The Gunks Cast

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.Learn more and start exploring at Visit Ulster County

Today we're joined by Rose the Pivoter and Susan from the Mid-Hudson Misfits Roller Derby, a nonprofit roller derby league serving New York's Hudson Valley. The Mid-Hudson Misfits bring together athletes from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for competition, teamwork, and building an inclusive community through the sport of flat track roller derby. Founded in 2012, the league is dedicated not only to athletic excellence but also to promoting roller derby throughout the region and giving back through community engagement.Rose and Susan are here to give us an inside look at one of the most exciting sports around. We'll talk about what drew them to roller derby, the culture and camaraderie that make the Misfits unique, the challenges and thrills of competing on the track, and how their league continues to foster a welcoming environment for skaters of all experience levels. Whether you're a longtime derby fan or have never seen a bout before, you're in for a fun and inspiring conversation with two passionate members of the Mid-Hudson Misfits. Let's roll!

In this episode, we sit down with Siyon Kim, founder of the Yankee Folly Mustang Adoption Center in New Paltz, New York. Dedicated to finding loving homes for America's wild mustangs, Siyon has built a community focused on adoption, education, and giving these iconic horses a second chance.Siyon shares the story behind the adoption center, the unique challenges and rewards of working with wild horses.  This conversation offers a fascinating look at the effort to preserve the legacy of the American mustang, one horse at a time.

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.

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.

"Listen to the podcast if you want to find out who I am"  -- Skittles

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.Mac DorrisMac Dorris is the founder of The Ride for Mental Health, an annual charity cycling event based in New Paltz, New York. A lifelong cyclist and former attorney, Mac created the Ride in 2017 following the tragic loss of his son, Eric, to mental illness.Driven by a mission to honor Eric’s life and help others, Mac built the Ride into one of the country’s premier cycling fundraisers dedicated exclusively to mental health. The event raises funds for education, research, and treatment while working to break down stigma and encourage open, honest conversations about mental illness.Wayne StetinaWayne Stetina is a retired American professional cyclist and one of the top U.S. riders of his era. A two-time Olympian (1972 and 1976) and gold medalist at the 1979 Pan American Games, (1980 Olympic team, US boycotted the games.), he is also a 13-time U.S. national champion and winner of prestigious races such as the Coors Classic.Following his competitive career, Wayne remained deeply involved in the sport, contributing to cycling leadership and innovation and earning induction into the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame.

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 .

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.

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.