50 Tastes Of Gray

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

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
 

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

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 Banter05:58 Cattle Stampede and Life Adventures12:01 Culinary Experiences and London Life18:04 Cultural Identity and Family Heritage24:01 The Amanda Method and Life Lessons30:00 Navigating Challenges and Asking for Help35:57 Reflections on Crime and Society42:13 Food as a Comfort and Connection48:06 The Book and Its Purpose53:54 Networking and Community Building59:56 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
 

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

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

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

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
🌺 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