The Outfall Podcast

A man flipping through old tax map books finds a piece of land with no parcel number, no taxes paid, and no explanation. The county can't tell him why, so he spends two years of weekends with a compass and a stack of field notes from the 1750s trying to find out. What's still sitting out there in the woods changed the way we think about the ground under our feet. Visit our Show Notes.

For seven years we thought we knew what this show was about. Listening back through 100 episodes proved us wrong. Episode 100 is the story of what we found underneath. Visit our website. 

Season 8 of The Outfall starts with a set of coordinates, a fence line, and a wife who wisely stayed in the car. What comes next is bigger, quieter, and a lot stranger than where it began. New episodes begins in June.  Visit our website.  Join us online. 

A maintenance worker's suspicious 911 call. A toxic chemical banned since the 1970s. And a $2.5 million cleanup that started with one man's $6,000 shortcut. Former Spartanburg Water CEO Sue Schneider takes us inside the crisis. See the Show Notes.

For nearly a century, the Chattooga River has shaped the lives of the people who ran it, fought for it, and tried to keep it wild. In this episode, Jack Wise, Owner of Wildwater and conservationist Buzz Williams share how a once-secret river exploded after Deliverance, reshaped an entire community, and now faces a quieter kind of pressure. Along the way, we hear about a buried rapid, a new species, and a simple idea of “giving something up” that might decide the river’s future. Visit the Show Notes Here.

In September 2019, thieves broke into Blenheim Palace and stole Maurizio Cattelan's "America"—a fully functional solid gold toilet worth $6 million—in under 5 minutes. But this isn't just a heist story: it's about an artwork that made 100,000 people equal for three minutes at a time, proving that true value can't be stolen. Join us for the wildest art infrastructure crime you've never heard of, where democracy met plumbing and lost.  Visit our website. Visit us on Insta.

For 400 years, people reported eerie blue lights dancing over marshes, which science often dismissed as folklore. Now, a stunning new paper from Stanford scientists proves the lights were real. The cause is stranger than any ghost story and connects directly to a topic in this season of stories. We explain in five minutes the phenomenon behind these "cool flames" and explore why the last major sighting was nearly a century ago. See the show notes.

In the series finale, we go on set for the chaotic, death-defying filming of Deliverance and find out what really happened during Burt Reynolds's infamous waterfall stunt. Then, we follow Governor Jimmy Carter on his own daring canoe run down Bull Sluice. Finally, we explore how this perfect storm of Hollywood fame and political will converged to save the Chattooga River forever. Link to the Show Notes and Pictures. Join us on Instagram. 

In the 1960s, the Chattooga River was set to disappear. A series of massive dams were planned to turn 50 miles of wild rapids into a staircase of lakes.  Meanwhile, a political battle raged in Washington over the future of America's wildest places, and a South Carolina poet named James Dickey was writing a terrifying novel about a canoe trip that would change everything. Visit the show notes here.

Welcome to the premiere of our new series, Chattooga: The Fight to Keep It Wild. In this first episode, we journey back to a time when the Chattooga's fate seemed sealed. Like most major rivers in the American Southeast, it was destined to be tamed. This episode uncovers the extraordinary and unlikely convergence of events that set the stage for its survival. We trace the story from a campfire conversation where James Dickey conceived of his haunting novel, Deliverance, to a frustrated WWII aircraft engineer whose innovation revolutionized river travel. This is the origin story of the fight to come. It's a story of geological chance, artistic vision, and the raw power of progress. Click on the show notes here.

When Hurricane Helene hit Asheville in September 2024, Water Resources Director David Melton watched his reservoir fill eight feet overnight and knew they were in trouble. Within hours, all three main transmission lines were gone, leaving 200,000 people without water for what would become a 53-day crisis. In this raw, unfiltered account, David shares the impossible decisions that kept a city alive – including the moment he told his staff, “The zombie apocalypse is here.” Visit the show notes here.    Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @theoutfallpodcast for behind-the-scenes content and episode updates. Join our community discussions on Facebook at The Outfall Podcast where we connect with listeners.

What if the future of water came down to bubbles you’ll never see? Nanobubbles—thousands of times smaller than a grain of salt—are invisible, powerful, and already changing how we treat water, grow food, and even package beverages. In this episode, we trace the surprising journey of nanobubbles from lab accident to global adoption. See the Show Notes.

For over a century, dumping oil overboard was how sailors survived deadly storms. This five-minute episode reveals the science behind this now-banned life-saving technique. See Show Notes.

What if bubbles were secretly running the world? In this episode, we uncover how these tiny spheres are doing everything from helping shrimp fire plasma blasts to scrubbing ocean plastic, with help from a bubble-obsessed scientist and an artist whose photos reveal the hidden math of the universe. See Brad's images here. 

When OpenAI's Sam Altman claimed each ChatGPT query uses just 1/15th of a teaspoon of water, it sparked a heated debate about AI's environmental impact. We brought ChatGPT, Claude, and Google's Gemini into the studio to duke it out, but can a number that small really mask a much bigger problem? Which AI will call out the entire industry, and are you part of the problem too? Show Notes

The dramatic finale of our Table Rock Fire series reveals how South Carolina made history with its first-ever DC-10 aircraft drop and over a million gallons of water falling from the sky during the most intense mountain firefighting operation the state has ever seen. See the Show Notes and Pictures Here.

What started as a 10-acre fire on Table Rock Mountain quickly escalated into one of the largest wildfire responses in South Carolina history. In this episode, we go inside the firefighting operation as it exploded from a manageable incident to a 13,000-acre "complex fire" burning in two locations simultaneously. You'll hear from pilots coordinating massive aerial operations, firefighters watching their containment lines fail, and the moment everyone realized this fire had become something entirely different—complete with the sound Mac Stone describes as "like a jet engine." Special thanks to our guests: Darryl Jones (South Carolina Forestry Commission Forest Protection Chief), Lee Berry (SC Forestry Commission Pilot), Austin Williams and Mackenzie Boyd (Greenville Water), and Mac Stone (Natural Land Trust Executive Director and National Geographic photographer). For incredible photos, Visit the Show Notes.

In March 2025, careless teenage hikers ignited what would become the largest mountain wildfire in South Carolina's recorded history. What started as a 10-acre fire on Table Rock Mountain exploded into nearly 16,000 acres, becoming the number one priority fire in the entire United States. In this first episode, we explore how South Carolina actually fights wildfires.... spoiler alert: it's not what you think. Visit Show Notes for Pictures

This is your official teaser for Season 7 of The Outfall. From wildfire crises to nanobubbles and Cold War secrets, this season uncovers the hidden forces shaping the world beneath our feet. Full episodes begin June 6—subscribe now and get ready to explore the unexpected.

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.

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.   Show Notes. 

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

In 1956, Clemson College faced an existential threat as plans for the Hartwell Dam threatened to submerge vital campus lands. This podcast series uncovers the dramatic confrontation between progress and preservation as South Carolina's most powerful figures grapple with a decision that could reshape the entire region's future. Join us as we dive into the high-stakes political chess game that nearly erased Clemson as we know it today. See Show Notes for Pictures.

Every March, as part of the South Carolina Environmental Conference in Myrtle Beach, an unusual competition takes place—the battle for the best-tasting water in the state. Today, we're going behind the scenes of this annual water-tasting event. We'll see how judges evaluate water samples from across South Carolina, talk to this year's winner, and uncover some surprisingly refined taste buds in the water industry. Show Notes.

This fall, we're exploring Christy Spackman's "The Taste of Water," a book that uncovers the hidden world of water's flavor and its profound cultural impact. Join us for a behind-the-scenes chat with Christy. 

Forget the unicorn; the real mythical creature recruiters chase is the elusive purple squirrel – a candidate with an extraordinarily rare mix of valuable skills. Join us on an illuminating journey into the high-stakes world of talent acquisition, where veteran recruiters share insider stories of navigating this ultra-competitive landscape using cutting-edge tactics. You’ll gain a newfound appreciation for this type of work. See the show notes here.

This five-minute water short reveals the crucial but little-known role water plays in protecting the Space Shuttle during launches. Discover how NASA engineers ingeniously used water and clever engineering to avert a catastrophic problem threatening the entire Shuttle program. See Show Notes with Video

$1.4 billion—it's a mind-boggling figure that could transform South Carolina's water infrastructure landscape. In this episode, go behind the scenes with Bonnie Ammons, Executive Director of the SC Rural Infrastructure Authority, and Angie Mettlen, Vice President and Director of Strategic Funding and Regulatory Affairs at WK Dickson & Co., Inc., as they unpack the unprecedented impacts of this massive investment. See more in the show notes.

Ever stumble across something so intriguing that it sparks a whole new avenue of questions? Get ready to be surprised as The Outfall dives into the obscure rabbit holes and unique backstories hidden in plain sight all around us. From high-stakes battles, tragic disasters, and the mysteries still baffling science, this season pulls back the curtain on fascinating water tales you'd never expect.

We're thrilled to have Dr. Piers Clark back on the podcast. Wondering who Dr. Clark is? He's not just any expert — he's the visionary founder and chairman of Isle Utilities, a trailblazing company dedicated to propelling the water sector into the future. We caught up with Piers, who shares one of those middle-of-the-night epiphanies that compel you to wake your spouse. What was the revelation? Learn More here.

Today, we're revisiting a holiday highlight from Season 2 with a new twist – Dr. Ladner's family and an old friend are joining the adventure! So, get ready to dive back into this mystery story involving turkey aroma and a wastewater treatment plant. Show notes here.

Today, we get an insider's perspective on the drinking water sector from Alan Roberson, a veteran leader who has seen it all. Alan is the Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators. Alan draws on his 30+ years of experience in this fascinating interview to give candid thoughts on regulations past and future, infrastructure, emerging contaminants like PFAS, and other challenges. Show Notes are here.

Today, we're unraveling how the ice trade vanished, and spoiler alert: the South was at the epicenter of it all! We’re kicking things off with John Gorrie. This guy was a doctor down in Florida who had this brilliant idea long before the Civil War started. And not just any idea, but one that eventually led to the first plant where ice was made - not harvested from frozen lakes - but actually made, and it all happened in New Orleans. Show Notes Here.

In the early 1800s, Bostonian Frederick Tudor had a radical vision - to ship frozen New England water across oceans to the tropics. Tudor pioneered the global ice trade despite being called "crazy." We have an EXCLUSIVE interview with Frederick. This is a story of how one man's far-fetched idea built an unlikely empire and forever changed the world's relationship with ice. Learn more in the show notes. 

Today, we have turned a Waffle House conversation with Mike Caston into our classic 5-minute water short. For those familiar with Mike Caston, you'd know encapsulating his insights in just five minutes feels ambitious. Widely recognized in South Carolina, Mike has devoted nearly 30 years as the CEO of SJWD Water District in upstate South Carolina. View Show Notes Here.

We uncover the forgotten water crisis of 1993, where over 400,000 unsuspecting individuals fell victim to a severe waterborne disease outbreak. Join Dr. Ladner as he sits down with Ralph Welsh, a principal lecturer at Clemson University, who shares his personal experience coaching a track team during the height of the crisis. See the show notes here.

In this episode, we'll shed light on an often-overlooked hero of our urban landscapes: sewers. These sewers are living entities, silently at work beneath our feet. They might lack a certain amount of dazzle but are silently monumental in safeguarding our environment and health. Leigh Thomas, PE, shares her experience with our sewers. Leigh works for HR Green. Discover why every sewer tells a story. Here are show notes. 

Today, we will be investigating the cause behind a discolored pond. All is not right, or is it? We are grateful to have Tancey Belken from Cooperative Extension Clemson University and Dr. John Hains, Associate Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences, with us to help share this story. Show Notes.

Today, we’ve got a five-minute water short to share with you about hot springs, geothermal energy, and how I paid money to bathe in wastewater. Show Notes.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into our supply chain and learning about how it’s shaping the development of water and wastewater projects. We've brought in two of our favorite industry insiders: Mack and Justin. These guys have shared their construction stories with us for the past three seasons. Mack Harmon hails from Ferguson Waterworks, while Justin Jones is a pre-construction engineer with Harper General Contractors. See show notes here. 

In this episode, you get a front-row experience inside a lecture hall at Clemson University as we discuss Chelsea Wald's book, "Pipe Dreams: The Urgent Global Quest to Transform the Toilet." This book, which we selected as our 2022 Book Club Pick, offers an entertaining and passionate exploration of sanitation. During this engaging discussion, we'll uncover the fascinating story of how a science writer found herself writing a book about toilets.  A big shout-out to Dr. Ladner for facilitating this event.

Today, we head to Baltimore to their famed inner harbor. We will visit a googly-eyed, water-wheel-powered, trash-eating machine like no other. This ingenious contraption has become an unsung hero, but it's more than just a machine. In fact, it's even garnered a cult-like following with its own social media account, a locally brewed beer bearing its name, an annual fan festival dedicated to its greatness, and a special society known only as the Order of the Wheel. From its humble beginnings to its rise as a local legend, we'll explore more about Mr. Trash Wheel. Learn More in the Show Notes here.

In this episode, join us on a journey from Greenville, SC, to Cleveland, GA, to a small town in Australia, and back again as we explore an innovative solution to tackle trash in our streams. Along the way, you'll discover how a trash-eating mechanism made its way across the globe to help clean up our favorite waterways. Show Notes and Pictures are here.