125. No Set Path

125. No Set Path

From Cidiot by Mat Zucker - Living in the Hudson Valley

December 13, 2025 · 30 min · Season 8 · Episode 125

About this episode

The episode explores building a creative life without a defined path through a conversation between Mat Zucker and Drew English.

What does it look like to build a creative life without a ladder, a map, or a five-year plan? In this crossover episode, I sit down with Kingston-based cinematographer, podcaster, and all-around creative human Drew English , host of the podcast No Set Path . We interviewed each other for our respective shows, and this is the Cidiot cut—rooted in the Hudson Valley, flavored with dirt, neighbors, and the reality of figuring it out as you go. Drew shares his journey from years in the NYC film world to building a life (and a studio) in Uptown Kingston—one that balances creativity, parenthood, community, and work that doesn’t always follow a straight line. We talk about why Kingston has become such a magnet for creative people, the myth of the “COVID panic buyer,” how podcasting grew out of basement space and curiosity, and why no set path is actually the point—whether you’re navigating a career, a town, or a brand-new way of living. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can leave the city without leaving yourself behind, this one’s for you. Podcasts, radio stations, and other good things mentioned: Upstate Podcast Studio (Kingston, NY) No Set Path podcast The Valley Girls Podcast…

People in this episode

Host: Mat Zucker

Guest: Drew English

Topics covered

  • creative life
  • podcasting
  • community
  • Kingston
  • career navigation
  • parenthood

Keywords

  • creative life
  • podcasting
  • Kingston
  • community
  • career
  • parenthood
  • No Set Path

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: No Set Path, Upstate Podcast Studio, The Valley Girls Podcast, Kaatscast podcast, Hudson Valley Unleashed podcast, Rhinebeck Scoop podcast, Radio Free Rhinecliff, WKZE

Places: Kingston, Uptown Kingston, Accord, Red Hook, New York City, Hudson Valley

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