Behind the Bluff

Amandine, founder of Amandine Soul Botanicals, shares her journey from almost attending law school to creating a natural skincare line that focuses on simplicity, intention, and nervous system support. Her products combine multiple beneficial ingredients into fewer formulations, transforming skincare from an obligatory routine into a ritual people look forward to.

• Abandoned law school after an emotional realization that skincare was her true passion
• Created a farm-inspired brand after her family unexpectedly moved to an 80-acre property
• Formulated products that address both skin health and emotional wellbeing through essential oils
• Developed Inner Glow, a face oil with 17 natural ingredients that absorbs quickly and "plays well with others"
• Her products are used by celebrity makeup artists on clients like Travis Kelce, Pedro Pascal, and Anne Hathaway
• Recommends identifying skin concerns first, then ingredients that address them, then products with multiple benefits
• Explains the differences between physical and chemical sunscreens and their appropriate uses
• Suggests Korean sunscreen formulations for advanced technology not yet approved in North America
• Emphasizes skincare as creating protective barriers against environmental stressors
• Defines wellness as finding peace and happiness, not just following external practices

"Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or just beginning your wellness journey, I hope you find insight, inspiration and practical wisdom in today's conversation."

Julian Beaugnon, Equestrian Director at Longfield Stables, shares insights from his 20-year global career with horses and explains the unique physical, mental, and emotional wellness benefits of horseback riding.

• Growing up on a horse farm in France and becoming a trainer at just 14 years old
• Transitioning from stunt riding in movies and theme parks to performing with Disney and Cavalia
• How horseback riding develops subtle strength, coordination and body alignment rather than maximum force
• Why horses are incredibly perceptive to human emotions and can detect anxiety or distraction immediately
• The magnetic field horses create that may help reduce human stress and blood pressure
• How working with horses teaches valuable life skills like focus, confidence, and emotional control
• Common misconceptions about horse communication and why most human behaviors toward horses are unnatural
• Longfield Stables' diverse offerings from trail rides across 12 miles to specialized training in various disciplines
• Julian's background as a world champion horseball player (essentially "rugby on horseback")
• Upcoming events and growth plans for Longfield Stables in 2026

Visit Longfield Stables at Palmetto Bluff to experience trail rides, lessons, or equestrian events - beginners welcome!

Breathing is something most of us do over 20,000 times a day, yet many people are doing it incorrectly and missing out on significant health benefits.

• Mouth breathing is not normal - breathing through your nose brings 10-20% more oxygen into your body
• Nasal breathing activates the parasympathetic system, signaling to your brain and body to relax
• Mouth tape can help train your body to keep lips closed, especially while sleeping
• Slow breathing (5-6 breaths per minute) calms the nervous system and reduces stress
• Box breathing (4-4-4-4) and 4-7-8 breathing are effective techniques for inducing calm
• Proper diaphragmatic breathing should be horizontal (360°) rather than vertical (chest)
• CO2 isn't the enemy - it's essential for oxygen exchange in the body
• Extend your exhales to improve CO2 tolerance and oxygen efficiency
• Breath is the bridge between body and mind, helping with emotional regulation
• Poor breathing during sleep leads to snoring, which is not normal
• Diaphragmatic breathing can improve mobility in shoulders and upper back
• Start with 5 minutes of conscious breathing practice 2-3 days per week

Rob Fyfe transformed the Lowcountry running scene by creating Palmetto Running Company after noticing the absence of a running community when he moved from New York in 2010. His passion for bringing people together through movement has evolved from a small running club into America's Best Running Store, creating a family-like community that welcomes runners of all ages and abilities.

• Started PRC as a passion project after noticing no running stores or community in Bluffton
• Created an inclusive running club with 110 members ages 12-82, offering group runs in diverse locations
• Developed popular programs like Pub Runs and Couch-to-5K to make running accessible to everyone
• Helps local businesses through strategic group run locations and partnerships
• Named America's Best Running Store in 2023, beating out 1,500 other stores nationwide
• Timing and organizing races throughout the region, raising approximately $2 million for charities
• Encourages beginners to be patient: "Six weeks is the threshold before you'll love running"
• Attributes his youthful spirit at 66 to 54 years of consistent running and wellness habits

For those interested in joining the running community, Rob recommends starting slow, being patient, and signing up for races to create accountability. Stop by either Palmetto Running Company location for information or join their Saturday group runs to experience the community firsthand.

Gene Castellino brings his unique perspective as both Palmetto Bluff's beverage director and a passionate health advocate to this energetic conversation about balancing wellness with life's pleasures. His journey from a coal mining town in Pennsylvania to becoming a wine expert showcases how structure and intentionality can create space for both indulgence and discipline.

• Gene approaches wine selection by seeking out small, family-owned producers rather than mass-market labels
• His "five days off, two days on" alcohol schedule allows him to enjoy quality wines while maintaining health priorities
• Structure and organization form the foundation of Gene's approach to fitness, nutrition, and travel
• Gene's fitness journey spans from bodybuilding to marathons to climbing Mount Whitney five times
• Growing up in a Sicilian household with homemade food shaped his clean eating approach
• Traveling to countries like Japan and Italy has reinforced his appreciation for fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Gene tracks his blood work twice a year to measure how his fitness and nutrition choices impact his health
• Quality over convenience guides his decisions—he won't consume alcohol unless it meets his standards
• Gene believes health must be everyone's top priority: "Without it, nothing else works"
• Preparing thoroughly for new experiences (like researching Japan for months) enhances enjoyment and reduces stress
• Gene avoids processed foods and hasn't had soda since giving it up for Lent at age 12

Remember: actively participate in life on your terms.

Dr. Lori Whatley shares her expertise on the intersection of mental wellness and digital life, exploring how we can build stronger, healthier relationships in our increasingly disconnected world. Through scientific research and practical advice, she reveals how meaningful connections impact our health, happiness, and longevity.

• True friendship means being present for others in both good and bad times
• Different friends serve different purposes in our lives, with three close friends being the ideal number
• Loneliness is a universal problem underlying many mental health challenges
• Research from Harvard and Blue Zones confirms that social connection directly impacts longevity
• Technology should enhance rather than replace in-person relationships
• Creating intentional boundaries with technology improves our ability to connect
• "Be where your feet are" - presence is the foundation of meaningful relationships
• Stepping outside your comfort zone creates opportunities for new connections
• Wellness encompasses mental, physical, and spiritual well-being
• Community settings like Palmetto Bluff offer numerous opportunities for connection

Find Dr. Lori Whatley on social media or purchase her book "Happier Together" on Amazon and at major bookstores.

Our fitness journey is shaped more by our mindset than our workouts, and consistency rather than perfection is the key to lasting results. 

• The concept of "maximizing the minutes" recognizes that formal workouts represent only 2.7% of our weekly time
• Small behaviors throughout the day—like posture choices and screen habits—compound to impact health outcomes
• "Consistently doing okay" is more effective than occasionally being perfect
• Success should be defined by inputs within our control rather than outcomes we can't control
• Progress isn't linear—it often follows an exponential pattern like lily pads that double daily
• The discipline developed through fitness translates to better decision-making in all areas of life
• Replacing phrases like "have to" with "get to" creates a powerful mental shift toward gratitude
• Your results should come as a surprise, emerging naturally from consistent daily habits
• Strength training and increasing VO2 max are positive trends making fitness more accessible to everyone 
• The sled is an ideal strength tool because it's accessible, difficult to perform incorrectly, and involves horizontal movement

Join us next week as we continue our trainer series with more insights on living an active, purposeful life.

Chef Beth Cosgrove shares her extraordinary journey from culinary school graduate to global chef, exploring how her 17 years abroad shaped her approach to food and leadership at Palmetto Bluff. Her experiences across kitchens in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Dubai, and Amsterdam provide fascinating insights into cultural differences, communication challenges, and the universal language of hospitality.

• Started international career through a chance meeting at a CIA career fair, leading to her first position in Hong Kong at 22
• Immersed herself completely in foreign cultures, learning languages and embracing local customs beyond just the kitchen
• Navigated unique challenges like language barriers by building strong relationships with team members who served as translators
• Recounts entertaining stories of cultural misunderstandings, including a Hindu cook who discarded veal jus and lost lobster bisque in Shanghai
• Emphasizes collaborative approach to menu development, incorporating team members' diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Names Japan as her ideal culinary destination due to the country's incredible respect for ingredients and stimulating food culture
• Believes in building "perfect on perfect" with incredible attention to detail, even in simple dishes
• Describes wellness as finding happiness in work and surrounding yourself with people who make you happy

Next up at Palmetto Bluff: look for the upcoming Korean barbecue experience in the "Around the Table" series this fall!

Megan Teed, physical therapist and co-founder of the Wellco, shares her journey from being diagnosed with scoliosis at age 11 to developing innovative treatment approaches that go beyond traditional physical therapy.

• Personal experience with inadequate scoliosis education in PT school, receiving only one hour of instruction on the condition
• Three fundamental components of effective scoliosis treatment: elongation, stacking body blocks, and stabilization
• Different types of scoliosis: congenital, idiopathic (90% of cases), functional, and degenerative
• Three-phase treatment protocol: Spine Restore (nervous system reset), Corrective (alignment), and Spine Strength (building opposing muscles)
• Why stretching without addressing fascial adhesions first can worsen scoliosis
• Recommendation to avoid barbell squats and deadlifts in favor of more adaptable exercises using dumbbells
• Simple daily maintenance techniques including foot rolling and elongation exercises
• Inspiration from Olympic athletes like Usain Bolt who compete at elite levels with scoliosis

Join Megan's free scoliosis-specific Pilates class at the Wellco at 10am Eastern Standard Time on June 28th in honor of National Scoliosis Awareness Month. Find Megan on Instagram as @thescoliotherapist, on YouTube, and on her podcast "Ahead of the Curve."

Steven Potter, head PGA golf professional at Palmetto Bluff's Crossroads course, shares insights from his 13-year journey at the property and his lifelong relationship with golf. His passion for the game began in high school, evolved through competitive junior tours in West Virginia, and led to collegiate play before bringing him to the unique community of Palmetto Bluff.

• Initially a baseball player who discovered golf in high school through a friend
• Competed on West Virginia's junior golf tour, meeting Sam Snead at the Greenbrier as a young player
• Witnessed Palmetto Bluff's evolution from 160 golf members to over 650, with a third course opening soon
• Explains what makes Palmetto Bluff special: "We're not a country club, we're a place with some of the best amenities and team members anywhere"
• Describes a perfect day on the course as dependent on who you're playing with, not necessarily the score
• Believes patience is the most important lesson golf teaches, both as a player and professional
• Values the connection between wellness and golf longevity
• Recommends proper grip technique as the most important fundamental many amateurs miss

Join our community where we believe every moment is an opportunity to pursue wellness on your terms, and discover why Palmetto Bluff offers a golf experience unlike anywhere else.