50 Tastes Of Gray

Matthew Gray - 50TastesOfGray

Aloha! I’m Matthew Gray, your host of the `50 Tastes Of Gray’ podcast. Dive into a delightful journey through a variety of topics, each episode infused with a special mix of culinary delights, insightful discussions, humor, and captivating conversations. Join us! Life is way too short and way too delicious to miss out on this ChatCast...

  1. Romance, Rock & Roll & Second Chances | Juliet Izon

    6D AGO

    Romance, Rock & Roll & Second Chances | Juliet Izon

    Juliet Izon joins Matthew for a warm, funny, and deeply human conversation about The Encore, the creative life, and the emotional architecture behind the stories we tell. Juliet is sharp, generous, and disarmingly honest — the kind of guest who makes the room feel instantly alive. Across this episode, Matthew and Juliet wander through the music that shaped her, the food memories that anchor her, and the chaos and beauty of writing a novel that asks big questions about ambition, identity, and the ways we return to ourselves. They talk about the strange tenderness of the creative process, the emotional cost of telling the truth on the page, and the tiny, sideways moments that reveal who we really are. It’s intimate, playful, and full of the unexpected sparks that define 50 Tastes Of Gray — a conversation that feels lived‑in, emotionally textured, and a little mischievous. If you love author interviews that breathe, that feel like two people discovering each other in real time, this episode is for you. #JulietIzon #TheEncoreNovel #50TastesOfGray   ⭐ ABOUT JULIET IZON Juliet Izon is the author of The Encore, a novel about ambition, identity, and the complicated ways we return to ourselves. She’s also a longtime writer and editor whose work explores culture, food, and the stories that shape us. Juliet brings warmth, wit, and a deep sense of curiosity to everything she touches. Instagram: @JulietIzon   ⭐ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Anticipation 03:04 Life in New York City 06:04 The Journey to Publication 09:00 Food and Culinary Preferences 12:00 Ethics in Food and Cooking 14:51 Transitioning from Journalism to Fiction 18:00 Thematic Elements of The Encore 21:00 Music's Influence on Writing 23:54 Writing Process and Character Development 27:41 Researching for Authenticity 31:42 Food Culture and Restaurant Experiences 35:21 The Importance of Butter in Cooking 36:32 Personal Food Preferences and Judgments 37:36 Character Connections in Fiction 38:51 Feedback and Editing Process 40:41 Future Writing Aspirations 42:40 The Symbiosis of Journalism and Fiction 43:01 Imagining the Perfect Dinner 45:12 Reflections on the Podcast Experience 47:41 Upcoming Adventures and Social Media Presence   ⭐ ABOUT 50 TASTES OF GRAY Hosted by Matthew, 50 Tastes Of Gray is a show about food, memory, identity, and the emotional cost of living fully. Each episode blends humor, intimacy, and storytelling with guests who bring their whole selves to the table. It’s a space for conversations that feel warm, textured, and alive.   ⭐ MATTHEW GRAY — SOCIALS & LINKS 🎧 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

    50 min
  2. Chef Down Under

    FEB 6

    Chef Down Under

    ​In this engaging conversation, Kimberly Locke shares her journey from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Perth, Australia, exploring her dual citizenship, experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her culinary roots. She discusses her passion for cooking, the challenges of introducing Southern cuisine to Australia, and her entrepreneurial venture, Fifth Fork, a kitchenware brand designed to bring joy to cooking. The conversation highlights the importance of family, food culture, and the aspirations of a chef navigating life in a new country. #SouthernCookingAustralia #CulinaryJourney #ExpatChef Chapters: 00:00 From Chattanooga to Perth: A Journey of Change 02:59 Navigating COVID-19 in Australia 05:53 The Culinary Roots: Family and Food Memories 08:58 The Birth of Fifth Fork: Kitchenware with a Twist 11:46 Balancing Nursing and Culinary Passion 15:09 Cultural Culinary Exchange: Southern Food in Australia 17:53 The Challenges of Cooking Abroad 20:56 Innovating Kitchenware: Addressing Needs in the Kitchen 23:49 Dreams of Spain: Culinary Aspirations 26:53 A Taste of Home: Food Memories and Favorites   Kimberly Contact: https://www.facebook.com/5thFork/ https://www.instagram.com/5thfork/   🎧 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

    33 min
  3. Mark Lewis on Love, Leadership, and the Lost Art of Connection

    JAN 30

    Mark Lewis on Love, Leadership, and the Lost Art of Connection

    Mark Lewis joins us for a conversation that moves from love to leadership, childhood to company culture, and the tiny gestures that make people feel seen. He talks about the pride of partnership — the moment you walk into a room thinking, “I can’t believe she’s with me.” He shares how a paper route at 13 shaped his philosophy of service, why kindness is a competitive advantage, and how failure became one of his greatest teachers. We dig into vulnerability — the real kind, not the LinkedIn kind — and the cultural weirdness of a world where nobody wants to make a phone call anymore. Mark opens up about rebuilding relationships, raising kids, and the disappearing art of gratitude. We explore why CEOs struggle with engagement, how AI can fuel growth without replacing people, and why the best leaders delegate, listen, and hire for personality long before they hire for skill. This episode is about personal growth, business growth, and the simple truth that the little things — the very little things — are what people remember. If you care about love, leadership, culture, or just being a better human, this one’s for you. love, marriage, personal growth, gratitude, kindness, vulnerability, childhood, relationships, communication, leadership, CEOs, employee engagement, AI in business, delegation, company culture, hiring techniques, mentorship, emotional intelligence, workplace culture, relationship advice   #LoveAndLeadership #HumanConnection #CompanyCulture #PersonalGrowth #MarkLewis   Chapters    00:00 The Journey of Love and Marriage  02:59 The Human Side of Accomplishment  06:01 Childhood Influences and Personal Growth  09:01 Lessons from Failure and Vulnerability  12:01 The Importance of Gratitude and Kindness  15:10 Cultural Reflections and Personal Responsibility  20:23 The Deterioration of Communication  22:51 Rebuilding Relationships Through Communication  24:58 The Role of CEOs in Employee Engagement  26:11 AI and Its Impact on Business Growth  28:45 Delegation and Leadership in the Age of Technology  30:56 The Importance of Company Culture  32:26 Innovative Hiring Techniques  34:19 Reflections on Personal and Professional Growth   Mark Lewis Contact info: mlewis@marklewisllc.com https://www.facebook.com/Mark-Lewis-LLC-111080564803957 https://www.instagram.com/marklewisllc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-s-lewis-053477/   🎧 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

    38 min
  4. Hunger Isn't The Enemy

    JAN 23

    Hunger Isn't The Enemy

    In this episode of 50 Tastes Of Gray, host Matthew Gray sits down with Shirley Billigmeier, an expert in energetics and intuitive eating, for a grounded and honest conversation about food, autonomy, and trust. Set against the backdrop of Minnesota’s current socio-political tension, they explore how external chaos—politics, fractured friendships, pandemic aftershocks—bleeds into our relationship with food. Shirley shares her personal journey from joyful childhood food memories to helping others reconnect with hunger as a calm signal rather than a crisis. Together, they unpack intuitive eating, the gut–brain connection, emotional hunger, and the radical idea that your body already knows what it needs. This episode isn’t about rules, restriction, or willpower—it’s about reclaiming choice, pleasure, and self-trust in a world that profits from confusion.   #IntuitiveEating #FoodFreedom #GutBrainConnection #50TastesOfGray #EmotionalEating   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Current Events in Minnesota 04:04 Shirley's Journey with Food and Eating 08:41 Understanding Hunger and the Gut-Brain Connection 14:46 The Simplicity of Eating and Emotional Connections 20:11 Tools for Managing Eating Habits 24:51 The Role of Intuition in Eating Choices 30:41 Cooking, Convenience, and the Kitchen Experience 35:34 The Complexity of Eating and Emotional Well-being 41:55 Success Stories and Transformations in Eating Habits 42:05 Conclusion and Resources for Listeners   Shirley's Socials: Instagram: instagram.com/innergeticsmethod Facebook: facebook.com/learn.innergetics LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shirleybilligmeier   🎧 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

    54 min
  5. JAN 16

    Good Stuff To Read When You're About To Lose Your Sh*t

    In this engaging conversation, author Amanda Graham (Good Stuff To Read When You're About To Lose Your Sh*t) shares her experiences as a comedy writer and public speaker, discussing everything from culinary adventures to personal growth. The dialogue explores themes of cultural identity, the challenges of networking, and the importance of asking for help. Amanda's unique perspective on food as a comfort and connection, along with her insights on grief and resilience, make for a thought-provoking and entertaining exchange. #AmandaGraham #comedy #food #lifelessons #culturalidentity #networking #self-help #grief #culinaryexperiences #personalgrowth 00:00 Introduction and Fun Banter 05:58 Cattle Stampede and Life Adventures 12:01 Culinary Experiences and London Life 18:04 Cultural Identity and Family Heritage 24:01 The Amanda Method and Life Lessons 30:00 Navigating Challenges and Asking for Help 35:57 Reflections on Crime and Society 42:13 Food as a Comfort and Connection 48:06 The Book and Its Purpose 53:54 Networking and Community Building 59:56 Closing Thoughts and Aloha Amanda Graham's website: https://www.ItsAmandaGraham.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

    1h 1m
  6. 12/25/2025

    Christmas, Chowder & the Dark Side of Sports | Robert Sullivan on Food, Memory & Crime

    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   🎧 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

    1h 11m
  7. 12/19/2025

    Commi Kitchen: Food, Chaos, Humor & Heart with Cole Crocker

    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

    50 min
  8. 12/08/2025

    The Art of Storytelling in Performance

    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

    56 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

Aloha! I’m Matthew Gray, your host of the `50 Tastes Of Gray’ podcast. Dive into a delightful journey through a variety of topics, each episode infused with a special mix of culinary delights, insightful discussions, humor, and captivating conversations. Join us! Life is way too short and way too delicious to miss out on this ChatCast...

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