Off Belay Podcast

Kelsey Rex is a climber, trail runner, aspiring mountain guide and cat mom living in the north country of New Hampshire (land of the Abenaki and Wabanaki). She has sent rock climbs up to 5.12, become comfortable leading waterfall ice climbs up to grade 4+ and has held multiple Fastest Known Times in the White Mountains of NH. In addition to piecing together different part-time jobs, Kelsey is a climbing guide at Cathedral Mountain Guides and secretary of the Mount Washington Valley Climbers' Cooperative. She is passionate about being a part of a small mountain town community, promoting body positivity within the climbing scene, and fostering a more welcoming and inclusive space for underrepresented populations at the crags of New Hampshire.

Sign up for the Flash Foxy Fest in North Conway here!

Support the Mount Washington Valley Climbers' Cooperative here! 

Hosts: Sarah Casto, Rich Ouellette & Michelle Bourget

Producers: Sarah Casto and Michelle Bourget

Music: Mara Brown

We can be reached by email at [email protected] or Instagram and Twitter @offbelaypodcast. Thanks for listening!

Off Belay is back for episode 11 with Ohio native Rob Brock, who is on a journey to climb in all 50 states in the USA. Rich, Sarah and Rob dive into training, getting up entirely too early, driving a lot, favorite crags, and more. Thanks for joining us, Rob! 

Hosts: Sarah Casto and Rich Ouellette

Producers: Sarah Casto and Michelle Bourget

Music: Mara Brown

We can be reached by email at [email protected] or Instagram and Twitter @offbelaypodcast. Thanks for listening!

Off Belay is back for episode 11 with Rob Brock, who is working on climbing in all 50 states of the USA. Listen to our conversation about long-ass drives in the car, favorite states, the importance of leaving no trace, training, and more. Rob can be found on Instagram @climbthestates.

Hosts: Rich Ouellette and Sarah Casto

Producer / Editor: Michelle Bourget

Music: Mara Brown

We can be reached by email at [email protected] or Instagram and Twitter @offbelaypodcast. Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of our affiliates or sponsors.

Off Belay is back for episode 10 with boulderer Madeline Brandt, who is well on her way to getting 10 V10's under her belt. Check out her Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/MadelineBrandt 

Off Belay Podcast is sponsored by Central Rock Gym. Visit centralrockgym.com to view events, news and more, or visit one of their 15 state-of-the-art climbing locations in the Northeast.

Hosts: Michelle Bourget and Rich Ouellette

Producers: Sarah Casto and Michelle Bourget

Music: Mara Brown

We can be reached by email at [email protected] or Instagram and Twitter @offbelaypodcast. Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of our affiliates or sponsors.

Off Belay is back for season 2 with climbing coach Anyssa Lucena, who is a certified personal trainer, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Apprentice Rock Guide. Based out of New Jersey, Anyssa "created climbing, fitness and outdoor classes and programming specifically for women to show them that they are truly capable of anything." Check out her website at genuineclimbing.com!

Off Belay Podcast is sponsored by Central Rock Gym. Visit centralrockgym.com to view events, news and more, or visit one of their 15 state-of-the-art climbing locations in the Northeast.

Hosts: Michelle Bourget and Rich Ouellette 

Producers: Michelle Bourget, Sarah Casto

Music: Mara Brown 

We can be reached by email at [email protected] or Instagram and Twitter @offbelaypodcast. Thanks for listening! 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of our affiliates or sponsors.

For episode 8 of the Off Belay Podcast, we sit down with Western Massachusetts Climbers' Coalition President Stephanie Giguere to discuss the opening of Hanging Mountain, a newly acquired and developed crag in Southwestern Massachusetts (New York / Connecticut border). 

Hang around for this shorter-form conversation that answers some questions our listeners have had. Thanks to Steph, the WMCC, the Ragged Mountain Foundation, Access Fund, Appalachian Mountain Club, and everyone who has been involved with this process. We appreciate you!

Host: Michelle Bourget

Guest: Stephanie Giguere

This episode of Off Belay is brought to you by Central Rock Gym. Visit them online at centralrockgym.com!

Don’t forget to subscribe and review! We can be reached on Instagram and Twitter @offbelaypodcast and by email at [email protected].

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of our affiliates or sponsors.

On episode 7 of the Off Belay Podcast, we sit down with Brian Phillips, local climbing legend and OG trad dad. Listen for a glimpse on what it was like being a climber before climbing gyms, bolting ethics, and more. 

Hosts: Michelle Bourget & Rich Ouellette

Guest: Brian Phillips

Intro Song/Audio: Mara Brown

Off Belay Podcast is sponsored by Central Rock Gym. Visit them online at centralrockgym.com!

Don’t forget to subscribe and review! We can be reached on Instagram and Twitter @offbelaypodcast and by email at [email protected].

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of our affiliates or sponsors.

On episode 6 of the Off Belay Podcast, we sit down with Amy Cheu, a self-proclaimed multipitch trad lover and biologist pursuing their PhD. We were honored to sit down with Amy and talk about lizards, inclusion in climbing, TikTok, being a BIPOC, female and LGBTQ+ climber, and so much more. Check it out! 

Hosts: Michelle Bourget & Rich Ouellette

Guest: Amy Cheu

Intro Song/Audio: Mara Brown

Off Belay Podcast is sponsored by Central Rock Gym. Visit them online at centralrockgym.com! 

Don’t forget to subscribe and review! We can be reached on Instagram and Twitter @offbelaypodcast and by email at [email protected].

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of our affiliates or sponsors.

Join us for our first-ever bonus episode as we sit down with wildlife biologist Jesse Caney to discuss the cliff-dwelling creatures that sometimes share our crags. Why the route and wall closures? What's so great about peregrine falcons? As it turns out, a lot. Take a listen!

Off Belay Podcast is sponsored by Hammer & Hops Brewing Company and Central Rock Gym.

Host: Michelle Bourget

Guest: Jesse Caney

Audio & Intro Song: Mara Brown

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of our affiliates or sponsors.