It's Time For A Change

Since January 2024, I've used my Substack blog, A Better Conversation, to share ideas that challenge the norm and delight the tastebuds. Writing this blog has become one of my favorite things—and I've been steadily learning to use Substack more effectively along the way.

That learning journey introduced me to wonderful people and gave me valuable feedback. One comment that's come up more than once: the blog's name doesn't really convey what it's about.

I originally chose a more generic name because I didn't want to limit the subjects I could explore. But then, just this past Friday, I came across a Substack writer who covers politics and writes about the chickens she lovingly raises—whenever she feels like it.

That's the beauty of Substack. It offers the freedom to be yourself and share what matters to you.

And honestly, for the first time in my life, I feel free to be fully myself here. While I may not be known for conforming, I've bent myself into more pretzels than I can count to fit into rules and expectations. But on Substack, I make my own rules—choose my topics and present information in a way that I believe should be shared.

The feedback I receive tells me that something is resonating. And that's what we all want, isn't it? We aim to reach people when we're brave enough to speak honestly and be ourselves.

Still, I've been thinking a lot about the blog's name. So, I've decided to relaunch it as Tales From a Discerning Gut.

Nearly everything I write ties back to the gut. Most people think gut health is only about digestive and intestinal health, but it's so much more than that. Everything we see, hear, think, and feel can affect the gut. Every food we eat and every way we move impacts it. And the gut, in turn, influences every function, thought, and emotion we experience.

What better lens to write through? It allows me to keep exploring whatever I choose, while staying grounded in a topic that connects it all.

You're already a free subscriber—thank you! But if you're enjoying what you read, I invite you to upgrade to a paid subscription and get even more.

Starting in June, paid subscribers will receive a Monthly Gut Health Planner featuring:

• Seasonal food suggestions

• A featured recipe that combines these ingredients

• Movement and mindfulness tips to support health and overall well-being

• A space to set your gut health and personal goals for the month and track what you’re trying to achieve.

It's designed to help you feel good about trying new foods and exploring practices that work for you.

As a paid subscriber, you'll also gain access to:

• Recorded workshops

• New programs, including Grilling for the Gut (with live sessions in June and a discount for paid subscribers)

Grilling for the Gut is a unique course that explores:

• The history and traditions of grilling through a gut health lens

• How to maintain gut health while grilling

• How to build recipes where every ingredient serves the gut

• How to support microbial diversity and digestive-intestinal function through well-constructed, seasonal meals

The 10% discount code for Grilling for the Gut is available behind the paywall—and there's more to come: live events, community chats, and new resources to support your journey.

Thank you for being here. Whether you stay a free subscriber or go deeper with a paid subscription, I'm grateful to share this space with you.

Here's to discovering what feeds your gut—and your life.

Warmly,

Lorene

P.S. If you're a member of the A Better Conversation Practitioner's Group, you're already a paid subscriber to the blog—no need to sign up again. And there is no paywall for you, as you can see.