190. Filmmaker Ben Masters on Texas Rivers, What We've Lost, and What We Can Get Back

This week on bigcitysmalltown, filmmaker Ben Masters joins Cory Ames for an in-depth look at Texas’s rivers, conservation, and the stories behind Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers out in theaters, now.

Set beside a Hill Country creek, the conversation traces Masters’ journey from Amarillo to acclaimed wildlife filmmaker, uncovering what it takes to capture Texas’s landscapes on film and the social, ecological, and historical factors shaping the state’s water.

They discuss:

• The logistical and creative challenges of filming Texas wildlife

• How rivers have shaped Texas’s cities, towns, and ecosystems

• The complicated legacy of dam building and water infrastructure in the state

• Why community-driven conservation efforts are crucial for the future of Texas rivers

• The lessons learned from restoration victories, like the recovery of the Neches River

• What Texans can do to support vibrant, healthy waterways for generations to come

Deep in the Heart 2 opens a window on familiar landscapes, exploring both what’s been lost and what’s possible if Texans invest in stewardship and sustainable water management.

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