50 Tastes Of Gray
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...
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...
Episodes
Sunday Nov 23, 2025
6 Steps to Fewer Days That Suck || Deborah Mallow Visits
Sunday Nov 23, 2025
Sunday Nov 23, 2025
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
📲 Facebook: • 50 Tastes of Gray • Hawaii Food Tours * Matthew Gray
📸 Instagram → @50tastesofgray
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
The Perfectly Impossible Crime Plot with Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
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
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
The Art of Vegan & Plant-Based Cooking with Chef Adina
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
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
🎧 All My Shows & Episodes: https://LoveLife.com
📘 Get My Book: https://HawaiiFoodTours.com/
📲 Follow on Facebook: • 50 Tastes of Gray → / 50tastesofgraypodcast • Hawaii Food Tours → / letseathawaii
📸 Instagram: / 50tastesofgray
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Danielle Blum: Fragments, Finger Paint, and Fifty Flavors of Truth
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
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
🎧 All My Shows & Episodes: https://LoveLife.com
📘 Get My Book: https://HawaiiFoodTours.com/
📲 Follow on Facebook: • 50 Tastes of Gray → / 50tastesofgraypodcast
• Hawaii Food Tours → / letseathawaii
📸 Instagram: / 50tastesofgray

Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Inside the Restaurant Underbelly with Cellar Rat Hannah Selinger
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
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
🎧 Subscribe for more bold conversations and cinematic storytelling from 50 Tastes Of Gray and Matthew Gray
🎧 All My Shows & Episodes: https://LoveLife.com
📘 Get My Book: {Ultimate Eater's Guide: Hawaii Edition} @ http://HawaiiFoodTours.com/
📲 Follow on Facebook:
50 Tastes of Gray → / 50tastesofgraypodcast
Hawaii Food Tours → / letseathawaii
📸 Instagram: / 50tastesofgray
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Dining Out Is a Skill: The New Rules You Were Never Taught
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
In this conversation with host Matthew Gray, Adam Reiner discusses his new book, 'The New Rules to Dining Out,' exploring the evolution of dining etiquette, the complexities of the restaurant economy, and the importance of communication between guests and servers. He emphasizes the role of diners in enhancing their own experiences and the need for a more informed and empathetic approach to dining out.
#DiningOutIsASkill #TheNewRulesOfDiningOut #tippingculture
Follow Adam Reiner:
Instagram: @dopereiner, @rulesofdining
X: @adamreiner, @rulesofdining
FB @ Adam Reiner, @The New Rules of Dining Out
LinkedIn: @ Adam Reiner
Takeaways:
Dining out is an improvable skill.
The customer is always right is an outdated notion.
Understanding the restaurant economy is crucial for diners.
Tipping culture has deep-rooted issues that need addressing.
Building rapport with servers enhances the dining experience.
Effective communication can resolve dining challenges.
Guests play a significant role in the restaurant's success.
Mindfulness in dining can lead to better experiences.
The restaurant industry thrives on the relationship between guests and staff.
A deeper understanding of dining can improve guest satisfaction.
Sound Bites:
"You can become better at dining out."
"The customer is always right is an antiquated notion."
"Tipping culture has a sordid history."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dining Culture
03:06 The Evolution of Dining Etiquette
05:49 Understanding the Restaurant Economy
09:01 The Role of Tipping in Dining
11:50 Building Relationships with Servers
15:02 The Importance of Communication in Dining
18:05 The Guest's Role in Dining Experiences
20:52 Navigating Dining Challenges
24:05 Conclusion and Book Promotion
🎧 Subscribe for more bold conversations and cinematic storytelling from 50 Tastes Of Gray and Matthew Gray
🎧 All My Shows & Episodes: https://LoveLife.com
📘 Get My Book: https://HawaiiFoodTours.com/
📲 Follow on Facebook: • 50 Tastes of Gray → / 50tastesofgraypodcast
• Hawaii Food Tours → / letseathawaii
📸 Instagram: / 50tastesofgray
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Jay Heinrichs: Master of Persuasion | with Promo Bloopers
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Jay Heinrichs, a New York Times best selling author and an expert in rhetoric and self-persuasion, shares insights on the art of persuasion, the science of happiness, and the role of rhetoric in relationships. He discusses his new book, Aristotle's Guide To Self-Persuasion, the journey of self-persuasion, the ethical implications of rhetoric, and how it can be used for both good and bad. The conversation also touches on the importance of communication in modern society, the cocktail of rhetoric, and the impact of being a bestselling author. Throughout, Heinrichs emphasizes the significance of understanding and connecting with others through effective communication.
#JayHeinrichs #MasterOfPersuasion #PromoBloopers
Jay Heinrichs Socials:
JayHeinrichs.com
https://twitter.com/JayHeinrichs
https://www.goodreads.com/figarospeech
https://www.youtube.com/c/JayHeinrichs
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-heinrichs-519b427
https://www.facebook.com/jay.heinrichs1
Takeaways
Rhetoric is a powerful tool for persuasion.
Self-persuasion can lead to personal transformation.
Happiness can be influenced by our actions and mindset.
Rhetoric has ethical implications that must be considered.
Effective communication is essential in relationships.
Understanding the audience is key to persuasion.
Rhetoric can be used for both good and evil.
Building trust is crucial for effective persuasion.
The art of rhetoric has historical roots in ancient philosophy.
Love and empathy enhance communication and connection.
Sound bites
"Rhetoric is a dark science."
"Love beams out of your eyes."
"Cats are epicureans."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rhetoric and Self-Persuasion
02:53 The Journey of Self-Persuasion
05:57 The Science Behind Happiness and Rhetoric
08:50 Rhetoric in Relationships and Communication
11:48 The Ethics of Rhetoric
14:56 Rhetoric in Modern Society
17:46 The Cocktail of Rhetoric
20:55 Thanksgiving and Rhetoric
23:48 Aristotle's Dinner Party
27:06 Romantic Rhetoric and Seduction
29:41 Arguments in Relationships
32:58 Breakups and Rhetoric
35:48 The Power of Love in Communication
38:53 The Role of Logic in Rhetoric
41:55 The Impact of Bestselling Authors
44:38 Final Thoughts on Rhetoric and Life
🎧 Subscribe for more bold conversations and cinematic storytelling from 50 Tastes Of Gray and Matthew Gray 🎧 All My Shows & Episodes: https://LoveLife.com
📘 Get My Book: https://HawaiiFoodTours.com/
📲 Follow on Facebook: • 50 Tastes of Gray → / 50tastesofgraypodcast
• Hawaii Food Tours → / letseathawaii
📸 Instagram: / 50tastesofgray
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Devour First, Apologize Never | Infidelity Rules
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
“Infidelity Rules” is Joelle Babula’s unapologetic guide to desire, danger, and emotional arson. Quinn doesn’t ask permission. She sips the wine, breaks the rules, and devours you like dessert.
Host Matthew Gray reveals Joelle with precision—showcasing the mind, personality, and tasting notes of an author who burns the rulebook and never looks back.
In this engaging conversation, the author discusses her debut novel 'Infidelity Rules,' exploring themes of desire, relationships, and the complexities of infidelity.
The protagonist, Quinn Davis, is a bold character navigating her career and personal life while adhering to her own set of rules regarding love and commitment.
The discussion also delves into the importance of author visibility, the role of food and wine in storytelling, and the author's background as a nurse practitioner and former journalist, which informs her writing process.
The conversation concludes with reflections on reader engagement and the potential for future works.
This episode of 50 Tastes Of Gray dives into unapologetic desire, seductive chaos, and the kind of trouble you don’t recover from.
🔥 Featuring Quinn Davis: six feet of temptation wrapped in emotional Kevlar. 🎧 Listen. Watch. Don’t ask forgiveness. Ask for more.
#DevourFirstApologizeNever #UnapologeticDesire #InfidelityRules
Joelle Babula Contact info:
JoelleBabula.com https://www.instagram.com/joellebabulawrites/
https://www.facebook.com/joelle.b.butler
Sound bites:
"It's hot, messy and gloriously unrepentant."
"I think desire changes its costume."
"Quinn is wildly successful in her career."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to 50 Tastes Of Gray
02:55 The Importance of Author Visibility
05:51 Quinn Davis: The Bold Protagonist
08:54 Quinn's Rules and Emotional Baggage
11:53 The Complexity of Relationships
14:56 Quinn's Journey of Self-Discovery
17:52 The Role of Humor and Lightness
20:56 Culinary Delights and Personal Favorites
24:08 The Art of Cooking and Food Memories
25:20 Dining Trends: No Reservations and Restaurant Culture
26:52 Exploring Emotional Connections through Food and Wine
28:40 Healthcare Insights: The Nurse Practitioner Perspective
30:47 The Intersection of Journalism and Fiction Writing
32:52 Character Development: Blending Fiction with Personal Experience
34:28 Challenging Perspectives on Relationships and Infidelity
36:03 Balancing Humor and Heartbreak in Storytelling
39:14 Closure and Continuation: The Journey of Writing
40:31 Where to Find 'Infidelity Rules' and Future Works
🎧 Subscribe for more bold conversations and cinematic storytelling from 50 Tastes Of Gray and Matthew Gray
🎧 All My Shows & Episodes: https://LoveLife.com
📘 Get My Book: https://HawaiiFoodTours.com/
📲 Follow on Facebook: • 50 Tastes of Gray → / 50tastesofgraypodcast
• Hawaii Food Tours → / letseathawaii
📸 Instagram (Occasional Vibes): / 50tastesofgray
Special Shout-Outs:
My Friends at Reincubate: @reincubate
Magic Escape Room Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We've Been Given Words
Welcome to a life full of flavor, fueled by curiosity, and seasoned with wisdom. My name is Matthew Gray, and I'm your host for a podcast that goes beyond the five basic tastes. Here, we savor the 50 Tastes of Gray, exploring everything life has to offer with the same passion I bring to a perfectly cooked dish.
From the sizzling world of:
- Food: Dive into culinary adventures, savor the stories behind your favorite dishes, and learn to whip up something truly delectable.
- Society & Culture: We'll dissect the trends, unpack the complexities, and celebrate the diversity that makes our world so vibrant.
- Travel: Pack your bags, because we're setting off on journeys that will broaden your horizons and ignite your wanderlust.
To the nourishing depths of:
- Relationships: Let's talk about love, connection, and the messy beauty of human interaction.
- Business: Unleash your inner entrepreneur, discover actionable strategies, and learn to navigate the ever-evolving marketplace.
- Health & Nutrition: Fuel your body and mind with knowledge, explore cutting-edge wellness practices, and find your recipe for a vibrant life.
But that's not all! This podcast is a smorgasbord of my experiences, a tapestry woven from the threads of a life overflowing with:
- Rockstar beginnings: Traveling with legendary bands like the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Pink Floyd straight out of high school? Talk about a baptism by fire!
- Culinary artistry: From cooking for Hollywood's elite to crafting "sexy finger foods" for Trader Joe's, I know a thing or two about making taste buds sing.
- Creative genius: My greeting card company, Sublime Craftwork, brought vibrant, abstract art to life with a revolutionary process we stumbled upon by chance. Talk about happy accidents!
- Media magic: From talk radio empires to food journalism stints, I've seen the media landscape from all angles, and I'm here to share the stories behind the headlines.
- Travel adventures: Hawaii Food Tours wasn't just a business; it was my "social experiment" to connect people through food, education, and laughter. We were pioneers in the food tour world, and the memories we created still simmer with warmth.
So, pull up a chair, grab a fork, and get ready to feast on life's most delectable offerings. 50 Tastes of Gray is more than a podcast; it's a conversation, an invitation to savor the world with all your senses, and a reminder that life is always best enjoyed with a dash of passion and a sprinkle of laughter.
Are you ready to take a bite? Hit that play button and let's get started!
Let's raise a glass (or a fork) to the 50 Tastes of Gray!








