The Gunks Cast

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.

Dr. David Ness is a certified sports chiropractor based in New Paltz, New York, helping athletes and active individuals recover, move better, and perform at their best. Dr. Ness is also Certified Master Active Release Techniques® Provider, Certified Kennedy Spinal Decompression Specialist, and a Certified Titleist Golf Fitness Instructor®. Since 2015, he has served as the official chiropractor and ART® provider for the Army West Point football team. Outside the office, Dr. Ness is a husband and father of two, who enjoys yoga, golf, mountain biking, snowboarding, and spending time outdoors with his family—bringing a well‑rounded, real‑world perspective to health, movement, and recovery.

Paul Steely White is the Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, where he leads efforts to expand and protect access to parks, trails, and public lands across the state. Previously, he spent 14 years as Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, helping transform New York City’s streets and public spaces through successful pedestrian, bicycling, and car‑free initiatives, including Car‑Free Central Park. Paul holds degrees from the University of Illinois and the University of Montana and enjoys biking and hiking the Hudson River Valley with his family.

William Weinstein is a licensed acupuncturist with over two decades in private practice, offering a modern, neurologically grounded approach to traditional acupuncture. Based in New Paltz, New York, he combines palpation‑based assessment with contemporary neuroanatomy to create collaborative, evidence‑informed treatment plans that emphasize the nervous system as the primary mediator of acupuncture’s effects. Through acupuncture, dry needling, cupping, and gua sha, William works to demystify acupuncture—presenting it as a clinically relevant medical intervention that supports pain relief, improved function, and the body’s innate capacity for healing.

Mike Monastero is an endurance sports coach with over 20 years of experience coaching athletes in cycling, running, and triathlon. A founding coach at Altered States Coaching and owner of Babylon Bike Shop, Mike has worked with everyone from first‑time racers to elite Ironman athletes. Known for his early adoption of power‑based training and expertise in bike fitting, he’s helped hundreds of athletes improve performance, prevent injury, and achieve major endurance milestones.

Meet Jason Sarubbi—born and raised in New Paltz, an avid endurance athlete, and the bassist behind local favorites The Trapps and The Sweet Clementines. As founder and engineer of Split Rock Recording Studio, Jason opens up about life, building a world‑class recording space in the Hudson Valley, and how the studio serves artists across music and professional audiobook, voiceover, and post‑production projects. From stage stories to studio smarts (with an athlete’s mindset), this conversation spotlights a hometown creative helping others sound their best. 

Join us as we sit down with Clare Hussain owner of Runa Bistro in New Paltz, to explore her inspiring path from growing up in Bangladesh to becoming a celebrated restaurateur. Clare shares how family traditions, a love for hospitality, and experiences across Dublin, Baltimore, and New York City shaped her culinary vision. Discover the stories behind her passion for food, the influences, and what makes Runa Bistro a unique dining destination in the Hudson Valley.

Henry Gartner Public Program Coordinator at Wild Earth, grew up in rural Greenwich, NY, where his love for the outdoors began.   After earning a mathematics degree from SUNY New Paltz, Henry made the Hudson Valley his home. Today, you’ll find him trad climbing and mountain biking in the Gunks year-round, and when winter hits, he’s carving telemark turns on the slopes.

Executive Director Wallkill Valley Land Trust

Al and Christian Favata, Father and Son, owners of TRT Bicycles, Rosendale, New York.  From the professional to the weekend warrior TRT Bicycles has the entire spectrum of equipment and accessories covered!

Father, Husband, proprietor of the Grazery and Benton Beer Garden.

Mother, Wife, and  founder, and clinical director, of Wellness Embodied, a center for psychotherapy and healing.

Father, Husband, and founder Kayrock Screen Printing

 Marian Dealy is an author, filmmaker and award-winning Ph.D. in Biology. Throughout her life, she has gravitated toward the excitement of cutting-edge science. As a young adult, Marian worked as an AIDS researcher at the National Institutes of Health, helped decipher the sequence of human DNA at Human Genome Sciences, then traveled across the country to UC San Diego where she did her thesis project in Genetics. After getting her Ph.D. in Biology, Marian pursued her other passion in life – storytelling. She has worked as a filmmaker for the last 20 years and was recently inspired by her young son to write books that convey her love of science to the next generation. Marian uses her scientific background to weave the latest and greatest in science and technology into her fictional stories in fun and unexpected ways.

Father, Husband, endurance athlete, and  Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Owner of Skytop Mental Health Counseling PLLC

New Paltz Pride Coalition

Dr. Verruto shares his life journey to what is now New Paltz Eye Care.

Dan shares his life history as a 3 generation pilot.

Mother, Wife, Acupuncturist, Herbalist and Owner of Five Leaves Acupuncture.

Husband, Father, and owner of New Paltz Biking, New Paltz Kayaking, and the Village Grind, Craig Chapman.

Father, Husband, and Restaurateur, shares his journey from Ireland to New Paltz.

Learn about the historical Bruyn Farm from 1692 to present day, which is now the Keirnan Family Farm home of Bruynswick Winery.

Village Mayor Tim Rogers fills us in on the propose joining of Village and Town.

Father, Husband, Judge Weires joins us with special guest Co-Host Ryan Corbett, as we highlight our favorite guest's sandwiches.

Dina LaPolt is a trailblazer in entertainment law, representing global superstars, reshaping the future of music rights, and recognized by Billboard Magazine, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter as one of the most powerful people in the music industry. As the founder of LaPolt Law, the only firm of its stature owned and operated by a sole female attorney, she helped lead groundbreaking wins like the Music Modernization Act, championing creators’ rights through fearless advocacy and bold legislative action. A lawyer, activist, and inductee into Billboard’s Women in Music Hall of Fame, Dina’s influence extends far beyond the negotiation table. She is a testament to resilience, proving that with grit and determination, anything is possible.

Kurtis, Father, Husband, Accountant and you may find him at the finish line running the timing systems.

Father, Husband - SUNY Professor, Evolutionary Studies Program - Bagpiper

The rare fall version of the New Paltz Pizza Challenge is here! (Yes, we anticipate returning to the usual spring time frame in 2025.) We're down to six pizzerias (OR ARE WE) but we're back for more fun. Approximately 5K-ish course with more pizza than you care to eat. Eternal glory to the winners. Prize for best costume. Puking is tolerated, but penalized (mostly by public shaming).

New Dad!, Husband, local resident, Deputy Chief of Staff Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18).

Colonel Ryan F. Dannemann is the commander, 105th Airlift Wing, Stewart Air National Guard Base (ANGB), Newburgh, New York.

Timothy O’Donnell is one of the world’s most successful and experienced American long-course triathletes. As a professional, he has earned 50+ podium finishes including over 22 wins at major events throughout the world. Along with the ITU Long Distance World Champion (2009) title, his other wins include nine Ironman 70.3 victories, two IRONMAN wins, and six Armed Forces National Championships.

Father - Husband - Two time Ironman Finisher - 20 S.O.S. Triathlons - Endurance Athlete

Andie Psilopoulos, Valedictorian Wallkill Central School District, Nordic Ski 2 time Section 9 Champion, and All-American Triathlete.

Jeff and Glenn run down the need to know on the 2024 S.O.S.

Runner, coach, ultra marathoner,  and the worlds longest race director!

Mid Hudson Bicycle Club joins as we are over run with Jeffs for this podcast.

 Jason Clark,  stops by, the basement of un comfortability, to talk about what's happing in the  local construction trade.

The Fats in the Cats Bicycle Club, an IMBA Chapter, is a not for profit with the mission of promoting cycling advocacy, trail building, trail maintenance, and community service. Since 1994, the club has been advocating, stewarding, and improving many of the best places to ride a mountain bike in New York’s Catskill Park and Hudson Valley Region. In addition, the club organizes group rides and gives away dozens of bikes to needy kids every holiday season.

Andrew fills us in on what's happening at the Preserve.

Just us talking it up.

Kelly Kane, Educator and endurance athlete with multiple Iron man finishes.

 Michael specializes in helping patients with acute and chronic physical pain, pediatrics, and long-term health optimization (yang sheng) by utilizing holistic Chinese Medicine principles. 

Endurance and Speed/Power Coach. @TeamWilpers Coach. 

Local Farmers Carrie and Brent Wasser of Willow Pond Sheep Farm.