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Cidiot

Cidiot

Learning to live and love life in the Hudson Valley.

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? Tune in to Cidiot®, a monthly award-winning podcast hosted by Mat Zucker. Great for learning about upstate New York, the Hudson Valley, the Catskill Mountains, and rural and country life in general. Also, be sure to hear the single "Cidiot" anthem inspired by the podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, and more.

Winner for regional podcast in the 2021 Chronogrammies, Cidiot has been featured in The Albany Times-Union, Country Living, Hudson Valley Magazine, The Poughkeepsie Journal, NBC's Today.com, The Daily Yonder, and more national and local publications.

Recent Episodes

Dec. 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 wr...

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Dec. 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 , ...

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Nov. 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 w...

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Nov. 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, ...

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Oct. 9, 2025

122. Yoga in the Valley

Meet Amy and Joyce, owners of The Yoga House , now with three locations in the Hudson Valley — Kingston, Highland and Poughkeepsie. One grew up in the HV; one is a transplant from Queens—what a great fit for coming on Cidiot....

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Sept. 25, 2025

121. Health Care

James Lauren is a board certified nurse practitioner who recently opened up a primary care clinic in Hudson. James is also a new homeowner and bravely let me try in-person recording at his adorable farmhouse with my miniature...

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Reviews

Cidiot is a Gem

"Hilarious and thought provoking, Mat’s ruminations on country life are a treat to listen to. Definitely hit that subscribe button. Looking forward to more!"

Eriktorgy | July 2, 2021

Humane, uplifting

"Getting out of the city to start a new life in and around nature, the hosts of this lovely pod really emanate warmth as they describe their experiences and attitude shifts re making friends and getti…"

losfeliz77 | March 22, 2020

Delicious stories about the Hudson Valley

"As newly-arrived fellow Cidiots in the Hudson Valley, this podcast feels very close to home, almost as if we are living parallel lives. It has taught us so much about life in this gorgeous part of th…"

tjuws | Oct. 8, 2019

A great resource for upstate explorers.

"A great resource for those exploring a life outside the city upstate, or just the occasional escape. Lots of great tips, stories, and anecdotes!"

sb-nyc | Aug. 15, 2019

Wit and wisdom

"I love Cidiot. Cautionary tales and investigative journalism from someone who loves his neighbors. Listen and learn. Also, laugh. Thanks, Mat!"

Majorhissyfit | March 4, 2019

Funny, warm, awesome!

"Mat’s curiosity and humor infuses every episode. And the song is awesome!"

Lori | Dec. 28, 2022

Must must listen

"I am late to the game, bringing this for just about a week now when I can. I’m up to February 2020 cringing knowing what I know is about to come. I love love love this podcast. I grew up in Yonkers, …"

KatBenn1plus2 | April 6, 2023

Love this show! Fun & fascinating!

"I love Cidiot & truly look forward to new eps. I am now listening to back episodes & love them too. If you have any interest in the Hudson Valley, this pod is a MUST LISTEN!!"

JLC444 | Sept. 17, 2024

 Silver winner 2022 Signal Awards