All Episodes

June 5, 2025 51 mins
Unwrapping Life's Ingredients: Cooking, Improv, and Growth with Mary Lemmer

In this engaging episode, Matthew Gray sits down with the insightful Mary Lemmer to explore the unexpected intersections of cooking, improv, and personal growth. From the nuances of 100% chocolate to the highs and lows of customer service and the evolving tipping culture, Mary shares invaluable insights from her journey in entrepreneurship, creativity, and training.

But it doesn't stop there—this conversation dives deep into improv as a life skill, how embracing adaptability can transform communication, and why nostalgia plays a surprising role in shaping identity. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a creative thinker, or someone looking to refine your approach to the digital age, this episode has something for you!

#CookingAndImprov #personalgrowthjourney #chocolate @MaryLemmer @50tastesofgray

Mary Lemmer Website
  • ChooseImprove.com
                ( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛) Key Topics Covered ( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)
  • The unique experience of tasting 100% chocolate
  • Why proper customer service training is crucial
  • Tipping culture and its global differences
  • How improv can sharpen personal and professional skills
  • Navigating change with creativity and resilience
  • The intersection of identity, comedy, and nostalgia
  • How technology and communication are reshaping our daily lives
  • The creative process behind becoming an author
                                    Takeaways

Improv isn't just for comedy—it’s a powerful tool for navigating uncertainty

Quality ingredients make all the difference in cooking

Understanding customer service dynamics can elevate restaurant success  

Nostalgia can fuel creativity and personal reflection  Embracing multiple identities allows for personal and professional growth  

100% chocolate offers a unique flavor experience.  

Training in customer service is crucial for restaurant success.  

Tipping culture varies significantly across different countries.  

Improv skills can enhance personal and professional life.  

Navigating change requires adaptability and resilience.  

Improv can be practiced to improve communication skills.  

Acknowledging reality is key in improvisation.  

Creative problem-solving is a vital skill in life.  

Personal anecdotes can provide valuable lessons.  

The pandemic inspired a creative surge in my life.  

Identity is shaped by how others perceive us.  I

embrace both my analytical and creative sides.  

Intentional living helps bring back wonder and peace.  

Communication methods have evolved with technology.  

College athletes deserve recognition for their hard work.  

Culinary creativity can be explored with chocolate.  

Becoming an author is a dream come true for me.  

Connecting with the audience is essential for sharing my work.

☼ Memorable Sound Bites ☼

✯ Zingerman's really prioritizes training.

✯ I was an extra background actor in Whip It.

✯ I consider myself a humorist.

✯ I found the humor in this situation.

✯ I think we all contain multitudes.

✯ I practice a simple Sunday.

✯ I could send you my carrier pigeon.

✯ I love the Olympics.

✯ I haven't made it myself yet.

✯ I'm excited to share this work with people.

                                            CHAPTERS

00:00 - A Culinary Journey Begins

02:49 - The World of 100% Chocolate: A Taste Like No Other

05:52 - The Art of Customer Service & Training in Restaurants

09:02 - Tipping Culture: A Double-Edged Sw

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Ridiculous History

Ridiculous History

History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.