Events Episodes

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 mov...

“Libraries are rooms of requirement.” — Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Executive Director, Mid-Hudson Library System This week on Cidiot®, we’re talking libraries — not just the quiet, book-filled havens you remember, but vibrant community hubs evolving with the times. I’m joined by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, executive director of the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS), which spans 66 libraries across 70 locations in five Hudson Valley counties. We cover everything from the history and future of libra...

Ready for something different? On this episode of Cidiot®, you’ll hear from John Burton, host of the popular podcast “Home From Here.” Hear John’s history from Rhinebeck to New York City to Westchester—and his plans to get back up here to the HV. As John explains, he wants to get back to his people. The people of the Hudson Valley are “Sophisticated and simple at the same time, smart and funny at the same time.” John puts it all out there. We talk about his wife’s incredible cancer journey, h...

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...

After missing it last year, Mat explores the big annual event that is Upstate Art Weekend. More than 130 artists participate across the Hudson Valley, including Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties. Mat shares the differences between culture in the city versus the country and talks to a New York-based artist, Lauren Cohen at “Brian’s Yard Sale.” It’s hilarious. Artists and galleries mentioned in this episode: Upstate Art Wee...

Newburgh is one of the oldest towns in New York State and frequently talked about as a city coming around. Cidiot spoke to Diane Parisella, who with her business partner Lisa Morgan, own Designed Grind Cafe at the Newburgh Mall and started The Newburgh Market, held on Sundays from April through the end of October in the mall parking lot from 10am-3pm. Hear about the market, their business, what's coming to the mall, her favorite places in the Hudson Valley, and more on Newburgh itself. Sto...

Let's go further north. Health. History. Horses. And culture. Cidiot has a one-on-one conversation with Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). You’ll hear about Elizabeth’s journey to leading SPAC, her discovery and full on love of Saratoga, what’s on this season, from jazz to the ballet — plus a delicious innovation “Choreographer’s Feast “ — dancers do eat! And in part three, Elizabeth shares her recommended itinerary of where to go for a weekend in Sarat...

Pride starts early in June across the Hudson Valley, Catskills and Berkshires. This episode I talk to Osun Zotique, executive director of OutHudson and the co-grand marshal of Hudson Pride. If you’re following the news, you may have also seen that Osun just announced a historic run for congress to represent the new 19th district. To their knowledge, Osun is the first trans non-binary candidate to run for national office. Learn more at OsunforNY.com. Osun and I talk about pride in the Hudson V...

For the last 45 years, our village annually celebrates its scrappy roots. Come hear from Historic Red Hook executive director Elisabeth Harmor about the day, local history, and, yes, horse thieves. Be sure to join Historic Red Hook at historicredhook.org. Thank you Prime Print Shop in Poughkeepsie for sponsoring this episode. Get 10% off printing your first order with the secret code word: "Cidiot." Other shout-outs to Giobatta Alimentari and their new morning coffee & breakfast sandwich service...

At the end of season two, Mat gets way more local about the holidays — fundraising door-to-door for the fire department at his village’s WinterFest and finally joining the underground Festivus Train. 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." For updates, visit cidiot.com, join the page at facebook.com/cidiotlife and follow @cidiot.hv o...

Home of battles, heroes and history, the Hudson Valley loves, loves, loves Independence Day. This episode in Season Two of Cidiot looks at what freedom means upstate compared to the city and a little Livingston history. Thanks so much for listening. Chronogram arts magazine has called Cidiot one of "Six Hudson Valley Podcasts You Should Listen To." Let freedom ring. Come visit. And if not in person to buy, rent or for a weekend, then on the web at cidiot.com and join our page for updates on face...

In episode 20, Mat and Brian celebrate a 20 year anniversary, a local march in their village of Tivoli, NY and a look at what it's like for them to be LGBT upstate in the Hudson Valley.. Thanks for listening to Cidiot. Chronogram arts magazine called us one of "Six Hudson Valley Podcasts You Should Listen To." For updates and photos, visit Cidiot.com and join our Facebook group at http://facebook.com/cidiotlife and you can also get your own Cidiot t-shirt or trucker cap. Cidiot gear is available...

The holidays are different up here in the Hudson Valley. Mat explores the personal and local traditions that make these really dark, winter nights a bit more full of light. Thanks to Chronogram for choosing Cidiot as one of "6 Hudson Valley Podcasts You Should Listen To." Be sure to rate us in the podcast store. Want to send a voicemail? Download + send via the Anchor app. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cidiot/message

Fall is amazing in the Hudson Valley. From iconic apples to sheep and street festivals, this episode of Cidiot talks about the activities and food that makes it special. Plus a surprise call in from my husband Brian and a seven-step hard-learned guide on getting ready for winter. A lot of fall activities around the region: Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest Sheep and Wool Festival The Garlic Festival O+ Headless Horsemen Hayrides Tivoli Streetpainting Festival Hobby Festival...