Cidiot

Mat Zucker - Living in the Hudson Valley
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Learning to live and love life in the Hudson Valley. Hosted by Mat Zucker. Have you fantasized about living in the country? Curious what the transition is like? Or are you a local and want to see a different side of the folks who've invaded your land? The award-winning podcast Cidiot® has been featured in The Albany Times-Union, Chronogram, Country Living, Hudson Valley Magazine, The Poughkeepsie Journal, NBC's Today.com, and more. For updates visit cidiot.com and follow @cidiot.hv on Instagram. Email: goats@cidiot.com © Mat Zucker 2018-2026. Cidiot is a ® trademark.

  1. 130. Spring Through

    1D AGO

    130. Spring Through

    After a brutal winter, spring in the Hudson Valley isn't just a temperature change—it’s a shift in soul. In this episode, Cidiot® explores the "palpable optimism" of the season, from the practical (and messy) realities of country living to the psychological power of starting fresh. Mat shares his 7-step guide to mastering spring upstate—covering everything from the melody of melting creeks and the return of outdoor farmers' markets to the essential "joiner" culture of CSAs. We also hear a moving reflection on the deeper meaning of the season. And from a conversation with Cidiot listener Jacqui Rose, we discuss the concept of "Springing Through" grief, the healing power of the Hudson Valley landscape, and the importance of rebuilding community after loss. Episode highlights: The Mud & The Melody: Why muck boots are your most important spring investment.Country Logistics: Fixing gravel driveways and the "Project" mindset.The Return of the Outdoors: Ending the boycott of indoor farmers' markets and the hunt for the best farm stands (Copake, Kingston, Montgomery Place, MX Morningstar, and Samascott Orchards).Car Soccer Memories: A tribute to Red Hook’s legendary (and flammable) town event.CSA 101: Why you should join a Community Supported Agriculture program (and yes, you will use all that lettuce).Spring Flavors: What’s actually in season, from ramps and fiddlehead ferns to maple syrup.Healing in the Valley: Jacqui Rose on moving through grief, becoming a "joiner," and finding a home in Slow Food Hudson Valley. Special Event Mention: Wild Hudson Valley, a fundraiser presented by Rigor Hill Farm at Liberty Farms. Date: Sunday, April 26Benefit: Supports Slow Food Hudson ValleyTickets at Slow Food Hudson Valley site Links to highlights mentioned in the episode: Slow Food Hudson ValleyMontgomery Orchard Wayside Stand, Red Hook Hearty Roots Community Farm, Clermont MX Morningstar, Claverack Samascott Orchards, Kinderhook Kingston Farmers Market, KingstonCopake Hillsdale Farmers Market, HillsdaleHudson Valley CSA Coalition Guest editor: Brett Barry of Silver Hollow Audio and host of the other most-awarded podcast in the region, Kaatcast: The Catskills Podcast. This episode's sponsor: Super-extra thanks to long-time Cidiot listener Jacqui Rose for sponsoring this beautiful episode and sharing her story, and helping us all “Spring through.” (If you'd like to sponsor an episode of Cidiot, please reach out via the Contact Us page at Cidiot.com.) Thanks, everyone, for tuning into magical Season 9! Come visit. ©2026 Mat Zucker Communications. Cidiot® is a registered trademark.

    10 min
  2. 129. Columbia County Morning News - Start Your Day with Yeh

    MAR 12

    129. Columbia County Morning News - Start Your Day with Yeh

    Who do you trust for the "real" news?  In a landscape of paywalls and strictly managed county reporting, Mat sits down with Jeff Yeh, the man behind the largest social media news source in Hudson Valley's Columbia County. From tracking DUI arrests to questioning local political transparency, Jeff’s unconventional approach has earned him millions of views—and a fair share of controversy. In this episode of Cidiot®, Mat and Jeff discuss the "wild west" feel of Columbia County, the delicate balance of being a "local meddler," and why Jeff isn’t afraid to delete your comment if you won’t sign your name to it. Hyperlocal newspapers & blogs (please send in others you know of): Columbia County Morning News - "Start Your Day with with Yeah"A Little Beacon Blog (Beacon)Bluestone Press⁠ (Marbletown, Rochester, Rosendale)Columbia PaperCroton History & Mysteries (Croton)The Daily Catch (Red Hook and Rhinebeck)Daily Freeman (Ulster, Green & No. Dutchess Counties)The Gardiner Gazette (Gardiner):The Gossips of Rivertown (Hudson)The Highlands Current (Philipstown, Cold Spring, Garrison)Hudson Common Sense (Hudson)Hudson Valley One (Ulster County)Hudson Valley PostIMBY (several counties)Kingston Wire (Kingston) Mid-Hudson NewsOssining History on the Run (Ossining)Porcupine Soup News (Green County)Tgazette (Taghkanic)Trixie's List (Hudson) Visit Cidiot.com for more links and episodes. Thanks for tuning into Season 9! ©2026 Mat Zucker Communications. Cidiot® is a registered trademark.

    26 min
  3. 128. Slow Food Hudson Valley

    MAR 4

    128. Slow Food Hudson Valley

    This episode is hilarious—and delicious. Host Mat Zucker dives into the magical world of local farming and the global Slow Food movement with Pierre Fredrichs, co-chair of Slow Food Hudson Valley and owner of Overlook Farms in East Chatham. Recorded at the Creative Legion in Hudson, we discuss: ​The Movement: How a McDonald’s in Rome sparked a global mission for "good, clean, fair food for all."​Life on the Farm: Pierre’s journey from private chef to tending 120 acres of pigs (including a 500-lb celebrity named Bacon!), "living sculpture" alpacas, and guinea fowl.​Eat Local: The secrets of "egg-speriment" at his farmstand, the protein power of guinea fowl eggs, and the joy of community cookbook clubs.​Farmer Life: Transitions from New Orleans to Montauk to the Valley, and the truth about a farmer's social life. Special thanks to listener Jacqui Rose for the introduction and Creative Legion for hosting. Learn more: Slow Food Hudson Valley | Overlook Farms Other links: ​Creative Legion (Hudson)​Talbott & Arding (Hudson)​Kinderhook Farmer’s Market​Chatham Farmer’s Market​Via Carota (NYC)​Quinnie’s (Ghent)​OK Pantry (Kinderhook)​Northwind Farms (Tivoli)​Sawkill Farm (Red Hook)​Bee Hollow Farm (Kinderhook)​Liberty Farms (Ghent)​Columbia Land Conservancy Nonprofits they fundraise for: ​Columbia Kitchen (Hudson)​Long Table Harvest​Dutchess Outreach (Poughkeepsie) Visit Cidiot.com for more information and links. Much thanks to guest editor Brett Barry of Silver Hollow Audio and host of the other most awarded podcast in the region, Kaatcast: The Catskills Podcast. ©2026 Mat Zucker Communications. Cidiot® is a registered trademark.

    34 min
  4. 127. Magic in the Hudson Valley (Season 9 Premiere)

    FEB 18

    127. Magic in the Hudson Valley (Season 9 Premiere)

    “One is fooling the mind. The other is fooling the eyes.” —Thomas Baker on the difference between a magician and an illusionist Season 9 is out! With Cidiot®, I’ve been trying for more than 125 episodes to open your eyes to new things. This season will be all about wonder. We need to look into the wonder to see what’s possible. So this season starts with magic. Thomas Baker is an illusionist based in Hudson Valley's Saugerties, New York, known for creating moments that defy explanation. He has sold out the Bridge Street Theatre in Catskill and performed for major brands including L’Oréal Paris, as well as audiences throughout the Hudson Valley. His work spans weddings, festivals, and live events, where reality bends, and expectations vanish. With a style rooted in suspense and surprise, Baker leaves his audiences in stunned silence long after the illusion ends. You know I love accolades. Thomas has been called “Houdini of the Hudson Valley.” Thomas and I talk about becoming a magician, what works, how to identify the cidiot in the audience, and we even do an audio magic trick! You’ll love him, and you should book him for your next dinner party, Bar Mitzvah, or event.  Where to find Thomas Baker: Instagram: @tbakermagic FacebookGigSaladEmail: tbaker@exit20.com Much thanks to guest editor Brett Barry of Silver Hollow Audio and host of the other most awarded podcast in the region, Kaatcast: The Catskills Podcast. ©2025 Mat Zucker Communications. Cidiot® is a Registered Trademark.

    16 min
  5. 126. Winter Thrive Guide (Season 8 Finale)

    12/30/2025

    126. Winter Thrive Guide (Season 8 Finale)

    Winter in the Hudson Valley is not a metaphor. It’s a physical, emotional, and occasionally muddy reality—one that arrives early, lingers late, and demands respect (and better boots). In the Season 8 finale of Cidiot, Mat wraps up a year-long exploration of the “Creative Human” with a practical—and lightly self-deprecating—survival guide for making it through a Hudson Valley winter with your sanity intact. From generators and wood-burning stoves to libraries as lifelines and the quiet heroics of simply showing up, this episode distills what we’ve learned this season into three essential rules for wintering well: physical readiness, creative resilience, and social warmth. This is not about mastering winter. It’s about practicing life here—embracing the hearth, the community, and the small rituals that make the cold months not just survivable, but meaningful. You’re a cidiot. You’re doing it. And you’re home. Come visit. Places Mentioned Neverstill Wines — Hudson, NYThe Maker Hotel — Hudson, NYMid-Hudson Library SystemStarr Library — Rhinebeck, NYRough Draft Bar & Books — Kingston, NYBooks & Cake — Hillsdale, NYThe Spotty Dog Books & Ale — Hudson, NYThe Yoga House — Kingston, Highland, Poughkeepsie, NY Excerpts from “Hudson Valley Reveries” by Will Forge and “Hudson Valley Winter” by Jennifer Rodriques. Thanks for listening to Cidiot®, the award-winning podcast about moving to the Hudson Valley. Sign up for the newsletter at Cidiot.com , and please rate and review the show here or in the Apple Podcasts store. This episode’s guest editor is Drew English of Upstate Podcast Studio ©2025 Mat Zucker Communications. Cidiot® is a Registered Trademark.

    5 min
  6. 125. No Set Path

    12/13/2025

    125. No Set Path

    What does it look like to build a creative life without a ladder, a map, or a five-year plan? In this crossover episode, I sit down with Kingston-based cinematographer, podcaster, and all-around creative human Drew English, host of the podcast No Set Path. We interviewed each other for our respective shows, and this is the Cidiot cut—rooted in the Hudson Valley, flavored with dirt, neighbors, and the reality of figuring it out as you go. Drew shares his journey from years in the NYC film world to building a life (and a studio) in Uptown Kingston—one that balances creativity, parenthood, community, and work that doesn’t always follow a straight line. We talk about why Kingston has become such a magnet for creative people, the myth of the “COVID panic buyer,” how podcasting grew out of basement space and curiosity, and why no set path is actually the point—whether you’re navigating a career, a town, or a brand-new way of living. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can leave the city without leaving yourself behind, this one’s for you. Podcasts, radio stations, and other good things mentioned: Upstate Podcast Studio (Kingston, NY) No Set Path podcast The Valley Girls Podcast Kaatscast podcastHudson Valley Unleashed podcastRhinebeck Scoop podcast Radio Free Rhinecliff Cinema Kingston ⁠WKZE⁠ radio station, Red Hook, NYArrowood Farms, Accord, NY Special: There's a video version of the episode available on Cidiot’s YouTube channel. Thanks, Drew! Thanks for listening to Cidiot®, the award-winning podcast about moving to the Hudson Valley. Sign up for the newsletter at Cidiot.com and please rate and review the show here or in the Apple Podcasts store. Come visit. This episode’s guest editor is Drew English of Upstate Podcast Studio ©2025 Mat Zucker Communications. Cidiot® is a Registered Trademark.

    30 min
  7. 124. The Duffles

    11/19/2025

    124. The Duffles

    Live from Hudson, NY, it’s an author Q&A with Brian Shaefer and his debut novel Town & Country.  Recorded in front of a live audience at Spark of Hudson, Mat moderates a conversation about character, plot, and the worlds of weekender and local coming together.  The story follows a congressional race set in a fictional town of Griffin, inspired by the Hudson Valley. “Duffles” is Brian’s word for cidiots. One lesson which I really appreciated is the importance for all of us in a community, as Brian says, in just “showing up.”  We also play the Cidiot® Geography Game with instinctive reactions to a list of towns across the Hudson Valley.  Be sure to get your copy at your local bookstore, via his author page, or through the Cidiot bookstore on Bookshop dot org. Places Mentioned: Hill Rock Distillery, Ancram Rogers Book Barn, Hillsdale Hillsdale General Store, Hillsdale Books & Cake, Hillsdale Zinnia’s Dinette, Craryville Random Harvest Market, Craryville Spotty Dogs Books & Ale, Hudson Spark of Hudson, Hudson Rough Draft Bar & Books, Kingston Merritt Bookstore, Millbrook Harney & Sons, Millerton Phoenicia Diner, Phoenicia Cinnamon, Rhinebeck Diamond Mills Resort, Saugerties Camp Catskill, Tannersville   About Brian Shaefer: Brian contributes regularly to The New York Times and has written for The New Yorker, New York magazine, and more. He is a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Arts Journalism and was a finalist for the Livingston Award for International Reporting. He earned his master’s degree in creative writing from Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv. He and his husband live in New York City and the Hudson Valley. Town & Country is his first novel. Early praise for Town & Country: “A big-hearted and true debut novel set in a small rural town amid a congressional race that forces the candidates, their families, and a clique of gay second homeowners to confront lies, betrayals and shifting allegiances. —Andrew Sean Greer, Pulitzer Price winner“Rich in sex and social intrigue.” —The New York Times Thanks for listening to Cidiot®, the award-winning podcast about moving to the Hudson Valley. Sign up for the newsletter at Cidiot.com and please rate and review the show here or in the Apple Podcasts store. Come visit. Photo credit: Stephen MackThis episode’s guest editor is Julian Blackmore.   ©2025 Mat Zucker Communications. Cidiot® is a Registered Trademark.

    50 min
  8. 123. Dog City

    11/12/2025

    123. Dog City

    Meet Patrick, owner of Lily’s Natural Pet Store, which just opened its second location after Poughkeepsie in Hudson. We talk dogs—a favorite subject—and why he chose Hudson, why not on Warren Street for his second location, why it’s not your average pet store, about running a pet business (I was thinking of doing one!), and tackle my burning questions such as the smell of bully sticks and what’s so great about raw. And like on many other Cidiot® episodes, we end with favorite places in the Hudson Valley… to take dogs. Lily’s Natural Pet Store — 76 N 7th Street, Hudson, NY 12534 “Soft opening” in November (check hours). Grand opening Friday, December 5, 2025. Tell ‘em Cidiot sent ya! Other places and businesses mentioned: Red Wing Park, East FishkillPause Dog Boutique, Rhinebeck Guest editor: Drew English of Upstate Podcast Studio Thanks for listening to Cidiot®, the award-winning podcast about moving to the Hudson Valley. Sign up for the newsletter at Cidiot.com and please rate and review the show here or in the Apple Podcasts store. Come visit.   ©2025 Mat Zucker Communications. Cidiot® is a Registered Trademark.

    21 min
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4.7
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About

Learning to live and love life in the Hudson Valley. Hosted by Mat Zucker. Have you fantasized about living in the country? Curious what the transition is like? Or are you a local and want to see a different side of the folks who've invaded your land? The award-winning podcast Cidiot® has been featured in The Albany Times-Union, Chronogram, Country Living, Hudson Valley Magazine, The Poughkeepsie Journal, NBC's Today.com, and more. For updates visit cidiot.com and follow @cidiot.hv on Instagram. Email: goats@cidiot.com © Mat Zucker 2018-2026. Cidiot is a ® trademark.

Information

  • Creator
    Mat Zucker - Living in the Hudson Valley
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 758405
  • Show Website
    Cidiot

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