Episodes
51. Born in the HVA
Meet Josh Santonja, who helped run Pugsly's Hudson location and has become both a barber and friend to me, my husband, father-in-law, and several friends. He's kind of a cult favorite. Josh also grew up in the Hudson Valley a...
50. Hudson River Lighthouses
There are seven remaining lighthouses on the Hudson River. Come with me as we learn about them, their purpose, their vocabulary, and a few stories. We're very lucky to also get some background and history directly from Sarah ...
49. Coworking & Community
As more and more people consider working remote, let's talk to Steve and Tom, who have created a business in Stanfordville that gives people comfortably-designed spaces and also builds unique community. Nestled in a historic ...
News Worth Braying About
Cidiot just won first place for regional podcast in Chronogram magazine's annual Chronogrammies. Thanks to you. Well, those of you who voted! To celebrate, I'm also posting on my Medium blog some other great regional podcasts...
48. P.B.C.C.
When you need to do seasonal things but you are the one who gets in the way, that's what we call a P.B.C.C. — "Problem Between City and Country." Inspired by a term I learned doing customer service in technology, …
47. Grateful
The feeling of attending a live event. Mat, Brian, and cousin Lisa experience Patti Smith at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park and Cidiot recounts some of the many things he's grateful for, especially during Memorial Day weekend. This ...
46. Pets
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 a...
45. In My Back Yard
Cidiot turns the microphone on the editors and owners of IMBY.com (In My Back Yard), a network of local newspapers to hear their story and about the importance of a local press and citizen journalism in our communities. Thank...
44. Chicken Run
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 homes...
43. Season Fourtold
Welcome back to Season 4 of Cidiot: Learning to Live and Love Life in the Hudson Valley. Join Mat Zucker as we start off at the historic Elmendorph Inn, our town's original welcome center. We'll also stop by Sawkill Farm …
Seasonal Hi-atus
Wanted to say hi and share the news that Cidiot has been nominated for a Chronogrammy for Best Regional Podcast! You can still vote for the nomination, other categories, and get on the list for April 1 voting. Also other …
42. Light a Candle for the Season 3 Finale
Nowhere is the contrast of light and dark more discernible than in the countryside. In the Season Three finale of Cidiot, Mat explores the idea of light at holiday time and the renewed optimism he's so grateful for. Special s...
41. Meet A Farmer - Kallie from Sawkill Farm
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 …
40. Community
Community is crucial wherever you live. In this episode, Mat explores the five types of community: Interest, Action, Place, Practice, and Circumstance. He also shares his dream bucket-list community event. Special shoutouts t...
39. Hardscrabble Day
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 Re...
38. Printed In Poughkeepsie
In this new episode, Mat talks to local business owner Daniel Clark of Prime Print Shop in Poughkeepsie. Daniel also grew up in the Hudson Valley so he'll share a more local view on the area, residents, CSAs, geography and …
37. One Telephone Pole at a Time
In this new episode, Mat explores the different adjustments from Coronavirus, including his new hobby of run-walking and the verb knowns as bunkering. Thanks for listening to Cidiot. Chronogram listed us as one of "Six Hudson...
36. Meet An Advanced Cidiot
You might believe you are the first at something, but, of course, there have been others before you. In this special episode, Mat interviews Dairo, an accomplished, established Cidiot and an Empire Regular from the train. Ma...
35. Animals
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 …
34. What Will Happen To Our Towns?
When you ask, Mat answers. In this episode, we answer a question from listener Keith Stoeckeler about the future of our towns during this unusual, stressful and dangerous time of Coranoravirus. Mat investigates with conversa...
33. Hike in Place
From bucolic to bubonic, join Mat as he talks about what it’s like in the Hudson Valley during this unusual, stressful and dangerous time of Coranoravirus. Special shout outs to Giabotta Alimentari in Tivoli, Equis Art Galler...
32. Plan B
In this new episode of Cidiot, Mat grapples with the realities of living two planes, a train and sometimes a bus from home. Plus he's excited about Cidiot's mention on the Spotify podcasters blog , recent Apple podcast store ...
31. God’s Country - Season 3 Premiere
Welcome to Season 3 of Cidiot - Learning to Live and Love Life in the Hudson Valley. This first episode starts far from Dutchess Country - 5,600 miles in Tel Aviv, Israel. Food. Diversity. Safety. Religion. Join Mat as he …
30. Festivus - Season 2 Finale
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. Cid...