The Gunks Cast

10/30/2026

#117 Lisa Berger - Director Ulster County Tourism - Our guest today is Lisa Berger, Director of Ulster County Tourism. Lisa brings extensive experience in tourism, economic development, workforce development, marketing, and community partnerships to her role. She leads efforts to showcase everything that makes Ulster County special, from its incredible outdoor recreation and vibrant arts and cultural scene to its restaurants, lodging, attractions, and unique local communities.

Lisa is passionate about strengthening Ulster County’s visitor economy while making sure tourism benefits the people, businesses, and communities that call the county home. In 2026, she launched the “Coffee with the Director” series to meet directly with residents, business owners, local officials, and tourism stakeholders and hear their ideas about the future of tourism in Ulster County.

10/13/2026

09/15/2026

#114 Cody Claussen - Beast Maker 2026 - In this episode, we welcome Cody Claussen, founder of the Beast Maker Challenge, a grassroots movement that has grown from a local passion project into a thriving community of endurance athletes. What started as a personal challenge has evolved into a shared experience that inspires people to push beyond their comfort zones, embrace adversity, and discover what they are truly capable of.

The Beast Maker Challenge is a demanding 12-mile course through Shawangunk Mountains, featuring 9 technical rock scrambles and rugged terrain that tests both physical endurance and mental toughness. More than just a hike, it has become a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and community.

Cody joins us to share the story behind the challenge. He also takes listeners step-by-step through the course itself, describing the scrambles, landmarks, obstacles, and mindset needed to complete the challenge.

08/18/2026

#113 Celebrating 40 Years of the SOS Triathlon with Lydia Brutvan - Season 5 of The GunksCast kicks off with a deep dive into the 40th Survival of the Shawangunks (SOS) Triathlon, one of the most unique and celebrated endurance events in the country.

Glenn and Jeff break down this year’s SOS course, providing listeners and competitors with an overview of what to expect on race day. From the challenging swim legs and scenic ridge-top runs to key course features and race-day logistics, they discuss what makes SOS a one-of-a-kind test of endurance in the Shawangunks.

Joining them is Lydia Brutvan, the 2025 SOS Women’s Champion and 2nd Overall Finisher. Lydia is an accomplished triathlete who has competed at the collegiate, national, and international levels, including the World Triathlon Championship. She shares her experience racing SOS, insights on preparation and strategy, and what it takes to perform at the highest level in one of the Northeast’s most demanding endurance events.

Whether you’re racing SOS for the first time, returning for another attempt, or simply love the sport and the Shawangunks, this episode offers valuable course insight and an inspiring conversation with one of the race’s top competitors.

07/02/2026

#112 Skittles - “Listen to the podcast if you want to find out who I am” — Skittles

06/16/2026

We sit down with Mac Dorris, founder of The Ride for Mental Health, and call in special guest Wayne Stetina, Olympic cyclist and U.S. cycling legend, to explore how one deeply personal loss has sparked a movement of hope, healing, and action.

The Ride for Mental Health is more than a cycling event—it’s a growing national movement dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental illness and raising critical funds for research, education, and treatment. Since its founding in 2017, the Ride has brought together hundreds of cyclists, families, and advocates in the Hudson Valley and beyond, raising over $1 million to support mental health initiatives, including programs at McLean Hospital, a leading psychiatric institution.

What began as a tribute has evolved into a powerful community—one that creates space for conversations, honors lives, and reminds us that no one has to face mental illness alone.

In this episode, Mac shares the story behind the Ride, the impact it continues to have, and why awareness and connection are just as important as funding. Wayne adds his perspective from a lifetime in competitive cycling, highlighting the role of sport, resilience, and community in supporting both physical and mental well-being.

06/03/2026

#110 Juergen Beneke - Professional Cyclist - Catskills Nomad - Juergen Beneke was born in Germany and was a professional road cyclist in Europe before switching to mountain biking. In 1995, he moved to the U.S., living in the Bronx, where weekend cycling trips led him up to the Gunks—riding iconic loops in Mohonk and Minnewaska. He went on to become a World Cup winner and X Games gold medalist. After living out West, he returned to New Paltz, making the Gunks his home for 26 years. Now, drawing on his experience and construction knowledge, he helps others find active-lifestyle homes in the area. Learn more at CatskillsNomad.com .

05/20/2026

#109 Heather Lynn Barton - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Heather Barton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, parent and child therapist, and New Paltz High School alum with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families. Known for her grounded, relational approach, she helps build emotional awareness, connection, and resilience. In addition to her clinical work, Heather is a life coach and Reiki Master Teacher, offering spaces for both practical growth and deeper self-reflection. Deeply rooted in her community, she can often be found at the Gardiner Collective or cheering on the sidelines as a proud swim mom.

05/07/2026

#108 Fourth Fridays at Water Street Market! - Recorded live at Fourth Fridays in New Paltz, this podcast brings real conversations to the heart of a community block party. Hosted at Water Street Market during the town’s monthly Fourth Friday celebrations (April through October), this episode captures the spirit of the evening—local voices, shared stories, and the energy of music, food, and connection. The podcast invites listeners into a relaxed, welcoming space where community comes first!