Animals Episodes

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 (includ...

You know I love chickens, but my biggest curiosity is with cows. So was very excited to talk to Kyle and Amanda from Gulden Farm. Kyle and Amanda grew up in the area and join us for a special episode about farming. We talk about Kyle’s journey to Montana and back, the story of Gulden Farm, what it means to farm sustainably, my cidiot questions about cows, and even about that great logo I love. Plus, to tempt you to try their amazing grass-fed meats and products, they’re offering Cidiot listen...

In a special spontaneous episode, Cidiot® takes you live to the New York Sheep & Wool Festival at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds (October 21-22, 2023). Mat has no idea what he's looking at but luckily Rachel Zive and her partner Sam Barnett are there to guide us all through the fabric and the animals. We learn so much including advice for beginners, celebrity knitwear designers, and terms from the fiber folk community. Links mentioned in the episode: New York State Sheep & Wool Festiv...

It seemed like a giant beehive was in our willow. Or was it? What should a cidiot do anyway? This episode is about the little critters that fill our lives—and our properties—in the Hudson Valley. Bees, wasps, bats, snakes, spiders, chipmunks, frogs, beavers—and more. Tune in for an education and a giggle. Links: Beaverland, Leila Philip (new book!) Beekeeping in the Hudson Valley and Catskills Episode 78 Brett Barry shares his snake (and bear) stories Pestmasters Blog Spotted Laternfly (S...

A big part of why we love the Hudson Valley and Catskills is because of the farms and the animals. In this awesome, moving, eye-opening, and hilarious episode, you’ll meet the fabulous Kathy Stevens and hear how Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties got started and its mission. You’ll learn about Noodles, a blind horse named Buddy, and a cow named Tucker, what Kathy calls 'random acts of callousness' and about the Underfoot Family. “The tours change people,” Kathy explains. You’ll als...

I don't think we've talked this season enough about cows. So to close out the year and season four, meet Matt Baumgartner. Matt owns June Farms in upstate New York near Albany as well the Troy Beer Garden, the Berlin Lounge, the Olde English Pub, and Wolf’s Biergarten in Syracuse. We talk about his story, being an entrepreneur, how he started June Farms, about the animals—how pigs are smarter than cows—and you’ll even learn the funny story behind the farm's name. Also see a past article in th...

We've talked animals, we've double-clucked into chickens. Now let's talk domesticated pets. And to help us do it, welcome new sponsor Ledgewood Kennels in Millerton, NY, where you can board and groom your pets. This episode also include dog treat ideas from Chicken Librarian and my college friend Janelle's de-skunking recipe. Thanks for listening to Cidiot. Proud to be have been named listed among "8 Hudson Valley Podcasts Perfect for All-Day Listening" by Hudson Valley Magazine. Photo credit...

Season 4 was promised to be a new level. In this episode, Mat investigates the popularity of chickens. He talks first to a colleague Ryan Detwiler, who raises chickens, and then to Kristin White of Chicken Librarian, a homesteading service and new content partner. Why do people own chickens? Which should you pick? Can you do it in the city? And why does the word "chicken" mean coward? Open your ears and get ready to laugh and learn as the Chicken Librarian teaches you the "Egg Song." Thank yo...

Mat interviews Kallie, one of the owners of Sawkill Farm in Red Hook, NY, home of his favorite eggs, bacon, and pork chops. Hear about what it's like to run a farm and the secret of why things taste so good. Thanks for listening to Cidiot. Chronogram listed us as one of "Six Hudson Valley Podcasts You Should Be Listening To." Find Cidiot trucker caps and the ebook Becoming a Cidiot, based on the podcast, at gumroad.com/cidiot and Farm Fresh merch in the Shop.

Ducks. Sheep. Goats. Coyotes. You can't live up here and not love animals. Well, most of them. In this episode of Cidiot, Mat share some highlights. Shout outs to Tivoli General, Winn's Tivoli, and Doorstep Market. Thanks for listening. Cidiot® has been featured on Hudson Valley Magazine's "8 Hudson Valley Podcasts for All-Day Listening" and by Chronogram as one of "6 Hudson Valley Podcasts You Should Listen To." The Becoming a Cidiot eBook is available on Amazon, plus updated merch at the Ci...