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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.
About Austin L. RayHow I’d Fix AtlantaSupport How I’d Fix AtlantaFollow Austin on XPurchase Zine: How I'd 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 NotesImage credit: Jason Travis
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Over 6 years ago, Collin and Sydney Jones moved with their two young boys from Roswell, Georgia. It was a surprise weekend away for Collin that turned into a home purchase 9 days later. During that weekend, they happened upon a party at the Grange Green, discovered golf cart charcuterie and met a family who encouraged them to tour homes while that family watched their son. Serenbe turned out to be the community they didn’t know they needed. In today’s episode, Steve Nygren and I catch up with the Jones and we not only do we find out what they do for a living, Collin is the President of Westwood One, the largest audio network in America and Sydney is a neonatal and pediatric nurse practitioner at Emory - we also learn that Sydney is becoming a bird watcher, how the resident soccer team has been life changing for Collin and we try to solve the mystery of where did their namesake Halsa cocktail go? Oh, and listen until the end for a bonus story on how Collins' neighbors saved him while on a business trip.
Show NotesHGTV Green Home
Richard 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 -
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Nikkolas Smith is an artist Artivist and illustrator widely known for his distinctive style and emphasis on social justice issues. He is the illustrator of multiple children’s picture books, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, I Am Ruby Bridges, That Flag, and Black Panther Wakanda Forever: The Courage To Dream as well was a gilm illustratorfor films like Space Jam 2, Black Panther 2, and Judas and the Black Messiah. His own latest children’s picture book, The Artivist, explores how children can combine art and activism in their everyday lives and was released last September to widespread acclaim.
Monica and Garnie caught up with Nikkolas while he was the artist in residency at the Art Farm in the Spring of 2024. They chat with Nikkolas about transitioning from a career in architecture to a full time artist (or artivist, more appropriately), the inspiring mural he designed with students at the Terra School, and how everyone can use their own unique skills to make positive change in the world.
Shownotes
Serenbe EventsNikkolas SmithThe Artivist by Nikkolas Smith Sunday Sketch: The Art of Nikkolas Nikkolas Smith Online Art StoreThe Art Farm at SerenbeArtist Nikkolas Smith Engages Serenbe Communty in Ten-Day Residency with The Art 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 EventsThe Wildflower Restoration ProjectThe Art Farm Environmental CouncilBee City USASerenbe FarmsCompost at Serenbe FarmsSerenbe 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 EventsJetset World TravelAbout LindseyPodcast | 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 EventsSuper Geek Trivia on InstagramHalsa RestaurantJoystick 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.
Serenbe EventsAbout Randy Zisk Serenbe’s Animal VillageFrom Hollywood to ‘Y’allywood:’ Atlanta is the Next Big Destination for Celebrity Home Buyers (Wall Street Journal)Serenbe: The Biophilic Community that Wants to Change How We All Live (Design Milk)The Farmhouse at Serenbe
Shownotes -
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 EventsSheri Salata The Support SystemThe Beautiful No: And Other Tales of Trial, Transcendence, and Transformation by Sheri SalataThe RetreatsThe 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 EventsThe Inn at SerenbeInn at Serenbe PackagesBamboo JuicesThe Hill at SerenbeThe Farmhouse at SerenbeThe Inn at Serenbe on TripadvisorKey Words: Hospitality, Customer Service, Concierge, Inn at Serenbe, Serenbe, Boutique Hotel
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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 EventsRay C. Anderson FoundationLast Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard LouvChattahoochee RiverLandsFlight Path: A Search for Roots Underneath the World’s Busiest Airport by Hannah PalmerRodale InstituteAmerican Farmland TrustThe Conservation FundWritten Testimony of Steve Nygren, Founder & CEO of Serenbe, Submitted to the Committee on Agriculture, U.S. House of RepresentativesSerenbe 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.
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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 SerenbeThe Healthy Girl’s Guide to Breast CancerRedefining HealthySerenbe 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
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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 SerenbeThe Farmhouse at SerenbeSerenbe Events CalendarKey Words: Serenbe, Hospitality, Hospitality Industry, Food & Beverage, Pacific Northwest, Community, Biophilia, Biophilic Design
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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 ConsultantSerenbe Events CalendarThe HillSuper Geek TriviaKey Words: Mortgage, Mortgage Lender, Sober, Sobriety, Recovery, Athletics, Community Sports, Band, Local Band, Guitar, Serenbe, Serenbe Real Estate, Community, Biophilia
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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 OlderGlowing Older PodcastSerenbe plans innovative senior living center (Axios)Key Words: Aging, Intergenerational Living, Aging in Place, Senior Living, Wellness, Blue Zones, Biophilic Design, Biophilia, Serenbe, Community
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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 CalendarSerenbe Real EstateSuper Geek TriviaSerenbe CareersKey Words: Serenbe, Community, Career, Career Transition, Real Estate, Trivia, Sports Leagues, Excel, Family
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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 YipWag-A-LotLifeline Animal ProjectStylish Decor and Pets Can Co-exist in Your Home. Here’s How (Denver Post)Vern Yip’s Design WiseVern Yip’s Vacation At HomeKey Words: Design, Interior Design, HGTV, Architecture, Vern Yip, Serenbe, New Urbanism, Community, Animals, Pets, Pet Adoption
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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 TabbBiophilic Urbanism: Designing Resilient Communities for the Future by Phillip James TabbThin 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 KeltnerRachel K. GarceauNygren PlacemakingKey Words: Thin Places, Phill Tabb, Serenbe, Awe, Serenity, Emotion Wheel, Dacher Keltner, Biophilia, Biophilic Design
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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 WebsiteAbout GiffBirds of Georgia by Giff Beaton, John Parrish, and Gregory KennedyDragonflies and Damselflies by Giff Beaton Tiger Beetles of the Southeastern United States by Giff Beaton, R. Stephen Krotzer, and Brian D. HoltSerenbe 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, 9/29Meet & Celebrate Artist Thomas Jackson, Free Public Reception, 9/30Serenbe Designer ShowhouseThomas Jackson PhotographyNew Georgia Landscapes (Thomas Jackson x Serenbe)Jackson Fine ArtThe Art Farm at SerenbeKey Words: Art, Artist, Photography, Nature Photography, Installation, Installation Photography, Thomas Jackson, Gallery, Art Gallery, Contemporary Art, Serenbe, Nature, Artist in Residence
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