50 Tastes Of Gray

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/
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🎧 Connect with Matthew Gray & 50 Tastes of Gray
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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/
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🎧 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
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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

Is God a Boy or a Girl? Gina Barreca Explains

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
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💼 LinkedIn (Matthew Gray): https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-hawaii
✍️ Substack (50 Tastes Of Gray): https://50TastesOfGray.substack.com

6 Steps to Fewer Days That Suck || Deborah Mallow Visits

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
📘 Get My Book → HawaiiFoodTours.com
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The Perfectly Impossible Crime Plot with Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell

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

The Art of Vegan & Plant-Based Cooking with Chef Adina

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: Fragments, Finger Paint, and Fifty Flavors of Truth

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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Inside the Restaurant Underbelly with Cellar Rat Hannah Selinger

Step inside the restaurant underbelly with "Cellar Rat: My Life in the Restaurant Underbelly" author Hannah Selinger. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Hannah shares food confessions, personal memories, and the emotional toll of working in a male-dominated industry. From spoon collections and guilty pleasures to misogyny in fine dining and the chaos of motherhood, this episode explores the beauty and brutality of life in and beyond the kitchen.
Topics include: 
Vegas memories and spoon collecting as emotional anchors
Tattoos, tongue piercings, and food identity
Guilty pleasures, pantry staples, and cooking dynamics
Wine preferences and restaurant survival stories
Misogyny, trauma, and the decline of fine dining
Writing through brutality and beauty
Pandemic fallout and tipping culture
Motherhood, gender dynamics, and personal growth
Literary projects and community-driven book tours
If you’ve ever worked in a kitchen, loved a chef, or questioned the cost of a meal—this one’s for you.
Subscribe for more insider food stories and conversations about culture, kitchens, and the people behind the meals.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Vegas Reflections and Family Adventures
04:12 The Impact of Tongue Piercings
09:22 Pantry Staples and Seasonal Eating
12:37 Wine Preferences and Surprising Choices
17:20 Trauma and Survival in the Restaurant Industry
18:39 Food Preferences: Punk Rock or Precision?
19:22 Food Memories and Their Impact
20:59 Exposing the Underbelly of Fine Dining
24:54 Misogyny and Accountability in Restaurants
26:39 The Balance of Brutality and Beauty in Writing
28:34 Exploring Emotions in Writing
31:35 The Allure and Chaos of the Restaurant Industry
33:59 The Impact of the Pandemic on Restaurants
36:29 Tipping Culture and Its Challenges
39:49 Reflections on Rebellion and Personal Growth
42:34 Navigating Motherhood and Career
46:38 Upcoming Literary Projects and Inspirations
49:01 Book Tours and Community Engagement
50:23 Understanding Gender Dynamics and Progress
54:54 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
 
Hannah's Socials:
Hannah Selinger Website
Instagram: @druishamericanprincess
 
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