Connections: Jack Kerouac and Family History

14:42 The Beat Generation and Its Legacy

20:05 Sports Journalism and the Changing Landscape

28:42 The Impact of Gambling on Sports

41:55 Investigative Journalism: Risks and Rewards

49:54 Dinner with Legends: Personal Reflections

52:46 COVID-19: A Personal Experience

56:09 Clam Chowder Debate and New England Cuisine

01:01:49 Childhood Food Memories and Trivia

01:04:00 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Bob's Substack: That Reminds Me of a Story

https://RobertSullivanBooks.substack.com

🎧 Matthew Gray Socials

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📘 Get My Book → HawaiiFoodTours.com

🎧 Connect with Matthew Gray & 50 Tastes of Gray

📸 Instagram (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/50tastesofgray

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📘 Facebook (Podcast): https://www.facebook.com/50TastesOfGrayPodcast

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💼 LinkedIn (Matthew Gray): https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-hawaii

✍️ Substack (50 Tastes Of Gray): https://50TastesOfGray.substack.com

Step into the chaotic, delicious, hilarious, and heartfelt world of the kitchen with chef and author Cole Crocker. In this episode of 50 Tastes Of Gray, Cole discusses his new book "Commi Kitchen", a witty exploration of shared kitchen dynamics, colorful characters, and the humor that keeps chefs going.

From his early culinary inspirations to managing restaurants, Cole shares how personal tragedy shaped his career, why teamwork is essential, and how discomfort fuels growth. He also weighs in on tipping culture, the emotional realities of kitchen life, and the impact of shows like The Bear on the culinary profession.

👉 Whether you’re a foodie, aspiring chef, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of restaurant life, this conversation blends humor, wisdom, and heart. Don’t miss it!

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Cole Crocker and Commi Kitchen

02:47 Cole's Culinary Journey and Background

06:01 Transitioning to Restaurant Management

09:08 The Chaos of Commi Kitchen

12:01 The Impact of Personal Tragedy on Culinary Career

15:07 Writing Commi Kitchen: A Blend of Truth and Fiction

17:53 The Humor and Heart of the Kitchen

21:03 Tipping and Team Dynamics in Restaurants

24:02 The Bear: A Chef's Perspective

27:10 The Spiritual Journey of Cooking

29:59 Conclusion and Where to Find Commi Kitchen

Chef Cole Crocker Contact Info:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Commi-Kitchen-Book/61576136947118/

https://www.instagram.com/commikitchenbook/

https://www.commikitchen.com/

🎧 Matthew Gray Socials

🎧 All My Shows & Episodes → LoveLife.com

📘 Get My Book → HawaiiFoodTours.com

🎧 Connect with Matthew Gray & 50 Tastes of Gray

📸 Instagram (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/50tastesofgray

🍽️ Instagram (Food Tours): https://www.instagram.com/hawaii_food_tours

📘 Facebook (Podcast): https://www.facebook.com/50TastesOfGrayPodcast

🌺 Facebook (Let’s Eat Hawaii): https://www.facebook.com/LetsEatHawaii

💼 LinkedIn (Matthew Gray): https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-hawaii

✍️ Substack (50 Tastes Of Gray): https://50TastesOfGray.substack.com

In this engaging conversation, Rick Lewis shares his unique journey through life, touching on themes of storytelling, performance, and personal growth. He discusses how these experiences shaped his career as a performer and speaker. Rick reveals his innovative corporate performance as a waiter, the importance of connection through storytelling, and his recent struggles with panic attacks. He also introduces his writing community, Write Hearted, emphasizing the significance of authenticity in writing and the power of shared experiences. The conversation concludes with insights into Rick's future plans and his heartfelt connection to his work.

#​performance #storytelling #socialanxiety

Chapters

00:00 Sunny Days and Seasonal Affective Disorder

02:53 Life on the Move: A Journey Through 36 Homes

05:49 The Art of Storytelling: From Performer to Speaker

09:06 The Waiter Routine: A Unique Corporate Performance

11:46 The Reveal: Transforming Perception Through Story

14:50 The Power of Connection: Storytelling in Keynotes

17:56 Panic Attacks and Personal Growth

20:54 Right Hearted: Building a Writing Community

23:55 The Importance of Authenticity in Writing

26:50 Future Plans and Entrepreneurial Spirit

29:59 The Unbranded Self: A Unique Book Experience

32:47 Connection Through Humor and Heartfelt Words

35:53 Final Thoughts

Where to Find Rick http://www.ricklewis.co/

https://www.writehearted.com/

🎧 Matthew Gray Socials

🎧 All My Shows & Episodes → LoveLife.com

📘 Get My Book → HawaiiFoodTours.com

🎧 Connect with Matthew Gray & 50 Tastes of Gray

📸 Instagram (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/50tastesofgray

🍽️ Instagram (Food Tours): https://www.instagram.com/hawaii_food_tours

📘 Facebook (Podcast): https://www.facebook.com/50TastesOfGrayPodcast

🌺 Facebook (Let’s Eat Hawaii): https://www.facebook.com/LetsEatHawaii

💼 LinkedIn (Matthew Gray): https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-hawaii

✍️ Substack (50 Tastes Of Gray): https://50TastesOfGray.substack.com

In Is God a Boy or a Girl? Gina Barreca Explains, Gina Barreca joins Matthew Gray for a witty, thought‑provoking conversation about love, food, and humor. From debating the gender of The Supreme Being to her love of mashed potatoes, why slurping is a deal‑breaker, and why leftovers are life’s sweetest reward, Gina blends sharp comedy with heartfelt wisdom. She also reflects on being “funny for a woman,” the quirks of aging, and how relationships endure when built on respect, friendship, and laughter.

#IsGodABoyOrAGirl #ginabarrecaexplains #50tastesofgray #feministhumor #relationshipwisdom

Gina Barreca Social Media

Instagram: @gina.barreca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gina.barreca.144048

🎧 Matthew Gray Socials

🎧 All My Shows & Episodes → LoveLife.com

📘 Get My Book → HawaiiFoodTours.com

🎧 Connect with Matthew Gray & 50 Tastes of Gray

📸 Instagram (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/50tastesofgray

🍽️ Instagram (Food Tours): https://www.instagram.com/hawaii_food_tours

📘 Facebook (Podcast): https://www.facebook.com/50TastesOfGrayPodcast

🌺 Facebook (Let’s Eat Hawaii): https://www.facebook.com/LetsEatHawaii

💼 LinkedIn (Matthew Gray): https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-hawaii

✍️ Substack (50 Tastes Of Gray): https://50TastesOfGray.substack.com

Deborah Mallow, author of Six Steps to Fewer Days That Suck, joins Matthew Gray to share her inspiring journey from classic overachiever to finding true balance and happiness. In this conversation, Deborah explains how small acts—like smiling in the mirror—can spark big changes, and why decision‑making is the foundation of living with joy. She also introduces her Positive Energy Club, a community built on choosing positivity every day.

Listeners will discover practical steps to reduce burnout, embrace resilience, and transform daily routines into sources of confidence and motivation. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or simply fewer days that suck, Deborah’s wisdom offers a guide to lasting change.

#SixStepsToFewerDaysThatSuck #PositiveEnergyClub #50tastesofgray

🌐 Connect with Deborah Mallow

📸 Instagram → @daily.decisions

🌐 Website → TheDailyDecisions.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedailydecisionswithdeborahmallow

🎧 Connect with Matthew Gray & 50 Tastes of Gray

🎧 Subscribe for more bold conversations and cinematic storytelling from 50 Tastes Of Gray and Matthew Gray 🎧 All My Shows & Episodes → LoveLife.com

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📲 Facebook: • 50 Tastes of Gray • Hawaii Food Tours * Matthew Gray

📸 Instagram → @50tastesofgray

Cartoonist Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell joins Matthew Gray on 50 Tastes Of Gray to plot The Perfect Murder: Death By Cheese — A Culinary Conspiracy.

From Gruyere as a deadly weapon to finger foods at a wellness retreat, this satirical episode dives into the absurd intersection of culinary delight and criminal intent. Expect dark comedy, Trader Joe’s conspiracies, and improvised twists that turn everyday food into a crime scene. If you’ve ever feared a charcuterie board or questioned the motives behind a cheese sample, this one’s for you.

🎧 Subscribe to 50 Tastes of Gray for more absurd culinary crimes, satirical storytelling, and cartoonist confessions. ​

#DeathByCheese #50TastesOfGray #HilaryFitzgeraldCampbell #CulinaryConspiracy #DarkComedyPodcast

In this engaging conversation, Chef Adina Mullen discusses her journey into vegan cooking, the differences between vegan and vegetarian diets, and her approach to creating delicious plant-based dishes. She shares insights on the challenges of vegan cooking, the importance of food presentation, and how social media impacts her culinary career. Adina also talks about her cookbooks, including Vegan Flavors of the World, and her passion for adapting traditional recipes to fit a vegan lifestyle. The discussion highlights the emotional connection to food and the creativity involved in cooking, making it a rich exploration of the culinary world. #vegan #chefadinamullen #50tastesofgray

Chef Adina Mullen Contact info:

Cookbook link - Vegan Flavors of the World - https://www.amazon.com/DP/B0DJYN6Y7V

Chef/Culinary Artist/Author

Adina's Delicacies adinasdelicacies@gmail.com

adinasdelicacies.com https://www.takeachef.com/en-us/chef/rachel-mullen?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic-seo&utm_content=en-us-chef-rachel-mullen

Takeaways

Vegan and plant-based diets are often seen as the same.

Personal comfort and health should guide dietary choices.

Veganism can be misunderstood due to aggressive advocates.

Cooking is about creativity and using diverse ingredients.

Family dynamics can influence dietary choices.

Vegan dishes can be made to satisfy non-vegan palates.

Presentation is key in making food appealing.

Social media is a powerful tool for chefs today.

Cooking can be a reflection of one's emotions.

Adapting traditional recipes can be rewarding and fun.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Veganism and Vegetarianism

06:00 Lab-Grown Meat and Ethical Eating

12:24 Family Dynamics and Veganism

17:22 Processed Vegan Foods and Health Concerns

19:09 Mock Meat Products and Their Appeal

20:03 Halloween and Vegan Treats

21:56 Cooking with Emotion

24:56 Cultural Influences in Vegan Cooking

26:17 Latest Cookbook and Innovations

28:58 Complex Cooking Techniques

30:38 Challenges in Cooking Demonstrations

32:11 Kitchen Preferences and Cooking Style

33:36 Food Presentation and Plating

34:28 Molecular Gastronomy and Culinary Trends

35:41 Kitchen Superpowers and Cooking Skills

37:10 Social Media's Impact on Chefs

38:02 Daily Eating Habits

39:13 Gluten-Free Cooking

41:11 Book Writing Process and Research

43:54 Final Thoughts and Farewell

🎧 Subscribe for more bold conversations and cinematic storytelling from 50 Tastes Of Gray and Matthew Gray

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Danielle Blum doesn’t just write stories—she builds worlds where truth, chaos, and affection collide. In this full episode, she opens up about life in Portugal, the creative breakthroughs behind Fragments of Affection, and the global community that helped shape her portrayal of dissociative identity disorder.

We dive into the unexpected anthology born from over 100 interviews with people living with DID, the finger-painted walls that mirror her emotional palette, and the rom-com heroine who barged into her writer’s block with bakery truck swagger.

From deep sea fishing to deep emotional truths, Danielle reflects on the cost of living, cultural erosion, and the joy of finding connection in unexpected places. This episode is a mosaic of travel, trauma-informed storytelling, and unapologetic humor—with Kickstarter grit and culinary mischief baked in.

Whether she’s dodging time zones or dodging sardines in Nevada, Danielle’s voice is clear: They’re the hero. And she’s got layers.

#iamdanielleblum #50tastesofgray #FragmentsOfAffection #RomComWithLayers #MentalHealthRepresentation

Danielle's Socials: http://www.danielleblum.com/ https://tiktok.com/@iamdanielleblum https://instagram.com/iamdanielleblum https://twitter.com/Iamdanielleblum https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563532341257 https://www.threads.net/@iamdanielleblum https://bsky.app/profile/iamdanielleblum.bsky.social

🎧 Subscribe for more bold conversations and cinematic storytelling from 50 Tastes Of Gray and Matthew Gray

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