Person standing with a dog on the bank of a river
Provided Hosted by Mat Zucker ’92, The Cidiot chronicles the joys of country living—and helps other city folk make the leap

Podcast embraces an urban-rural archetype: The 'Cidiot'

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 (Literatures in English) 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).

“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.”

Read the full story on the Cornellians website. 

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Person standing with a dog on the bank of a river
Provided Hosted by Mat Zucker ’92, The Cidiot chronicles the joys of country living—and helps other city folk make the leap