Behind the Bluff

We explore the Staircase of Change, a transformative model for creating lasting change in your life. Through the steps of being present, getting direction, and taking action, we emphasize the importance of self-awareness and the concept of being imperfectly consistent.  • Understanding the Staircase of Change framework  • The significance of being present in life  • Self-awareness as a tool for gr...

Can nurturing your social connections actually lead to a healthier, longer life? Join us as we unravel the often-overlooked yet vital aspect of wellness—social connection—unlocking the secrets to reducing stress and boosting happiness through meaningful relationships. Hosts Jeff Ford and Kendra Till are your guides on this enlightening journey, where the impact of feeling connected is shown to be...

Curious about the enchanting world of sea turtles and the magic of the Lowcountry? Join us as naturalist Cassie Critchlow takes us on a journey through the vibrant ecosystems of Montage Palmetto Bluff. Cassie's lifelong passion for marine life began with dreams of working with fish, leading her to transformative experiences at the Georgia Aquarium and Disney Hilton Head Island Resort. Through...

Running has been a journey of self-discovery, humor, and personal growth for us. From the humble beginnings at Clemson University to organizing our most successful Turkey Trot yet, we’ve seen how running can transform lives and bring communities together. With over 900 participants and $20,000 raised for Memory Matters, our Thanksgiving Day event was filled with joy, laughter, and heartwarming mom...

Uncover the hidden stories of resilience and transformation at Palmetto Bluff as we explore its history from the Reconstruction Era to modern development. Join us on a journey through time, as we, Jeff Ford and cultural expert Katie Epps, illuminate the struggles and triumphs of this region. Discover the personal success of Cyrus Garvey, a formerly enslaved person who defied the odds to become a l...

Ever wondered how the antebellum and Civil War eras shaped the cultural and economic landscape of the American South? Join us on Behind the Bluff as we journey through these transformative years with Katie Epps, Director of Cultural Resources at Palmetto Bluff. Together, we unravel the complexities of plantation life from 1784 to 1865, examining South Carolina's pivotal role in the Civil War...

Discover the captivating story of Palmetto Bluff's early history with our distinguished guest, Katie Epps, the Director of Cultural Resources at Palmetto Bluff. Growing up amidst the historical richness of Charleston fueled Katie's passion for uncovering the past, leading her to become an archaeologist with a knack for storytelling and a love for the outdoors. We kick off our three-part...

GLP-1 medications could be a game-changer for weight loss, but at what cost? Join us, Jeff and Lindsay Ford, as we uncover the secrets behind these intriguing drugs, their origins, and the science that supports their use. Inspired by a unique lizard's ability to maintain stable blood sugar levels, these medications have transitioned from diabetes management to the weight loss frontier. We dis...

Discover the secrets to human flourishing through the lens of the PERMA model with our special guest, Dr. Katie Rider Mundey. As a licensed psychologist and the founder of She Thrives Psychology and Consulting, Dr. Rider Mundey shares her insights on cultivating positive emotions and prioritizing mental health. Her expertise in women's mental health, including trauma therapy, perinatal mental...

Ever wondered how the most luxurious spas in the world seamlessly blend cultural elements into their services? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Livia Reddington, the Director of Spa and Retail at Montage Palmetto Bluff, as she shares her remarkable journey through the world of luxury hospitality. From her early career at the Four Seasons in Maui to leading spa operations globally, Liv...

Unlock the secrets to optimal health as we explore the essential role of electrolytes with our expert registered dietitian, Lindsay Ford. Discover how these crucial minerals affect everything from muscle contraction to fluid balance and even mental clarity. We'll guide you through the subtle signs of an imbalance, like brain fog and cramps, and share valuable insights on the importance of sup...

Lilah Dima's transition from a figure skater to a leading force in women's ice hockey is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up with a single mother who nurtured her love for skating, Lilah's journey took an unexpected turn when her son's interest in hockey led her to coaching. Now, as the head coach of the Georgia Southern Women's Ice Hockey Team, she is dedicated to buil...

How does a 22-year military career morph into a leadership role at a private shooting club? This week, we spotlight Andrew Harris, the director of the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, who shares his remarkable journey from the battlefield to the clubhouse. He opens up about his decision to enlist right after the September 11 attacks and how his extensive experience in the Marine Corps shaped his appr...

What if neglecting mobility and stretching is the reason you’re not achieving your fitness goals? Jeff Ford and Kendra Till dive deep into this often-overlooked aspect of fitness on this week’s Behind the Bluff. Using relatable analogies, like comparing your body's mobility to a computer's battery, they underscore the importance of keeping our bodies 'charged' and ready for act...

Curious about what it takes to have a thriving fall garden? Join us as we chat with Shane Rahn, the farm manager of Palmetto Bluff Club, who shares his expert knowledge on growing fall crops. From the best leafy greens to root vegetables like cabbages, broccolis, cauliflowers, lettuces, radishes, carrots, turnips, and beets, Shane breaks down the essential steps to ensure a bountiful harvest. You&...

Get ready to uncover the secrets of the boating lifestyle with Marina Director Stefan Szymanski. Ever wondered how someone transitions from teaching coastal education in the Florida Keys to leading a bustling marina like Palmetto Bluff Club? Stefan shares his compelling journey, filled with fascinating roles that blend education, management, and mechanical expertise, ultimately bringing him to Wil...

Could transforming from a bourbon lover to a wine expert change your entire outlook on life? Join us as we uncover PJ Myers' incredible journey from being a Jim Beam and Budweiser enthusiast to becoming a super taster and certified sommelier at Montage, Palmetto Bluffs Riverhouse. Discover how PJ's unique ability to identify complex wine nuances demystifies wine appreciation for everyone...

Ever wondered why walking is often dismissed as a "real" form of exercise? Join us on Behind the Bluff as we uncover the underestimated power of putting one foot in front of the other. Recent studies from the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology confirm that even modest distances, like 4,000 steps per day, can dramatically reduce your risk of death from various causes. Discover ho...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of photos you’ve accumulated over the years? Join us on Behind the Bluff as we sit down with Rhoda Gordon, a Palmetto Bluff member and the owner of Sunflower Photo Solutions, who turned her family's treasure trove of photos into a thriving business dedicated to helping others preserve their memories. Rhoda shares her personal journey, from in...

Ever wondered how outdoor experiences can transform a child's life? Join us for a delightful conversation with Lexi Yeager, the mastermind behind the PBGO (Palmetto Bluff Growing Outdoors) program, as she shares her passion and journey from a young volunteer in Kansas to the Children's Program Director at Palmetto Bluff. Hear firsthand about her early beginnings at a camp for kids with d...

Ever wondered if your shoes are harming your feet more than helping? Jeff and Kendra tackle the controversial subject of modern athletic footwear and its impact on foot health. Discover why excessive cushioning might be weakening your feet by cutting off vital ground sensation. Jeff even shares his personal concerns about his daughter’s footwear choices, making this issue all too real and relatabl...

Join us for an enchanting exploration of Palmetto Bluff's rich history and vibrant lifestyle, guided by our special guest, Gray Stallman. Gray, a retired orthopedic surgeon and now a passionate historian, reveals his and his wife Mary’s immediate connection to this picturesque community. Tune in to hear about the diverse activities they enjoy, from fitness programs to boating, and how they’ve...

Is cardio really as painful and monotonous as many people think? On this episode of Behind the Bluff, we challenge the common misconceptions surrounding cardio exercise. Discover why people often avoid it due to its perceived difficulty and sameness, and learn practical strategies for incorporating more cardio into your routine without feeling overwhelmed. From brisk walks to walking meetings, we...

What if maintaining a golf course was as demanding as training a world-class athlete? This episode of "Behind the Bluff" promises to unravel the intricate artistry of golf course management through the eyes of Chris Johnson, the Director of Agronomy at Palmetto Bluff. With a career spanning over two decades, Chris takes us on a captivating journey from his humble beginnings working on go...

Curious about how intermittent fasting impacts your daily routine? Join us on Behind the Bluff where we promise to unravel the many facets of this popular eating pattern. With insights from registered dietitian Lindsay Ford, we traverse its historical roots and contemporary relevance. Lindsay breaks down the science, explaining how intermittent fasting affects hormones like insulin, which plays a...