Serenbe Stories

Biophilic Solutions is a podcast all about the connection between humans and nature. In this episode, host Monica Olsen is joined by guest co-host Steve Nygren and climate activist Dr. Katharine Wilkinson to explore what it means to move from climate anxiety to action, the importance of community in times of uncertainty, and the power of intergenerational collaboration in shaping a more hopeful future.Katharine is an acclaimed writer, teacher, and thought leader who has helped shape the modern climate movement. She’s the author of the new book Climate Wayfinding: Healing Ourselves and the Planet We Call Home, co-editor of bestselling anthology All We Can Save, host of the podcast A Matter of Degrees, and a contributor to the New York Times bestseller Drawdown. Through her work, Katharine has inspired countless people to engage more deeply and meaningfully with the climate conversation.In Climate Wayfinding, available now,  she offers a powerful and hopeful framework for navigating climate emotions, guiding us from despair to possibility and from disconnection to purpose. The book weaves together personal stories, insights from climate leaders, and the grounding, necessary beauty of poetry and art.Show NotesClimate Wayfinding: Healing Ourselves and the Planet We Call HomeClimate Wayfinding WebsiteAll We Can Save: Truth, Courage and Solutions for the Climate CrisisDrawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common SenseSteve Nygren on SubstackBiophilic Solutions The new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Jaimee Seabury of GreenRow joins Serenbe Stories to talk design, sustainability, and the transformation of one of Serenbe’s most beloved spaces. In this episode, Jaimee shares her path in the design world, from working with iconic lifestyle brands to helping shape GreenRow, Williams-Sonoma’s sustainable home brand built around the idea that beautiful spaces can also be thoughtfully made.The conversation also explores Jaimee’s longtime connection to Serenbe, which began years before this collaboration came to life, and how that relationship naturally led to GreenRow’s reimagining of The Inn at Serenbe’s iconic Lake House. From the inspiration behind the wallpapers, textures, and layered interiors to the bigger role design plays in how we gather, unwind, and connect, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a partnership rooted in shared values, intentional living, and a deep appreciation for place.Williams-SonomaGreenRowGreenRow x SerenbeThe Inn at SerenbeGreenRow, GreenRow x Serenbe, The Inn at Serenbe, Lake House at Serenbe, sustainable interior design, sustainable home design, Williams-Sonoma GreenRow, eco-friendly home decor, boutique hotel design, hospitality design, biophilic design, intentional living, sustainable lifestyle brand, interior design podcast, home decor inspiration, vintage-inspired interiors, nature-inspired design, luxury sustainable interiors, thoughtful home design, design collaboration, Serenbe lifestyleThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Tia Morrill and Jose Nava are the creative duo behind Levie, a boutique branding and design agency known for blending storytelling, design, and placemaking for global clients. But their Serenbe story began long before they ever called it home, nearly a decade ago, when they first discovered the community on CBS Sunday Morning and couldn’t quite shake the impression it left.At the time, they were building a life in Miami, growing their business, raising their daughter Lola, and immersed in the pace of city life. But after years of long commutes, a growing family, and a shift in what they wanted daily life to feel like, that early spark resurfaced. A spontaneous stop in Serenbe during a holiday road trip changed everything, especially when Lola took one look around and declared, “I love it here. I feel so free.”In this episode of Serenbe Stories, Tia and Jose share the journey that brought them here, how they built a business with the freedom to choose a different kind of life, and how that same creative spirit led to the opening of Levie Merci, their thoughtfully curated lifestyle boutique in Mado. From design and entrepreneurship to family life and finding freedom in unexpected places, this conversation is a warm, inspiring look at creating a life that feels intentionally your own.Serenbe Featured on CBS This Sunday MorningLevieLevie Merci Moving to Serenbe, Creative Entrepreneurs, Intentional Living, Levie Merci, Family Relocation, Atlanta Lifestyle, Serenbe CommunityThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Dr. Mary Alice Mina is a dermatologist and entrepreneur whose approach to skin health blends clinical expertise with a broader, lifestyle-driven perspective. After years of building a successful, procedure-focused practice in Midtown Atlanta, her connection to Serenbe, first through weekend visits with her family, gradually inspired a shift toward a more intentional way of living and working.On this episode of Serenbe Stories, Steve and Monica sit down with Dr. Mina to talk about that evolution and the opening of The Skin Real, her more intimate, relationship-driven practice in Serenbe. Designed around time, attention, and a holistic view of skin health, The Skin Real creates space for deeper conversations about everything from stress and environment to aging and personal goals. The conversation also explores the realities behind skincare trends and why the most effective care often goes beyond products, shaped instead by how we live every day.The Skin RealThe Skin Real SerenbeDermatologist, Holistic Skincare, Skin Health, The Skin Real, Integrative Dermatology, Personalized Skincare, Skincare Trends, Aging Skin, Lifestyle and Skin Health, Wellness Community, Atlanta Dermatologist, Mindful Living, Biophilic Living, Stress and Skin, Skin Care Routine, Natural Skincare Approach, Preventative Skincare, Healthy AgingThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

From Maryland’s Eastern Shore to Serenbe, Darby Pollock’s story is about finding the balance between wide-open space and true community. After one visit in early 2020, she and her family made the move, drawn to a place where nature, connection, and everyday life come together.Today, Darby is the force behind Soul Barn at Serenbe, a reimagined equestrian space that goes far beyond riding. What was once a traditional stable is now a dynamic hub for both horses and humans, offering everything from groundwork and riding to meditation and sound baths, all rooted in connection and care.Darby’s path didn’t start in the horse world. She came to it as an adult, searching for a more thoughtful, humane experience for her daughter, while also navigating her own journey with anxiety. Through natural horsemanship, she discovered something deeper: a practice that requires presence, honesty, and emotional awareness, and in turn, offers powerful insight back.In this episode, Steve and Monica sit down with Darby to explain how horses can become mirrors for self-awareness, the evolution of the Serenbe stables into Soul Barn, and what it really looks like to build a life rooted in authenticity, connection, and intention.Soul Barn at SerenbeSerenbe StablesPeter Block ArchitectsSoul Barn at Serenbe, Biophilic Living, Natural Horsemanship, Equine Therapy, Horse Healing, Mindfulness With Horses, Anxiety and Healing, Wellness Community, Atlanta Wellness, Chattahoochee Hills, Walkable Community, Intentional Living, Sustainable Living, Farm Community, Equestrian Lifestyle, Meditation and Sound Baths, Holistic Wellness, Moving to Serenbe, Life in Serenbe, Community Living, Nature-Based Living, Personal Growth, Emotional Awareness, Horse-Human ConnectionThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

From global finance to Serenbe’s creative scene, Gary Cassis is redefining what semi-retirement can look like. A native New Yorker with a lifelong love of jazz, Gary spent years building a career in banking and international finance that took him across the world, all while his passion for music and the arts quietly stayed with him.Now at Serenbe, that passion has come full circle. In this episode, Garnie and Monica sit down with Gary to talk about how he’s turned this chapter into something entirely new, not by slowing down, but by leaning in. Through his work with the Art Farm, serving on the board, chairing the music council, and launching a new podcast to capture the stories of visiting artists, he’s helping shape a cultural landscape where world-class art is woven into everyday life.We talk about rediscovery, creative purpose, and what it means to stay engaged, not just with your own passions, but with the community around you. It’s a look at how Serenbe makes space for art, connection, and the kind of moments you don’t have to travel for, they’re right here, often found on an ordinary Sunday afternoon.Show NotesArt Farm at Serenbe Art Farm Music CouncilArt Farm at Serenbe, Chattahoochee Hills, Jazz Music, Creative Community, Artist Stories, Music Council, Arts Leadership, Semi-Retirement Lifestyle, Purpose After Retirement, Creative Living, Serenbe Lifestyle, Cultural Programming, Live Music, Arts in Atlanta, Community and CreativityThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Long before she ever set foot in Serenbe, Brandi Whitney knew it as a place where farm-to-table wasn’t just a trend, but a way of life. After years spent in culinary school, working in kitchens, and building her own restaurant, her focus began to shift, pulling her beyond the plate and toward the source itself.That curiosity grew into a deeper calling to work the land, connect with the soil, and play a more hands-on role in feeding her community. When the opportunity to join Serenbe Farms came along, it felt like a natural next step, one that brought everything full circle.Now, as Farm Manager, Brandi leads the growing, harvesting, and day-to-day rhythm of Serenbe Farms, while helping strengthen the connection between the land and the people it nourishes. Alongside Serenbe’s HOA Manager, Amy Peterson, this conversation explores the power of knowing where your food comes from, from the benefits of getting your hands in the dirt to why joining a CSA can change the way you eat, cook, and live.Serenbe FarmsFarm-to-TableSerenbe HOACSAOrganic Produce, Farm-to-Table, Serenbe, Serenbe Farms, Community Supported Agriculture, local food, sustainable farming, regenerative agriculture, seasonal eatingThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Christina Trifero didn’t exactly plan her way to Serenbe, she followed a feeling she couldn’t ignore. After years working in the fast-paced startup worlds of San Francisco and New York, something started to shift. So she made a bold decision: she sold everything and went looking for a life that felt more aligned, more grounded, and more connected to herself.That search led her to Serenbe, and after just one visit, she knew she had found it.In this episode, we sit down with Christina to talk about that leap, from working with companies like Yelp and Asana to becoming an intuitive guide and psychic medium. She shares what it was like to trust her instincts, move through skepticism, and step fully into work that helps others reconnect with their own inner voice.We also get into the balance between logic and intuition, the growing interest in mindfulness and energy, and how living in Serenbe has shaped her perspective in a real, everyday way.And of course, we end on a note that feels very Serenbe, a live tarot reading that brings it all back to curiosity, reflection, and a little bit of wonder.Show Notes Spiritual Curiosity with Christina Trifero Follow Christina on InstagramHills & HamletsYelpAsanaIntuition, Christina Trifero, Serenbe, Personal Transformation, Mindfulness, Spiritual Growth, Career Pivot, Psychic Medium, Intentional Living, Following Your IntuitionThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

In Serenbe, we often joke about raising “free-range kids”, but it speaks to something real: a childhood shaped by time outdoors, independence, and a close-knit community. When The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt was released last year, it prompted a national conversation around screen time and youth mental health. Many parents here in Serenbe started to take a more intentional look at how their children engage with technology.What began as a series of conversations evolved into the Let Them Roam pledge, a shared commitment to delay smartphones until age 14 and social media until 16. Grounded in the idea that collective action makes individual choices more sustainable, the pledge reflects a growing desire to preserve space for a slower, more connected childhood.In this episode, Monica and Garnie are joined by digital parenting expert Sarah Trombley and Serenbe parent Christen Hadfield. Together, they explore how the pledge came to life, the nuances of parenting in a digital age, and the importance of approaching it all with thoughtfulness and grace. It’s a conversation about balance, community, and the role the environment can play in shaping how kids grow up.Show NotesThe Anxious GenerationJonathan HaidtTerra SchoolSnapchatDigital Mom MediaLet Them Roam, Serenbe, Free-Range Kids, Intentional Parenting, Digital Parenting, Screen Time, Social Media, Youth Mental Health, The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt, Sarah Trombley, Digital Mom Media, Terra School, Community, Collective Action, Childhood Development, Parenting in the Digital Age, Family Values, Raising Kids OutdoorsThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

In 2002, before Serenbe had a name or a plan, Tim and Lindsey Mosby came down for a weekend at Steve and Marie Nygren’s bed-and-breakfast and never quite left it behind. Living in Candler Park at the time, they were drawn to the slower pace, took a leap on eight acres at a blind auction, and became part of Serenbe in its earliest, most unformed days.In this episode of Serenbe Stories, we sit down with Tim and Lindsey to reflect on those early years, Taco Tuesdays at the Daisy, art classes in a barn, and a community that felt as creative as it was connected. After years away in Austin and Amsterdam, they’ve returned full-time, offering a rare perspective on how much has changed and what’s remained the same.Show NotesRyan GaineyLow Road StudioBlue Eyed DaisySerenbe, Chattahoochee Hills, Intentional Living, Creative Community, Biophilic Living, Community Building, Atlanta to Countryside, Returning Home, Serenbe HistoryThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Serenbe is often described as a place that feels different the moment you arrive.Last spring, the community marked 20 years since its groundbreaking, when that first shovel hit the ground and vision started to become reality. We celebrated with a big resident party – and it felt exactly the way a Serenbe party should: outside in nature on our Grange Green, live music in the air, kids running around, and conversations happening everywhere you turn.It was one of those beautiful afternoons that reminds you why Serenbe exists in the first place.And while everyone was gathering, we set up our audio equipment and started asking residents a handful of questions about planting roots here. What we got in return wasn’t just a collection of questions and answers; it was a collection of stories as unique as the people who call this special place home. Show NotesSerenbe Events CalendarSerenbe Real EstateStart In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where We Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve NygrenStart In Your Own Backyard Podcast Serenbe on SubstackKey words: nature, community, biophilia, biophilic design, community building, development, sustainable development, placemaking, architecture, lifestyle, wellness The new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

,Season 13 of Serenbe Stories premieres Monday, March 16th. Over and over again, we hear the same thing: there's just something different about Serenbe. Is it the thoughtfully designed streets, the miles of trails and protected forests, the fact that you can walk to dinner or to yoga or to the weekly farmer's market? Sure, those things are certainly part of the magic. But if we're being honest, what really makes Serenbe special is the people who choose to live and work here, investing their energy and creativity into the community.Catch up on the first 12 seasons of Serenbe Stories wherever you get your podcasts. And mark your calendars to join us Monday, March 16th for a brand new season filled with more stories of creativity, connection, and impact. Subscribe and follow so you never miss an episode. The new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

In this final episode of the Start In Your Own Backyard mini-series, Steve Nygren reflects on the journey of building Serenbe. What started out as an unlikely idea, sparked in a moment of fear and panic is now a living, breathing community where nature and people are woven back together.You’ll hear from neighbors like Gil Mathis, who traded a corporate finance career for a more authentic life rooted in connection, and Gigi Wilborne, an artist and entrepreneur who has poured her creativity into nearly every corner of Serenbe. You’ll also meet Price Bell, whose visits to Serenbe inspired him to spark change in his own hometown.Together, their stories remind us that change doesn’t always start with grand plans. Instead, it begins in backyards, on front porches, and in everyday choices that ripple outward to transform lives.As we close this series, we return to the bigger lesson running beneath it all: you don’t need to wait for permission to imagine a better way of living. Wherever you are, the spark of possibility is already in your hands. Sometimes all it takes is the courage to begin.Show NotesPre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve NygrenStart In Your Own Backyard SubstackLearn more about SerenbeSerenbe Stories PodcastKeywords: Serenbe, community building, placemaking, biophilic design, sustainable living, connection to nature, intentional communities, local food, community gardens, shared meals, walkability, small sparks of change, starting in your own backyard, radical common sense, meaningful change, authentic living, neighborhood design, creativity, wellness, joy, beauty, possibility, better way of livingThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

A lot of what we’ve been exploring on this podcast comes back to an idea known as placemaking: the art of designing spaces that feel meaningful, welcoming, and rooted in community. At its core, it’s about creating places where people truly want to gather and belong.At Serenbe, that spirit comes alive every day. Visitors might arrive for goat yoga or a stroll through the nature trails and end up moving. A coffee-and-ceramics studio, dreamed up and run by neighbors, has become a beloved local hangout. And community traditions like Porchfest transform front porches into concert stages and art galleries, turning ordinary moments into something magical. These experiences are joyful on the surface, but they also weave the deeper social and cultural fabric that makes a community thrive.In this episode, Steve Nygren explores how visitors bring fresh energy and perspective, how local businesses reflect and shape a community’s values, and why even the simplest neighborhood gatherings can spark lasting connections. Whether you’re dreaming of creating something new in your own town or simply curious about how thriving communities take shape, this episode offers inspiration and practical ideas for inviting people in and building places that feel like home.Show NotesPre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve NygrenStart In Your Own Backyard SubstackLearn more about SerenbeSerenbe Stories PodcastMinro StudioPorchfest at SerenbeSerenbe Real EstateKeywords: placemaking, community, hospitality, belonging, Serenbe, Steve Nygren, intentional living, visitors, local businesses, Porchfest, goat yoga, nature trails, meaningful design, walkable communities, neighborhood traditions, connection, joy, events, potlucks, concerts, bake sales, sustainability, thriving communities, home, invitation, cultureThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Food, shelter, walkable streets, even access to nature are all vital ingredients for a thriving community. But on their own, they aren’t quite enough. To truly flourish, people also need beauty, inspiration, and creativity woven into daily life. That’s where the arts come in.In this episode of Start In Your Own Backyard, Steve Nygren explores why music, theater, sculpture, literature, and public art are so vitally important. You’ll hear insights from Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, on how our brains respond to beauty, as well as stories from artists themselves who have seen firsthand how art can knit people together and shape a place’s identity.We’ll also share how Serenbe pioneered a permanent funding model for the arts by dedicating 1% of real estate sales to its nonprofit Art Farm, ensuring that creativity remains central to community life for generations to come.Whether it’s a sculpture tucked along a forest trail, neighbors gathering for a midsummer play in the woods, or children inspired by visiting artists, this episode reveals how the arts sustain not just culture, but the human spirit itself.Show NotesPre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve NygrenStart In Your Own Backyard SubstackLearn more about SerenbeSerenbe Stories PodcastThe Art Farm at SerenbeThe Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art by Dr. Anjan ChatterjeeSerenbe community celebrates Curtis Patterson’s striking new sculpture by Gail O’Neill (ArtsATL)Naturally Fragile & Durable with Rachel Garceau (Serenbe Stories)Morgan Boszilkov StudioKeywords: art in community, arts funding, Serenbe, Start In Your Own Backyard podcast, Steve Nygren, Art Farm, public art, creativity, culture, biophilic community, artist residencies, sculptures, theater in nature, concerts by the pond, transfer fee model, community building, creative placemaking, arts and wellbeing, art and neuroscience, Curtis Patterson, community design, sustainable community, supporting artistsThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Once upon a time, community wasn’t something you had to schedule, swipe for, or search out in a Facebook group. It was simply part of daily life. In this episode, Steve Nygren explores the loneliness epidemic, how our modern world has stripped away built-in community, and what it will take to bring it back.He dives into how thoughtful design choices like walkable streets, welcoming front porches, and all-important “third places” can help weave back some of the social fabric we’ve lost. And this sense of connection isn’t just for adults. Kids and elders, the bookends of every community, are often the most isolated today. Giving children the freedom to roam and ensuring older adults remain woven into daily life isn’t nostalgic, it's essential for building healthy, resilient, and connected communities.You’ll also hear from designer and conversation expert Fred Dust, city planner and walkability expert Jeff Speck, and Serenbe’s own Garnie Nygren and Dr. Phil Tabb, as together we explore how small design choices, intergenerational living, and even casual encounters with neighbors can transform our health and happiness.This episode is an invitation to imagine a world of free-range kids, uncaged elders, and communities where connection is built into the everyday.Show NotesPre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve NygrenStart In Your Own Backyard SubstackLearn more about SerenbeSerenbe Stories PodcastWellness Begins With Community: 5 Ways That Serenbe Builds For Human Connection by Steve Nygren (Substack)Serenbe Urbanism: A biophilic theory and practice of sustainable placemaking by Phillip James TabbMaking Conversation: Seven Essential Elements for Meaningful Communication by Fred DustWalkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time by Jeff SpeckKeywords: community, community building, walkable cities, walkability, walkable, connection, loneliness epidemic, conversation, Fred Dust, Jeff Speck, Phill Tabb, Steve Nygren, Serenbe, biophilic design, biophilic cities, third places, urban planning, urban designThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Most of us know that a sedentary, stress-filled lifestyle can take a heavy toll on our wellbeing. Yet when communities are designed for cars instead of people, when fast food is easier to find than fresh produce, and when green space feels totally out of reach, it becomes increasingly apparent that healthy choices are about so much more than willpower.In this episode of Start In Your Own Backyard, Steve Nygren explores why true wellness has little to do with fitness trackers, supplements, or trendy diets and everything to do with the environments we live in. From walkable streets and nourishing food to sacred geometry and a deeper connection with nature, the design of our communities profoundly shapes our health and happiness.You’ll hear from thought leaders like Dr. Phill Tabb on building in harmony with nature, Maria Rodale on the importance of cooking and eating real food, and Professor Alfred Vick on the power of edible landscapes. Along the way, we look at how Serenbe’s organic farm, trail system, and intentional design offer a model where wellness is woven into daily life.If you’ve ever wondered why the wellness industry leaves us chasing solutions that rarely last, or how our communities themselves can be reimagined to support better health, this episode offers a new perspective on what it means to truly thrive.Show NotesPre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve NygrenStart In Your Own Backyard SubstackLearn more about SerenbeSerenbe Stories PodcastSerenbe Urbanism: A biophilic theory and practice of sustainable placemaking by Phillip James TabbAbout Keith CritchlowLove, Nature, Magic: Shamanic Journeys into the Heart of My Garden by Maria RodaleAflie Vick Eats Plants (And Talks Environmental Ethics) on the Serenbe Stories PodcastKeywords: wellness, community design, Serenbe, biophilic design, walkability, local food, edible landscapes, sacred geometry, health and environment, sustainable living, intentional community, nature connection, regenerative design, public health, placemaking, real food, holistic wellbeing, everyday wellness, trails and green space, healthy communities, Phillip Tabb, Maria Rodale, Alfie Vick, Steve NygrenThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

What makes a place feel magnetic? Why do some neighborhoods and buildings leave you feeling inspired, while others feel sterile and disconnected? In this episode of Start In Your Own Backyard, we explore how the built environment shapes our sense of joy, connection, and belonging.You’ll hear from neurologist Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, who explains how our brains respond to beauty and why elements like coherence, fascination, and hominess are essential to creating spaces that feel truly welcoming. Serenbe’s land planner Dr. Phil Tabb and urbanist Diana Lind also join the conversation to discuss how architectural variety, thoughtful placement, and mixed-use design infuse neighborhoods with both beauty and charm.At Serenbe, that means wide porches, walkable streets, and hamlets with distinct personalities. These choices echo timeless towns while offering something fresh. From zoning laws that sap character to design principles that spark delight, this episode uncovers why beauty and charm are vital ingredients for places that feel alive, authentic, and deeply human.Show NotesPre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve NygrenStart In Your Own Backyard SubstackLearn more about SerenbeSerenbe Stories PodcastThe Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art by Dr. Anjan ChatterjeeBrave New Home: Our Future in Smarter, Simpler, Happier Housing by Diana LindBiophilic Urbanism: Designing Resilient Communities for the Future Phillip TabbKeywords: Beauty, Charm, Architecture, Neuroaesthetics Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, Phil Tabb, Diana Lind, Serenbe, Placemaking, urban design, walkability, community design, authentic neighborhoods, zoning, mixed-use development, timeless towns, porches, hamlets, connection, belonging, sense of place, fascination, coherence, hominess, human-centered design, why beauty matters in architecture, charming neighborhoods design, neuroaesthetics and architecture, walkable community design. creating authentic neighborhoods, timeless architecture principles, mixed-use community benefits, how zoning laws shape neighborhoods, sense of place in architectureThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Access to nature isn’t just a luxury. It's essential for our health, our well-being, and the resilience of our communities. But what happens when the fields, forests, and streams we once knew are paved over by highways, strip malls, and suburban sprawl?In this episode of Start In Your Own Backyard, Steve Nygren explores our deep connection to (and disconnection from) the natural world. From the science of nature deficit disorder to the philosophy of biophilia, from America’s problematic obsession with manicured lawns to the potential of pollinator-friendly and edible landscapes, Steve unpacks how nature shapes us in profound ways.Along the way, he’s joined by some of the leading voices in this movement: Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, environmental health expert Dr. Howard Frumkin, architect Liz Calabrese, and land planner Phil Tabb. Together, they make a powerful case for why reconnecting with nature is both common sense and urgent.A greener, healthier future is possible. It’s already taking root in communities across the country. The only question is, will you choose to be part of it? Want to dive deeper? Steve’s book, Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense, comes out on October 7th, 2025, and is available for pre-order now wherever you get books. Part memoir, part guidebook, it offers a blueprint for building sustainable, connected communities, places where wonder exists in the everyday and people of all ages can truly thrive.Show NotesPre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve NygrenStart In Your Own Backyard SubstackLearn more about SerenbeSerenbe Stories PodcastBiophilic Solutions PodcastLast Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard LouvBiophilic Urbanism: Designing Resilient Communities for the Future Phillip TabbPlanetary Health: Protecting Nature to Protect Ourselves by Samuel Myers and Howard FrumkinThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Start In Your Own Backyard is a mini-series about how the choices we make, both big and small, can transform the world around us. For host Steve Nygren, this is personal. Two decades ago, while running through the woods on his beloved family farm, he spotted bulldozers toppling trees for what he feared was another soulless suburban development. That sobering moment sparked a question that changed the course of his life: Isn’t there a better way to build community? One that works with nature, not against it?The answer became Serenbe, a community built on biophilic principles, sustainable living, and the idea that well-being starts in the everyday spaces where we live, work, and connect with others.Through stories, guest experts, and personal reflections, Start In Your Own Backyard invites listeners to find their own sense of agency. Whether it’s rethinking your diet, running for school board, planting edible landscapes, or advocating for change in your city, the podcast explores what it means to take action right where you are.With a strong belief in the power of optimism, even when things feel tough, this series shows how each of us can create ripples of positive change. In this first episode, Steve shares his transformative path to founding Serenbe, a thriving community rooted in nature on the outskirts of Atlanta. He talks about why the built environment lies at the heart of so many modern challenges, the personal healing he discovered in nature, and how each of us can take steps toward positive change starting right where we are.Want to dive deeper? Steve’s book, Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense, comes out on October 7th, 2025, and is available for pre-order now wherever you get books. Part memoir, part guidebook, it offers a blueprint for building sustainable, connected communities, places where wonder exists in the everyday and people of all ages can truly thrive. Published by Matt Holt Books and distributed by Simon & Schuster.General Inquiries: [email protected] Inquiries: [email protected] Engagements: [email protected] Bulk Orders, please complete this formShow NotesPre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve NygrenStart In Your Own Backyard SubstackLearn more about SerenbeSerenbe Stories PodcastKeywords: Serenbe, Steve Nygren, wellness community, nature-connected living, sustainable community, intentional community design, biophilic design, built environment, urban planning and wellness, community building, wellnessThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Christina and Jeff Escalante first discovered the transformative power of community during a whirlwind backpacking trip that took them to intentional communities in places like Spain, Israel, and Japan. At the time, they were living in a New York City apartment building where they barely knew their neighbors, a stark contrast that left a lasting impression.Fast forward a few years to the height of the pandemic. Christina was finishing her medical residency in Philadelphia, and the couple began searching up and down the East Coast for a new place to call home. Their commitment to the idea of intentional community was so strong that they even considered building one themselves – until a realtor in Atlanta recommended they visit Serenbe and everything clicked. Within three days of exploring the neighborhood, they were under contract on a new home.As if that story weren’t inspiring enough, Christina is also the co-founder of Acorn to Oak, a personalized healthcare practice based right here in Serenbe. She provides care for children from birth through age 18, while her partner, Dr. Samer Blackmon, sees adult patients. Designed from the ground up, this innovative and welcoming practice is focused on building deep, meaningful relationships with every patient.In this episode, Monica and Steve sit down with Christina to talk about planting roots in a close-knit community, the scary but rewarding journey of starting her own medical practice, and the everyday magic of Food Truck Fridays in Serenbe.ShownotesAcorn to Oak HealthSerenbe Events CalendarRadical Dough The General Store at SerenbeKeywords: serenbe, community, intentional community, lifestyle, medicine, healthcare, personalized healthcare, medical practice, acorn to oak, travel, backpacking, intentional living, medical school, residency, pediatric medicine, New York City, New York, Philadelphia, road trip, motherhood, parenting, parenthoodThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Josh Green is an Atlanta-based journalist whose work has appeared in prominent publications such as Garden & Gun, Atlanta Magazine, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Urbanize Atlanta, where he covers the city’s evolving real estate landscape and development trends. Josh first visited Serenbe with his family all the way back in 2013 – and while he recognized its promise, he also saw that this budding community still had a long way to go. Since that first visit, he’s had a front-row seat to Serenbe’s evolution and he’s written extensively about the urban planning and architecture that make it stand out from Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs.Beyond journalism, Josh is also an accomplished fiction writer. His debut novel, Secrets of Ash, earned the Indie Reader Discovery Award for Literary Fiction and earned him a nomination for the 2024 Georgia Author of the Year. His latest release, Goodbye, Sweetberry Park, came out just last month and is already getting rave reviews.In this conversation, Steve and Monica sit down with Josh to talk about Serenbe’s transformation over the years, the importance of supporting local authors, and how storytelling helps us make sense of the places we live.Show NotesPre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where We Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve NygrenUrbanize AtlantaGoodbye, Sweetberry Park: A Novel of City Life, Creeping Gentrification and Flesh-eating Snakes by Josh GreenKirkwood Spring Festival | May 17 2025Gothic short stories and a comic crime thriller for spring reading (Atlanta Journal Constitution)Serenbe Unveils Plans for Large New Neighborhood with Central Park (Urbanize Atlanta)Serenbe at 20 (Urbanize Atlanta)Hollywood to Serenbe: Finding Magic in Community with Randy Zisk (Serenbe Stories)ARTS ATLSerenbe Events CalendarKeywords: Josh Green, Serenbe, journalism, urban planning, novel writing, Atlanta neighborhoods, family experiences, book promotion, gentrification, Atlanta, built environment, biophilic design, architecture, design, nature, biophiliaThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

If you’re a longtime listener , you already know that Serenbe is more than just a place - it’s a nature-based model for living that inspires others to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reimagine their communities. And along the way, many people discover they’re reinventing themselves, too.Steve Nygren would be the first to tell you he’s learned a great deal over his 20-year journey as an “accidental developer.” Now, he’s sharing those insights in a new book, Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where We Live with Radical Common Sense. It’s a call to action for anyone looking to create meaningful change no matter how small their sphere of influence may seem. The book offers a blueprint for building sustainable communities where wonder lives in the everyday and people of all ages can thrive.Steve’s ideas and solutions aren’t complex or costly. They’re grounded in simple, yet radical, common sense.In this episode of Serenbe Stories, Steve and Monica sit down to explore what inspired him to write the book, why local solutions matter more than ever, and the guidance he’d offer to anyone who’s feeling stuck or searching for a fresh path forward.ShownotesPre-Order Start in Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where We Live With Radical Common Sense by Steve NygrenSubscribe to Steve Nygren on SubstackAre You Ready for Radical Common Sense? By Steve Nygren (Substack)Serenbe Events CalendarLast Child in the Woods by Richard LouvKey Words: book launch, radical common sense, community building, nature impact, practical solutions, mindset shifts, local solutions, sustainable communities, personal influence, changeThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Jennifer Band and Josh Hiller spent 13 years living in London—including a full year in lockdown—before making the move to Serenbe in 2021. As parents of two young children, they had been thinking about returning to the States for some time, but hadn’t quite found a place that felt right. That changed the moment they discovered Serenbe. It offered the perfect blend of what they loved about European life—walkability, a strong sense of community, vibrant energy—paired with the space and ease of suburban living in the U.S.A few years in, Jen and Josh have truly found their footing and embraced the rich, connected life they've built here. Their kids are thriving at The Terra School, and Josh has even uncovered a new creative passion he didn’t know he was missing.In this conversation, Monica and Steve sit down with Jennifer and Josh to talk about the highs and lows of moving to a new country and community, the curious and open-hearted people they’ve met, and—yes, even though it’s only April—the unexpected magic of Halloween in Serenbe.Show Notes:Serenbe Events CalendarThe Terra School at SerenbeThe Blue Eyed DaisyAustin’s at SerenbeGeorge Cohen’s Road to Recovery & Serenbe (Serenbe Stories)Keywords: Serenbe, London, Europe, community, family, music, remote work, creative outlets, cultural experiences, transition, personal growth, walkability, Halloween The new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Spring has officially arrived in Serenbe and the community is in full bloom. Despite the haze of pollen, residents are eager to embrace the outdoors, whether they’re digging into garden beds or hitting the trails.In this special episode of Serenbe Stories, Serenbe’s Director of Landscape and Natural Resources Thomas Peters joins Monica for a conversation about all things Spring. Thomas’s dedication to ecological stewardship shines through in his thoughtful approach to land management, from implementing natural pest control methods to using prescribed burns that revitalize the ecosystem and support the growth of native species.In this conversation Monica and Thomas dive into the intersection of environmental stewardship and community engagement, the triumphs and challenges of habitat restoration, and Thomas shares a few practical tips for anyone looking to get their hands in the soil this season.Show NotesPollinators, Songbirds, and Creepy Crawlies with Thomas Peters (Serenbe Stories)A Permanent Pollinator Habitat in Serenbe’s Wildflower Meadow (Serenbe Stories)Serenbe Plant Sale | April 26, 2025Serenbe Events CalendarMTB Atlanta: Building Trails, Connecting Communities Leave the Leaves (Life at Serenbe)Spring Has Sprung (Life at Serenbe)Keywords: Serenbe, biodiversity, Spring, gardening, gardening tips, pollinators, pollinator habitat, native plants, prescribed burn, Indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship, sustainable practices, trails, trail system, mountain biking, community trails The new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

When Natalie and TJ Aldridge first discovered Serenbe in early 2016, it felt like fate. While planning their wedding nearby, a friend suggested they direct guests to the Inn . So they decided to check it out -- and that first visit absolutely changed everything. Looking for a place to live after their wedding and ready to leave city life behind, they learned the Textile Lofts would be finished just in time. Nine months and a wedding later, they became some of Serenbe’s youngest residents.In this episode of Serenbe Stories, Monica and Steve catch up with TJ and Natalie to hear their story, exploring TJ’s career shift from data analytics to Serenbe Real Estate, Natalie’s global adventures with iconic hotel group Belmond, and how the community has stepped up to support their journey as new parents.Show NotesSerenbe Real EstateSerenbe EventsBelmond Official SiteGeorge Cohen’s Road to Recovery and Serenbe (Serenbe Stories)Terra School at SerenbeAcorn to Oak HealthThe Wine Shop at SerenbeKeywords: Serenbe, community, real estate, travel, parenting, Belmond, lifestyle, support, exploration, personal storiesThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Jack Kidd first heard about Serenbe as a movie-obsessed teenager growing up in Peachtree City—and from the first moment he visited, he knew this was a place where he wanted to spend more time. Fast forward a decade, and Jack is now on his third role in the community: he’s worked as a host at The Hill, in Guest Services at The Inn, and now he’s the Office Manager for Serenbe Real Estate. Unofficially, he’s also Serenbe’s most in-demand pet sitter, with a schedule so full that he practically lives here all summer. Oh, and did we mention he’s also a published author? Jack’s book, Seasons, is currently celebrating its one-year anniversary.In this episode of Serenbe Stories, Jack joins HR Director Stephanie Coyne for a conversation about working and playing in Serenbe—his favorite things to do, his go-to cocktail, and even which neighbor has the best-stocked pantry.Show Notes:Serenbe Real EstateSeasons by Jack KiddSerenbe Trail RidingSerenbe Events CalendarLifelong Friends and Sustainable Living with Stephanie Walsh & Brandon Blanchard (Serenbe Stories)How Tik Tok Led Lisa & Jim Challenger to Serenbe (Serenbe Stories)The Inn at SerenbeThe Hill at Serenbe Keywords: Serenbe, community, travel, career, pets, culture shock, horseback riding, trail riding, Seasons, author, writing, real estate, community, restaurants, cocktailsThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

A strong local food system isn’t just about what’s on our plates—it’s about fostering resilient communities and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. This belief has always been at the heart of Steve Nygren’s vision for Serenbe and the surrounding community of Chattahoochee Hills. And now, Lily Baucom is helping shape the next chapter.As the Executive Director of the Georgia Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture and a board member of the Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy, Lily is deeply invested in the future of local farming. Last year, she authored a comprehensive food system analysis for the city, highlighting both the region’s rich agricultural legacy as well as key areas for growth like expanding access to nutritious food, maximizing land use, and strengthening distribution infrastructureIn this episode of the Serenbe Stories podcast, Steve and Monica sit down with Lily to explore the vital role agriculture plays in our communities, the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of farmers, and why a thriving local food system depends on the engagement of us all.Show NotesChattahoochee Hill Country ConservancyThe Conservation Fund’s Working Farms FundThe Common MarketCottage Food | GA Department of AgricultureSmyly Farms Online StoreThe Good Place FarmBlue Heron Urban Farms and SanctuaryThe Deer Creek FarmRodale InstituteMinro StudioSerenbe FarmsSerenbe EventsKeywords: Serenbe, agriculture, Georgia, young farmers, community, sustainability, environmental issues, farming infrastructure, local food, Chattahoochee Hills, local agriculture, farmers marketThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Marilyn Specht grew up in Atlanta and always kind of knew of Serenbe, but it wasn’t until years later that she saw it as more than just a weekend retreat. During a weeklong visit – while her oldest child attended Camp Serenbe – Marilyn and her husband were completely drawn in by peaceful walks through the woods and idyllic evenings picking blueberries by the green. Two months after that visit, the Specht family had made Serenbe their home. But Marilyn’s connection to Serenbe goes way beyond just living here—her role as Director of Sustainability Integration at Smithgroup means she’s deeply in tune with the thoughtful planning and eco-focus that make this place so special. In this episode, Steve and Monica chat with Marilyn about how Serenbe’s commitment to sustainability aligns with her professional work, why this model of development is so compelling, and what she’s learned about community and connection a year and a half since making the move.Show NotesSerenbe EventsBiophilic Leadership SummitCamp SerenbeSmithGroup ArchitectsTrust for Public LandKey Words: Serenbe, community, sustainability, environmental impact, personal journey, culinary experiences, water rights, family life, outdoor activities, connectionThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Elaine Dinos and her family first found Serenbe all the way back in 2011, when they started coming down for events and weekend trips while living in Atlanta. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that things really shifted – and what started out as another brief getaway turned into a life-changing, transformative experience. Within just a couple of days, Elaine and her husband Shep enrolled their kids in school and made an offer on a house. And even though they kept second-guessing themselves, their hearts knew this was the place they needed to be.In this episode of Serenbe Stories, Elaine shares how Serenbe’s unique sense of community, connection to nature, and intentional way of living drew her in—and how it continues to shape her work as the founder of Kindred Lane, a purpose-driven leadership and impact company.Show NotesKindred LaneThe Biophilic Leadership SummitAll Serenbe EventsLast Child in the Woods by Richard LouvChildren & Nature NetworkThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Get ready, we’re coming back — Season 12 of Serenbe Stories premieres Monday, March 10th.This season, we’re exploring what makes Serenbe truly extraordinary: the people. What is it really like to live here? What sets Serenbe apart from ordinary developments? From passionate residents and  business owners to groundbreaking artists and changemakers, we’re taking you behind the scenes to share their inspiring stories.Catch up on the first 11 seasons wherever you get your podcasts, and join us on Monday, March 10th for a brand-new season packed with stories of creativity, community, and impact. Subscribe and follow now so you never miss an episode! And thanks for listening to Serenbe Stories! The new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

In 2019 Mehrnush Saadat was waiting to see a physician to treat a herniated disk and back pain, when her friends suggested she explore CBD and THC pain relief options. Though initially a bit skeptical, she was blown away by the results – and her sober(ish) journey began. With regular movement, reduced alcohol intake, and a little push from her new pain remedies, Mehrnush felt the stress from her busy law practice melt away – and in 2023, she opened Soberish, Atlanta’s only non-alcoholic bottle shop and cannabis boutique. The concept proved wildly popular and now, just over a year later, she’s opened a second location right here in Serenbe. Mehrnush’s vision of a holistic approach to wellness aligns perfectly with Serenbe’s approach to healthy living and we couldn't be more thrilled to welcome her to the community. Hear about Mehrnush’s impressive background as a real estate attorney, her entrepreneurial spirit, and why functional, holistic wellness is the furthest thing from boring. Notes:Soberish AtlantaNon-Alcoholic Bottle Shop Opening New Storefront SerenbeSerenbe EventsThe Sober Social AtlantaThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

When health and wellbeing is built into the very fabric of a community, traditional development gets turned on its head – and as it turns out, living somewhere that makes you feel good is in high demand. Wellness real estate is the fastest growing sector of the 6 trilliondollar wellness industry.This week on Serenbe Stories, we’re thrilled to share a recent interview from the Global Wellness Conversations podcast featuring Serenbe founder Steve Nygren – referred to here as the “godfather of wellness real estate” – alongside Chuck Heath, the founder of Ameyalli in Deer Valley Colorado, and wellness icon Deepak Chopra. Hear from Steve as he discusses his journey as a trailblazer in the field of wellness real estate, changing the rules in order to succeed, and why he believes real global change will start at the local level. We were honored to be a part of this inspiring conversation about the future of living.Notes:Global Wellness InstituteGlobal Wellness SummitSerenbeAmeyalli Deepak ChopraThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

After years of commuting between major cities - London to New York, New York to Atlanta, Atlanta to Los Angeles - Natalie McGrath & Simon Hawkins finally decided to plant roots down South. In 2020 – a year that changed everything for so many people – they visited Serenbe for the first time and fell in love with the English countryside feel. Six months later, as their friends started leaving the city, they made an intuitive decision to buy the 2020 Serenbe Showhouse. Even though Natalie & Simon are a bit more settled now, they still travel on a weekly basis - for work and for play.  As Natalie’s role as Chief Marketing Officer at Rent the Runway and Simon’s as Vice President of the Americas at Virgin Atlantic take them all over the world, Serenbe has become a precious place for them to come together and relax during the weekend. In this episode of Serenbe Stories, Natalie & Simon discuss their journey to rural Georgia, their exciting and busy careers, and how they unwind here in Serenbe.Show NotesSerenbe EventsRent the Runway Virgin Atlantic The New Rustic: 2020 Serenbe Showhouse (Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles)Serenbe YogaAustin’s Cocktailery & KitchenMinro StudioSpa at Serenbe The new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Tony Cuviello and April LaCerra were living in Colorado and seriously considering a move to Asheville, when April’s interest in regenerative farming led her to Serenbe. Serenbe’s emphasis on biophilia and wellness immediately resonated with April – and with Tony on board, they packed up their car and moved here without ever having visited. Now, April & Tony are the owners and operators of Allchemy: A Biophilic Farmacy. Located in the heart of the Mado neighborhood, Allchemy is a health, home, & wellness retail space that redefines the traditional pharmacy experience by carrying products that meet a rigorous set of health and environmental standards. April and Tony are all about the incremental changes we can make to start living healthier, more biophilic lives and their storefront is such an amazing resource for doing just that. In this episode, Steve and Monica chat with April and Tony about living in harmony with nature, taking the guesswork out of clean products, and how even subtle changes can have a big impact. Show NotesAllchemy WebsiteAllchemy InstagramRegenerative Organic Agriculture (Rodale)2025 Biophilic Leadership SummitHope Rises On Its Current: Defining Biophilia with Liz Calabrese (Serenbe Stories)Jackfir Clean Natural SkincareYukaEWG Healthy LivingThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Austin’s Cocktailery + Kitchen is the latest addition to Serenbe’s lively culinary scene, offering refined cuisine and expertly crafted drinks with a special focus on hard-to-find spirits and – in true Serenbe fashion – locally sourced botanicals. With a dining room reminiscent of 1920s European cocktail lounges, walking into Austin’s is like stepping into another world – and that’s why today, we’re so excited to be speaking with the talented design duo behind these dramatic and beautiful interiors. Amanda Dashwood and Jillian Rooker are the creative force behind Rook & Dash, an Atlanta-based full-service design firm that they founded together in 2022. Amanda and Jillian believe that in addition to being functional, design should engage the senses and inspire the viewer, which is exactly what they’ve achieved here in Serenbe. In this episode of Serenbe Stories, Garnie and I get an inside look at the Austin’s design process, from a fruitful visioning session with Steve to the unconventional leather top bar, textural plaster walls, and all the details in between. The new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Dr. Pamela Robinson is an academic and playwright whose work investigates best practices in sustainable agribusiness  – and crucially, her research centers the lived experiences of farmers, producers, and other actors across the value chain. She earned her PhD from Case Western University in 2024 and now, she’s turning her award winning dissertation into a play. Serenbe first came into Dr. Robinson’s orbit a few years ago when she was working with local communities and she has returned many times in the years since, both as a visitor and as an attendee at the Biophilic Leadership Summit. For a few weeks this past Summer, Dr. Robinson worked on her play while in residency at the Art Farm and her ties to the community grew even deeper. In this conversation, Steve and Monica chat with Dr. Robinson about the intersection of nature and the arts, how creativity lifts academic work, and why Serenbe just might be one of the best places to close your eyes and listen to the birds.NotesSerenbeBiophilic Leadership SummitThe Art Farm at SerenbeWhat is Appreciative Inquiry?Rodale InstituteSoil HealthThe Biomimicry instituteBirds GeorgiaPhD Student Pamela Robinson Presents at 3-Minute Thesis CompetitionThe Juilliard SchoolThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Jeny Mathis hardly needs an introduction to Serenbe residents – but for everyone else, her impact on the community can’t be overstated. Jeny teaches yoga, facilitates labyrinth walks, tutors students at the Terra School, organizes the community for causes dear to her heart, and so much more.Jeny’s Serenbe Story began with a family Thanksgiving trip in 2013. Although she was initially a bit nervous about whether or not our internet reception would pick up the all-important holiday football games, she quickly fell in love with the community’s emphasis on unstructured time in nature. Famously, at the end of that trip, she walked into the Real Estate office and burst into tears before she could even get a word out. We interviewed Jeny’s husband Gil on Season 9 of Serenbe Stories and heard all about the personal transformation he experienced after discovering this community. Now, it’s Jeny’s turn. Show NotesLast Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard LouvChanging Careers & Changing Your Life with Serenbe CFO Gil Mathis (Serenbe Stories)Art That Opens Hearts & Minds with Gail O’Neil and Curtis Patterson (Serenbe Stories)Embracing Small Town Living & Telling Your Own Stories with Amy Mass (Serenbe Stories)Serenbe YogaThe Class EarthCraft-certified Organic Life House teaches Atlanta agrihood residents about healthy living (Inhabit)Art Farm at SerenbeSerenbe Events CalendarThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Abi Shinstine’s introduction to Serenbe began as many Serenbe Stories do: a google search for “cool places near me.” Since that fateful search in 2017, Abi has become Serenbe’s jack of all trades: she has worked as a server, bartender, and manager at The Hill, office manager at Serenbe Real Estate, and finally, in her current role as our first-ever Chief of Hospitality. It’s a big job, overseeing all aspects of Serenbe guest-facing businesses from restaurants to farm tours to getaways at the Inn. In this episode of Serenbe Stories, HR Director Stephanie Coyne sits down with Abi to get an inside look at all things hospitality, Abi’s deep love of travel and restaurants - spoiler alert, she’s been all over the world,  and we take a peek into Serenbe’s elusive department of mysteries. Show NotesThe Inn at SerenbeThe FarmhouseThe HillAustin’s Cocktailery & KitchenHalsa Serenbe Real EstateSerenbe Events CalendarFormula1 RacingThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Matt & Pascale Buckingham have lived all over the world - from major European cities to the suburbs of Atlanta. But when they discovered Serenbe, they found something that they later realized they had been searching for all along: a tight-knit village on the edge of nature. Since moving, Matt & Pascale have become staples of the community, volunteering on the trails and even managing one of Serenbe’s newest and most popular spots, Nigel’s Frozen Bananas. In this episode of Serenbe Stories, Garnie and Monica chat with Matt & Pascale about what brought them from England and Switzerland to rural Georgia, how tough times teach you what’s most important in life, and the beauty of both community and solitude. Show NotesSerenbe EventsNigel’s Frozen BananasReadyHer Self DefenseFocal PointSerenbe Business DirectoryThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

There’s a certain buzz in the Mado neighborhood these days. Over the past few months, a handful of exciting new retailers have sprung up, from frozen bananas and ice cream to a floral design shop and even a biophilic pharmacy. And, of course, there is Minro Studio. Minro is a beautiful new coffee shop and ceramics studio that the neighborhood has completely fallen in love with. They offer some of the best coffee in town along with pottery classes for kids and adults alike. In this episode, Monica and Steve chat with Minro owners and Serenbe residents Caroline and Eric about their journey to Serenbe - from Denmark and Rwanda, respectively -  how Caroline’s career pivot to pottery happened totally by chance when Eric’s work took him out of the country and the process of opening one of Serenbe’s newest hot spots. Show NotesMinro StudioLive as LionsSerenbe Holiday MarketAntipodes WaterTap Out Martial ArtsSerenbe Business DirectorySerenbe Real EstateSerenbe EventsKey Words: Coffee Shop, Cafe, Pottery, Pottery Studio, Ceramics, Creativity, Community, Serenbe, Retail, Small Business, Film, Film Industry, StuntmanThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Season 11 of Serenbe Stories kicks off on Monday, October 14. There’s always something new and exciting here at Serenbe, but over the past few months, that feels especially true. From multiple new business and restaurant openings to inspiring visiting artists and residents who are making waves, there is so much to celebrate—and we can’t wait to share a behind-the-scenes with you.Catch up on the first 10 seasons of Serenbe Stories wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to join us on Monday, October 14 as we launch our newest season. Subscribe and follow so you never miss an episode. Thank you for listening to Serenbe Stories. The new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Today we have a special bonus episode from the Biophilic Solutions podcast. Monica catches  up with Atlanta writer Austin L. Ray to discuss “How I’d Fix Atlanta,” his fantastic essay series he publishes featuring local writers sharing how they would fix Atlanta.Austin just launched the second collection of essays in a cool zine about the action steps these Atlanta writers would take to improve their city. Topics include increased walkability, wildlife in the city, supporting pollinator habitats, clean energy, and more. Enjoy this bonus episode with Austin Ray.Biophilic Soultions OverviewToday’s episode is a great example of using your unique skills to amplify your impact. This week, Monica is chatting with Atlanta-based writer Austin Louis Ray, who has contributed to publications like Rolling Stone, GQ, Creative Loafing, and Eater just to name a few. He is also the publisher of How I’d Fix Atlanta, a seasonal collection of essays from Atlanta natives about the action steps they would take to improve their city. Topics include Biophilic Solutions favorites like walkability, wildlife in the city, supporting pollinator habitats, clean energy, and more. The conversation today, however, really revolves around how Austin does it: how he finds his writers, how he raises money to pay those writers well, and how he uses the How I’d Fix Atlanta series to build awareness at city council and beyond.  Show NotesAbout Austin L. RayHow I’d Fix AtlantaSupport How I’d Fix AtlantaFollow Austin on XPurchase Zine: How I'd Fix AtlantaImage credit: Jason TravisThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Over 6 years ago, Collin and Sydney Jones moved with their two young boys from Roswell, Georgia. It was a surprise weekend away for Collin that turned into a home purchase 9 days later. During that weekend, they happened upon a party at the Grange Green, discovered golf cart charcuterie and met a family who encouraged them to tour homes while that family watched their son. Serenbe turned out to be the community they didn’t know they needed. In today’s episode, Steve Nygren and I catch up with the Jones and we not only do we find out what they do for a living, Collin is the President of Westwood One, the largest audio network in America and Sydney is a neonatal and pediatric nurse practitioner at Emory - we also learn that Sydney is becoming a bird watcher, how the resident soccer team has been life changing for Collin and we try to solve the mystery of where did their namesake Halsa cocktail go? Oh, and listen until the end for a bonus story on how Collins' neighbors saved him while on a business trip.Show NotesHGTV Green Home Richard LouvWestwood OneChildren's Healthcare of AtlantaHalsaNigel’s SerenbeBirds of SerenbeGiff Beaton & Serenbe Stories EpisodeCicada Broods in GeorgiaSerenbe Real EstateThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Nikkolas Smith is an artist Artivist and illustrator widely known for his distinctive style and emphasis on social justice issues. He is the illustrator of multiple children’s picture books, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, I Am Ruby Bridges, That Flag, and Black Panther Wakanda Forever: The Courage To Dream as well was a gilm illustratorfor films like Space Jam 2, Black Panther 2, and Judas and the Black Messiah. His own latest children’s picture book, The Artivist, explores how children can combine art and activism in their everyday lives and was released last September to widespread acclaim. Monica and Garnie caught up with Nikkolas while he was the artist in residency at the Art Farm in the Spring of 2024. They chat with Nikkolas about transitioning from a career in architecture to a full time artist (or artivist, more appropriately),  the inspiring mural he designed with students at the Terra School, and how everyone can use their own unique skills to make positive change in the world. ShownotesSerenbe EventsNikkolas SmithThe Artivist by Nikkolas Smith Sunday Sketch: The Art of Nikkolas Nikkolas Smith Online Art StoreThe Art Farm at SerenbeArtist Nikkolas Smith Engages Serenbe Communty in Ten-Day Residency with The Art FarmThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

This week, we’re talking about a very exciting new endeavor here at Serenbe: the Wildflower Meadow Restoration Project. Over the next 18 months, the iconic meadow connecting the Inn at Serenbe to the wider community is set to undergo an incredible transformation into a permanent community of native plants that will serve as a protected pollinator and wildlife habitat. Guiding us through it all are Rob Kirsch and Thomas Peters. Rob is a longtime resident of Serenbe and is the Chair of the Art Farm’s Environmental Council, which has spearheaded several important sustainability initiatives over the last few years. Thomas is leading the project in his role as Serenbe’s Director of Landscape and Natural Resources.In this conversation, Monica & Garnie chat with Rob & Thomas about the importance of native plants & pollinator habitats, the potency of controlled burning, and their hopes that the Wildflower Restoration Project will serve as an inspirational model for similar projects throughout the Southeast. ShownotesSerenbe EventsThe Wildflower Restoration ProjectThe Art Farm Environmental CouncilBee City USASerenbe FarmsCompost at Serenbe FarmsSerenbe Stories: Pollinators, Songbirds, and Creepy Crawlies with Thomas Peters The new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Lindsey Epperly Sulek and her husband Jeremy first visited Serenbe in March 2022, tagging along with a pair of friends who were interested in a possible move. Of course, Jeremy and Lindsey (who had no plans to move) ended up here instead. Lindsey describes Serenbe as a place where her family immediately knew they belonged, particularly following a period of difficulty and transition. Lindsey is the Founder + CEO of Jetset World Travel, an independent boutique travel agency which she has scaled from a one-person operation to a team of over 70 dedicated agents. Jetset was also recently recognized as one of Inc. 5000’s fastest growing companies. In this episode, Steve and Monica chat with Lindsey about what it means to run a travel agency for a modern clientele, her favorite places in the world, working alongside her husband, and raising two young children in Serenbe. ShownotesSerenbe EventsJetset World TravelAbout LindseyPodcast | Who Made You the Boss? With Lindsey Epperly Sulek Serenbe YogaThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

It’s safe to say that if you’re a regular Serenbe Stories listener, you’ve heard many guests mention Halsa’s now-legendary trivia Thursdays.Trivia at Halsa is highly competitive, with regular teams like Rushmore, Crushmore, Slushmore, and the Scrappy Scraps. If you haven’t already attended, you should definitely plan to check out the next one - if you can get a table, that is. On this episode of Serenbe Stories, Monica and trivia regular Stephanie Coyne are teaming up to chat with the man behind all of the fun: Abe Grier. Tune in to hear how Abe got started in trivia, his deep love of all things nerdy, and his first impression of Serenbe. Monica and Stephanie even turn the tables on Abe himself in a new game we;re calling Can We Stump Abe?ShownotesSerenbe EventsSuper Geek Trivia on InstagramHalsa RestaurantJoystick Gamebar AtlantaThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

A few years ago, television producer, writer, and director Randy Zisk and his family moved from Malibu California to the East Coast. After a brief stint in Decatur, they discovered Serenbe and were instantly drawn in by the distinctive architecture and easy access to nature. However, as it so often happens, once they officially made the move, they realized that the community itself is what really makes Serenbe magical. In this episode, Monica Olsen and Garnie Nygren catch up with Randy about his very impressive career in Hollywood - you’re definitely a fan of at least one of the shows he’s worked on - why creative people tend to be drawn to Serenbe, and all of the beauty you find out on the trails. ShownotesSerenbe EventsAbout Randy Zisk Serenbe’s Animal VillageFrom Hollywood to ‘Y’allywood:’ Atlanta is the Next Big Destination for Celebrity Home Buyers (Wall Street Journal)Serenbe: The Biophilic Community that Wants to Change How We All Live (Design Milk)The Farmhouse at Serenbe The new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren. 

Sheri Salata was living in Napa Valley with no plans to move when a Serenbe resident just so happened to send her a link to the website, thinking it would be the perfect place to lead a retreat. After reading about Serenbe’s commitment to nature, the arts, and community, it didn't take Sheri long to realize that she not only wanted to lead a retreat here, she also wanted to move and plant her roots for good. Sheri jumped from job to job until she got a big break at the Oprah Winfrey Show, a rollercoaster of a role that eventually culminated with working as the iconic show’s final executive producer. After a few years of even bigger roles as President of HARPO and OWN, Sheri decided it was time to do her own thing. Nowadays, she is the CEO of The Support System, a private membership platform for women who want to reimagine their lives and manifest all of their possibilities. She is also an acclaimed author and leads women’s retreats all over the world. In this episode of Serenbe Stories, Monica and Garnie chat with Sheri all about her inspiring career, the importance of connecting to a place, and her top three can’t miss things to do here in Serenbe. ShownotesSerenbe EventsSheri Salata The Support SystemThe Beautiful No: And Other Tales of Trial, Transcendence, and Transformation by Sheri SalataThe RetreatsThe Art Farm at SerenbeThe new book, Start In Your Own Backyard, is out and available for ordering.  Step off the treadmill of life and book a stay at the Inn at Serenbe. Use code Serenbe Stories when you book online or over the phone and receive 10% off your stay!Learn more about Serenbe and see our Events Calendar. Order your copy of Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense by Serenbe founder Steve Nygren.