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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]