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 Banter 05:58 Cattle Stampede and Life Adventures 12:01 Culinary Experiences and London Life 18:04 Cultural Identity and Family Heritage 24:01 The Amanda Method and Life Lessons 30:00 Navigating Challenges and Asking for Help 35:57 Reflections on Crime and Society 42:13 Food as a Comfort and Connection 48:06 The Book and Its Purpose 53:54 Networking and Community Building 59:56 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

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💼 LinkedIn (Matthew Gray): https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-hawaii

✍️ Substack (50 Tastes Of Gray): https://50TastesOfGray.substack.com

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

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