In this episode, we step into a conversation about a recent moment in public discourse: a post by Donald Trump referencing Barack Obama and Michelle Obama that many named as racially charged and deeply harmful. We explore why things like this don’t land in isolation, and why they carry particular weight for many of us.

Together, we share about what gets stirred up—anger, grief, exhaustion—and why staying grounded in moments like these is both difficult and necessary. This is a serene-ish conversation: holding truth and steadiness at the same time.

As always, we close with practical, nervous-system-aware practices for navigating inflammatory moments. If you’ve ever felt shaken by something others brushed off, this episode is for you.

Please join us for more conversation and find additional resources at thesereneishpodcast.substack.com.

In this episode, we’re getting real about what peace actually looks like in the midst of everyday stress. Let’s be honest, life doesn’t always look serene. We share stories from real-life moments when our inner calm got tested (yes, including the one involving a screaming goat 🐐), and what helped us come back to center.

You’ll hear us talk about weighted blankets, emotion boxes, and why sometimes the quietest place to breathe might just be the bathroom. We explore how stress shows up in our bodies, minds, and spirits—and the small, simple ways we’re learning to notice, nurture, and renew peace from the inside out.

If you’ve ever tried to hold on to calm while life feels loud and chaotic, this one’s for you. Come laugh, exhale, and remember that peace isn’t a perfect state—it’s a practice.

Find more and join the conversation over at ⁠thesereneishpodcast.substack.com

We’re Brenda Renderos and Larissa Marks, and The Serene-ish Podcast is your space for some honest conversation about keeping our humanity in a complicated world.

In our very first episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on who we are, how our friendship formed, and why we started a podcast about serenity…with a very intentional -ish.

We’ll share what listeners can expect from this space: honest conversations about spirituality, justice, womanhood, transitions, relationships, and the messy beauty of being human. There will be laughter, missteps, practices to try, and stories that remind us that serenity isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

If you’re longing for a grounded, gentle, and real place to breathe, grow, and laugh with two good friends…welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.

For more, come find us over at Substack: thesereneishpodcast.substack.com⁠