Welcome to The Outfall – a podcast that explores the backstories of our water world and its infrastructure through unique stories. Whether you’re a curious learner or simply looking for an engaging listen, this podcast is designed to cater to a diverse audience. We aim to deliver short and engaging episodes for our audience, have a blast creating them, and uncover the fascinating tales about our water world.
Episodes
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Christy Spackman explores the fascinating connection between water's taste and its source environment. Drawing from her book "The Taste of Water," Spackman shares insights in a lecture at Clemson University. Join us as we dive into the journey of water from source to sip, uncovering how flavor and place are inextricably linked. Show Notes and Pictures.
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
From a heart-stopping near-miss in foggy Seattle waters came Captain John Trimmer’s “How to Avoid Huge Ships” – a 1982 maritime safety guide that transformed from deadly serious advice into an internet sensation.
While thousands of Amazon reviews made it a cult classic (particularly popular among nervous Kansas residents), its seemingly obvious title belies both crucial seafaring wisdom and a deeper truth: when life’s huge ships loom on your horizon, subtle adjustments rarely work – it’s the bold moves that keep us afloat.
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Join us on a behind-the-scenes tour of Spartanburg Water, where Director Ken Tuck shares the 20-year journey of transforming water treatment in a changing world. From taste and odor challenges to innovative solutions, Ken's team is dedicated to improving water quality in the face of evolving environmental demands. This episode offers a fascinating look into the hard work, adaptation, and persistence it takes to deliver daily clean, safe, and great-tasting water. Show Notes with Pictures.
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Meet the unsung heroes of Georgia's rivers - freshwater mussels! Join aquatic biologist Dr. Steve Golladay as he reveals how these remarkable creatures help keep our waterways clean and healthy. Discover the fascinating world of these underwater engineers and learn why protecting them is crucial for the future of the Flint River. Click here for the show notes.
Sunday Oct 27, 2024
Sunday Oct 27, 2024
Once common in folktales, sightings of the eerie will o’ wisp lights have faded away. Could science finally explain why the wisps have disappeared…or are some mysteries better left unsolved? Get ready for a haunting tale of vanished folklore and marshy landscapes. Visit Show Notes Here.
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Hurricane Helene's unprecedented impact on the Carolinas is examined through the expert lens of Hope Mizzell, South Carolina's State Climatologist. This episode provides a deep dive into the storm's development, record-breaking rainfall, and the crucial role of volunteer weather observers in tracking such extreme weather events.
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Discover the eerie parallels between the Great Flood of 1916 and Hurricane Helene in 2024, two catastrophic events that reshaped Asheville and Western North Carolina over a century apart. Through firsthand accounts and historical records, we uncover how these twin disasters expose the enduring challenges of flood management. See show notes here.
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Dive into a decade-long journey of collaboration and conservation in Georgia's Flint River Basin, where endangered mussels and agricultural needs collide. Discover how a diverse group of stakeholders are working to protect the region's unique aquatic species and its vital agricultural economy through an innovative Habitat Conservation Plan. Show Notes Here.
Saturday Aug 31, 2024
Saturday Aug 31, 2024
In this series' third and final podcast episode, discover the untold story of Clemson College's existential battle against the Hartwell Dam project in 1956. Uncover how Plan X became the unexpected solution that saved Clemson's campus and reshaped its landscape. Along the way, uncover an ancient relic hiding in plain sight on campus. See Cool Pictures Here.
Friday Aug 16, 2024
Friday Aug 16, 2024
In 1956, Clemson College faced potential submersion as Hartwell Dam plans threatened to flood its campus. We continue to uncover the high-stakes battle between college officials and the federal government, revealing a forgotten alternative that could have radically transformed the landscape. Dive into this tale of progress versus preservation, where Clemson's future hangs in the balance, and a five-mile canal nearly became a reality. Check out the show notes and the COOL rendering of the canal.