Start In Your Own Backyard Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:49:58 -0400 https://startinyourownbackyard.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Start In Your Own Backyard yes 032190e4-19e0-54fe-9c87-3e1f02f765fb Serenbe Media Network episodic false 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. 

The question is simple: What gifts do you bring? And are you ready to use them?


Want to dive deeper? Steve’s book, Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where You Live with Radical Common Sense, is out now. An instant USA Today Bestseller, this book is 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.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Serenbe Media Network https://storage.buzzsprout.com/4paxfbf65e48vvcyprajmgi9t9q0?.jpg Start In Your Own Backyard https://startinyourownbackyard.buzzsprout.com Tim Beatley On Bringing Nature Into Cities Tim Beatley On Bringing Nature Into Cities When Serenbe was in its early stages, people often tried to put a label on it. Terms like agrihood and eco-community came close, but never quite captured the vision. Then Steve heard urban planner and author Tim Beatley speak about biophilic cities and something clicked. A community shaped by a deep connection to nature and a respect for the living systems around us was exactly what he was trying to create at Serenbe.

Tim Beatley is the Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities at the University of Virginia, where he has taught for more than 25 years. His work explores how cities and communities can become more sustainable, resilient, livable, and equitable. He is also the founder of Biophilic Cities, a global network connecting cities, researchers, and advocates working to bring nature back into the places we live.

In this conversation, Steve and Tim explore how growing up surrounded by nature shaped Tim’s work, what cities around the world are doing to reconnect people with the natural world, and why that connection matters so much to our everyday lives and wellbeing. They also talk about what each of us can do to build a deeper relationship with nature—starting right where we are.

Show Notes

Keywords: Tim Beatley, biophilic cities, biophilic design, biophilia, nature and cities, sustainable cities, sustainable communities, urban planning, urban design, city planning, regenerative design, resilient cities, livable cities, equitable cities, nature in cities, reconnecting with nature, urban nature, green cities, green infrastructure, environmental design, nature-based solutions, Serenbe, Steve Nygren

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> When Serenbe was in its early stages, people often tried to put a label on it. Terms like agrihood and eco-community came close, but never quite captured the vision. Then Steve heard urban planner and author Tim Beatley speak about biophilic cities and something clicked. A community shaped by a deep connection to nature and a respect for the living systems around us was exactly what he was trying to create at Serenbe.

Tim Beatley is the Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities at the University of Virginia, where he has taught for more than 25 years. His work explores how cities and communities can become more sustainable, resilient, livable, and equitable. He is also the founder of Biophilic Cities, a global network connecting cities, researchers, and advocates working to bring nature back into the places we live.

In this conversation, Steve and Tim explore how growing up surrounded by nature shaped Tim’s work, what cities around the world are doing to reconnect people with the natural world, and why that connection matters so much to our everyday lives and wellbeing. They also talk about what each of us can do to build a deeper relationship with nature—starting right where we are.

Show Notes

Keywords: Tim Beatley, biophilic cities, biophilic design, biophilia, nature and cities, sustainable cities, sustainable communities, urban planning, urban design, city planning, regenerative design, resilient cities, livable cities, equitable cities, nature in cities, reconnecting with nature, urban nature, green cities, green infrastructure, environmental design, nature-based solutions, Serenbe, Steve Nygren

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> https://stevenygren.com/ Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-19766197 Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0400 2921 Tim Beatley, biophilic cities, biophilic design, biophilia, nature and cities, sustainable cities, sustainable communities, urban planning, urban design, city planning, regenerative design, resilient cities, livable cities, equitable cities, nature in cit 2 4 full false Mehmet Kalyoncu Is Rethinking How We Build Cities in Istanbul & Beyond Mehmet Kalyoncu Is Rethinking How We Build Cities in Istanbul & Beyond In this episode of Start In Your Own Backyard, Steve Nygren sits down with Mehmet Kalyoncu, a developer and visionary rethinking how architecture, mobility, community, and nature can shape the future of cities. What began with a visit to Serenbe has grown into an ongoing exchange of ideas between Serenbe and Mehmet’s work in Turkey.

Raised in the architecture and construction business, Mehmet was deeply involved in the development of Istanbul Airport before turning his attention to a bigger question: How can we build communities that are more connected to people, nature, and one another?

That question led him to found Ion, whose first major neighborhood project, Ion Riva, sits near Istanbul’s Black Sea coast. After visiting the project earlier this year, Steve was struck by its scale, beauty, connection to the landscape, and the collaborative team behind it.

The conversation also explores how the devastating 2023 earthquakes in Turkey reshaped Mehmet’s thinking about development, community resilience, and who gets a voice in shaping the future of a city.

Show Notes

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> In this episode of Start In Your Own Backyard, Steve Nygren sits down with Mehmet Kalyoncu, a developer and visionary rethinking how architecture, mobility, community, and nature can shape the future of cities. What began with a visit to Serenbe has grown into an ongoing exchange of ideas between Serenbe and Mehmet’s work in Turkey.

Raised in the architecture and construction business, Mehmet was deeply involved in the development of Istanbul Airport before turning his attention to a bigger question: How can we build communities that are more connected to people, nature, and one another?

That question led him to found Ion, whose first major neighborhood project, Ion Riva, sits near Istanbul’s Black Sea coast. After visiting the project earlier this year, Steve was struck by its scale, beauty, connection to the landscape, and the collaborative team behind it.

The conversation also explores how the devastating 2023 earthquakes in Turkey reshaped Mehmet’s thinking about development, community resilience, and who gets a voice in shaping the future of a city.

Show Notes

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> https://stevenygren.com/ Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-19729234 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0400 2534 Steve Nygren, Serenbe, Placemaking, Biophilic Design, Urban Design, Urban Planning, Built Environment, Architecture, City Planning, Biophilia, Mehmet Kalyoncu, Turkey, Istanbul, Ion, Ion Riva, MIPIM 2 3 full false Ellen Dunham-Jones Wants To Retrofit Suburbia Ellen Dunham-Jones Wants To Retrofit Suburbia When Serenbe was first conceived, Steve Nygren had the opportunity to rethink almost everything from the ground up. But most of the places where people live don’t have that luxury. They’re already built, and in many cases, they’re struggling.

That’s where our guest today, Ellen Dunham-Jones, comes in. An architect, urban designer, and longtime professor at Georgia Tech, Ellen has spent more than two decades exploring how existing suburbs can evolve. 

In this conversation, Steve and Ellen explore everything from transforming abandoned malls and creating more third places to stormwater parks, autonomous transportation, climate migration, and what the suburbs might look like twenty years from now.

If Serenbe is an example of what can happen when you start with a blank slate, Ellen’s work asks an equally important question: What should we do with the places we’ve already built?

Show Notes:

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> When Serenbe was first conceived, Steve Nygren had the opportunity to rethink almost everything from the ground up. But most of the places where people live don’t have that luxury. They’re already built, and in many cases, they’re struggling.

That’s where our guest today, Ellen Dunham-Jones, comes in. An architect, urban designer, and longtime professor at Georgia Tech, Ellen has spent more than two decades exploring how existing suburbs can evolve. 

In this conversation, Steve and Ellen explore everything from transforming abandoned malls and creating more third places to stormwater parks, autonomous transportation, climate migration, and what the suburbs might look like twenty years from now.

If Serenbe is an example of what can happen when you start with a blank slate, Ellen’s work asks an equally important question: What should we do with the places we’ve already built?

Show Notes:

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> https://stevenygren.com/ Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-19692279 Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400 3060 Steve Nygren, Serenbe, Placemaking, Biophilic Design, Urban Design, Urban Planning, Built Environment, Architecture, City Planning, Biophilia, Ellen Dunham Jones, Retrofitting Suburbia, New Urbanism, Georgia Tech 2 2 full false Price Bell Is Bridging Growth and Stewardship Price Bell Is Bridging Growth and Stewardship Price Bell Jr., grew up at Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, a working thoroughbred farm that his family has cared for for generations.

But Price’s story isn’t just about preserving what his family inherited. He spent years working in real estate and urban development, particularly in Nashville, where he learned about the power of neighborhoods, adaptive reuse, and, perhaps most importantly, what can happen when people work together toward a shared vision. And then he came to Serenbe.

What began as a visit to The Biophilic Leadership Summit – and later a family trip where he watched his children explore the woods and simply experience the joy of being outside – opened up a new way of thinking about what might be possible at Mill Ridge and in the surrounding city of Lexington.

Now, Price is thinking about how to balance growth with stewardship, how to bring people back into relationship with land, and how we can create places that are better for the generations who come after us.

Show Notes

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> Price Bell Jr., grew up at Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, a working thoroughbred farm that his family has cared for for generations.

But Price’s story isn’t just about preserving what his family inherited. He spent years working in real estate and urban development, particularly in Nashville, where he learned about the power of neighborhoods, adaptive reuse, and, perhaps most importantly, what can happen when people work together toward a shared vision. And then he came to Serenbe.

What began as a visit to The Biophilic Leadership Summit – and later a family trip where he watched his children explore the woods and simply experience the joy of being outside – opened up a new way of thinking about what might be possible at Mill Ridge and in the surrounding city of Lexington.

Now, Price is thinking about how to balance growth with stewardship, how to bring people back into relationship with land, and how we can create places that are better for the generations who come after us.

Show Notes

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> https://stevenygren.com/ Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-19658160 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0400 2669 Steve Nygren, Serenbe, Placemaking, Biophilic Design, Urban Design, Urban Planning, Built Environment, Architecture, City Planning, Biophilia, Mill Ridge Farm, Mill Ridge, Price Bell Jr. 2 1 full false Introducing Season 2 of Start In Your Own Backyard Introducing Season 2 of Start In Your Own Backyard Season 2 of Start In Your Own Backyard premieres Monday, August 17.

What if the places we build could help solve the problems they’ve helped create? That question sits at the heart of Season 2 of Start In Your Own Backyard, as visionary placemaker Steve Nygren looks beyond Serenbe to meet people who are rethinking the way we live, work, connect, and care for the places we call home.

The built environment, as it exists today, is at the root of many of our biggest challenges. But it can also be a powerful part of the solution.

And there’s a bigger lesson running through these conversations: we all have the power to take agency where we are, using whatever skills, resources, and opportunities we have. With a belief in the power of optimism, even when things feel difficult, this season explores how each of us can create ripples of positive change by starting right where we are.

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> Season 2 of Start In Your Own Backyard premieres Monday, August 17.

What if the places we build could help solve the problems they’ve helped create? That question sits at the heart of Season 2 of Start In Your Own Backyard, as visionary placemaker Steve Nygren looks beyond Serenbe to meet people who are rethinking the way we live, work, connect, and care for the places we call home.

The built environment, as it exists today, is at the root of many of our biggest challenges. But it can also be a powerful part of the solution.

And there’s a bigger lesson running through these conversations: we all have the power to take agency where we are, using whatever skills, resources, and opportunities we have. With a belief in the power of optimism, even when things feel difficult, this season explores how each of us can create ripples of positive change by starting right where we are.

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> https://stevenygren.com/ Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-19647077 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 159 Steve Nygren, Serenbe, Placemaking, Biophilic Design, Urban Design, Urban Planning, Built Environment, Architecture, City Planning, Biophilia 2 trailer false The Spark of Possibility The Spark of Possibility 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

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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> 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

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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-17971233 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 1277 1 8 full false A Place That Feels Like Home A Place That Feels Like Home 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

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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> 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

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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> https://stevenygren.com/ Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-17930420 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1357 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 full false The Deepest Wells of the Human Spirit The Deepest Wells of the Human Spirit 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

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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> 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

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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> https://stevenygren.com/ Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-17891217 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400 1328 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, communi full false Community Potluck Community Potluck 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

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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> 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

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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> https://stevenygren.com/ Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-17851108 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1387 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 full false Where Wellness Grows Where Wellness Grows 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

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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> 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

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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> https://stevenygren.com/ Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-17809879 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1596 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 1 4 full false Why Beauty Matters Why Beauty Matters 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


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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> 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


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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> https://stevenygren.com/ Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-17770167 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1355 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, connecti 1 3 full false A Village at the Forest’s Edge A Village at the Forest’s Edge 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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> 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

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> https://stevenygren.com/ Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-17733511 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1342 biophilia, biophilic design, serenbe, community, biophilic community, nature based solutions, sustainable community, placemaking, sustainability, environment, wellness, biodiversity, E.O. Wilson, EO Wilson, pollinator, pollinator garden 1 2 full false The Land That Changed Everything The Land That Changed Everything In the first episode of Start In Your Own Backyard, 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.

Because, let’s be honest: life in America isn’t working the way it should. Not for most people. Across the board, whether it’s public health, community trust, or our relationship with the natural world, we’re seeing signs of major strain. 

That’s where optimism comes in. It may not always feel like a superpower, especially when the headlines keep piling up and the problems we face seem impossibly big. But optimism is so much more than wishful thinking. It’s the energy that drives meaningful action. It’s what allows us to picture a better future and believe we have a role in making it real.

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

Keywords: Serenbe, Steve Nygren, wellness community, nature-connected living, sustainable community, intentional community design, biophilic design, built environment, urban planning and wellness, community building, wellness

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> In the first episode of Start In Your Own Backyard, 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.

Because, let’s be honest: life in America isn’t working the way it should. Not for most people. Across the board, whether it’s public health, community trust, or our relationship with the natural world, we’re seeing signs of major strain. 

That’s where optimism comes in. It may not always feel like a superpower, especially when the headlines keep piling up and the problems we face seem impossibly big. But optimism is so much more than wishful thinking. It’s the energy that drives meaningful action. It’s what allows us to picture a better future and believe we have a role in making it real.

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

Keywords: Serenbe, Steve Nygren, wellness community, nature-connected living, sustainable community, intentional community design, biophilic design, built environment, urban planning and wellness, community building, wellness

Are You Ready For Radical Common Sense? Visionary placemaker Steve Nygren chronicles the rise of Serenbe, a pioneering model of biophilic living outside Atlanta, and charts a path for others wishing to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves. 

Order the book today. 

Subscribe on Substack and receive a free essay from Steve every week. 

]]> Serenbe Media Network Buzzsprout-17691949 Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0400 1527 Serenbe, Steve Nygren, wellness community, nature-connected living, sustainable community, intentional community design, biophilic design, built environment, urban planning and wellness, community building, wellness 1 1 full false