The Outfall Podcast

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.