What is Summer Tomato Live?

Summer Tomato Live is a live online show for Summer Tomato readers. My goal this year is to give you guys more direct access to me so I can answer all your food and health questions that come up day to day.

Summer Tomato Live will be like an online classroom, where each episode I discuss a reader-selected topic and give you the chance to ask questions and get immediate answers from me in real time. Questions can be submitted live on the show as either text or video call-ins. Video calls are a great way to have a real discussion and dig deeper than a typical Q&A.

You can view past episodes here.

How often will you broadcast?

Summer Tomato Live broadcasts every other week. Here is the schedule of upcoming shows. Though the day and time will vary each episode, the show will typically be on weeknights at or after 6:00pm PST.

If you can’t make the live show but have a question you’d like answered, subscribers can send in advance questions via email (a recording of the show will be available later on iTunes and YouTube).

What will we be talking about?

Subscribers submit topic ideas and the best submissions are voted on. The winning topic will be covered in the next episode.

My strengths are the science behind food and nutrition, and easy ways to implement this knowledge into your life. However I am willing to consider a topic on anything related to healthstyle.

How do I participate?

Summer Tomato Live requires a password for live participation. The password for each show is emailed to subscribers of the premium newsletter, Tomato Slice.

What is Tomato Slice?

Tomato Slice is an exclusive mailing list that goes out 1-2 times per week. It includes bonus tips and nutrition advice not available on Summer Tomato, personal access to me and the ability to ping me with nutrition questions at any time, and access to participate in Summer Tomato Live.

During the show you’ll have my full attention and I’ll answer anything you’d like to know on the topic we’re covering (or anything thing else if time allows). Subscribers can also submit questions in advance via email.

Additionally I will be holding regular “office hours,” where I will make myself available via live video to answer any randome questions you have. No topic is off limits during office hours, which makes it a great opportunity to get even your most obscure nutrition questions answered in real time.

I anticipate Tomato Slice will evolve over time to best suit subscribers’ needs. My goal is to give you direct access to me, and provide an additional educational tool for those of you who are dedicated to eating well and being healthy.

The subscription fee for Tomato Slice is $3.99/mo.

Sign up here

Why are you charging?

I realize people expect online content to be free, and I generally agree. That is why you will always have free access to Summer Tomato Live after it is released to iTunes a week after the live show.

But Tomato Slice is more than just web content, it is direct access to an expert who is offering her time and energy to help you with your own specific food and health questions.

I intentionally set the price point very low so it would not be a barrier to anyone interested. I spent 6 years as a graduate student (poverty) living in San Francisco (not cheap) and I could have easily budgeted $1/week for a service like this. So while the newsletter is accessible to virtually everyone it will filter for those who are serious about food and health, people who will follow the conversation and ask thoughtful questions.

Tomato Slice is also a way to support Summer Tomato. I’ve poured thousands of hours into creating and maintaining the quality content you find at Summer Tomato every week. So far it has been a labor of love (Foodbuzz ads don’t pay squat), and so I’ve been limited in how much of my time I can realistically dedicate here. But in January I quit my job so I could devote my full attention to this site, therefore another purpose of the fee is to make sure I can continue to pay my student loans (and hopefully one day afford healthcare).

Just to be clear, the podcast is free so long as you do not want to watch it live or have the ability to ask me questions in real time. Articles on Summer Tomato will continue as usual, and simple questions will still be answered for free in the Ask Me section of the site. Tomato Slice is just a bonus service for those of you who want more direct access to me and my overly-educated gray matter.

Still want to subscribe? Do it here

Lastly

If you’re planning to call in, please have earbuds and a microphone ready (the headset that came with your iPhone is fine). Also try and use a hardwired internet connection rather than wifi.

Sign up for Tomato Slice and Summer Tomato Live.