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

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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

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

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