Companion to Episode 3 of The Serene-ish Podcast
🎧 Listen to Episode 3: When Words Wound
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In this week’s podcast, we step into a conversation that isn’t serene — but is very much necessary.
A few weeks ago, President Donald Trump made an offensive post about Barack and Michelle Obama that many have named as racially charged and harmful. We zoom out to examine the historical context that gives moments like this their weight, and we unpack the difference between intent and impact — and why centering intent often minimizes real harm. We explore why these incidents land differently in BIPOC communities, how racial fatigue builds when rhetoric is cumulative rather than isolated, and what grief and exhaustion can feel like in real time.
With honesty, steadiness, and a little “serene-ish” humor, we offer grounded practices for staying rooted when public discourse reopens old wounds.
We’d love to believe words are just words. That public posts are momentary. That we can scroll past and stay untouched. But of course, we’re human. Words carry history. They echo old narratives. They land in bodies already carrying stories and weariness.
Some moments in public discourse aren’t simply political disagreements. They reopen chapters that many people never had the luxury of closing. And for some of us, the weight isn’t just about one comment — it’s about the accumulation.
So what can we do?
We can slow down before reacting.
We can choose curiosity over defensiveness.
We can center impact over intent.
We can check on the people who may be carrying more than we see.
We can limit our exposure when our nervous systems need protection.
This is the quiet work of staying steady without becoming numb. Of telling the truth without losing ourselves. Of acknowledging harm without surrendering to hopelessness.
And this is where “serene-ish” lives.
Not in pretending everything is fine.
Not in bypassing our grief or our anger.
But in holding honesty and grounding at the same time.
We may not feel calm in moments like these. But we can practice rootedness. We can practice care. And sometimes, that steadying — however imperfect it may be — is enough for the next step forward.
Pause before reposting. Ask: Is this amplifying harm or inviting clarity?
Name impact honestly. Especially if you’re directly affected.
Check on your people. A simple text: “I saw that. How are you doing?”
Limit consumption. Protect your nervous system.
You can find the book Larissa shared she’s returned to numerous times here: My Grandmother’s Hands
What is one practice you can try this week when public discourse feels inflammatory or harmful?
Share in the comments or in our community chat… we’d love to hear from you!
Thank you for listening, commenting, and engaging! If you are enjoying our podcast, please share, subscribe, rate, and review. That helps people find us.
Weʻre right here with you, trying to be serene-ish!
Brenda and Larissa
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