The Outfall Podcast
The Outfall Podcast
The Outfall
Curious? Want to know more about our water world and our infrastructure? The Outfall is about sharing stories about topics we don’t think about. Our goal is to be more fun than serious, more short than long, and hopefully more lively than dull.
Midnight Epiphany: What was Piers’ Revelation?
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.
Dec 11, 2023
13 min
The Turkey Aroma Mystery REMIX
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.
Nov 17, 2023
10 min
Inside the Safe Drinking Water Sector
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.
Oct 27, 2023
19 min
How the South Created Ice, Part 2
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.
Oct 14, 2023
14 min
The Epic Birth of the Ice Trade, Part 1
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.
Sep 27, 2023
11 min
We All Need A Mike
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.
Sep 9, 2023
5 min
Uncovering the Forgotten Outbreak
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.
Aug 26, 2023
23 min
Why Every Sewer Tells a Story
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.
Aug 12, 2023
23 min
The Curious Case of the Color-Shifting Pond
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.
Jul 29, 2023
14 min
How to Bathe in Wastewater
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.
Jul 14, 2023
5 min
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