Alumni Podcast Embraces an Urban-Rural Archetype: The ‘Cidiot’ Stories You May Like How Now, Brown Cow? Meet ‘Dairy Influencer’ Hailey Pipher ’19 Tune In: Alumni-Hosted Podcasts Offer Something for Everyone A Staple of Upstate BBQs, ‘Cornell Chicken’ is a Grilling Tradition Hosted by Mat Zucker ’92, the show chronicles the joys of country living—and helps other city folk make the leap By Melissa Newcomb As a portmanteau of “city” and “idiot,” the term “cidiot” is an insult for clueless urbanites who visit—or even move to—small towns. “But I’m trying to make it positive,” says Mat Zucker ’92, “and help people acclimate and get involved in the community.” The Arts & Sciences alum spent more than a quarter-century in NYC before relocating to the Hudson Valley, where he relishes living among apple orchards, farms, local restaurants, and small shops. Now, he hosts Cidiot, a popular monthly podcast that shares the joys of country living, while providing encouragement and a roadmap for other urbanites to follow suit (or at least visit). Zucker's dog, Nora, outside their first upstate home, in Red Hook. Launched in 2018, Cidiot is in its eighth season—with more than 120 episodes featuring Upstate New Yorkers chatting about topics from wineries and restaurants to the arts, and covering cultural events like Rhinebeck’s Sheep and Wool Festival. The podcast has won several awards and been featured in national and regional media, including the “Today” show, Country Living, the Albany Times-Union, and the Poughkeepsie Journal. “The format of the show makes you feel like you’re listening to close friends tell an anecdote,” opines Hudson Valley Magazine, “which is refreshingly conversational.” The format of the show makes you feel like you’re listening to close friends tell an anecdote. Hudson Valley Magazine In 2022, Zucker even released the “Cidiot Anthem,” available on Apple Music and Spotify: “Down in the valley, moved up from the city. / It’s a new way of living, and I’m trying to get used to it. / One part clueless, half an ounce of an idiot. / Ordered a Manhattan, and they called me a cidiot. / At first it hurt my feelings, but it’s kind of got a ring to it.” A longtime Manhattanite, Zucker began spending weekends upstate after he and his husband, Brian Fuhr ’93, bought a mid-19th-century cottage in Red Hook—the Dutchess County village, not the hip Brooklyn neighborhood. Stories You May Like How Now, Brown Cow? Meet ‘Dairy Influencer’ Hailey Pipher ’19 Tune In: Alumni-Hosted Podcasts Offer Something for Everyone In 1992, Zucker was part of a team of Greek students and Hotelies who tried (but, sadly, failed) to break the Guinness World Record for largest lasagna ... ... but he did get to meet the ultimate lasagna lover (and Monday hater): Garfield! They eventually found themselves drawn to the slower-paced lifestyle, and spent more and more time there before officially relocating—and the former English major was inspired to document his urban-rural shift via the podcast. The couple has since moved to a different home in Hudson, and Zucker has chronicled rural adventures like gardening—which, he laughingly admits, went terribly—learning local holiday traditions, and creating a list of must-have items for country living. Zucker has chronicled adventures like gardening—which, he laughingly admits, went terribly—and learning local holiday traditions. (It includes a generator, broadband, an orange vest, tools, a variety of outdoor footwear, extra heaters, and a sense of humor.) But in addition to celebrating the advantages of rural life, Zucker acknowledges its challenges—from making new friends to finding a restaurant that’s open on a Monday. (But, he notes, at least you don’t have to compete for a table at that trendy bistro.) With husband—and fellow alum—Brian (left) and their pup. “I’m still fascinated by the region; it’s a great experience, and a different side of life,” says Zucker, who maintains a day job as chief marketing officer of Prophet, a global strategy and creative firm. “I would encourage others to try it—though maybe have a plan to get back if it doesn't work.” Top: A 'cidiot' and his dog, by the Hudson River. (All photos provided.) Published August 22, 2025 Comments Lee L., Class of 1978 2 Sep, 2025 Very intriguing and thought-provoking! Do I get the sense yr encouraging further interest? Well, count me interested. Reply Caroline Hecht, Class of 1976 2 Sep, 2025 I’m one of those people who came from NYC (Manhattan) to Cornell in 1972, and never left the area. For 40 years I’ve lived about half an hour North of Ithaca near Trumansburg, on a dirt road with eight houses on our one-mile stretch of road. I love it. Reply Ellen, Class of 1983 8 Sep, 2025 Can’t wait to listen I have also relocated to NY state! Hotel 83 So much to learn! Lots of work Happy to follow your journey Ellen Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Campus & Beyond Big Red Berries (and Grapes and Apples and Tomatoes and Cukes …) Students Student-Run Grocery Store Offers Fresh Food at Affordable Prices Alumni Edging Toward a ‘Life List’ of 10,000, Leading Birder Flies High