Serenbe Stories: Recent Episodes
Serenbe Media Network
A podcast for those seeking stories about having an impact and building a better life. From the original Serenbe story of how Founder Steve Nygren and his family discovered and developed the land that is now the leading wellness community, to stories featuring many of the people that inspired, encouraged and influenced how Serenbe was created. Steve Nygren and host Monica Olsen talk about how we resist or ignore issues out of fear vs. discovering common sense solutions and discuss the biophilic connection to nature and each other that is vitally important for individual and community wellness. Join us as we tell the story of Serenbe and interview friends, residents and leaders from around the world who are doing the essential work to build and grow thel biophilic movement.
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 Notes
- Climate Wayfinding: Healing Ourselves and the Planet We Call Home
- Climate Wayfinding Website
- All We Can Save: Truth, Courage and Solutions for the Climate Crisis
- Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming
- Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense
- Steve Nygren on Substack
- Biophilic 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-Sonoma
GreenRow
GreenRow x Serenbe
The Inn at Serenbe
GreenRow, 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 lifestyle
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.
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 Morning
Levie
Levie Merci
Moving to Serenbe, Creative Entrepreneurs, Intentional Living, Levie Merci, Family Relocation, Atlanta Lifestyle, Serenbe Community
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. 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 Real
The Skin Real Serenbe
Dermatologist, 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 Aging
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.
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 Serenbe
Serenbe Stables
Peter Block Architects
Soul 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 Connection
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.
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 Notes
Art Farm at Serenbe
Art Farm Music Council
Art 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 Creativity
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.
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 Farms
Farm-to-Table
Serenbe HOA
CSA
Organic Produce, Farm-to-Table, Serenbe, Serenbe Farms, Community Supported Agriculture, local food, sustainable farming, regenerative agriculture, seasonal eating
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.
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 Instagram
Hills & Hamlets
Yelp
Asana
Intuition, Christina Trifero, Serenbe, Personal Transformation, Mindfulness, Spiritual Growth, Career Pivot, Psychic Medium, Intentional Living, Following Your Intuition
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 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 Notes
The Anxious Generation
Jonathan Haidt
Terra School
Snapchat
Digital Mom Media
Let 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 Outdoors
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 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 Notes
- Ryan Gainey
- Low Road Studio
- Blue Eyed Daisy
Serenbe, Chattahoochee Hills, Intentional Living, Creative Community, Biophilic Living, Community Building, Atlanta to Countryside, Returning Home, Serenbe History
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.
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 Notes
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Serenbe Real Estate
- Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where We Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve Nygren
- Start In Your Own Backyard Podcast
- Serenbe on Substack
Key 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 Notes
- Pre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Senseby Steve Nygren
- Start In Your Own Backyard Substack
- Learn more about Serenbe
- Serenbe Stories Podcast
Keywords: 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 living
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Pre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Senseby Steve Nygren
- Start In Your Own Backyard Substack
- Learn more about Serenbe
- Serenbe Stories Podcast
- Minro Studio
- Porchfest at Serenbe
- Serenbe Real Estate
Keywords: 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, culture
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Pre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Senseby Steve Nygren
- Start In Your Own Backyard Substack
- Learn more about Serenbe
- Serenbe Stories Podcast
- The Art Farm at Serenbe
- The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art by Dr. Anjan Chatterjee
- Serenbe community celebrates Curtis Patterson’s striking new sculpture by Gail O’Neill (ArtsATL)
- Naturally Fragile & Durable with Rachel Garceau (Serenbe Stories)
- Morgan Boszilkov Studio
Keywords: 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 artists
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Pre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Senseby Steve Nygren
- Start In Your Own Backyard Substack
- Learn more about Serenbe
- Serenbe Stories Podcast
- Wellness 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 Tabb
- Making Conversation: Seven Essential Elements for Meaningful Communication by Fred Dust
- Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time by Jeff Speck
Keywords: 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 design
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Pre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Senseby Steve Nygren
- Start In Your Own Backyard Substack
- Learn more about Serenbe
- Serenbe Stories Podcast
- Serenbe Urbanism: A biophilic theory and practice of sustainable placemaking by Phillip James Tabb
- About Keith Critchlow
- Love, Nature, Magic: Shamanic Journeys into the Heart of My Garden by Maria Rodale
- Aflie Vick Eats Plants (And Talks Environmental Ethics) on the Serenbe Stories Podcast
Keywords: 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 Nygren
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Pre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Senseby Steve Nygren
- Start In Your Own Backyard Substack
- Learn more about Serenbe
- Serenbe Stories Podcast
- The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art by Dr. Anjan Chatterjee
- Brave New Home: Our Future in Smarter, Simpler, Happier Housing by Diana Lind
- Biophilic Urbanism: Designing Resilient Communities for the Future Phillip Tabb
Keywords: 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 architecture
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Pre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Senseby Steve Nygren
- Start In Your Own Backyard Substack
- Learn more about Serenbe
- Serenbe Stories Podcast
- Biophilic Solutions Podcast
- Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
- Biophilic Urbanism: Designing Resilient Communities for the Future Phillip Tabb
- Planetary Health: Protecting Nature to Protect Ourselves by Samuel Myers and Howard Frumkin
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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: hello@stevenygren.com
Press Inquiries: press@stevenygren.com
Speaking Engagements: speaking@stevenygren.com
For Bulk Orders, please complete this form
Show Notes
- Pre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Senseby Steve Nygren
- Start In Your Own Backyard Substack
- Learn more about Serenbe
- Serenbe Stories Podcast
Keywords: Serenbe, Steve Nygren, wellness community, nature-connected living, sustainable community, intentional community design, biophilic design, built environment, urban plann
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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.
Shownotes
- Acorn to Oak Health
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Radical Dough
- The General Store at Serenbe
Keywords: 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, parenthood
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Pre-Order Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where We Live with Radical Common Sense by Steve Nygren
- Urbanize Atlanta
- Goodbye, Sweetberry Park: A Novel of City Life, Creeping Gentrification and Flesh-eating Snakes by Josh Green
- Kirkwood Spring Festival | May 17 2025
- Gothic 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 ATL
- Serenbe Events Calendar
Keywords: Josh Green, Serenbe, journalism, urban planning, novel writing, Atlanta neighborhoods, family experiences, book promotion, gentrification, Atlanta, built environment, biophilic design, architecture, design, nature, biophilia
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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.
Shownotes
- Pre-Order Start in Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where We Live With Radical Common Sense by Steve Nygren
- Subscribe to Steve Nygren on Substack
- Are You Ready for Radical Common Sense? By Steve Nygren (Substack)
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Key Words: book launch, radical common sense, community building, nature impact, practical solutions, mindset shifts, local solutions, sustainable communities, personal influence, change
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Calendar
- The Terra School at Serenbe
- The Blue Eyed Daisy
- Austin’s at Serenbe
- George 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
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Pollinators, 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, 2025
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- MTB 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
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Serenbe Real Estate
- Serenbe Events
- Belmond Official Site
- George Cohen’s Road to Recovery and Serenbe (Serenbe Stories)
- Terra School at Serenbe
- Acorn to Oak Health
- The Wine Shop at Serenbe
Keywords: Serenbe, community, real estate, travel, parenting, Belmond, lifestyle, support, exploration, personal stories
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Estate
- Seasons by Jack Kidd
- Serenbe Trail Riding
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Lifelong 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 Serenbe
- The Hill at Serenbe
Keywords: Serenbe, community, travel, career, pets, culture shock, horseback riding, trail riding, Seasons, author, writing, real estate, community, restaurants, cocktails
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 infrastructure
In 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 Notes
- Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy
- The Conservation Fund’s Working Farms Fund
- The Common Market
- Cottage Food | GA Department of Agriculture
- Smyly Farms Online Store
- The Good Place Farm
- Blue Heron Urban Farms and Sanctuary
- The Deer Creek Farm
- Rodale Institute
- Minro Studio
- Serenbe Farms
- Serenbe Events
Keywords: Serenbe, agriculture, Georgia, young farmers, community, sustainability, environmental issues, farming infrastructure, local food, Chattahoochee Hills, local agriculture, farmers market
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Serenbe Events
- Biophilic Leadership Summit
- Camp Serenbe
- SmithGroup Architects
- Trust for Public Land
Key Words: Serenbe, community, sustainability, environmental impact, personal journey, culinary experiences, water rights, family life, outdoor activities, connection
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Kindred Lane
- The Biophilic Leadership Summit
- All Serenbe Events
- Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
- Children & Nature Network
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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!
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Atlanta
- Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop Opening New Storefront
- Serenbe
- Serenbe Events
- The Sober Social Atlanta
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Institute
- Global Wellness Summit
- Serenbe
- Ameyalli
- Deepak Chopra
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Serenbe Events
- Rent the Runway
- Virgin Atlantic
- The New Rustic: 2020 Serenbe Showhouse (Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles)
- Serenbe Yoga
- Austin’s Cocktailery & Kitchen
- Minro Studio
- Spa at Serenbe
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Allchemy Website
- Allchemy Instagram
- Regenerative Organic Agriculture (Rodale)
- 2025 Biophilic Leadership Summit
- Hope Rises On Its Current: Defining Biophilia with Liz Calabrese (Serenbe Stories)
- Jackfir Clean Natural Skincare
- Yuka
- EWG Healthy Living
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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.
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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.
Notes
- Serenbe
- Biophilic Leadership Summit
- The Art Farm at Serenbe
- What is Appreciative Inquiry?
- Rodale Institute
- Soil Health
- The Biomimicry institute
- Birds Georgia
- PhD Student Pamela Robinson Presents at 3-Minute Thesis Competition
- The Juilliard School
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
- Changing 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 Yoga
- The Class
- EarthCraft-certified Organic Life House teaches Atlanta agrihood residents about healthy living (Inhabit)
- Art Farm at Serenbe
- Serenbe Events Calendar
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- The Inn at Serenbe
- The Farmhouse
- The Hill
- Austin’s Cocktailery & Kitchen
- Halsa
- Serenbe Real Estate
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Formula1 Racing
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Serenbe Events
- Nigel’s Frozen Bananas
- ReadyHer Self Defense
- Focal Point
- Serenbe Business Directory
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Notes
- Minro Studio
- Live as Lions
- Serenbe Holiday Market
- Antipodes Water
- Tap Out Martial Arts
- Serenbe Business Directory
- Serenbe Real Estate
- Serenbe Events
Key Words: Coffee Shop, Cafe, Pottery, Pottery Studio, Ceramics, Creativity, Community, Serenbe, Retail, Small Business, Film, Film Industry, Stuntman
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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.
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!
Today through October 12, order a copy of Start In Your Own Backyard and you'll receive a tote bag, keychain and signed bookplate from Steve Nygren.
Get a Start In Your Own Backyard Book Bundle Today
Pre-Order from your favorite bookseller, send in your receipt and we'll mail you a book bundle as our gift.
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 Overview
Today’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 Notes
- About Austin L. Ray
- How I’d Fix Atlanta
- Support How I’d Fix Atlanta
- Follow Austin on X
- Purchase Zine: How I'd Fix Atlanta
Image credit: Jason Travis
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 Notes
HGTV Green Home
Richard Louv
Westwood One
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Halsa
Nigel’s Serenbe
Birds of Serenbe
Giff Beaton & Serenbe Stories Episode
Cicada Broods in Georgia
Serenbe Real Estate
Nikkolas Smith is an artist and illustrator widely known for his distinctive style and emphasis on social justice issues. His illustrations have appeared in children’s books like The 1619 Project:Born on the Water, I Am Ruby Bridges, That Flag, and Black Panther Wakanda Forever: The Courage To Dream as well as in films like Space Jam 2, Black Panther 2, and Judas and the Black Messiah. His own children’s 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.
Shownotes
- Serenbe Events
- Nikkolas Smith
- The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith
- Sunday Sketch: The Art of Nikkolas
- Nikkolas Smith Online Art Store
- The Art Farm at Serenbe
- Artist Nikkolas Smith Engages Serenbe Communty in Ten-Day Residency with The Art Farm
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.
Shownotes
- Serenbe Events
- The Wildflower Restoration Project
- The Art Farm Environmental Council
- Bee City USA
- Serenbe Farms
- Compost at Serenbe Farms
- Serenbe Stories: Pollinators, Songbirds, and Creepy Crawlies with Thomas Peters
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.
Shownotes
- Serenbe Events
- Jetset World Travel
- About Lindsey
- Podcast | Who Made You the Boss? With Lindsey Epperly Sulek
- Serenbe Yoga
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?
Shownotes
- Serenbe Events
- Super Geek Trivia on Instagram
- Halsa Restaurant
- Joystick Gamebar Atlanta
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.
Shownotes
- Serenbe Events
- About Randy Zisk
- Serenbe’s Animal Village
- From 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
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.
Shownotes
- Serenbe Events
- Sheri Salata
- The Support System
- The Beautiful No: And Other Tales of Trial, Transcendence, and Transformation by Sheri Salata
- The Retreats
- The Art Farm at Serenbe
Even though Edgar Guillory has worked for the Inn at Serenbe for less than two years, it’s almost impossible to imagine a time before him. As Director of Guest Experience, Edgar kickstarted The Inn’s concierge program, bringing an already high standard of service to an entirely new level of hospitality. In fact, he is so overwhelmingly popular with our guests that he’s mentioned by name in pages of online reviews - including the reviews generated by AI.
For this interview, HR Director Stephanie Coyne is back to chat with Edgar about learning the hospitality ropes (occasionally the hard way) in his native Mexico, why he almost ignored Serenbe’s first attempt to reach him, and his personal philosophy for exceptional customer service.
Shownotes
- Serenbe Events
- The Inn at Serenbe
- Inn at Serenbe Packages
- Bamboo Juices
- The Hill at Serenbe
- The Farmhouse at Serenbe
- The Inn at Serenbe on Tripadvisor
Key Words: Hospitality, Customer Service, Concierge, Inn at Serenbe, Serenbe, Boutique Hotel
As we kick off the 10th season of this podcast, Serenbe is hitting a major milestone - 2024 marks 20 years since Serenbe’s groundbreaking, when the very first homes were being built and the first residents were taking a chance on a very new and evolving type of neighborhood development. In this episode, Monica and Steve take a trip down memory lane, discussing what the world looked like in 2004, the earliest days of the green building movement, and some of the major milestones that influenced Serenbe’s path forward. We also discuss the way the community itself has evolved over the years - and what the next 20 years have in store.
Shownotes
- Serenbe Events
- Ray C. Anderson Foundation
- Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
- Chattahoochee RiverLands
- Flight Path: A Search for Roots Underneath the World’s Busiest Airport by Hannah Palmer
- Rodale Institute
- American Farmland Trust
- The Conservation Fund
- Written Testimony of Steve Nygren, Founder & CEO of Serenbe, Submitted to the Committee on Agriculture, U.S. House of Representatives
- Serenbe plans innovative senior living center (Axios)
Serenbe Stories will be back on Monday, March 18th for our milestone TENTH season and we couldn’t be more excited. In this upcoming season, we’re sharing more stories about the people that make Serenbe such a lively, interesting, and dynamic community. Hear from Steve Nygren about how Serenbe has grown in the 20 years since breaking ground, from residents who have uprooted their busy lives to move here and slow down, visiting artists who enrich our everyday experiences, and so much more.
You can catch up on the first 9 seasons of Serenbe Stories anywhere you listen to podcasts and be sure to join us on Monday, March 18th, as we kickoff Season 10. Subscribe and follow so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening to Serenbe Stories.
Serenbe had been on Frank and Christine Egan’s radar for years before they eventually uprooted their busy lives on Long Island and moved all the way down to rural Georgia. However, when you hear their full story, it’s not all that surprising that this is where they landed. In addition to running a successful orthodontics practice, Frank and Christine have been longtime advocates for local food, sustainable living, and a balanced approach to wellness that includes lots of time spent outdoors.
In this episode, we chat about Dr. Frank’s new orthodontics practice in Mado, Christine’s inspiring approach to health and wellness, and the way that they’ve embraced all things Serenbe.
Show Notes
- Orthodontics at Serenbe
- The Healthy Girl’s Guide to Breast Cancer
- Redefining Healthy
- Serenbe Real Estate
- Community Supported Agriculture (Life at Serenbe blog)
- She’s Training for a Giant Climb Whether It Happens or Not (Wall Street Journal)
Key Words: Health, Wellness, Local Food, Organic Agriculture, Local Farm, Eat Local, Breast Cancer, Cancer Survivor, Sustainable Living, Sustainability, Solar Energy, Geothermal, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Nature Based, Hiking, Trails, Orthodontist, Orthodontics
Juliann West first heard about Serenbe in 2014 when her brother and sister-in-law tried convincing her to move here; however, at the time, she didn’t think she would ever leave her adopted home of Seattle or the Pacific Northwest. Flash forward to 2018 and Juliann found herself back in Serenbe’s orbit, this time as the newly appointed General Manager at the Inn and Farmhouse, a demanding role that she handles with incredible calmness and composure. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear “Juliann is the best” multiple times a day from multiple departments around Serenbe.
This week, Stephanie Coyne is back to chat with Juliann about her approach to team building, her calm, cool, and collected demeanor, and the type of employee that tends to thrive in Serenbe.
Show Notes
- The Inn at Serenbe
- The Farmhouse at Serenbe
- Serenbe Events Calendar
Key Words: Serenbe, Hospitality, Hospitality Industry, Food & Beverage, Pacific Northwest, Community, Biophilia, Biophilic Design
George Cohen was just starting out in the mortgage business in 2013 when a family friend connected him with Serenbe Real Estate. However, his journey to becoming a full-fledged resident didn't happen overnight. It was a few years later, after overcoming personal challenges and embracing sobriety, that George immediately connected with key members of the community who played a pivotal role on his road to recovery.
In the years since, it’s safe to say that George has become so much more than Serenbe Real Estate’s preferred lender. He’s a staple of the community, who you’re likely to bump into when he’s out walking the dog, co-captaining one of our sports leagues, or playing guitar in everyone’s favorite local band. And in true Serenbe fashion, George and his wife Katrina have moved homes multiple times within the community. In this episode, we’re joined once again by guest co-host Micah Adler to explore George’s path to Serenbe, unveil the origin stories of nicknames like El Toro and Dickie Robes, and hear why he loves working with new clients who are so excited to move here.
Show Notes
- George Cohen AVP, Senior Mortgage Consultant
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- The Hill
- Super Geek Trivia
Key Words: Mortgage, Mortgage Lender, Sober, Sobriety, Recovery, Athletics, Community Sports, Band, Local Band, Guitar, Serenbe, Serenbe Real Estate, Community, Biophilia
On this week’s episode of Serenbe Stories, we’re sharing an interview that Steve Nygren gave on the Glowing Older podcast, alongside their host Nancy Griffin. Serenbe has big plans to break ground on a state of the art aging-in-place campus, designed to take down the barriers that often leave older generations siloed away from the greater community. This campus will have no gates, no locked away areas, and interestingly, no age restrictions. It will also be located in the heart of Serenbe’s Mado hamlet, connected to shops and restaurants, the new Acton Academy school campus, and plenty of health & wellness businesses and services.
In this interview, hear about Steve’s approach to aging in place, intergenerational living, and how it all ties back to his biophilic vision for the community.
Show Notes
- Glowing Older
- Glowing Older Podcast
- Serenbe plans innovative senior living center (Axios)
Key Words: Aging, Intergenerational Living, Aging in Place, Senior Living, Wellness, Blue Zones, Biophilic Design, Biophilia, Serenbe, Community
Serenbe’s HR Director Stephanie Coyne is BACK for her first official Serenbe Stories takeover, where we’re putting the spotlight on our amazing employees. In today’s episode, Stephanie is catching up with Serenbe’s CFO Gil Mathis, who lives and works in the community. Gil and his wife Jeny - both longtime and beloved fixtures in the community - first discovered Serenbe while looking for a way to mix up their typical vacation routine. What they found changed their lives. After a few visits and a fateful trip to the real estate office (it’s hard to resist) Gil left his corporate finance job and took a role with Serenbe Real Estate before transitioning into his current position as Chief Financial Officer.
In this conversation, Stephanie chats with Gil about his family’s journey to Serenbe, his love/hate relationship with our sports leagues, his deep appreciation for an excel spreadsheet, and so much more. This one you don’t want to miss.
Show Notes
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Serenbe Real Estate
- Super Geek Trivia
- Serenbe Careers
Key Words: Serenbe, Community, Career, Career Transition, Real Estate, Trivia, Sports Leagues, Excel, Family
You might recognize today’s guest, Vern Yip, from shows like Trading Spaces, HGTV’s Design Star, and Deserving Design. He also runs his own design studio in Atlanta, designs a line of dog and kid-friendly furniture, has published multiple books on how to maximize your home - and he still has more TV and book projects in the works. Vern actually wrote his master’s thesis on New Urbanism, so Serenbe has been on his radar since its earliest days. After many years of spending time in the community, Vern and his husband Craig decided to make the leap to living here part-time and they’re currently building a beautiful home to retreat to with their children and seven - yes, seven - dogs.
In this episode, Monica is joined by special guest host Garnie Nygren, to catch up with Vern about how his love of animals led him to meeting his husband, his journey to Serenbe, and why he finds so much joy in the community here.
Show Notes
- About Vern Yip
- Wag-A-Lot
- Lifeline Animal Project
- Stylish Decor and Pets Can Co-exist in Your Home. Here’s How (Denver Post)
- Vern Yip’s Design Wise
- Vern Yip’s Vacation At Home
Key Words: Design, Interior Design, HGTV, Architecture, Vern Yip, Serenbe, New Urbanism, Community, Animals, Pets, Pet Adoption
If you’ve listened to Serenbe Stories for a while, then our guest today, Phill Tabb, will need no introduction. For those who need a refresher, Phill Tabb is Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Texas A&M University and has been involved with Serenbe since its earliest days, creating the community’s masterplan using the principles of sacred geometry. He is the author of numerous publications including Serene Urbanism: A Biophilic Theory and Practice of Sustainable Placemaking, and Biophilic Urbanism: Designing Resilient Communities for the Future. His latest is Thin Place Design: Architecture of the Numinous. This fascinating new study examines the qualities that make certain places extraordinary, magical, and profound. In this episode, Monica and Steve catch up with Phill about the emotional responses to thin places, the transformative experiences we find in nature, and the thin place experiences he has had right here in Serenbe.
Show Notes
- Thin Place Design: Architecture of the Numinous by Phillip James Tabb
- Serene Urbanism: A Biophilic Theory and Practice of Sustainable Design by Phillip James Tabb
- Biophilic Urbanism: Designing Resilient Communities for the Future by Phillip James Tabb
- Thin Places, Sacred Architecture, and Biophilic Patterns with Dr. Phill Tabb (Biophilic Solutions Podcast)
- Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner
- Rachel K. Garceau
- Nygren Placemaking
Key Words: Thin Places, Phill Tabb, Serenbe, Awe, Serenity, Emotion Wheel, Dacher Keltner, Biophilia, Biophilic Design
Giff Beaton and Allie Kelly moved to Serenbe from Atlanta six years ago, motivated by a desire to raise their twin boys closer to nature and to escape the city’s urban sprawl. By day, Giff works as a Delta pilot - but he is also an accomplished naturalist & nature photographer, authoring or co-authoring multiple books like Birds of Georgia, Dragonflies & Damselflies, and Tiger Beetles of the Southeastern United States. Giff also leads the occasional nature walk in Serenbe, which is a can’t miss event for residents and visitors alike.
In this interview, Steve and Monica chat with Giff about how his interest in nature began, the unique species you can find right here in our neck of the woods, and why he finds time spent in nature so grounding and calming.
Show Notes
- Giff Beaton Website
- About Giff
- Birds of Georgia by Giff Beaton, John Parrish, and Gregory Kennedy
- Dragonflies and Damselflies by Giff Beaton
- Tiger Beetles of the Southeastern United States by Giff Beaton, R. Stephen Krotzer, and Brian D. Holt
- Serenbe Events
Thomas Jackson is an environmental artist and photographer known for his abstract photographs that combine landscapes, sculpture, and kinetic art. Last Spring, he installed and photographed three incredible pieces in Serenbe during an artist residency with the Art Farm, in partnership with Jackson Fine Art, an Atlanta-based and world-renowned gallery with a 33-year history of supporting artists and collectors. In this interview, Steve and Monica learn about Thomas’ career trajectory from journalism to fine art, the inspiration he finds in nature, and, of course, the time he spent in Serenbe.
This week, Thomas will be back in Serenbe for a handful of exciting events. On Friday, September 29th, join us for Art Over Dinner, an intimate evening to celebrate Thomas and his work over cocktails and dinner from The Farmhouse. Then on Saturday, September 30th, there is another chance to meet Thomas at a free public reception where his works will be on view. You can also see Thomas’ gorgeous Serenbe Series when you tour Hope Austin’s space at the Serenbe Designer Showhouse, which is open Thursday-Sunday until October 22nd.
Show Notes
- Thomas Jackson Art Over Dinner, 9/29
- Meet & Celebrate Artist Thomas Jackson, Free Public Reception, 9/30
- Serenbe Designer Showhouse
- Thomas Jackson Photography
- New Georgia Landscapes (Thomas Jackson x Serenbe)
- Jackson Fine Art
- The Art Farm at Serenbe
Key Words: Art, Artist, Photography, Nature Photography, Installation, Installation Photography, Thomas Jackson, Gallery, Art Gallery, Contemporary Art, Serenbe, Nature, Artist in Residence
Since 2014, Serenbe has partnered with Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine for our annual designer Showhouse. Every year, a selection of Atlanta’s top interior designers take over a new home within the community and we open up the space for tours. For the past ten years, every home has been absolutely breathtaking - and the best part? Each one is completely different from the last. Our guests today, Elizabeth Ralls and Lauren Iverson, have been absolutely central to this exciting annual event and partnership. Elizabeth is the former Editor-In-Chief of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and currently serves as the magazine’s publisher. Lauren started out as the Managing Editor and Brand Specialist before taking over the Editor-In-Chief role.
In this episode, Steve and I chat with Elizabeth and Lauren about the early days of the Serenbe Showhouse, reminisce on our favorite homes of years past, and give our listeners a sneak peak of our 10th Annual Showhouse, which opens for tours on September 29th.
You can purchase tickets to our Toast & Tour Preview Party on September 28th or for Showhouse Tours starting on September 29th through October 22nd.
Show Notes
- Serenbe Showhouse Toast & Tour Preview Party September 28th
- Showhouse Tours September 29th - October 22nd
- About the Serenbe Showhouse
- Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
- Atlanta Holiday Home
- Southeastern Designer Showhouse
- Art Over Dinner Featuring Thomas Jackson September 29th
- Thomas Jackson Gallery Opening September 30th
- Tertulia Music, Wine, and Design October 6th
- Serenbe Planning & Design
Key Words: Design, Interior Design, Interior Designers, Architecture, Showhome, Showhouse, Serenbe, Magazine, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine, Atlanta Homes, Lifestyle, Stylish Living
Serenbe Stories will be back for its 9th Season on Monday, September 18th! This season, we’re continuing to explore the people and places that make Serenbe such a dynamic and thriving community. Tune in for a behind the scenes look at our 10th annual Designer Showhouse, hear from renowned installation artist Thomas Jackson who created a stunning photography series in our woods, dive deep into the wildlife that surrounds us with a resident expert, and so much more.
You can catch up on the first 8 seasons of Serenbe Stories anywhere you listen to podcasts and be sure to join us on Monday, September 18th, as we kickoff Season 9. Subscribe and follow so you never miss an episode,
In this special bonus episode of Serenbe Stories, Garnie Nygren and Monica Olsen sit down with marketing expert Tony Triumph for a conversation all about building the Serenbe brand. Tony is the founder and CEO of the Triumphant Group, a New York based marketing agency that has worked with major brands such as Nordstrom, Kettle Vodka, and Hyatt Hotels just to name a few. Before visiting Serenbe, Tony had never been to Atlanta outside of the typical Hartsfield Jackson layover and he was immediately struck by Serenbe’s sustainable approach to building and its biophilic philosophy.
In this conversation, which was recorded in July 2020, Garnie and Monica talk about how Serenbe has grown from the crazy idea that no one thought would work to the thriving wellness community it is today and they give listeners a glimpse into their day-to-day lives building a brand they’re both so passionate about.
Show Notes
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Building A Better Brand Podcast
- Tony Triumph
- The Triumphant Group
- Life at Serenbe Blog
- Serenbe Real Estate
For the final episode of Season 8, Steve and Monica are turning the mics over to two of Serenbe’s amazing team members, HR Director Stephanie Coyne and Director of Community Operations Amy Peterson. Hear from Stephanie and Amy as they give listeners a rundown of living, working, and playing in the community - from learning on the job, new resident onboarding, trivia nights at Halsa, and the supportive ecosystem that makes it all possible.
Explore Careers at Serenbe and learn more about Serenbe Real Estate.
Show Notes
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Serenbe Careers
- Serenbe Real Estate
- Serenbe Business Directory
- Serenbe Farms
- Super Geek Trivia
- Halsa
Anne and Walter Henegar started making regular visits to Serenbe in 2008 and purchased their Mado townhome ten years later, becoming beloved part-time residents. So beloved, in fact, that many neighbors don’t even realize that they aren’t here full-time. When the Henegars aren’t in Serenbe, they’re up in Atlanta running Westside Presbyterian Church - Walter as Senior Pastor and Anne as Director of Spiritual Formation - with a vision to build community and connection in one of Atlanta’s most racially and economically stratified neighborhoods.
In this conversation, Steve and Monica learn more about what led both Walter & Anne to a life in ministry, their daughter Emily’s thriving cookie business, and how we can all become stewards of healthy and positive growth.
Show Notes
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Westside Presbyterian
- Cookie in the Kitchen Website & Instagram
- Star Provisions
- Tall Trees Playlist
Key Words: Westside Presbyterian, Ministry, Church, Community, Nature, Biophilia, Biophilic, Serenbe, Baking, Cookies, Taylor Swift, Beyonce
Lisa (aka Woody) and Jim Challenger were looking to move away from the freezing Chicago weather but finding little success - until Lisa stumbled across a TikTok of Serenbe that showed off the distinctive architecture, farm-to-table meals, and easy access to nature. They first visited in June of last year and were full-time residents by August. Lisa played a central role getting Serenbe holiday-ready, the pair have already moved into a second home, and they are loving life in their new forever-community.
In this episode, Steve and Monica catch up with Lisa and Jim about why they chose Serenbe after looking all over the country, their famous family business The Challenger Bread Pan, and finding a devoted following on social media.
Show Notes & Further Reading
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Officially Woody on Tik Tok
- Officially Woody on Instagram
- The Challenger Bread Pan
- The Challenger Journal
- Acton Academy at Serenbe
- Lesley Graham on Tik Tok
- Mister + Mrs Sharp
Key Words: Social Media, Tik Tok, Instagram, Influencer, Bread, Sourdough, Breadmaking, Baking, Martha Stewart, Blog, Blogger, Serenbe, Nature, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Community, Placemaking, Halloween, Halloween Decorations, Farm, Horses, Equestrian, Walkable Community
After years of working in the fast-paced world of digital marketing for massive companies like Microsoft and AOL, Stephanie Nadi Olson founded We Are Rosie, a revolutionary business that matches major brands with a national network of marketers looking for flexible but dependable work. After four years of rapid growth, Stephanie sold her company and stepped down as CEO but has stayed very involved as board chair.
An Atlanta native and Georgia Tech graduate, Stephanie has fond memories bringing her nieces to Serenbe for mini-getaways but never seriously considered leaving the city until the Spring of 2020 when, as we all know, the world completely changed. What started out as a few visits with her husband and two daughters turned into a long term rental, which eventually led to full-time residency.
In this episode, we chat with Stephanie about selling her company, how Serenbe has helped her recover from burnout, and the beautiful new house she’s building in the community.
Show Notes & Further Reading
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- We Are Rosie
- Meet The Women of Scheller: The Making of We Are Rosie Founder Stephanie Nadi Olson (Georgia Tech)
- We Are Rosie founder leaves CEO position, names successor (The Business Journals)
- How We Are Roise is Working to Solve Marketing’s Diversity Problem (Forbes)
- 5 leadership lessons from my first 5 years as a founder and CEO by Stephanie Nadi Olson (The Write Up by We Are Rosie)
- Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop
- Bamboo Juices
Key Words: We Are Rosie, Stephanie Nadi Olson, CEO, Entrepreneur, Women Owned Business, Biophilia, Biophilic, Placemaking, Serenbe, Agrihood, Community, Burnout, Mind Body, Family
Glen Slater grew up riding bikes everywhere and later worked in a bike shop in college, where he realized that his interest in building and machinery connected nicely with his love of cycling. He opened his own shop, Pro Bike Repair, in 2012 and moved it to Serenbe in 2019. In the intervening years, PBR has become the unofficial Welcome center due to its location in the Crossroads, just past the Serenbe entrance, and its laid-back, easygoing feel. So laid-back in fact, that it's not uncommon to see residents and visitors alike head into the bike shop with beer, a glass of wine, and even a charcuterie board ready to unwind and hang out.
We also have a very special guest co-host for this conversation. We’re joined today by Micah Adler, the COO of Serenbe Real Estate, husband of Steve’s middle daughter Kara, and a pretty avid cyclist in his own right. In this interview, Micah and Monica chat with Glen about the bike scene in Serenbe, the many ways people choose to hit the trails and roads in Chatt Hills, and his love for a good pair of jean shorts.
Show Notes
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Pro Bike Repair
- Hamlin’s Big Wheels Keep Turning with Stacy Simmonds (Serenbe Stories)
- Handup Cycling Gloves & Apparel
- SCOTT Electric Bikes
- SURLY Bikes
- Belgian Waffle Ride: North Carolina
Key Words: Biking, Cycling, BMX, Bike, Pro Bike Repair, E-Bike, Community, Serenbe, Placemaking, Intentional Community, New Urbanism, Retail, Shop
When the world shut down in the Spring of 2020, Amy Mass and her husband Jared hit pause on their busy lives in Hollywood. Later that year, they piled into an RV with a few friends for what they imagined would be a relaxing Fall break in Serenbe - but like so many before them, they ended up under a contract for a house.
Now, it’s almost impossible to imagine Serenbe without the hilarious - and festive - Mass family. From Halloween decorations and hoe downs to flash mobs and farm parties, Amy brings the fun wherever she goes. In this interview, Steve and Monica chat with Amy about slowing down to gain perspective, her career transition from television comedy writer to romance novelist, and raising a spunky, outdoorsy kid in Serenbe.
Show Notes
- Serenbe Thriller Flash Mob
- Last Man Standing
- The Goldbergs
- Breaking In
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Why Do Children Need Nature to Thrive? (Life at Serenbe Blog)
Key Words: Serenbe, Writing, Writer, TV Writer, Comedy, Comedy Writer, Television, Community, Family, Author, Novelist, Romance Novel, Romantic Comedy, Halloween, Neighborhood, Animation, Nature, Childhood, Raising Children, Children & Nature, Outdoors
Stepping foot into the Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is like taking in a deep, calming breath. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and the shopkeepers couldn’t be friendlier or more knowledgeable. And even though the shop itself is on the smaller side, it’s packed to the brim with books from every genre you can think of including children's books, fantasy, art & architecture, urban planning, cookbooks - and even some rare & vintage finds for collectors. It’s truly something you can’t miss on your next visit.
In this episode, Monica and Steve chat with Hills & Hamlets owner Josh Niesse about getting started in the bookselling business, opening a second location here in Serenbe, and why bookshops are a great ‘indicator species’ for the health of a community.
Show Notes
- Hills & Hamlets Bookshop
- Underground Books
- Support Josh on Bookshop
- Libro.fm
- Chatt Hills Gallery
- Paige Crutcher
- Home Therapy: Interior Design for Increasing Happiness, Boosting Happiness, and Creating Calm by Anita Yokota
Key Words: Book Store, Bookshop, Bookstore, Library, Literature, Reading, Bookworm, Serenbe, Community, Book Launch, Author, Nature, Rare Books, Vintage Books, Retail
When Crystal Barrois and her husband drove down to Serenbe in late 2016, they knew they were home - despite the pouring rain. Since then, they’ve started a family here and watched their kids grow up as free range children, exploring the woods and community under the watchful eye of fellow neighbors, co-parents, and co-grandparents. It takes a village, as they say. At her day job, Crystal serves as a pilot with Delta. In an industry where women make up only 6% of the workforce, Crystal has led the charge to make aviation accessible.
In this interview, Steve and Monica learn all about Crystal’s path to Serenbe, the important work she’s doing to make aviation an industry for everyone, and we explore the magic of a Serenbe potluck.
Show Notes
- Serenbe Events Calendar
- Historic All-Female Delta Flight Inspires Young Girls in STEM
- Delta Tik Tok for Women’s History Month
- Propel Pilot Career Path Program | Delta Airlines
- United Aviate Academy
- Playing in the Woods | Life at Serenbe Blog
Key Words: Women in Aviation, Aviation, Women Led, Delta, Delta Airlines, Family, Raising Kids, Community, Serenbe
Philips McCarty and his family first came to Serenbe while searching for a getaway from bustling New York City life - particularly during the height of Covid, when people were longing for a connection to nature and access to open, outdoor spaces had never felt so important. Now the family splits their time between Serenbe and the city, where Philips serves as the Executive Director of the Fashion Institute of Technology’s FIT Foundation, leading initiatives in strategic philanthropy, social impact investment, and alumni affairs and engagement to support the college’s unique and unconventional heritage. He is also the founder of Good Scout, a social impact consultancy that helps companies, nonprofits, and philanthropists achieve their vision.
In this interview, Steve and Monica chat with Philips about the importance of getting involved in your local community, giving back, access to nature, and his passion for the arts.
Show Notes
- Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
- FIT Foundation
- Good Scout
- The Biophilic Institute
- The Art Farm at Serenbe
- Serenbe Events Calendar
Key Words: Fashion Institute of Technology, FIT, Philanthropy, Social Impact, Art, Nature, Biophilia, Serenbe
Eleven years ago, a fateful Google search of ‘eco-conscious communities near Atlanta’ led Stephanie Walsh & Brandon Blanchard to Serenbe. In the intervening years, they’ve become integral members of the community. They’ve both worked here - Brandon in hospitality and Stephanie as an agent with Serenbe Real Estate - built a home here, lived in every hamlet in the community, and built lifelong friendships. In this episode, Steve and Monica catch up with Brandon and Stephanie to discuss their mutual love of the outdoors, the new home they’re planning to build using the Living Building Challenge as a guideline, and how residents of all ages bond over a shared love of great food & a good old-fashioned tailgate party.
Show Notes & Further Reading
- Serenbe Real Estate
- Heritage Supper Club
- Living Building Challenge
- Kendeda Building at Georgia Tech
Key Words: Nature, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Sustainability, Regenerative, Living Building Challenge, Hospitality, Culinary, Real Estate, Yoga, Serenbe, Serenbe Real Estate
Serenbe Stories will be back for its 8th season on Monday, May 15th. In this new season, we’re putting the spotlight on the people who make Serenbe, well, Serenbe - from residents who have developed their own thriving businesses to the local business owners who have set up shop in the community. We’ll have new weekly episodes on Mondays dropping through mid July.
You can catch up on the first 7 seasons of Serenbe Stories anywhere you listen to podcasts and be sure to tune in for Season 8 on May 15th. Subscribe and Follow so you don’t miss an episode.
In this special bonus episode of Serenbe Stories, Steve shares a quick tour of the Inn property, diving into the history of the old Farmhouse, the early days of the surrounding cottages, and how the property transitioned from weekend getaway to family home to luxury retreat.
We’ll meet at the Farmhouse, walk out onto the wraparound porch, through the Inn grounds, and end up over by the Pavilion.
Show Notes & Further Reading
- The Inn at Serenbe
- The Inn at Serenbe History
- The Farmhouse
- Animal House (Life at Serenbe blog)
- Mary Mac’s Tea Room
- Chartres Cathedral
Artist Kristine Mays’ first introduction to Serenbe happened totally by chance, when Steve attended the opening of her exhibition, Rich Soil, at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Now, Serenbe is the latest stop in this stunning traveling show, which comprises 29 metal wire sculptures, all of which are full of life and movement. Set in the woods at Deer Hollow Park, these pieces are meant to evoke a number of things - feminine energy, agriculture, nature, soil - with meanings as varied as the viewers themselves. In this episode, Steve and Monica catch up with Kristine about finding rejuvenation in nature, the path that led her to becoming a full-time artist, and where Rich Soil will travel next.
Show Notes
- Kristine Mays
- Kristine Mays Instagram
- Art Farm at Serenbe
- Glo
- Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
- Filoli Historic House & Garden
- Hillwood Estate Museum & Garden
- Blue Eyed Daisy
All October long, Serenbe might as well be known as Halloweentown. As you walk through the neighborhood, you’ll see homes decorated with gravestones, inflatable pumpkins and monsters, zombies, and more than a few ghosts. On Halloween itself, there are costume contests, kids and parents alike bobbing for apples, and one of our favorite shops, Hamlin, is especially famous for creating immersive Halloween experiences year after year. In the latest Serenbe Kids podcast, Reese chats with her buddy Lily about all of the traditions that make this such a noteworthy Serenbe holiday, the trick-or-treating route of champions, and the hallmarks of a successful, spooky costume.
This week on Serenbe Stories, we’re chatting with Thomas Peters, Sernebe’s Director of Landscape and Horticulture, all about the creatures that call Serenbe home - from songbirds and butterflies to snakes and other creepy crawlies (Halloween is just around the corner, after all). Thomas joined the Serenbe team in 2017 after receiving his Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia. In his time here, he has played a central role in implementing natural approaches to landscape management, planting pollinator habitats for a thriving local ecosystem, and ensuring that Serenbe remains a place where people embrace the natural world. In addition to our discussion about Serenbe’s wildlife, we also talk about Thomas’s lifelong passion for the outdoors and how we can all learn to value nature in its many forms.
Show Notes & Further Reading
- Landscape Architecture at the University of Georgia
- R. Alfred “Alfie” Vick (University of Georgia)
- Art Farm Environment
- Chattahoochee Hills is now an official bee city (Art Farm at Serenbe)
- The Well Placed Weed by Ryan Gainey
- Birding Georgia by Giff Beaton
- A Time to Sow (Life at Serenbe Blog)
- Losing the Lawn (Life at Serenbe Blog)
- Every Day is Earth Day at Serenbe (Life at Serenbe Blog)
As you wander through Serenbe’s hamlets, taking in the details, the architecture, and feeling nature all around you, you can’t help but feel a true sense of place. Placemaking is the process of building high-quality spaces that encourage learning, play, happiness, and health - it’s the intentionality that’s been built into Serenbe’s model from day one. In this special episode of Serenbe Stories, join Steve Nygren for a walking tour of the community and learn all about how he designed the public areas and community at large in order to promote connection to nature, wellness, and a sense of community. We’ll start at the Blue Eyed Daisy, move through Selborne and Grange, and end in Mado. Whether you’re listening at home, in your car, or joining us for a walk through Serenbe, we hope you enjoy this placemaking tour!
Show Notes
- Nygren Placemaking
- Blue Eyed Daisy
- Ryan Gainey
- Creating Art Out of the Ordinary with Ryan Gainey (Serenbe Stories)
- Land Planning and Sacred Geometry’s Influence with Phil Tabb (Serenbe Stories)
- Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
- Shannon Lake
- Peter Block
- Gordon Chandler
- Serenbe Planning and Design
- Aspen Institute
In the second edition of our Serenbe Kids series, host Reese sits down with college-bound Kate, who has spent the majority of her childhood here in Serenbe. Kate explains how the community rallied around her throughout her adolescence - whether that meant fostering her love of nature and independence or droves of neighbors coming out to support her high school theatrical performances. Kate and Reese also discuss how their educations have prepared them for big transitions, what it’s like to grow up in Serenbe, and having the freedom to be creative.
Show Notes
- Woodward Academy
- Acton Academy at Serenbe
- Children & Nature Network
- The Art Farm at Serenbe
Acton Academy at Serenbe takes a unique approach to education. The curriculum is totally learner-driven, empowering students to take charge of their education with teachers acting more like guides to ensure that young learners meet their goals. In just a couple of years, the school has blossomed from 34 students to over 200 as of Fall 2022. Construction for the new campus in Mado - which will include an organic farm and artist studio open to the entire community - has already broken ground. This incredible growth would not be possible without our guest today - John Mattis, a Serenbe resident and Board Chair at Acton Academy. Today, Steve and Monica chat with John about how he and his family first discovered Serenbe, Acton’s student driven model, and what’s next for our community school.
Show Notes
- Acton Academy at Serenbe
- Acton at Serenbe Approach
- Apogee Scholarship Fund
- Practical Education with Dr. Eden Hinds (Serenbe Stories)
- Learning to Learn (Life at Serenbe Blog, 2018)
- Living Building Challenge
- Children & Nature Network
This week, Monica and Steve sit down and have a frank discussion about Serenbe’s roadmap to achieving net zero carbon emissions. From land conservation and stormwater management to our organic farm, which provides fresh, local food for our residents and restaurants.
sustainability has been built into Serenbe’s community model from the very beginning. Looking ahead, solar energy, transportation, and EV charging are at the forefront of Steve’s mind. In this episode, we explore the human benefits of environmentally friendly practices (ahem, noise pollution and air quality) as well as the challenges.
Show Notes
- Community Model: Building for a Net Zero Future by Steve Nygren (Drawdown GA)
- Healthy Soil, Healthy Food, Healthy People (Life at Serenbe Blog)
- The Water Beneath Us (Life at Serenbe Blog)
- LEED rating system (U.S. Green Building System)
- EarthCraft Certification
- Southface Institute
- Geothermal Heating and Cooling (EPA)
- How Does Solar Work? (US Department of Energy)
- How Georgia Became A Surprising Bright Spot In The U.S. Solar Industry (NPR)
Serenbe is a place where connections between people, nature, and the arts are nourished. Here, we believe that art has the power to shift perspectives and open both hearts and minds. On today’s episode of Serenbe Stories, we are speaking with arts writer and Serenbe resident Gail O’ Neill and artist Curtis Patterson about Curtis’ new permanent installation in Serenbe, Serenity for Shango. This gorgeous piece sits near the entrance to Serenbe and was designed to pay homage to the lineage of African American culture. In this episode, we chat with Gail and Curtis about their backgrounds in the arts, the meaning behind Curtis’ new piece, and why visual art is such an enduring and powerful medium.
Show Notes & Further Reading
- Curtis Patterson
- Gail O’ Neill
- ArtsATL
- Curtis Patterson: A Monument Maker Gets His Due (Art Papers)
- The Yoruba people
- Shango
- The Significance of Stools in Asante Culture
- Art Farm at Serenbe
- Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre
- Clark Atlanta University Art Museum
- Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
- Cutis Patterson: A Journey Through (Visual Arts Center of Richmond)
- Art Basel Miami
This week we’re chatting with Serenbe resident Faith McCoy Scriven and her longtime friend James Austin Smith about Tertulia Chamber Music, a dinner & music series that combines some of our favorite things: great wine, conversation, and beautiful classical music from world-class performers. Faith is a classically trained musician in her own right and she now co-owns and operates True Glory Brands Co, a portfolio of leading brands in the African American hair care and beauty industry, and she continues to teach piano to students of all ages. As Executive Director of Tertulia, James Austin Smith has made a career of breaking down the barriers around classical music and bringing it a wider audience. In this episode we chat about Faith’s fateful first trip to Serenbe, why Tertulia is such a perfect fit, and which classical pieces James and Faith are most drawn to.
Show Notes
- Tertulia Sunset Serenade at Serenbe
- Tertulia Happy Hour at Halsa
- Tertulia Cupcake Concert
- Tertulia Wine Dinner at Serenbe
- Tertulia Chamber Music
- The Art Farm at Serenbe
- James Austin Smith
- True Glory Brands Co.
- Palo Alto Music Group
On this special episode of Serenbe Stories, we’re passing the mic to Serenbe’s youngest residents to talk all about life in Serenbe from their perspective: from school and friendships to adventures in the woods and everything in between. Reese, a middle schooler living in Serenbe with her family, takes the reins from Monica and Steve and sits down with Maddy, who has lived in Serenbe since 2018. Maddy and Reese chat all about their love for Acton Academy where they both go to school, the major differences between life in Serenbe and life in the city, and the one business we’re missing (hint: it’s pizza related).
Show Notes
- Acton Academy at Serenbe
- Practical Education with Dr. Eden Hinds (Serenbe Stories Season 5 Episode 7)
- GW Harper Designs (Miss Gigi)
- StudioSwan (Gail Foster & Tom Swanston)
- Playing in the Woods (Life at Serenbe Blog)
This week on Serenbe Stories, Monica and Steve catch up with longtime Serenbe resident and Chair of the Art Farm Board, Janice Barton. Janice’s Serenbe story begins in the early days of Serenbe and in her time here, she has played a central role in bringing the arts to Serenbe’s residents and visitors. In this episode, we chat all about Janice’s own artistic expression (she is a highly talented quilter), the creativity she finds while walking the woods, and all of the exciting programming that the Art Farm has in store.
Show Notes
- Art Farm at Serenbe
- Arts & Crafting (Life at Serenbe blog)
- Curtis Patterson
- Kristine Mays
- Tertulia Chamber Music
- Alliance Theatre
- Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre
- Dad’s Garage
- America the Beautiful Challenge (National Wildlife Foundation)
- Rodale Institute
- Rural Studio
Have you ever wondered why Serenbe feels special or different from the vast majority of large developments? Or why there’s a certain feeling of calm in Serenbe that you can’t quite put your finger on? It all comes down to the details. From street signs, lamp posts, and trash cans, to front lawns (or lack thereof) and a very intentional street layout, Steve Nygren shares the small details that make all the difference when it comes to achieving a sense of place, a sense of community, and perfect imperfection.
Show Notes & Further Reading
- The Well-Placed Weed: The Bountiful Garden of Ryan Gainey by Ryan Gainey
- Welcome to the Porch Capital of America (Southern Living)
- Serenbe Planning & Design
- Serene Urbanism: A biophilic theory and practice of sustainable placemaking by Phillip James Tabb
- Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
- Children & Nature Network
Serenbe Stories will be BACK for its 7th season on August 22nd. This new season is all about looking ahead - from Serenbe’s long-term sustainability goals to interviews with the residents, visiting artists, and friends who all make Serenbe a thriving wellness community. We even have a few episodes hosted by the kids who call Serenbe home. Make sure to follow & subscribe so you never miss an episode.
For our final episode of this season, we're talking with nationally-recognized real estate agent and Serenbe resident Jared Sapp. In this episode, Jared shares how he found his Serenbe home through Instagram and how he worked with good friend and showroom owner Ryan Hughes to redo the home's interiors, which were featured in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and RUE magazines. We also talk about the pandemic real estate market, a bird who's taken up residence in his back yard, and how living at Serenbe has been life changing for him.
Biophilic Solutions Promo
Shelton Davis would rather hear your story than tell his. But in today's episode we're hearing the story of his life in Serenbe and building his company Empathy Lab. Shelton believes in the power of empathy within ourselves, so he's creating a world where it's embraced by leaders at every level in order to accelerate human achievement for the benefit of all. He talks about his transformation as a competitive athlete, what it means to be an empathy coach, and how we can recondition our empathy muscles and empower collective success from the inside out.
Biophilic Solutions Promo
Katrina Erni not only lives at Serenbe but runs marketing for the Biophilic Institute, headquartered at Serenbe, and she's in charge of putting on the annual Biophilic Leadership Summit - happening next week, October 11 & 12. We are going to hear her Serenbe Story plus get a taste of what to expect at the Summit, that is going virtual this year.
Biophilic Solutions Promo
Hi Everyone, welcome back to Serenbe Stories. Today we're bringing you an episode from my podcast Biophilic Solutions, because it features one of Serenbe's residents, Sarah Milligan-Toffler. Sarah is the President and CEO of the Children and Nature Network, an organization created by Richard Louv, that reconnects kids and families with nature. In this episode, Sarah, my co-host Jennifer Walsh, and I discuss nature’s impact on brain development in early childhood, ways that we might reimagine the traditional schoolyard, and the historic barriers that have prevented underserved communities from enjoying nature’s benefits. We also dive into the tools that city officials and engaged citizens alike can use to advocate for the rights of all children have local and safe access to the outdoors.
Enjoy this special interview with our neighbor Sarah.
Show Notes:
- About the Children & Nature Network
- Urban Nature: Promoting Nature in Cities, Children & Nature Network
- Creating Systems Level Change in Cities: A Toolkit, Children & Nature Network
- Advancing Equity in Children’s Connections to Nature, Cities Connecting Children to Nature (Children & Nature Network + National League of Cities)
- The Urgent Case for Green Schoolyards During and After Covid-19, by Sarah Milligan-Toffler and Richard Louv
- To Build a Healthier City, Atlanta is Opening its Schoolyards to Everyone, by Monica Humphries (Nationwell)
- Policy Spotlight: Georgia Creates Outdoor Learning Committee (National Caucus of Environmental Legislation)
- How the City of Grand Rapids Became a Leader in Connecting Children to Nature, by Alejandra Pallais (National League of Cities)
- We’re Here, You Just Don’t See Us, by Latria Graham (Outside)
- Register for Sum of Us: A Conversation with Heather McGee and Dr. Gail Christopher, presented by the Children & Nature Network (June 10, 2021 at 1:00pm).
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Rachel K. Garceau is a studio artist whose work has been shown nationally and has been published in Studio Potter, Ceramics Monthly, and National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Journal, and also appears in CAST: Art and Objects Made Using Humanity’s Most Transformational Process. In this episode, Rachel talks about her preferred medium of porcelain and being inspired by nature, and she and Steve make plans to give new life to some of her past work. And definitely stay to the end as she shares an inspiring poem with us at the end of the episode.
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Jon Hutson is the Co-founder of BrandCulture, an agency that integrates branding and organizational development as the flip sides of the same coin. In this episode, Jon talks about becoming an advocate for biophilia after being gifted a book by E.O. Wilson. Once he moved to Serenbe he got in deeper and created the Biophilia Poster Competition, which brought in more than 3,500 poster submissions from around the world and was displayed in the woods of Serenbe Fall 2020. Jon incorporates biophilic principles into his client work on brand development and culture building and you can find him running the Serenbe trails most mornings.
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Greg and Amanda Kasparian had a vision for building a wellness business as soon as they knew they were making Serenbe their home. They initially opened Creek Retreat in the terrace level of their townhouse, and it quickly grew out of their home and into a retail space in the heart of Mado. Plus they've now launched a skincare line! In this episode, we talk about Greg’s background in the spa and wellness industry, Amanda's experience in fitness and nutrition, and how, during a workshop, Greg had his "A ha!" moment.
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A thoughtful, dynamic and innovative entrepreneur, Tyler Scriven is the Founder & CEO of Saltbox, a co-warehousing startup on a mission to make logistics approachable, accessible, and efficient for all. In this episode of Serenbe Stories, we talk with Tyler about his vision for a human-centered business and how - even as an introvert - he enjoys the serendipitous interactions he has with neighbors at Serenbe.
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Sam Harrison has been on all sides of creative communications, marketing and branding, most recently on the academic and coaching side. He speaks, trains, writes and coaches on creativity-related topics with a mission to help people expand and express their creativity and improve their presentation skills. In today's episode, we talk with Sam about staying curious, his neighborhood newsletter that has been telling Serenbe's stories for years, and how to foster your creative enthusiasm and passion.
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Artist GW Harper, known to her Serenbe neighbors as Gigi Wilborn, is represented by a number of Atlanta galleries including Dogwood, Kuali Studio, and the Chatt Hills Gallery, and she is a former Goat Farm Arts Center studio member.
In this episode, Gigi tells us how her painting career was jumpstarted by her husband's gift of a weekend away, what is was like to be a nurse during a pandemic, and how she's combining her passions for healthcare and art.
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Today we welcome Steve Hurwitz, one of our earliest residents who has a long history in marketing and advertising and now specializes in consulting with developers and builders, including Serenbe, on Geothermal HVAC and infrastructure for homes and communities. In this episode, we talk with him about how Coca-Cola brought him to Atlanta from New York and his garage band Neuroplasticity - which he formed with other residents, even though he didn't know how to play an instrument.
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Last season, we went straight to the best source for Serenbe Stories, Serenbe residents. They talked about how they first discovered the community and the friends they made. We heard about the businesses started, homes built, and the inspiration found. All of these stories had a common thread: A curiosity and a willingness to learn, an openness to new people and ideas, and a desire for connection as we build a community and hope for a better world.
Season 6 will begin in two weeks, and we'll continue to bring you the inspiring stories of people who have created community at Serenbe. Catch up on seasons 1-5 anywhere you listen to podcasts, follow us and leave us a 5-star rating and written review. Thank you for listening to Serenbe Stories!
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Meghan and Patrick Sharp carried around a Cottage Living Magazine featuring a Serenbe home on the cover long before making the move, but the moment they drove in and saw the sign "Children & Adults at Play," they decided this was their place. Interior design is what they do, creating beautiful spaces within the neighborhood and beyond. In this episode, the Sharps talk about designing homes at Serenbe, moving to San Francisco and back again, and what you'll miss if you don't look up.
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Patrice Sumpter is an award-winning real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Georgia Properties, receiving the Chairman's Circle Award in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and consistently performing in the top 1% of agents in the country.
As a self-professed "city girl," she and her husband, Ron first chose the Mado neighborhood for it's city energy. In this episode we talk about their avid support of Serenbe's restaurants, her dream of living in Spain, and her new desire of owning a horse (but we'll see what Ron has to say about that).
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Stacy Simmonds had a long career in retail, branding, and sales, all the while with a lifelong dream of opening her own store. Before settling in Serenbe, Stacy, and her husband, Jason, lived in cities all over the country. She didn't know it at the time, but everywhere she lived she was acquiring the inspiration for what is now Hamlin, her modern lifestyle store in the Selborne neighborhood. The relaxing in-store atmosphere, the curated "necesary(ish)" products, and the amazing experiences she creates, including an Adult Big Wheel Race, are all about "making adults feel like kids again."
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Today we're talking with Penny McPhee, who is the former President of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, a well known philanthropic nonprofit that has donated over $800 million to initiatives from early childhood development to the arts.
She knew from an early age that she wanted to change the world and that writing was her talent. In this episode, we talk with Penny about her career in journalism and media, her influence in making the art collection at Atlanta's Mercedes Benz stadium worthy of a fine arts museum, and what she's looking forward to for her next adventure.
Penny first visited Serenbe before homes had been built, and he and her husband even joked about wondering if Steve's vision could work. Nearly 20 years later, the vision is realized and the McPhee's have found a happier healthier life living at Serenbe.
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Our neighbor Gemmie Dayrit has worked with traveling museum exhibitions throughout Asia and the U.S., including iconic shows RMS Titanic and Bodies: The Exhibition. Her specialty is curating museum gift shops, and she recently launched Wild Tribe Productions that is also creating pop-up retail experiences.
In this episode, we talk about how a trip to a haunted New York hotel room led her to Serenbe, how living here opened a dimension of life she never expected, and the gift of being a Godmother.
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Today we have another great guest, Dr. Kate Edwards who founded Precision Physical Therapy.
Running is where is all started for Kate. Her first race was the Hyannis Half Marathon back in 2003. She said she had no idea what she was doing and did everything wrong: trained inconsistently, did a nine-mile-long run, wore brand new shoes, went out too fast...the list goes on.
Since then she has completed multiple marathons, went back to school to become a Physical Therapist, and then subsequently opened two successful offices. She's also written two books and just launched a podcast focused on endurance athletes, and if that's not enough she's also launching online courses and planning a retreat at Serenbe later this year.
Take a listen to this dynamic episode with Kate and learn all about her incredible journey and how she got to Serenbe.
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Biophilic Solutions is a new nature and science podcast from the Biophilic Institute at Serenbe. Biophilia is the innate connection that human beings seek with the natural world and this podcast will help understand, elevate, and amplify biophilic solutions across a broad range of industries. Because we believe nature has the answers.
Serenbe resident Dr. Phill Tabb is the first guest on Biophilic Solutions and we wanted to share his unique point of view with the Serenbe Stories audience by asking the question "How Do We Build Resilient Communities for the Future?"
Join the growing biophilic movement to understand, elevate, and amplify biophilic solutions across a broad range of industries. Find out how can we take local and global actions that nurture the living, social, and economic systems that will sustain future generations. Listen in every other week, as hosts Monica Olsen and Jennifer Walsh pose questions centered around finding common-sense solutions to some of society's biggest problems.
They'll speak with experts in the growing field of biophilia and environmental research about everything from offsetting your personal carbon footprint to putting pressure on the corporations and policy-makers that can affect major, systemic change. We hope you'll join them on their biophilic journey. Subscribe, follow and listen to Biophilic Solutions today on Apple, Spotify and all the podcast places.
Biophilic Solutions podcast is brought to you by The Biophilic Institute, creating a world in which individuals take local and global actions that nurture the living, social and economic systems that will sustain future generations. Learn more about programs, research and the Fall 2021 Biophilic Leadership Summit at biophilicinstitute.com.
Dr. Eden Hinds came to Serenbe to lead and grow Acton Academy at Serenbe and ended up finding home. As the Head of School and CEO she embodies the Acton ideal of a curious, lifelong learner - she holds multiple degrees and certificates in education and never stops asking questions.
In this episode, we talk about instilling practical life skills in children and the benefits of place, specifically how the school thrives in community by having the opportunity to benefit from Serenbe's assets, especially of nature as a learning environment. She and Steve also share the first details of a new campus being built in the Mado neighborhood.
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Pierre Ferrari is the President and CEO of Heifer International, an organization on a mission to end hunger and poverty by supporting and investing alongside local farmers and their communities. He has worked or held board roles at Coca-Cola, Ben & Jerry's and the Small Enterprise Assistance Fund, and he has a Master’s degree in economics from Cambridge and an MBA from Harvard. Pierre's 40 years of business experience are being put into his passion for social issues at Heifer. You can find his recent opinion pieces in TIME magazine with Chef Tom Coliccio about the fixes we need to food system, and in Fast Company on ethical meat standards. Pierre and his wife Kim have been fans of Serenbe for years and recently made the move full time.
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Today we're talking with Juliet Cutler, a teacher, author, and Serenbe resident, whose memoir, Among The Maasai, documents her time teaching English at a Maasai girls' school in the late '90s and she addresses the challenges inherent in tackling issues of extreme poverty across vastly different cultures. In this episode, we talk about the power of educating women and girls, how Juliet has continued to advocate for Maasai girls over the last 20 years, and the importance of having a community.
Juliet Cutler is a writer, an educator, and a designer of award-winning exhibits for museums, parks, and cultural centers throughout the world. Her teaching career began in Tanzania in 1999, and since that time she has been an activist for girls’ education worldwide.
Cutler’s literary and professional publications now number more than two dozen, and she has taught writing in many settings including as adjunct faculty for the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota. Her first book, Among the Maasai, has received critical acclaim through several national and international awards including the Independent Publisher Book Award, the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award, and the National Indie Excellence Award.
In 2009, she was selected by Orion Magazine to participate in their annual writing workshop, and in 2013, she participated in a writer’s residency at La Muse in Labastide-Esparbairenque, France. In 2019, The Serenbe Institute for Art, Culture, and the Environment honored Cutler as a Serenbe Fellow—a distinction given to nationally recognized thought leaders, scholars, and artists.
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Camille Lowe thought she'd stay on the West Coast when she left Georgia after college. Not only did Serenbe draw her back, she was inspired by the place and people to get involved in determining its future, and is now our city council representative for Chattahoochee Hills. In this episode, we talk with our neighbor Camille about the gift of nature homebuyers get when they move here, her favorite time of day to explore Serenbe, and the city's future. Camille was raised in Macon, Georgia, attended the University of Georgia where she received a BBA in Risk Management/Insurance, and was a four-year starter for the UGA Women’s Basketball Team. Her 20-year career in biopharmaceuticals has involved a lot of travel, working from a home base on the west coast, then back to the Atlanta area. Prior to moving into sales, Camille was an Account Executive for Marsh in San Francisco, CA, a global leader in insurance and risk management. Camille moved to Serenbe in 2015 as she looked for a place she could enjoy her love of nature and connect with community in a place that is beautiful, healthy, and environmentally sensitive, and currently serves as Chattahoochee Hills City Council Member for District 4.
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Today we have resident Jason Geter, who is the co-founder of Grand Hustle Records and most recently, Heavy Sound Labs that is a music incubator for emerging artists. We talk about removing the gatekeeper model in music, finding creativity in nature and how a serendipitous golf cart ride made his move to Serenbe a no brainer.
A natural leader, Jason Geter embraces the blue collar intersection of music, art, fashion, technology, and sweat equity, taking cast-off remnants and reimagining them as brands that could only exist today. Jason, a serial entrepreneur and investor, is the founder of Heavy Sound Labs and Strivers Row, a lifestyle brand; co-founder of Grand Hustle, AKOO, and Hustle Gang Apparel; co-owner of All Def Digital; and advisor to several multimedia artists and brands. Through his venture Grand Hustle, he’s had the pleasure of launching the careers of acts such as T.I., Travis Scott, Killer Mike, B.O.B., Iggy Azalea, DJ Drama, Young Dro, and more. Geter has even had the honor of managing the solo career of Big Boi, of the legendary Outkast, and co-producing the #1 premiering film Takers.
Jason’s partnerships are effortless because of his culture of innovation, superior product development capabilities, integrated multichannel infrastructure, and significant scale to offer an unmatched combination of authenticity, quality, and value. In a world guided by focus groups and facts, Jason admires those inspired spirits who believe that ideas of the future don’t exist in the past. Jason is dedicated to curating a global lifestyle, leveraging his core capabilities to innovate, curate, and integrate new businesses.
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Imagine if your car were powered by solar roads made out of recycled tires? Today we talk with Allie Kelly, the Executive Director of The Ray, a highway that is the future for sustainable roads and transportation. She talks about how her family found Serenbe and Steve challenges listeners with a Serenbe scavenger hunt to find the chair placed in memory of the highway's namesake Ray C. Anderson that features a box with his book hidden inside.
In the five years since its conception, Allie has helped The Ray to implement and build nearly a dozen ground-breaking, world-leading technology demonstrations, including the first solar road in the United States and the world’s first public demonstration of a drive-through tire safety station. Allie has over 15 years of experience working in public policy, first as a lobbyist for UPS in Washington, D.C. then founding Georgia Watch in Atlanta, the state’s only consumer watchdog organization. Allie earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Georgia.
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We talk with Heather Ruth about leaving a high-stress career to gain multiple yoga certifications and to launch the Serenbe Yoga & Bodyworks studio. Her journey began as a way to manage stress and gain physical strength. Listen to her story and hear how she became Mom to five Nigerian dwarf goats. Heather received her Thai Yoga Therapist certification and 200 RYT in Costa Rica specializing in Restorative and Breathework, and attained her 300 RYT through The Maze Method, which focuses on alignment. She is also certified in Aerial Yoga and Yoga Nidra. Heather's classes are light hearted and meditative in nature.
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Stop any resident on the streets of Serenbe, and they’ll have a story to tell you about how they got here. How they first discovered Serenbe and the friends they’ve made. Parents will share why they’re raising their children, and others share how they’ve built their own extended family. Some have started a business, built a new home, or found creative inspiration to write a book or create art. Others have found solace on the trails or taken up a new hobby with new friends.
All of these stories have a common thread: a curiosity and a willingness to learn, an openness to new people, ideas, and a desire for connection, to build a community and a hope for a better world.
In past seasons we’ve told stories about what Serenbe is, how it was built and how Steve Nygren’s vision has inspired a biophilic movement. This season goes straight to the best source for Serenbe Stories, Serenbe residents. Subscribe today to hear their stories and learn why the best reason to live here are the people here.
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We planned on recording 12 episodes of this biophilia-focused season, but we couldn't end without talking to Jeff Tkach, the Chief Impact Officer at Rodale Institute, about the place where life begins: The Soil. As Rodale has proven, Healthy Soil equals Healthy Food, which makes Healthy People, and the healthiest soil is organic and regenerative. Not only is healthy soil important for us, it's important for the planet.
Jeff is responsible for expanding Rodale Institute's global influence to heal people and the planet by unlocking the transformational power of regenerative organic agriculture. He was in Chattahoochee Hills this November to open Rodale Institute's Southeast Organic Center - one of three research hubs being opened across the country to increase the number of organic farms and acres in production through training and education.
In this episode, we talk with Jeff about training new farmers, why J.I. Rodale hated the word "sustainable," and how Rodale is putting $2 million into the future of food.
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Diandra Marizet stopped through Serenbe in December 2019, while on a road trip from New York to her family's home in Texas. She found us while searching for farm stays she could visit along the way, and was drawn in by Serenbe's design intention. Her afternoon here made an impression, and her subsequent work on Intersectional Environmentalist made an impression on us.
Diandra Marizet is a founding member of Intersectional Environmentalist, which is a platform with the goal of dismantling systems of oppression in the environmental movement. The founding group created a Council of environmental activists and sustainability advocates that are committed to identifying the ways in which injustices happening to marginalized communities and the earth are interconnected.
In this episode, we talk with Diandra about her background in fashion, most recently with Kate Spade, and how that lead to climate and environmental activism.
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Did you know that when we're in cities, it's hard to relax because we're taking in all the stimuli around us. In contrast, when we're in nature - even with our eyes open - the quiet and peaceful environment allows us to relax, which is imperative for human health and de-stressing.
Today we are talking with Florence Williams, who is a journalist and author, whose most recent book is The Nature Fix: How Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. She is also contributing editor at Outside Magazine, and a freelance writer for the New York Times, National Geographic, Slate, Mother Jones and numerous other publications.
Her work focuses on the environment, health and science. In this episode we talk about her immersive research that proves the connection between nature and human health. She also shares content from her next book, which was partially written while in residence at Serenbe.
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Design is a powerful tool in addressing climate change, but what IS design? And what is a design museum? The Museum Of Design Atlanta - or MODA - defines design as "A creative process that inspires change, transforms lives, and makes the world a better place."
Today we talk with MODA Executive Director Laura Flusche and Exhibitions Manager Veronica Klucik about the role of museums in the 21st century. What if museums looked forward instead of backward? What if they prioritized active engagement instead of passive observation? These are the questions MODA sets out to answer by curating exhibits that show how design can solve real world problems.
MODA had big plans in 2020 for their Year of Climate & Change. In this episode, we discuss how they successfully implemented virtual programming, including education more than 3,000 kids worldwide. They are looking forward to 2021 and continuing to offer virtual access to exhibits focused on regenerative design and alternative transportation.
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What kind of world are we going to leave our children? That is the question Principal Patrick Muhammad asks himself as he leads Chatt Hills Charter School. With a tri-focus curriculum of Arts, Agriculture, and Environment, he's teaching them the value of life from a ladybug to a human.
Education is a pillar of our Biophilic Principles, and Serenbe is proud to support our local charter school since its founding. Today we're talking with Principal Muhammad, who is affectionately known as The Principal Farmer by his students, about how their outdoor programming has improved student health, how they've increased test scores, and why they have a wait list each year to enroll in this innovative K-8 school.
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Steven Peck was introduced to the idea of green roofs and living walls in the mid-90s and quickly realized how important it is to have nature at the center of architecture and design. Since 1996, he has worked to advance the green roof and wall industry by facilitating research; organizing conferences; writing articles; and advocating for supportive policies and standards at all levels of government around the world. He also edits and publishes green roof magazine Living Architecture Monitor.
Steven is optimistic about our collective ability to rapidly evolve the building industry within a generation. He does not believe COVID will define our future, but rather it has been and will continue to be defined by climate change, and having green infrastructure will help us prepare for that future. Join us as he shares his biophilic journey to expand the living architecture industry world-wide.
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Yoli Ouiya is passionate about sustainability and wellness, and is best known for her eco-lifestyle portal Yoli’s Green Living, which earned her the moniker “Queen of Green” by Black Enterprise Magazine. Her self-professed “first passion,” though, is food, and when COVID struck the world in early 2020, she turned her focus to food equity, co-founding The Food + Wellness Equity Collective. The collective is a diverse group of content creators and entrepreneurs committed to being change agents for equity, diversity, and anti-racism in the food and wellness industries.
In this episode, Monica and Steve reminisce with Yoli about their kindred connection when meeting in New York at the 2017 Global Wellness Summit, and how that meeting brought Yoli to the first Biophilic Leadership Summit at Serenbe. They also talk about how Wholesome Wave, SNaP, and Rodale Institute are impacting food policy on local and national levels, how Yoli is changing the face of food and wellness by providing a safe place to talk about food policy issues, and how we can all #sharetheplate.
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Today we're talking with Bill Browning and Catie Ryan from Terrapin Bright Green. Bill is one of the green building and real estate industry’s foremost thinkers and strategists, and is an advocate for sustainable design solutions. As Co-Founder of Terrapin Bright Green, he is no stranger to biophilic design. Bill has worked with the Pentagon, Starwood Hotels, Google, the city of New York Building Resiliency, and the Rocky Mountain Institute, among many others. Catie joined Terrapin in 2008, and is their Director of Projects. She is the co-author of several books, including 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design and The Economics of Biophilia, which is a leading piece in the industry for case studies for designing with nature in mind.
It's been more than 20 years since Steve Nygren met Bill Browning and was introduced to the concept of "biophilia." In today's episode, we talk about their early connections, and the major influencers in the green building industry as well as in developing Serenbe.
Bill and Catie (and Bill's Zebra Finches) share their stories about their work at Terrapin Bright Green furthering the biophilic design research. They also discuss their new book Nature Inside: A Biophilic Design Guide, which we highly recommend and is out now.
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You may have thought "wellness" was just a buzzword, but it's also a $4.5 trillion dollar economy, with the wellness real estate sector making up $134 billion dollars of that. These figures were determined through extensive research done by The Global Wellness Institute, which is the non-profit research organization that grew out of the Global Wellness Summit, an annual think tank event made up of wellness industry leaders and releases annual trend forecasts.
In today's episode, we talk with Institute Chairman and CEO Susie Ellis and Chief Creative Office and Executive Director Nancy Davis about the importance of sharing research and information to help people live healthier lives, and proving the value of global wellness. Hear how wellness is more than a great spa day.
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Today we're talking with one of the planet's most avid environmental advocates, Laura Turner Seydel. Laura works with and supports organizations that address urgent challenges affecting the health, functionality, and vitality of our life support system: Our air, water, land, food, biodiversity, and climate. She co-founded Chattahoochee Riverkeeper to help protect Georgians' drinking water, as well as Mothers & Others for Clean Air, which works to improve air quality for at-risk populations.
Laura also serves on the boards for Children & Nature Network helping children realize the benefits of exposure to nature, Project Drawdown, which focuses on the top scalable solutions to address global warming, the United Nations Foundation, the Nuclear Threat Initiative, and she is the Chair of the Captain Planet Foundation and Director of the Turner Foundation.
In this episode, we talk about how her father, Ted Turner, instilled a love for the environment in her at an early age and how she's continued that legacy with her own children. She also tells us about what she's doing to teach all children about the environment and inspiring them to be Planeteers, and how we should all be coming together to to save our one and only home, Earth.
Mentioned In The Episode
Captain Planet Foundation
Project Drawdown
Children & Nature Network
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
Sally Bethea
Hudson Riverkeeper
Ted Turner
Greta Thunberg
Georgia Conservancy
The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau
17 Goals of Sustainable Development of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
EcoSense for Living
Jennie Garlington
Edward Osborne (E.O.) Wilson
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Today's episode features Dr. Tim Beatley, who is the Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities in the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning, School of Architecture at the University of Virginia, where he has taught for the last twenty-five years.
Much of Tim's work focuses on the subject of sustainable communities, and creative strategies by which cities and towns can fundamentally reduce their ecological footprints, while at the same time becoming more livable and equitable places.
Tim Beatley believes that sustainable and resilient cities represent our best hope for addressing today’s environmental challenges, but as he says in this episode, "we have to move quickly." Join us as we talk with Tim about what makes a Biophilic City, the importance of sustainability and resilience in city planning and design, and our ethical obligation to create a better future.
Mentioned In The Episode
Biophilic Cities
Tim Beatley
Green Urbanism: Learning from European Cities
Robin C. Moore
Natural Learning Initiative
Bill Browning
Terrapin Bright Green
SXSW Eco
Amanda Sturgeon
The Biophilic Institute
Biophilic Cities
Biophilic Leadership Summit
Living Building Challenge
Dianna Budds, Curbed
Ethical Land Use: Principles of Policy and Planning
1918 Influenza Pandemic
Singapore - The City in Nature
Ryan Gainey’s The Well-Placed Weed
Environmental Resilience Institute
Zealandia
Nina Marie Lister’s natural garden in Toronto, Canada
Nygren Placemaking
The Nature of Cities
Dr. Stephen R. Kellert
The SHIFT Awards
Richard Louv
Children & Nature Network
“Why not put green roofs on buses?” - Fast Company
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In this episode, Steve Nygren and Monica Olsen talk with New York Times bestselling author Dr. Katharine Wilkinson and writer + podcaster Mary Annaïse Heglar about the power of voice, their love of nature, and the new book "All We Can Save," which showcases the work of women at the forefront of the climate movement who are harnessing truth, courage, and solutions to lead humanity forward.
As Mary Annaïse says, "Climate isn't a story, it's a saga," and "we are the heroes in the tale of saving the planet.” Katharine calls on us all to be "climate curious,” and to open your heart and use your super powers. Join us as we discuss the power of storytelling in affecting change.
Mentioned In The Episode
All We Can Save
Hot Take podcast
Subscribers to their weekly newsletter
Chattahoochee NOW
Trust for Public Land
Chattahoochee RiverLands Project
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
DRILLED
Amy Westervelt
Leah Stokes
Kate Orff
SCAPE
Emily Atkin
HEATED
HEATED podcast
The Outdoor Academy
Mary Oliver
Annie Dillard
Terry Tempest Williams
The Pisgah National Forest
Lindsay Baker
Globescan
“How empowering women and girls can stop global warming”
Ray C. Anderson Interface
Green New Deal
Mary Anne Hitt
Sierra Club
Catherine Pierce
Alice Walker
Sewanee: The University of the South
Madeleine Jubilee Saito
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As we kick off our season on Biophilia and how together we can build a Biophilic Movement, we first want to define its meaning. Joining us today is Liz Calabrese, an architect and leading educator of biophilic design. She co-authored "The Practice of Biophilic Design" with Dr. Stephen Kellert and has been an integral figure for over 30 years, working closely with many of the key players who popularized the term and concept of "biophilia" and does extensive work on projects seeking the Living Building Challenge and WELL Building Certifications.
In this episode, Liz leads us through the history of the term and shares how its definition and practice has involved both philosophical circles and the building industry. She shares beautiful quotes by those considered to be the founders of the movement, and talks about what the future holds for biophilia.
Other People + Organizations Mentioned
Bill Browning
Terrapin Bright Green
John Todd
Steven Peck
The Biophilic Institute
Biophilic Cities
Biophilic Leadership Summit
Jon Hudson
BrandCulture
Biophilia Poster Exhibition
Dr. Phillip Tabb
Florence Williams
Jennifer Walsh
The Biophilia Hypothesis
Roger Ulrich
Judith Heerwagen
Living Building Challenge
14 Patterns of Biophilic Design
Biophilic Cities
Tim Beatley
WELL Building Standard
Amanda Sturgeon
Dennis Creech
Southface
Kendeda Fund
Ekvn-Yefolecv
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Biophilia is hard to spell and hard to pronounce, but is easy to understand and makes all the sense in the world once you know it's meaning.
Biophilia is the innate connection humans have with nature and all living things, and this deep affiliation is rooted in our biology. The theme of our fourth season is "Building a Biophilic Movement" and the wisdom behind the radical common sense solutions we can all find in nature.One year ago, we released our first season as a meaningful way to tell the story of Serenbe's Founder Steve Nygren. Today it has become a must listen for those seeking stories about having an impact and building a better life for you, your family and your neighbors.
Over the course of twelve weeks, join us as we explore biophilia, what it is, why it's important and who are the leaders doing the work to grow this essential movement. We will dive into wellness, regenerative agriculture, public education, climate advocacy, equity and environmentalism, we'll ask what makes a biophilic city and more.
The fourth season of Serenbe Stories returns on October 5. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere else you enjoy podcasts.
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Danny Seo is known for his national magazine and Emmy awarding winning TV show both named "Naturally, Danny Seo". Danny believes life should be naturally delicious, naturally beautiful and naturally easy, all presented with style and sustainability. Today we talk about his start as an Earth Day activist at 12 years old, how he became known as the sustainable Martha Stewart, when a postcard got him onto the Oprah show and using donated paper as a negotiating tool. We hope you enjoy this final episode of Season 3 of Serenbe Stories.
Mentioned In The Episode
Earth 2000 - The non-profit organization Danny started when he was 12 years old. By 18, he’d transformed it into the country’s largest teenage activist charity.
Earth Day
Generation React: Activism for Beginners - Danny’s first book
Mohawk Paper - Gave Danny their product for free so he could start his namesake magazine Naturally, Danny Seo
Naturally, Danny Seo House at Serenbe
Naturally, Danny Seo Magazine
Naturally, Danny Seo TV Show
Simmons Natural Care by Danny Seo - Danny’s mattress collection with Atlanta-based Simmons Mattress Company. He first visited Serenbe in the early 2000s to do video and photo promotions for this line.
Alternative-Lifestyle Guru Danny Seo, Doing Very Well By Doing Good - The Washington Post article dubbed Danny “the green Martha Stewart”
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Today's episode of Serenbe Stories features Daren Wang, Founder of the Decatur Book Festival, which one of the largest festivals in the country. In this episode he shares how his love of music brought him to Atlanta, how he started the Decatur Book Festival, the artist residency selection process, and his vision for the future of the arts. He and Steve Nygren even make plans to put those dreams in motion! We hope you enjoy this episode of Serenbe Stories.
Mentioned In The Episode
The Hidden Light of Northern Fires
Verb Literary Magazine
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This season we've talked with journalists, thought leaders, and influencers who've visited Serenbe, about how their lives and the industries they report on have changed in the wake of coronavirus. Today's guest is Charles Bethea, a journalist and staff write for The New Yorker who has been covering the pandemic and whose latest articles feature the first weekend of protests in Atlanta and Georgia's primary election. We talk with Charles about what stories he's working on, how his editors choose stories and how he remains objective throughout the reporting process.
Mentioned In The Episode
A Coronavirus Turf War In Klickitat County, Washington
Fair Fight - The organization created by Stacey Abrams that works to ensure fair elections in Georgia
Outside Magazine
Sally Bethea - Charles’ mother is the founding director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
Shrinking Newspapers and the Costs of Environmental Reporting in Coal Country
Survivor: How Nancy Writebol beat Ebola - Profile by Charles for Atlanta Magazine
The Polar Explorer Colin O’Brady and the Problem with “Firsts”
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Today we're talking with Ford Fry, Chef and Restauranteur, whose many Atlanta restaurants have been favorites of ours for years. As he continues to open new concepts across the country, we talk with him about his love of creating dining experiences, how he's kept his businesses going during the pandemic, and his vision of the future of food and dining out from his perspective as an eternal Optimist.
Mentioned In The Episode
Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival
Bob Amick
Ford Fry Restaurants - See all of Ford’s concepts.
Georgia Organics
Guntar Seegar
The Hill Saint Louis
New England Culinary Institute - Where Ford Fry studied the culinary arts.
Smith Hanes Designs - Smith Hanes has designed many of Ford’s restaurants in addition to The Optimist, linked here.
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Today we're talking with freelance journalist Katie Kelly Bell, who has been writing about food, wine, and travel for the last 15 years. While the pandemic has changed how she's able to cover destinations, she describes herself as a pragmatic optimist who envisions travel coming back little by little over the coming months. In this episode, we talk about HOW we'll be able to travel, rediscovering your own back yard this summer, and the 3 S's of what people will want WHEN travel opportunities do come back.
Mentioned In The Episode
Belmond Trains
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards - Precision Performance & Physical Therapy
Gil Kulers - Sommelier/Bev Manager at the Piedmont Driving Club
Jordan Winery as an example of destinations pivoting to accommodate social distancing
The Perfect Wellness Getaway Is Just Outside Of Atlanta - Article Katie Kelly Bell wrote for Forbes on Serenbe in 2018
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Today we're talking with Terry Lin, the co-founder of Outer. The first DTC fully recyclable outdoor furniture line based out of California. We first interviewed Terry in Fall 2019, as the company's outdoor furniture line was ramping up for an appearance on Shark Tank. We talked about recycling, innovation, and how he came to create a company that exemplifies both, alongside sustainability.
After the COVID pandemic set in, we reached out to hear how Outer was faring in this economic climate. In the 2nd part of the episode, Terry shares how a renewed appreciation for spending time outside and at home has increased interest in their product, and despite the hurdles all business are facing right now, he's hopeful that Outer furniture will continue trending up.
Enjoy this episode, and make sure to stick around for both parts!
Mentioned In The Episode
Outer
Recycling Codes
Rhode Island School of Design
Serenbe’s Outer Showroom
Shark Tank episode featuring Terry Lin and Jiake Liu
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Today we are talking with journalist Gisela Williams, who's written for The New York Times, Elle Décor, The Financial Times, and Vogue among others. In her own words, she's always been interested in people who pursue humanitarian projects and make the effort everyday to be a better human. In her most recent article for Bloomberg Businessweek she writes about the people who are building for the future of community and features Steve Nygren and Serenbe.
We discuss the article and why she thinks it's important to cover this topic for the more skeptical reader and a business audience who would be investing time and resources into these forward thinking eco enclaves we call biophilic communities.
Mentioned In The Episode
Joanna Frank and the Center for Active Design
Foundation for Intentional Communities
Green School
John & Elora Hardy’s Green Village
New York Times article “Limited-Run Restaurants” - Gisela wrote this article about a European trend in 2006, then called “temporary restaurants.” These would soon gain popularity in the United States and are known now as “pop-ups.”
Regen Villages
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In today's 2-part interview, our very good friend, comedian and podcaster Pete Dominick talks poignantly about big life changes and finding his way after losing his dream job. We recorded that conversation last Fall and he graciously agreed to chat with us again this April to talk further now that the world is going through some big "life" changes and we're all trying to find our way.
We hope you will find comfort, common ground, and definitely a chuckle or two with Pete. So stick around for parts 1 and 2 of today's episode.
Mentioned In The Episode
Children & Nature Network - A global movement that grew from Richard Louv’s book Last Child In The Woods. They are working to increase equitable access to nature so that children - and natural places - can thrive. They do this by investing in leadership and communities through sharing evidence-based resources, scaling innovative solutions and driving policy change.
The Joe Rogan Show - Pete was a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience in November 2019.
Losing My Job Saved My Marriage - Pete’s post written for Wake-Up Call with Katie Couric.
Pleasant Peasant - Steve Nygren opened the Pleasant Peasant in the ‘70s in Atlanta, which grew into dozens of restaurants throughout the Southeast.
Stand Up! Garden Club - Pete’s gardening Facebook group.
Stand UP! With Pete Dominick - What started as a daily live radio show is now Pete’s daily podcast.
Vernon Stouffer - Founder of the Stouffer’s Corporation and Steve’s boss before he left to open the Pleasant Peasant.
Walk With Walsh - Jennifer Walsh leads mindful walks through Central Park. She teamed up with Mother Dirt to do a series of walks through Serenbe’s preserved nature trails, and Pete was one of her guests.
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In Carrie Battan's recent Outside Magazine article, she says she came to Serenbe to see if it truly offered respite from, as she wrote, "the exhausting effects of {her} fast-paced, digital, urban life." In this episode of Serenbe Stories, we talk with her about her visit to Serenbe in Fall 2019, her Outside article, and how her life has changed since the coronavirus has forced people away from public spaces and leaving her life in Brooklyn NY. We also talk about the positive effects on the environment and she wonders if more communities will begin to live life the way Serenbe does.
Mentioned In The Episode
Jeff Tkach and 7 “Silver Linings” - The New Hope Network held a webinar in April 2020 on the State of Natural and Future of Organic, in which Nick McCoy Caleb out seven “silver linings” to the crisis. They are:
- Increased focus on wellness
- Moving away from individualism and toward new investments in public goods and services (especially health)
- Expansion of online communities
- Domestic self-sufficiency and reducing or eliminated the need for imports
- Land conservation
- Post-crisis boom in seeking relief from stress, pleasure, and communities
- Increase in community at all levels from micro to macro
Poets’ Walk - Named in honor of Washington Irving and other literary figures said to have walked the grounds, Poets’ Walk is one of the most popular places to take a stroll in the Hudson Valley.
America’s Biggest Cities Were Already Losing Their Allure. What Happens Next? - The New York Times
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Today's episode features a 2-part interview with Jennifer Walsh, who talks about her years in the beauty industry, her deep love of nature and her mission to connect us to the natural world. The first part of our interview was recorded Fall 2019 with the intention of kicking off our 3rd Season this Fall. But with everything happening in the world today we realized Jennifer's perspective and love of nature is the inspiration we could use right now as we are all sheltering-in-place. So we talked to her again this April while she is sheltered in NYC, and we hope this conversation will give you the encouragement to find those moments to get outside into the beauty of nature. Please enjoy this episode of Serenbe Stories.
Mentioned In The Episode
1918 Pandemic-Previously the most severe pandemic in recent history, caused by an H1N1 virus with genes of avian origin. Thought it is colloquially referred to as the “Spanish Flu,” it’s thought to have originated on an U.S. Army Base in Kansas and spread by soldiers during World War I.
Biophilic design - A tactic meant to increase connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions.
Blue Zones- Regions of the world where residents have lower rates of chronic diseases and live longer than anywhere else.
Global Wellness Summit - Annual conference hosted by the Global Wellness Institute that brings together leaders and visionaries to positively impact and shape the future of the global wellness industry.
Ketchum’s Wellness Council- A diverse group of influential industry leaders helping to tell brands’ authentic wellness stories. Jennifer is on the council and developed the Nature Green Print (NGP) program to underscore the importance of walking mindfully through nature to bridge the gap between nature and brain health.
Mother Dirt
National Retail Federation- Retail’s greeted advocate, standing up for the people, policies, and ideas that hep retail thrive.
Walks with Walsh- Jennifer interviews CEOs, founders, innovators, and philanthropists who are using nature in all that they do while also making sure to protect it.
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In seasons 1 & 2, we heard from Steve Nygren and his personal journey of creating Serenbe, his vision for the future of community and we spoke to many of the people integral to Serenbe's success.
Our next season, kicks off Monday, April 27, with an entire new set of guests and stories. We will move beyond Steve's story to talk with people who have experienced Serenbe - people who have visited, reported on or have deep relationships over the years with us. Our guests are journalists, influencers and entrepreneurs and all believe in a more hopeful future with nature at its core.
Months ago when we started planning this season, we had no idea what the future held and that we would be in lock down together. We believe there's never been a better time to talk about living a well life connected to the natural world and our guests all agree.
So tune in to hear their stories and perspective on Serenbe starting Monday, April 27 and enjoy the 3rd season of Serenbe Stories.
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Tom Reed considers himself a "start-up guy" not a politician, in fact he's been on the Inc. 500/5000 List 3x for different startups, but moving to Serenbe offered a unique opportunity to lead "start-up city" of Chattahoochee Hills as mayor. Ask yourself, How do you thrive financially while mindfully preserving? How many developers live in the city they've built? Imagine creating such an amazing quality of life that you're willing to stay, and your children and grandchildren live there too. That's the message Tom has taken forward in developing Chattahoochee Hills, and working with other mayors to revitalize and preserve the beauty of south-Metro Atlanta.
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Ned and Janice Peek were the first people Steve Nygren met when he moved to Chattahoochee Hills, and their table was the first he went to when he needed help protecting their shared rural paradise. Rodney Peek, their son, was on the first City Council after Chattahoochee Hills was incorporated, and his children are the 7th generation in their family to be born and raised in Chattahoochee Hills. The Peeks and Steve look back at a time when the Nygrens were the "city folk" moving next door, and tell stories about life in the country.
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Today's guest, artist Tom Swanston, is regarded as Serenbe's first artist-in-residence, though he was he was a Serenbe resident before there was an official program. In fact, Tom was an integral figure in creating AIR Serenbe, which is the artist residency division of the Serenbe Institute.
In this episode, Tom regales us with stories about finding his own farm south of Atlanta, what it was like to find his calling in the arts, and how Serenbe has inspired him to be the artist he is today.
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Chad Epple says he's been a civil engineer since he started building tree houses as a kid. As the VP of Southeastern Engineering, he brought a creativity and willingness to join Steve in changing the rules to design Serenbe the way neighborhoods were built 75 years ago. In this episode, Chad and Steve look back at a time when Serenbe was only woods and remember what it was like to work with the land to maintain Serenbe's natural beauty while adding in modern infrastructure.
People & Organizations Mentioned
Biomimicry - The design and production of materials, structures, and systems that are modeled on biological entities and processes.
Bouckaert Farms
Boulder Creek
Chattahoochee RiverLands Project
Flight Path: The River Beneath the World’s Busiest Airport
Gabion Bridge - Gabions are wire mesh baskets/boxes compactly filled with rocks or soils. ... These rock-filled baskets are often used as retaining walls for highly erosive materials, bridge abutments and outlet aprons.
The Hill Restaurant
Mado Hillside
Old 4th Ward Park
Photogrammetry - The science of making measurements from photographs.
Proctor Creek
Professional Engineering Licensing
Smith Hanes Studio
Southeastern Engineering
Dr. Phillip James Tabb
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) - A drone is an unmanned aircraft or ship that is guided remotely or autonomously. UAV stands for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, something that can fly without a pilot onboard.
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On this episode of Serenbe Stories we talk with Robert Rausch, the man who created the works of art that are Serenbe's street lamps, sidewalk benches, bike racks, and even trash cans. We talk about Robert, Steve Nygren, and famed landscape architect Ryan Gainey collaborating to create Serenbe's original branding, and how Robert and Steve have continued finding ways to bring art and creativity to community, turning the ordinary to extraordinary.
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When Dennis Creech started Southface, energy wasn't even a part of the environmental conversation. He knew it would be one of the most significant issues our society would face, and in this episode he talks about the positive effects of green building and how Atlanta is leading the nation in reducing energy and water demand. Dennis also tells us about the Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design on Georgia Tech's campus, and how it's changing the global conversation on conservation.
Definitions, People + Organizations Mentioned
Green Prints
Ray C. Anderson
Rocky Mountain Institute
1996 Summer Olympics
Energy Star Certification
EarthCraft
LEED
Homebuilders Association
Howie Frumpkin
Bosch NetZero House
Agnes Scott College
Emory University
GA Tech
U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Challenge
Split Incentive- Split incentives are a barrier to the deployment of energy efficiency measures in buildings. Split incentives occur when those responsible for paying energy bills (the tenant) are not the same entity as those making the capital investment decisions (the landlord or building owner).
Living Building- A living building generates all of its own energy, captures and treats its water, and operates cleanly and efficiently in harmony with nature.
Net Positive- A business standard aiming to provide restorative and positive impacts on people, planet, and society.
Equity in Building Design- Diversity in design and consideration in public spaces including restrooms, private activity spaces for nursing mothers and safe public spaces for school-aged children.
Kendeda Fund
Kendeda Building
Southface
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We are so glad that the Nygrens incorporated art into Serenbe, and today's guest was a major part of making that possible. Today we talk with John Graham, the founding executive director of the Serenbe Institute is engaging the metro Atlanta area, and the future of art and culture in this community.
Definitions, People + Organizations Mentioned
Sandra Storrar
Garnie Nygren
Janice Barton
Serenbe Fellows
Tom Swanston
Gail Foster
Daren Wang Decatur Book Festival
Phyllis Bleiweis
Mark Mykleby
Biophilic Institute
Acton Academy at Serenbe
Chattahoochee Hills Charter School
South Fulton Area Initiative
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
Grady Hospital
MARTA
Florida Philharmonic
Serenbe Institute
Midtown Alliance
Tomlinson Graham Group
Seattle Symphony Orchestra
Oregon Symphony Orchestra
Dallas
Blue Eyed Daisy
Shelton Stanfill
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Tom Tomlinson
Woodruff Arts Center Symphony Hall
Atlanta Ballet
Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre
Kennesaw State University
AIR Serenbe
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In today's episode, we talk with UGA professor Alfie Vick about eating plants, taking biophilic principals to all communities, environmental ethics and his deep understanding of the Southern Native American tribes. He talks about how their history, culture, and practices are an example in living a balanced life in-tune with nature. Alfie also talks about the thousands of native plant species in Georgia and designing natural spaces such as the Children's Garden at the State Botanical Gardens in Athens, Georgia and Serenbe's own medicinal garden and he's also working on a future Serenbe neighborhood.
Definitions, People + Organizations Mentioned
Creek Nation
Choctaw
Chickasaw
Seminole
Atlanta BeltLine
Auburn University Rural Studio
Koons Environmental Design
Richard Louv
Smithsonian Institute
Bob Quinn
UGA Office of Global Engagement
Woodland Era
Nature Deficit Disorder
U.S. Research Geological Survey
Mado
University of Georgia College of Environment & Design
Georgia Botanical Garden
Green Build Tour
LEED
ECOS
Chattahoochee Hills
Chattahoochee NOW
Chattahoochee River
Shannon Kettering
Kerry Blind
Fulton County Economic Development
RFP
Ethnobotany
Cherokee Nation
William Bartram
Thomas Peters
Trail of Tears
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You might not see the connection between biophilic design and national security, but today's guest outlines how communities like Serenbe are imperative in our global defense strategy. We're excited for you to hear Monica Olsen and Steve Nygren's conversation with Colonel Mark "Puck" Mykleby.
Puck talks about meeting Phyllis Bleiweis and coming to Serenbe, where he bonded with Steve Nygren over biophilia and pushed for the establishment of the Biophilic Institute. Puck also talks about the economics of sustainability and how his company, Long Haul Capital Group, is putting dollars toward propelling walkable communities. As he says, our smart growth at home can become our smart power abroad.
Definitions, People + Organizations Mentioned
Serenbe Fellows
Phyllis Bleiweis
Congress for New Urbanism
Special Operations Command at the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Admiral Michael Glenn Mullen
Captain Wayne Porter - The National Strategic Narrative
Congresswoman Jane Harman
National Security Act of 1947
Department of Defense
Central Intelligence Agency
George Frost Kennan
Biophilic Institute
Alexis de Tocqueville
The New Grand Strategy
Charles Darwin's Survival of the Fittess
The New America Foundation
Case Western Reserve University
The New Grand Strategy
Adam Smith
Long Haul Capital Group
Oregon Museum of Science & Industry
Water in Flint, Michigan
Rodale Institute's SE Research Center
Children & Nature Network
David W. Orr
Mayor Bill Peduto
Greta Thunberg TIME's Person of the Year 2019
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On today's episode we're talking with Chef Nicolas Bour, who was at The Farmhouse during its early years nearly a decade ago before opening the famed Iris restaurant in Atlanta. He has worked in restaurants across the country, and even cooked for President Barack Obama for the first inaugural gala. Chef Nic is now back at Serenbe as the Executive Chef and VP of food and beverage over all Serenbe restaurants. We'll talk about his journey back to Serenbe, his deep relationship and passion for fresh food, sourcing and local farms and the future of culinary in Chattahoochee Hills.
Definitions, People + Organizations Mentioned
InterContinental Hotels
Willard Hotel
Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have A Dream Speech
Carla Bruni
Nicolas Sarkozy
France
Elizabeth on 37th
Plaza Hotel
Loews Coronado Bay
Halsa
Serenbe Farms
Sharko Farms
Decimal Place Farm
Rodale Institute
Robert de Niro
President Barack Obama
Michelle Obama
Humphrey's (San Diego)
Aulani Resort (Hawaii)
Chef Masaharu Morimoto
Iron Chef
The Hill Restaurant
Iris
Garnie Nygren
Woodward Academy
Angie Mosier
LEED
Chattahoochee Hills
John Graham
Pepper Bullock
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Today we're talking to Serenbe's master land planner, Dr. Phillip Tabb. Phill discusses sacred geometry and the spiritual and symbolic side of planning and architecture. He also reminisces about the all-nighter he pulled working on the Serenbe charrette - where the omega shape for the neighborhoods took hold - and the weekend he, The Nygrens, and many other friends came together to build Serenbe's stone labyrinth.
Definitions, People + Organizations Mentioned
Transect- Used by Biologists and ecologists to study symbiotic elements in habitats where specific plants and animals flourish.
Photovoltaic (PV) System- A system composed of one or more solar panels combined with an inverter and other electrical and mechanical hardware that use energy from the sun to generate electricity.
Bill Browning
Pleasant Peasant
Rocky Mountain Institute
Robert Marvin
Keith Critchlow
Robert Lawlor
Charles Brewer
Laura Heery
Andrés Duany
Dr. Jorge Venegas
Chartres Cathedral
Michelangelo
Chattahoochee Hills
Southeastern Engineering
Gainey Hall Gallery
Nygren Placemaking
Biophilic Institute
Seaside
EarthCraft
Hannah Solar
Tesla
Routledge Publishing
Tim Beatley
Biophilic Cities
1973 Oil Embargo
Department of Energy demonstration grant
1983 Solar Energy Tax Credit
Fibonacci’s Kite
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Today's episode features a incredible conversation with John Lanier about turning fear into passion for action, why we have to stop the "take, make and waste" economic model, and the regenerative highway making waves in south Georgia.
We also talk about his new book, the reissued "Mid Course Correction" that shares the impact and legacy of his grandfather, Ray Anderson, founder of the sustainable carpet tile company Interface.
John shares how Paul Hawken's words drove Ray to tears by showing him the dark side of his industry...how businesses and industry are causing the vast amount of environmental degradation we see across the world AND that those same businesses are ALSO able to solve those environmental problems.
Finally, John tells the story of how a simple customer question changed his grandfather, who then changed his company, and how that created a ripple effect on the environment and on Serenbe.
Definitions, People + Organizations Mentioned
Take, Make & Waste Model
A charrette is an intensive planning session where citizens, designers and others collaborate on a vision for development. It provides a forum for ideas and offers the unique advantage of giving immediate feedback to the designers. More importantly, it allows everyone who participates to be a mutual author of the plan.
Georgia Tech
Mary Anne Lanier
Harriet Langford & Phil Langford
The Ray Highway
Janine Benyus
Biomimicry Institute
Andrew Winston
Kari Pei
Project Drawdown
Ray Day
Fortune 100 Company
LEED
Biomimicry
Tomorrow's Child poem
Ray C. Anderson
Southface
Paul Hawken's The Ecology of Commerce
Tomorrow's Child
Patagonia
Inn at Serenbe
Rocky Mountain Institute
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The Nygrens intuitively realized that nature was having a positive impact on their children, but reading Richard Louv's book Last Child in the Woods validated their decision to make the permanent move to Chattahoochee Hills.
Richard wants people to connect with nature, and he believes a big part of that is connecting with animals. When he'd written Last Child in the Woods, he was able to find about 60 studies during his research that helped inform his writing. That information plus another ~1,000 studies, exists in a digital library on the C&NN website. When looking at those studies though, there's not much information about wild animals and their impact on our psyche. Our ancestors knew that they helped shape us and that we shaped them. We told stories about them around campfires in which we found meaning.
His new book, Our Wild Calling, is to look at that and relate the stories he's collected about life-changing encounters and ongoing relationships with companion animals and how it gives life more meaning. This will take an important role in the future of the C&NN movement. Children feel the meaning of wild animal encounters, but it can be rediscovered.
Definitions, People + Organizations Mentioned
Nature-Deficit Disorder: The importance of children's and adults' exposure to nature for their health, and on the need for environmental protection and preservation for greater access to nature and the health of the Earth.
Nature-Rich: For a city to be wealthy in nature and an engine of bio-diversity, and to have children and families connected to nature.
I and Thou: Buber's main proposition is that we may address existence in two ways:
- That of the "I" toward an "It," toward an object that is separate in itself, which we either use or experience
- That of the "I" toward "Thou," in which we move into existence in a relationship without bounds. One of the major themes of the book is that human life finds its meaningfulness in relationships.
National League of Cities
Robin Moore
Audubon Society
Stephen Hawking
Martin Buber
Last Child In The Woods
Vitamin N
Nature Principle
Our Wild Calling
America II
Children & Nature Network
Biophilic Solutions Promo
Thanks for listening to our first season, where host Monica Olsen and Serenbe Founder Steve Nygren went back to the beginning, in his life and career and in Serenbe's history, to tell the in-depth story about how this community just outside of Atlanta came to be.
If you haven't listened yet, now is the time to catch up on all the episodes of Season 1. We are kicking off Season 2 on Monday, January 27th with 14 brand new episodes. You'll hear from many of the people that were integral to Serenbe's creation and development and hear THEIR Serenbe stories.
We talk with John Lanier, the Executive Director of The Ray C. Anderson Foundation about how integral his grandfather was to Steve's vision.
You'll hear from Richard Louv, bestselling author of Last Child in the Woods, Tom Reed, the Mayor of Chattahoochee Hills, the city that Serenbe sits within, and Dennis Creech, founder of Southface.
We'll also have Phill Tabb on, who is Serenbe's site planner, professor and architect, Robert Rausch who Steve met via Ryan Gainey in Atlanta, Col. Mark "Puck" Mykelby, who was a Serenbe Fellow and inspired Steve to create the Biophilic Institute, as well as many more people.
Join us for Season 2 on January 27th, and please download and subscribe.
Biophilic Solutions Promo
Serenbe’s design is based around Biophilia - the idea that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature - and in the final episode of season 1, Steve Nygren talks about finding his purpose in building this utopia for his grandchildren and all the residents that have chosen to spend their lives here.
The biophilic principles are meant to provide personal wellbeing, community engagement, national security and global balance. Those 12 principles are: Land Use, Education, Food Systems, Economic Development, Tax Base, Transportation, Energy, Structures, Waste Management, Community Engagement, Green Infrastructure and Water.
Questions Answered
What is Biophilia?
What are the Biophilic Principles and why are they important at every level of development and government?
What is the mission of the Biophilic Institute?
Why doesn’t Steve Nygren plan to build more “Serenbe’s?”
What is the future of Serenbe?
People + Organizations Mentioned
Rodale Institute
Serenbe Development
Steve Cover
The Grand Strategy
Terrapin Bright Green
Tim Beatley
Bill Browning
Biophilia at Scale
Biophilic Cities
Chattahoochee NOW
Mark “Puck” Mykleby
Nygren Placemaking
Riverlands Project
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Before there was a community full of people and families, there was just "the farm" and the Nygren's. Garnie, Kara and Quinn Nygren join Steve Nygren to talk about what it was like to grow up in the woods and to tell stories from their childhood. They talk about their first jobs at Serenbe, how it changed when people started moving in, and their journeys away and then back to Serenbe as adults.
Questions Answered
Who are Garnie, Kara and Quinn Nygren and what roles do they play at Serenbe?
What was it like to grow up in Serenbe before it was a full community?
What were Garnie, Kara and Quinn's first jobs at Serenbe?
What are all the jobs each of them has held?
How does Garnie Nygren remember the iconic "bulldozer moment?"
What brought each of the Nygren daughters back to Serenbe?
Biophilic Solutions Promo
Not many people find their career path at 18, but as soon as Steve Nygren saw how the restaurant business worked he knew he was in the right place.
Questions Answered
How does a hospitality guy end up placemaking in the woods?
Why was Steve Nygren the right person to create a place like Serenbe?
How did Steve go from bus boy to maitre 'd in one summer?
What brought Steve to Atlanta?
What was different about the Stouffer's Hotel in Atlanta?
What was Steve's Big Splash marketing campaign for the Atlanta hotel?
What is a "Fern Bar"?
How did the Pleasant Peasant change the restaurant scene?
What led to Pleasant Peasant first expanding?
How many Pleasant Peasant restaurants were there?
People + Organizations Mentioned
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Mazza Gallerie
Merrill Lynch
Neiman Marcus
Nestle
Omni Hotel
Pennsylvania Development Authority
Phipps Plaza
Saks Fifth Avenue
Stan Topol
Tiffany’s
Ansley Park
Atlanta BeltLine
Atlanta Conventions & Visitor’s Bureau
Bob Amick
Central Atlanta Progress
Colony Square
Dan Sweat
Dick Dailey
Dick Myrick
Dogwood Festival
Emory University Hospital
Georgia Hospitality Association
Home Park
IBM
Lord & Taylor
Margaret Lupo
Margaret Mackenzie
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What exactly is the Serenbe Institute for Art, Culture and the Environment and why did Steve Nygren start it? The first arts program, AIR Serenbe, an artist-in-residence program, kicked off the Institute, with big plans to fund a pottery studio. There was early success with the residency but no permanent home, artists stayed in resident’s extra bedrooms or garage apartments. Since then Serenbe partnered with Auburn University’s design build architecture program, Rural Studio, to build two dedicated artist cottages on the Art Farm at Serenbe. Since then, the Institute has grown, introducing Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre in 2017, a Serenbe Fellows program, Serenbe Film with more units and programming that bring all forms of art and environment programming to the community and visitors from around the globe.
Questions Answered
What is the Serenbe Institute for Art, Culture & the Environment?
Why was it important for Steve Nygren to honor the arts in a specific way at Serenbe?
How do Serenbe residents support the Serenbe Institute?
How did Steve Nygren get the idea to use transfer fees as a permanent source for arts funding at Serenbe?
What was the first arts program in Serenbe?
How did former Atlanta Ballet principals end up creating a company under the Serenbe Institute?
People + Organizations Mentioned
Serenbe Fellows
Shelton Stanfill
Mayor Shirley Franklin
South Fulton Area Initiative
Telluride Film Festival
Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre
Tom Swanston
Tom Reed
Tomlinson-Graham Group
Acton Academy
AIR Serenbe
Anis Mojgani
Art Farm at Serenbe
Art Over Dinner
Arthur Blank Foundation
Atlanta Ballet
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How did Steve Nygren get people to move to Serenbe when there was nothing here but trees and an idea? After investors balked at his idea and declined, he knew it was up to him to show people what Serenbe would be. Steve worked with Robert Rausch and Ryan Gainey to develop an image box with drawings, imaginations and descriptions of what he was building in Chattahoochee Hills.
Questions Answered
Why did the first residents choose to move to Serenbe?
How did Steve Nygren show future residents what his vision was for Serenbe?
What is Les Dames d'Escoffier's connection to Serenbe?
How did Steve Nygren finance the first homes built in Serenbe?
Who were Serenbe's residents at the beginning?
What were the first "small homes" in Serenbe?
How did Serenbe succeed through the 2008 recession?
Why did Steve Nygren use his own funds to build commercial centers in Serenbe's first neighborhoods?
What does Steve Nygren want to build next in Serenbe?
How does Europe's treatment of seniors differ from America's?
People + Organizations Mentioned
Lew Oliver
Little Acorn Learning Center
One Mado
Peloton
Pro Bike Repair
Proper Hair
Resource Serenbe
Serenbe Yoga
Spa at Serenbe
Yumiko Sushi
AJ Downing
Angie Mosier
Chatt Hills Gallery
Forage & Flower Botanical Design Studio
Gainey Hall Gallery
General Store at Serenbe
Gym at Serenbe
Halsa Restaurant
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop
Les Dames d’Escoffier
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In this episode, Steve Nygren talks about how he took his successful hospitality career and applied it to building a community from scratch. They were creating places through hospitality, and Steve knew when building Serenbe that they needed to have a place for people to gather around food. That first place was the Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop.
Questions Answered
What is placemaking?
How does scale and massing in architecture contribute to the authentic feel of a place?
What is a condition sheet?
What is a thornbird transect?
How does Serenbe differ from typical New Urbanism?
Why did Steve Nygren design the streets after omegas?
Why does traditional Southern architecture incorporate porches?
How do porches in Serenbe encourage community engagement?
How can a mail house add to a sense of place?
Where are all the trash cans and mail boxes in Serenbe?
Why don't you see front lawns in Serenbe?
Where can you eat in Serenbe (besides the restaurants)?
What are Serenbe's home design guidelines?
People + Organizations Mentioned
Phipps Plaza
Proper Hair
Serenbe Planning & Design
Texas A&M University
The Well-Placed Weed
The Farmhouse Restaurant
Lord & Taylor
Inn at Serenbe
Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects
Merrill Lynch
PBS
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Steve Nygren dives into how to actually begin the build process when you're starting from nothing. He knew he had to save his backyard and had worked with his neighbors to go to the state to make the laws work for Chattahoochee Hills, but he didn't yet know he was going to create the Serenbe community. That realization was never a moment, but rather over a gradual course of time.
Questions Answered
How do you build a neighborhood from scratch?
If not you, who? If not now, when?
When did Steve Nygren realize he was actually going to build a neighborhood to save his land?
How did Phill Tabb get involved in Serenbe?
Did Steve get to include everything he wanted to in Serenbe?
Why were granite curbs so difficult to get?
What goes into putting something like power into a new community?
How do we reduce our energy demands so we're not using up our resources?
How does EarthCraft differ from LEED certification?
What is a Gabion bridge?
Why do third-world countries have more environmentally-friendly stormwater routing than the United States?
Where does stormwater go?
People + Organizations Mentioned
Farmers Almanac
Proctor Creek
Robert Marvin
Dr. Phillip Tabb
Southeastern Engineering, Inc
Southface
USA Today
Atlanta BeltLine
Biophilic Leadership Summit
Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop
Bosch
Bruce Ferguson
EarthCraft Certification
Chad Epple
Teresa Epple
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After Steve Nygren brought small and large land owners in Chattahoochee Hills on board his development plan, it was time to take the project to the state. Three state foundations and a few private citizens had pledged money to invest in the project, and Governor Barnes was ready to push legislation through to allow Chattahoochee Hill Country to change land rights in the region. When Barnes didn't get re-elected, most of these investments disappeared. One person stayed in, and that money was used to buy the first TDRs from two land owners.
This was only the beginning of Steve’s journey through state government bureaucracy. Each time he wanted to incorporate an environmentally-friendly option, be it for wastewater treatment or putting in roads, he encountered pushback from the various state departments that oversee them. Steve continued to ask questions and pursue what he knew to be right.
Questions Answered
What were the steps you had to take to start building Serenbe?
What are land rights?
How do transfer development rights work?
What is the most photographed place in Serenbe?
Why are chain link fences always around conventional waste water treatment facilities?
Why should we choose to build in a new way?
How is balanced development possible?
Why are government departments so siloed?
Why does Serenbe have unique streetlamps?
People + Organizations Mentioned
Michael Ogden
Reed Hilderbrand
Robert Rausch
Serenbe Development
Turner Foundation
UGA Law Department
Woodruff Foundation
Chattahoochee Hills
Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy
Environmental Protection Division
Georgia Association of County Commissioners
Governor Roy Barnes
The Hill Restaurant
Mado
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Steve Nygren knew he had to protect the land that was his backyard, but he didn't yet know what that looked like. Always the hospitality man, Steve brought his neighbors together over dinners and homemade desserts to create the Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance, which started the process of determining what everyone wanted and what their best option was for preservation and development.
Questions Answered
What was going on globally, nationally in 2000?
When you knew you were going to build Serenbe, what kind of rules did you have to change?
How did you implement the 70-30 Development Rule?
How did you approve rezoning, development and preservation plans when Fulton County's approval departments were all separate and didn't make determinations based on other departments' needs?
What was the Public Works Department against the Chatt Hills development plan?
How does this environmentally-friendly way of developing allow for more housing than traditional sprawl division?
What does clustered development mean for the future?
Why was it important to incorporate Transfer Development Rights? How do they work?
People + Organizations Mentioned
Living Machines
Microsoft
Nature Conservancy
Quinn Nygren
South Fulton Parkway
Phill Tabb
John Todd
Toyota Prius
Ted Turner
University of Georgia
Atlanta Public Works Department
Charles, Prince of Wales
Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance
Environmental Council of the States
Jane Fonda
Fulton County Economic Development
Fulton County Planning Department
Georgia Conservancy
Al Gore
iPhone
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Monica Olsen and Steve Nygren go into detail about the pivotal moment in Steve and Serenbe’s beginning. Steve and his daughter, Garnie, came upon a bulldozer taking out trees while they were running trails on their 300 acres. Steve worried about urban sprawl in their paradise and immediately made calls to land owners in Chattahoochee Hills, asking them to call if they ever decided to sell. The three largest parcels that touched the Nygren farmhouse had to sell for different reasons, and in 5 weeks, Steve had another 600 acres under contract.
Steve realized he wasn’t thinking large enough; that he’d have to affect legislation. He then brought 500 Chattahoochee Hill Country landowners together to change the zoning, thus changing how this area would be developed.
Questions Answered
What is the pivotal moment that changed Steve Nygren’s trajectory?
How many acres did Steve have before he saw the bulldozer?
Why did seeing a bulldozer make make you think of a housing development and urban sprawl?
How did opening a restaurant in Roswell influence your decision to buy additional land?
When you were purchasing land in Chattahoochee Hills, did you know what you were going to do with it the whole time?
Are people’s preconceived notions about how to development part of the problem?
Why do you think people weren’t developing in an environmentally-friendly way (like Serenbe)?
What are some of the global policies developers weren’t thinking about?
People + Organizations Mentioned
Peachtree Road Race
Prairie Crossing
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Robert Davis
Seaside
TIME Magazine
Urban Land Institute
Victoria Ranney
The White House Council on the Environment
Amory Lovins
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Environmental Protection Division
Garnie Nygren
George Ranney, Jr.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Jim Durrett
Main Street America
O’Hare International Airport
Paul Hawken
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Sometimes the groove we’re in is actually a rut. That’s how Steve Nygren describes his feelings when he decided to step off the corporate treadmill and make the move to Chattahoochee Hill Country. Before Serenbe’s homes, shops, restaurants and events, there was the discovery of open, rolling hills and a 1904 farmhouse. In this episode, Steve Nygren shares about his family’s life in Atlanta and the value shift that brought them to the country full time. Steve also discusses opening a bed & breakfast, now known as The Inn at Serenbe, during the 1996 Olympics.
Questions Answered
What did a typical day, week, or month look like for you and your family living in the heart of the city in Atlanta, Georgia?
What made you move to Serenbe full time?
What are your days like in Serenbe?
What influenced you to turn the farmhouse into a bed and breakfast?
What did Richard Louv’s book “Last Child In The Woods” mean to you?
People + Organizations Mentioned
National League of Cities
Natural Leaders Program
Nature Connection
“The Nature Principle”
The New York Times
Piedmont Park
Pleasant Peasant Group
Richard Louv
Ryan Gainey
Stouffer’s Food Corporation
Symphony Hall
1996 Atlanta Olympics
Ansley Park
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bouckaert Farms
Georgia Preservation Newsletter, Historic Register
High Museum
Keith Summerour
Marie Nygren
Margaret Lupo
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Midtown Alliance
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Many people wonder “What is Serenbe?” Host Monica Olsen introduces Serenbe founder, developer and CEO Steve Nygren as they sit down to talk about why he created Serenbe, and what Serenbe is today.
Interview took place September 2019.
Questions Answered
What is Serenbe?
What else is here other than people and trees?
Who lives here?
What drove you to build Serenbe?
What should we know about Serenbe’s neighborhoods?
What is a well-lived life?
What can I do here?
People + Organizations Mentioned
Ray C. Anderson
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
Audubon Society
Interface
The White House Council on the Environment
Rocky Mountain Institute
LEED
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Welcome to Serenbe Stories, a podcast chronicling life in the leading wellness community. Hosted by Monica Olsen, we are thrilled to share this 12 episode season capturing the story of Serenbe, directly from the founder, Steve Nygren.
We had this seed of an idea over a year ago and over the past 6 months, we have taken this journey of recording and producing our very first podcast in-house and are excited to invite you along.
We're so proud of the team for taking on this challenge of bringing Steve's story to you on this platform. And you'll hear us learning along the way too, episode by episode.
The first episode of Serenbe Stories will launch Monday, September 9th and a new one will be released every following Monday. Be sure to subscribe and listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere you can listen to podcasts.
You will find all episodes, show notes and further podcast details at www.serenbestories.com.
We can't wait to share our stories.
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