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…
Recent Episodes
135
July 1, 2026
135. Navigating the Hudson with Freedom Boat Club
Ah, there is nothing quite like being out on the water—especially on our beloved Hudson River! 🌊 In this episode of Cidiot ®, we are diving headfirst into the boating lifestyle. I’m joined by Josh Rosella of Freedom Boat Club to talk about how they are making waves right here in the region. As the world’s largest boat club, they are opening up the water to everyone with three fantastic Hudson Valley locations spanning both sides of the river— Ossining, Haverstraw, and Piermont —plus a spot at Li
134
June 15, 2026
134. Summer Like A Local: Visit Columbia County
New York City has the energy, but Columbia County has the air. Two years moving here from just 20 minutes south in the Hudson Valley, host Mat Zucker still feels like a bit of a "cidiot" sometimes—always eager to explore more of the incredible 635 square miles of valley, hills, farms, and villages right in his backyard. In this special episode, produced in collaboration with Columbia County Tourism , Mat serves up a very personal seasonal guide. Whether you're a foodie chasing the ultimate farm-
133
May 7, 2026
133. Walking Olana
Just in time for Frederic Church’s 200th birthday, we’re taking you along for a "boots on" tour of the moving landscape he spent decades designing here in the Hudson Valley. I’m walking the carriage roads of the Olana Historic Site with Annik LaFarge, author of the new book Composing Olana: A Journey on Foot Through Frederic Church's Greatest Work of Art . It’s the first book about this thoughtful and artful landscape. You’ll hear the wind in the trees and the crunch of the gravel as we discover
132
April 23, 2026
132. Chocolate is a Fruit? Bryan Graham of Fruition Chocolate Works
Let's go bean-to-bar. In this episode of Cidiot ,® Mat Zucker dives into the world of world-class indulgence right here in the Hudson Valley. Joining the show is Bryan Graham, the award-winning chocolatier and co-founder of Fruition Chocolate Works . From his roots in the Catskills to the kitchens of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Bryan shares his journey of building a bean-to-bar empire. We talk about the "American craft chocolate movement," why milk chocolate is making a massive come
131
April 8, 2026
131. Bridges of the Hudson Valley
In this episode of Cidiot® , we explore the literal "connective tissue" of our region: the bridges. Host Mat Zucker is joined by Chris Steber, Public Information Officer for the New York State Bridge Authority, to discuss the five major vehicular crossings—from the "grand-daddy" Bear Mountain Bridge to the Rip Van Winkle. We dive into the fascinating history of these landmarks, including why F ranklin D. Roosevelt vetoed the first attempt at a northern bridge, the "engineering epic" of the Mid-H
March 25, 2026
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
Recent Blog Posts
June 15, 2026
Summer Like A Local: Visit Columbia County
New York City has the energy, but Columbia County has the air. When Mat traded riding the subway for walking outdoor trails nearly more than 10 years ago, he didn't look back. But truth be told, even in he and Brian's latest move to the…
May 25, 2026
Cidiot’s Favorite Dog Walks in the Hudson Valley
Easier access to the outdoors and stunning walks is a feature of moving from the city to the country. You don’t need to have a lot of property to really get outside. Now, cidiots need to learn the difference between a “hike” and a …
May 24, 2026
A Cidiot's Guide to Farmers' Markets in the Hudson Valley
Farmers' markets really bring the world together. Locals, visitors, and newcomers all mingle around a common cause: food, farms, and community. What a great way to meet local brands, pick up meat and fresh veggies for cooking that week, plus catch u…
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