Off The Gravel Road

About Off The Gravel Road

Off the Gravel Road Robb Ellis is a husband, father, grandfather, educator, tradesman, and public servant with a deep-rooted commitment to small-town life and hands-on learning. Born in Los Angeles, California, Robb moved to Vermont in the 1980s, where he began his first career in law enforcement. After retiring from the field, he transitioned into the plumbing and heating industry—eventually becoming a technical trainer at FIA, where he now helps shape the next generation of skilled trades professionals across New England. Robb’s journey has taken him through Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and now New Hampshire—where he and his wife Kristen have lived for many years. Married for over 31 years, they’ve raised three sons and are now proud grandparents to two granddaughters. In addition to his work at FIA, Robb serves on the Barnstead Select Board and as an ex officio member of the zoning board, where he brings a grounded, practical voice to local governance. He’s also the force behind Storer Ranch and Cow Camp, rural education initiatives rooted in soil health, regenerative agriculture, and trades-based learning. Through programs like the Storer Ranchers 4-H Club and partnerships with local schools, Robb is helping rural youth gain real-world skills and a sense of stewardship for the land. Having lived in small towns across New England, Robb has come to appreciate their quiet differences and shared spirit. Off the Gravel Road, his podcast, explores what makes these communities tick—sharing conversations from porches, pastures, and town halls that reflect the values, humor, and grit of life beyond the pavement.

Publisher

Robb Ellis

Category

government · kids & family · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Aug 2025

Latest episode

14 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

37 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Feb 2026

   Candidate for Planning Board: Elizabeth "Liz" Madden

   Send a text In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, student interviewer Emelia speaks with Elizabeth “Liz” Madden, a candidate for the Planning Board in Barnstead. Liz discusses her background in municipal government, which spans approximately 40 years, and her previous experience serving on a planning board while working as an interim town administrator Liz Madden. She shares what motivated her to run and outlines her commitment to fairness, consistency, and following established rule...

2. 

   14 Feb 2026

   Candidate For Select Board: Gary Madden

   Send a text In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, student interviewer Emelia speaks with Gary Madden, a candidate for Select Board in Barnstead. Gary shares his experience serving on the Select Board for the past six years and reflects on what motivated him to first run for office after moving to town with his wife 12 years ago Gary Madden. He discusses his desire to continue serving for another term in order to see ongoing projects through and maintain continuity in town leadership....

3. 

   14 Feb 2026

   Select Board Candidate Interview: Frank McDonald

   Send a text In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, student interviewer Amelia speaks with Frank McDonald, a candidate for Select Board in Barnstead. Frank shares his background, including his long career with the YMCA in New York, Massachusetts, and Long Island, and his decision to move to Barnstead full time after owning a home in town since 2002. He discusses his current involvement as president of his local lake association and his leadership work on watershed protection efforts connected...

Contact Off The Gravel Road

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.