Serenbe Stories

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 NygrenSubscribe to Steve Nygren on SubstackAre You Ready for Radical Common Sense? By Steve Nygren (Substack)Serenbe Events CalendarLast Child in the Woods by Richard 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! Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Jennifer Band and Josh Hiller spent 13 years living in London—including a full year in lockdown—before making the move to Serenbe in 2021. As parents of two young children, they had been thinking about returning to the States for some time, but hadn’t quite found a place that felt right. That changed the moment they discovered Serenbe. It offered the perfect blend of what they loved about European life—walkability, a strong sense of community, vibrant energy—paired with the space and ease of suburban living in the U.S. A few years in, Jen and Josh have truly found their footing and embraced the rich, connected life they've built here. Their kids are thriving at The Terra School, and Josh has even uncovered a new creative passion he didn’t know he was missing. In this conversation, Monica and Steve sit down with Jennifer and Josh to talk about the highs and lows of moving to a new country and community, the curious and open-hearted people they’ve met, and—yes, even though it’s only April—the unexpected magic of Halloween in Serenbe. Show Notes: Serenbe Events CalendarThe Terra School at SerenbeThe Blue Eyed DaisyAustin’s at SerenbeGeorge Cohen’s Road to Recovery & Serenbe (Serenbe Stories)Keywords: Serenbe, London, Europe, community, family, music, remote work, creative outlets, cultural experiences, transition, personal growth, walkability, Halloween 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! Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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, 2025Serenbe Events CalendarMTB Atlanta: Building Trails, Connecting Communities Leave the Leaves (Life at Serenbe)Spring Has Sprung (Life at Serenbe) Keywords: Serenbe, biodiversity, Spring, gardening, gardening tips, pollinators, pollinator habitat, native plants, prescribed burn, Indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship, sustainable practices, trails, trail system, mountain biking, community trails 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! Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 EstateSerenbe EventsBelmond Official SiteGeorge Cohen’s Road to Recovery and Serenbe (Serenbe Stories)Terra School at SerenbeAcorn to Oak HealthThe 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! Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Jack Kidd first heard about Serenbe as a movie-obsessed teenager growing up in Peachtree City—and from the first moment he visited, he knew this was a place where he wanted to spend more time. Fast forward a decade, and Jack is now on his third role in the community: he’s worked as a host at The Hill, in Guest Services at The Inn, and now he’s the Office Manager for Serenbe Real Estate. Unofficially, he’s also Serenbe’s most in-demand pet sitter, with a schedule so full that he practically lives here all summer. Oh, and did we mention he’s also a published author? Jack’s book, Seasons, is currently celebrating its one-year anniversary. In this episode of Serenbe Stories, Jack joins HR Director Stephanie Coyne for a conversation about working and playing in Serenbe—his favorite things to do, his go-to cocktail, and even which neighbor has the best-stocked pantry. Show Notes: Serenbe Real EstateSeasons by Jack KiddSerenbe Trail RidingSerenbe Events CalendarLifelong Friends and Sustainable Living with Stephanie Walsh & Brandon Blanchard How Tik Tok Led Lisa & Jim Challenger to SerenbeThe Inn at SerenbeThe Hill at Serenbe Keywords: Serenbe, community, travel, career, pets, culture shock, horseback riding, trail riding, Seasons, author, writing, real estate, community, restaurants, 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! Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 ConservancyThe Conservation Fund’s Working Farms FundThe Common MarketCottage Food | GA Department of AgricultureSmyly Farms Online StoreThe Good Place FarmBlue Heron Urban Farms and SanctuaryThe Deer Creek FarmRodale InstituteMinro StudioSerenbe FarmsSerenbe 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! Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 EventsBiophilic Leadership SummitCamp SerenbeSmithGroup ArchitectsTrust for Public LandKey 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! Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 LaneThe Biophilic Leadership SummitAll Serenbe EventsLast Child in the Woods by Richard LouvChildren & Nature NetworkSerenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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! Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

In 2019 Mehrnush Saadat was waiting to see a physician to treat a herniated disk and back pain, when her friends suggested she explore CBD and THC pain relief options. Though initially a bit skeptical, she was blown away by the results – and her sober(ish) journey began. With regular movement, reduced alcohol intake, and a little push from her new pain remedies, Mehrnush felt the stress from her busy law practice melt away – and in 2023, she opened Soberish, Atlanta’s only non-alcoholic bottle shop and cannabis boutique. The concept proved wildly popular and now, just over a year later, she’s opened a second location right here in Serenbe. Mehrnush’s vision of a holistic approach to wellness aligns perfectly with Serenbe’s approach to healthy living and we couldn't be more thrilled to welcome her to the community. Hear about Mehrnush’s impressive background as a real estate attorney, her entrepreneurial spirit, and why functional, holistic wellness is the furthest thing from boring. Notes: Soberish AtlantaNon-Alcoholic Bottle Shop Opening New Storefront SerenbeSerenbe EventsThe Sober Social AtlantaSerenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

When health and wellbeing is built into the very fabric of a community, traditional development gets turned on its head – and as it turns out, living somewhere that makes you feel good is in high demand. Wellness real estate is the fastest growing sector of the 6 trilliondollar wellness industry. This week on Serenbe Stories, we’re thrilled to share a recent interview from the Global Wellness Conversations podcast featuring Serenbe founder Steve Nygren – referred to here as the “godfather of wellness real estate” – alongside Chuck Heath, the founder of Ameyalli in Deer Valley Colorado, and wellness icon Deepak Chopra. Hear from Steve as he discusses his journey as a trailblazer in the field of wellness real estate, changing the rules in order to succeed, and why he believes real global change will start at the local level. We were honored to be a part of this inspiring conversation about the future of living. Notes: Global Wellness InstituteGlobal Wellness SummitSerenbeAmeyalli Deepak ChopraSerenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 EventsRent the Runway Virgin Atlantic The New Rustic: 2020 Serenbe ShowhouseSerenbe YogaAustin’s Cocktailery & KitchenMinro StudioSpa at Serenbe Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 WebsiteAllchemy InstagramRegenerative Organic Agriculture2025 Biophilic Leadership SummitHope Rises On Its Current: Defining Biophilia with Liz CalabreseJackfir Clean Natural SkincareYukaEWG Healthy LivingSerenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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. Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 SerenbeBiophilic Leadership SummitThe Art Farm at SerenbeWhat is Appreciative Inquiry?Rodale InstituteSoil HealthThe Biomimicry instituteBirds GeorgiaPhD Student Pamela Robinson Presents at 3-Minute Thesis CompetitionThe Juilliard SchoolSerenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 DisorderChanging Careers & Changing Your Life with Serenbe CFO Gil MathisArt That Opens Hearts & Minds with Gail O’Neil and Curtis PattersonEmbracing Small Town Living & Telling Your Own Stories with Amy MassSerenbe YogaThe Class EarthCraft-certified Organic Life House teaches Atlanta agrihood residents about healthy livingArt Farm at SerenbeSerenbe Events CalendarSerenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 SerenbeThe FarmhouseThe HillAustin’s Cocktailery & KitchenHalsaSerenbe Real EstateSerenbe Events CalendarFormula1 RacingSerenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 EventsNigel’s Frozen BananasReadyHer Self DefenseFocal PointSerenbe Business DirectorySerenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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 StudioLive as LionsSerenbe Holiday MarketAntipodes WaterTap Out Martial ArtsSerenbe Business DirectorySerenbe Real EstateSerenbe Events Key Words: Coffee Shop, Cafe, Pottery, Pottery Studio, Ceramics, Creativity, Community, Serenbe, Retail, Small Business, Film, Film Industry, Stuntman Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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. Serenbe Stories is a podcast about making an impact, building a better life, and the extraordinary power of nature and community. Follow Serenbe on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.