A Piece of My Mind - May
Tending Soil, Tending Self, and Welcoming the Season Ahead
Welcome to the Michelle Seguin MD newsletter! I’m Dr. Michelle, and I’m so glad you’re here. Our community of over 990+ readers continues to grow (so close to 1K)! In this week’s issue, I’m sharing a few recent collaborations, what I’ve been reading, listening to, and savoring, plus a special announcement for our June cookbook club pick.
Hello friends,
This newsletter is coming to you a day later than usual, thanks to the long holiday weekend and the full swing of planting season here in the Keweenaw. We spent the weekend knee-deep in soil and big projects. Fence repairs, the bittersweet removal of the hoophouse we lost in last year’s storm, and finally transplanting flats of starts we’ve been nurturing from seed. It was a lot. But it felt good to be outside, hands in the dirt, tending to what’s next.
And in my world, both online and off, there’s also been a return to community, collaboration, and connection this month that I’ve deeply cherished.
With gratitude,
Dr. Michelle
A Piece of My Mind
Welcome to this space, where I share quick updates on what I’m learning, doing, and loving as we close out each month together. As the newsletter has evolved, this section has become a reader favorite and a playful nod to the beloved JAMA series, which explores the joys, challenges, and hidden truths of practicing medicine. While inspired by those stories, my version leans into the lighter side, celebrating the small, meaningful moments and practices that shape our everyday lives.
What I’m happy to be a part of:
One of the things I love most about Substack is how it fosters collaboration over competition. This month, I was grateful to contribute to
’ inspiring roundup of wellness wisdom: 13 great pieces of advice if you want to start living a healthier lifestyle today. It’s full of practical, heart-forward insight, and I’m honored to be in such good company.I also had the pleasure of seeing my Granor Farm story cross-posted on
, a new Substack anthology amplifying voices in agriculture. It’s a space for storytellers, growers, and makers who are reclaiming our food systems through lived experience.And a special thank you to Ag Stack (&
) for the generous welcome into the Agriculture Writers of Substack directory. So many great writers to explore in this crowdsourced list.I’d love for you to spend some time with these thoughtful writers and spaces. If something resonates, consider giving them a follow or simply reading along.
What I’m listening to:
’s Ham Radio series is pure Midwest magic. Lutefisk, church cookbooks, and sweet lime pickles were a few of the topics discussed in the inaugural episode. It airs live on rural public radio (KAXE) in Northern Minnesota. I tuned in from the firepit with a wool blanket on my lap. True to form, it was 47 degrees with a north wind in Upper Michigan. But the warmth of the stories more than made up for the chill. We need more slow media like this. Good food. Good humor. Good medicine.What I’m reading:
I picked up Soil, Soul, Society by Satish Kumar in anticipation of my flight to a medical conference on the West Coast this week. Kumar offers what he calls a new trinity for our time, reminding us that our spiritual and social well-being is intimately connected to the health of the planet. I’m looking forward to settling in with it on the plane and sharing more soon, both from the book and from the reflections that emerge at the conference.
What I’m making:
I’m officially in love with my Gemini espresso maker. I’ve been researching espresso machines ever since we returned from our trip to Italy last fall, and I finally landed on this one because it’s portable, affordable, and perfect for camper cooking this summer. The two spouts make for a creamy, rich pour, and it brews just enough for sharing.
What I’m savoring:
Oskar (our home) is waking up. It’s been a cool spring. Cool enough that we harvested tulips in our Carhartts while sleet pelted down last weekend. But now the violets, apple blossoms, and brave little milkweed sprouts are reminders that the season is shifting. Every bloom feels like a reward. I’ll share a collage below as a small love letter to this slow, beautiful awakening in our humble neck of the woods.
1. Woodland violets 2. Forget-me-nots 3. Chilly spring tulip harvest 4. Fence repairs with a view 5. Planting day 6. Tuning into Ham Radio live thanks to rural wifi + portable speakers
Next month’s cookbook club pick feels extra special. Not only is it beautifully aligned with June’s focus on Brain Health Awareness, but it also comes from someone who has deeply inspired my own journey as a writer and doctor.
Here’s what we’ll be cooking from in June…
June 2025
Cookbook: The Brain Health Kitchen by
This one holds a special place in my heart. Dr. Annie Fenn is a pioneer in the field of culinary brain health and a longtime mentor and friend. Her work inspired me to start this Substack and to think more deeply about the intersection of food, science, and storytelling in my own life.
The Brain Health Kitchen is a joyful, science-backed guide to eating for better brain health. The recipes are inspired by the world’s most healthful culinary traditions (think Blue Zones) and designed to be vibrant, flavorful, and entirely doable in a home kitchen. It’s the kind of book that invites you to nourish your brain while savoring every bite.
And as a special treat, Dr. Annie will be joining us for our very first guest Kitchen Conversation. I can’t wait to share that with you.
From the garden to the kitchen, I’m excited to usher in summer with you next month and all the nourishment it brings.
With love and care,
Dr. Michelle
Physician, Gardener, Home Cook, and Forever Curious
P.S. If something here spoke to you, I’d love it if you gave it a like or passed it along to a friend. This space is growing into a community rooted in seasonal rhythms, good food, and thoughtful connection. I’m truly grateful you’re here.
Here are my most recent Substack sharings:
Begin Again - A quiet reflection on beginner’s mind, slow growth, and the early days of spring
Thank you for including the BHK book your series! It is such an honor. I am looking forward to our conversation.
Michelle, as always, love to read your reflections and what you are learning! It was an honor to include you in my recent blog and am thankful for your contribution. Looking forward to following along with this coming month’s cookbook club!