Forget the fancy survival manuals and the jargon. Most of us think a disaster is something that happens to the guy on the news, not to us. We’re getting real about what it takes to actually stay alive when Texas weather turns mean. We're talking "Taco Watches," WWII fighter pilots, and the one simple thing you can do this month to make sure your family is ready for the unthinkable.

Because when the sirens go off, it's too late to start wondering where you put the flashlight.

Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guests: Donnie Naylor, BRA emergency manager, Dedrick Page, BRA safety trainer, and Ryan Dirker, City of Waco-McLennan County emergency management coordinator.

Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst.

About us:
The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves.

How cold does the water have to be to cause cold water shock? Probably not as cold as you think. We’re diving into how common mistakes can turn a great day at the lake into a tragedy, and how a simple mantra can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guests: Dylan Mayfield, BRA Lake Granbury reservoir manager and Kyle Lewis, BRA Lake Granbury assistant reservoir manager/project manager

Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst.

About us:
The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves.

We're talking massive steel gates, legendary Texas pioneers, and why evaporation is truly Lake Limestone’s No. 1 customer. This water supply reservoir is a place where German tourists, traveling preachers, and locals all converge, but keeping this paradise protected is a full-time, hands-on job. Tune in as we hear about replacing more than 40-ton gates using a massive crane barge and dealing with unexpected 10-inch rainfall in this episode on Lake Limestone and its Sterling C. Robertson Dam.

Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guests: John Dickson, BRA regional lake operations manager, Jackie Scott, BRA assistant reservoir manager and program coordinator, and Scott Davis, BRA lake ranger sergeant.

Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst.

About us:
The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves.

That delicious, buttery gravy, salad dressing, peanut butter, and bacon grease you just washed down the sink can become a slow-motion dynamite for your home's plumbing. Why is Brown Friday the busiest day for plumbers, and how can your own holiday cleanup habits leave you with a disgusting, raw sewage back-up and a repair bill that costs more than your entire feast?

Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guests: Troy Zwerneman, BRA regional operations programs coordinator, and Candice Sheridan, BRA public information coordinator.
Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst.

About us:
The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves.

Growth and water needs are colliding in Eastern Williamson County. We’re unpacking a series of projects ongoing to secure a sustainable water future for the entire region. Learn about the bottlenecks, dealing with 112-degree water, and the radical idea of storing water in underground “bubbles.”

Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guests: Brad Brunett, BRA Chief Operations Officer, and Mandy Cullar, BRA program manager.

Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst.

About us:
The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves.

How long would it take a rubber ducky to float the Brazos River? Where in the Brazos River Basin does it look like it has snowed because there’s so much salt on the ground?

Dive into the surprising history of the Brazos, hear how its mouth moved, and learn the critical role its reservoirs play in ensuring you have a reliable supply of water for everything from drinking to air conditioning.

Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guests: Judi Pierce, public information officer, and Candice Sheridan, public information coordinator.

Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst.

About us:
The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves.

Who owns the water in our rivers and lakes? Why do certain people, municipalities, and agencies get water rights? Is a watermaster a superhero or a real person?

There are a lot of misconceptions about the answers to these questions, and in this episode, David Collinsworth, BRA’s General Manager and CEO, and Brad Brunett, BRA's chief operations officer, break down the complicated Texas water rights and how they affect you.

Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority.

Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guests: David Collinsworth, BRA’s General Manager and CEO, and Brad Brunett, BRA's chief operations officer

Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst.

About us:
The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves.

Lace up your boots, inflate those bike tires, and get ready for an adventure at this North Texas reservoir. With 16 miles of "choose your own adventure" trails, a chance to encounter bobcats (and lots of other Texas wildlife,) and a spectacular view of Hell’s Gate, Possum Kingdom Lake has a hike and bike trail you don’t want to miss.

This episode is your trail map to learn how to craft your perfect adventure with a variety of free amenities and discover how the BRA keeps these award-winning trails pristine for your enjoyment 365 days a year.

Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guests: Troy Weatherhead, BRA Possum Kingdom Lake reservoir manager, and Diane Davis, BRA Possum Kingdom Lake reservoir program coordinator.

Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst.

About us:
The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves.