North Idaho Experience

Thinking about moving to North Idaho? Already live here? This is your show.

North Idaho Experience is the podcast that takes you inside life in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Sandpoint, and beyond — through honest conversations with the people who actually live it. Local business owners, community leaders, first responders, veterans, real estate insiders, and everyday North Idahoans share what this region is really like.

North Idaho is one of the last places in America where freedom isn’t just a bumper sticker — it’s how people actually live. Strong communities, individual rights, faith, hard work, and old school American values aren’t fading here. They’re thriving.

Every episode covers what matters here: the housing market, outdoor lifestyle, local politics, community values, self-reliance, and the stories that make North Idaho unlike anywhere else.

If you’re relocating to Idaho from California, Washington, or anywhere else — or you’re already rooted here and love this place — hit subscribe and join the community.

New episodes every week. Long-form conversations. Real people. No fluff.

🎙️ Guest or sponsorship inquiries: info@nidexperience.com 🌐 northidahoexperience.com ▶️ Also on YouTube: https://bit.ly/thenorthidahoexperience

Latest Episodes:

From Combat to the Idaho Mountains: Veterans Talk Life After Service Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to North Idaho Experience! In this episode, we sit down with John and Austin from our North Idaho real estate team to talk about their brand-new outdoor lifestyle podcast and channel: The Next Ridge — a show built around hunting, outdoor living, mindset, and life in North Idaho & Montana.
This conversation goes deep. John and Austin share powerful stories from their time in the U.S. Army, including intense deployments to Afghanistan, combat experiences, and hard-earned lessons on leadership, resilience, and brotherhood. We also talk about the lifestyle shift that happens when veterans and first responders move to places like Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Sandpoint, and the Idaho Panhandle, where the outdoors, strong community, and freedom-based values help people heal and rebuild.
You’ll also hear why John and Austin are launching The Next Ridge Podcast, what it means to keep moving forward in life, how the outdoors can reset your mind and spirit, and why North Idaho is becoming one of the top destinations for people seeking land, lifestyle, and a fresh start.
If you’re thinking about relocating to North Idaho, our team is made up of veterans and former first responders, and we’d love to help you make the move smoothly.
🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com
Phone: 208-618-4421
For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://bk.homestack.com/northidahoexperience/?aik=khorst
Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation
Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide
📌 Topics Covered in This Episode:
Why North Idaho is a powerful “reset” location for veterans, first responders, and families seeking freedom, community, and outdoor living.
Real-life military deployment stories from Afghanistan and how combat changes your mindset, perspective, and priorities.
What “The Next Ridge” means—and how outdoors + purpose can help you move forward in life and avoid stagnation.
📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com
👤 Connect with The Next Ridge
Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjshkjkLoRSKynphMF2V7-xhqXUHuTLAB
John Fontaine -208-719-6881
Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001
Thenextridge208@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz9XczupyJ93VRtqfQEW-g

For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out our North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887
Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation
Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide
💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us?
Email us at info@nidexperience.com
🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com
Phone: 208-618-4421

Sponsored by:

North Idaho Arms, LLC

4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854

(208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM

https://northidahoarms.com/

Finding Freedom Idaho INC
Equal housing opportunity
======

The Future of North Idaho: Housing, Culture, Growth, and Community Values Explained Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com
Phone: 208-618-4421
For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://bk.homestack.com/northidahoexperience/?aik=khorst
Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation
Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide
North Idaho is growing fast — but how do we protect the values, culture, and small-town feel that make this place special while still building a thriving economy and future for young families?
In this episode of the North Idaho Experience Podcast, we sit down with Dan Finley, City Council member in Hauser and part of K Strong, to discuss the future of growth, industry, and community in North Idaho. Dan shares powerful insights about the difference between settlers vs. refugees, why culture matters more than politics, and how intentional city planning, architecture, and business development can help North Idaho become a beacon of sanity — not a victim of unchecked expansion.
We dive deep into:
✅ How North Idaho can grow without turning into “everywhere else”
✅ Why “reindustrialization” is the next big opportunity for this region
✅ The importance of entrepreneurship, community alignment, and long-term vision
✅ Why cities lose their identity — and how to protect Coeur d’Alene & Post Falls
✅ Charging out-of-state visitors fairly while keeping parks clean and local-friendly
If you’re considering moving to North Idaho, already live here, or care about the future of Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hauser, and Kootenai County, this is a must-watch conversation.
📌 Like, subscribe, and share to support local conversations that matter.
🏡 Thinking about relocating to North Idaho? Reach out to our real estate team — we’d love to help
📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com
👤 Connect with Kootenai Strong
https://www.kootenaistrong.com/
💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us?
Email us at info@nidexperience.com
👉 Subscribe for more interviews, neighborhood tours, and tips on North Idaho living!
📱 Social Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz9XczupyJ93VRtqfQEW-g

Sponsored by:

North Idaho Arms, LLC

4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854

(208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM

https://northidahoarms.com/

Finding Freedom Idaho INC
Equal housing opportunity
======

Former Pentagon General discusses Maduro, Cartels & Narco-Terrorism: Venezuela’s Criminal State Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

Retired Brigadier General Blaine Holt joins North Idaho Experience for a high-level, no-fluff conversation about Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, narco-terrorism, cartel warfare, and global power shifts. Dave, Eric, and Blaine break down the geopolitical shockwaves of capturing an illegitimate leader tied to cartel operations—and what that means for China, Russia, Iran, Taiwan, Japan, and the future of global conflict.
This episode covers how cartels function as a global system, not just a criminal problem, connecting drug trafficking, money laundering, political corruption, and human trafficking into one massive underground economy. Blaine also explains how elite U.S. military units train for rapid operations, what a “cost imposition” strategy looks like, and why modern warfare is shifting toward autonomous weapons, advanced surveillance tech, and AI-driven battlefields.
We also dive into the risks of escalation with major powers, the fragility of modern financial systems, and the uncomfortable reality of surveillance, civil liberties, and national security. If you want one of the most wide-ranging conversations on Venezuela, cartels, and the next era of warfare, this is it.
👤 Connect with Dangerous Intellectuals Podcast
https://www.dangerousintellectuals.com/
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Wrath of the Wendigo: https://amzn.to/49daAxD

🏔️ Thinking about moving to North Idaho? Connect with the team at North Idaho Experience.
📌 Topics Covered in This Episode:
How cartel networks operate like a global “vascular system” for crime—fueling drugs, money laundering, human trafficking, and corruption across governments.
How elite U.S. special operations plan and execute rapid capture missions, and why leadership style + legal authority matters in modern operations.
Where warfare is heading next—AI surveillance, autonomous weapons, hypersonics, cyber/electronic warfare, and why ethics may be the biggest battlefield.
🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com
Phone: 208-618-4421
For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://bk.homestack.com/northidahoexperience/?aik=khorst
Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation
Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide
📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com
👤 Connect with Dangerous Intellectuals
https://www.dangerousintellectuals.com/
💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us?
Email us at info@nidexperience.com
👉 Subscribe for more interviews, neighborhood tours, and tips on North Idaho living!
📱 Social Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz9XczupyJ93VRtqfQEW-g

Sponsored by:

North Idaho Arms, LLC

4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854

(208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM

https://northidahoarms.com/

Finding Freedom Idaho INC
Equal housing opportunity
======

Breaking Down Local News Bias in North Idaho: What Residents Need To Know Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com
Phone: 208-618-4421
For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://bk.homestack.com/northidahoexperience/?aik=khorst
Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation
Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide
In this episode of North Idaho Experience, we sit down with Scott Moskowitz, former radio host and co-creator of the hyperlocal podcast NO ID (No Idaho). Scott brings decades of broadcasting experience to break down how local media narratives, propaganda, and political messaging shape public perception in North Idaho and the Inland Northwest.
From North Idaho College controversies to media bias, 2020 cultural shifts, and the loss of true local journalism, this conversation explores why understanding who controls the narrative matters more than ever. Scott explains why hyperlocal podcasts are critical for preserving liberty, encouraging critical thinking, and helping communities see through manipulated messaging.
Whether you’re a North Idaho resident, considering moving to the area, or interested in media literacy, free speech, and local politics, this episode delivers deep insight you won’t find in mainstream news.
🎙️ Topics include:
Media deconstruction & propaganda
North Idaho politics and local power structures
Life after leaving California
Liberty vs authoritarianism
Why local podcasts matter now more than ever
📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com
👤 Connect with THE NO ID SHOW
https://noidshow.com/
💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us?
Email us at info@nidexperience.com
👉 Subscribe for more interviews, neighborhood tours, and tips on North Idaho living!
📱 Social Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz9XczupyJ93VRtqfQEW-g

Sponsored by:

North Idaho Arms, LLC

4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854

(208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM

https://northidahoarms.com/

Finding Freedom Idaho INC
Equal housing opportunity
======

Inside City on a Hill: The New Faith-Based Mental Health Center Changing North Idaho Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com
Phone: 208-618-4421
For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://bk.homestack.com/northidahoexperience/?aik=khorst
Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation
Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide
*** Trigger Warning: This video includes discussion of suicide and mental health.
Please take care while watching. If you need support, you are not alone.
U.S.: Call or text 988
Outside the U.S.: https://findahelpline.com
In this powerful episode of North Idaho Experience, we sit down with the leadership team from City on a Hill, a faith-based behavioral health center in Post Falls, Idaho, to discuss the growing mental health crisis affecting youth, families, veterans, first responders, and marriages across North Idaho.
Born out of a local church’s response to rising suicide rates, mental health deserts, and lack of access to care, City on a Hill is redefining what biblically integrated, evidence-based mental health care looks like. This conversation dives deep into topics like youth suicide, social media’s impact on identity, marriage breakdown, PTSD, first responder mental health, and the urgent need for accessible counseling services.
You’ll hear firsthand why Idaho ranks among the highest in suicide rates, how faith and clinical excellence can coexist, and how City on a Hill is building a scalable model to serve communities nationwide.
If you care about mental health, faith, family, veterans, or the future of North Idaho, this is a must-watch conversation.
📍 Location: Post Falls, Idaho
📌 Topics Covered in This Episode:
Why North Idaho is facing a mental health crisis
Learn how suicide rates, lack of providers, social media, and isolation are colliding into a perfect storm.
How faith-based counseling works alongside evidence-based therapy
Discover how City on a Hill integrates biblical worldview with professional psychology, psychiatry, and trauma care.
What real solutions look like for families, youth, veterans, and first responders
From marriage counseling to PTSD treatment and affordable care, hear how access—not awareness—is the real issue.
📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com
👤 Connect with City On The Hill
https://www.cityonahillcenter.com/
💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us?
Email us at info@nidexperience.com
👉 Subscribe for more interviews, neighborhood tours, and tips on North Idaho living!
📱 Social Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz9XczupyJ93VRtqfQEW-g

Sponsored by:

North Idaho Arms, LLC

4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854

(208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM

https://northidahoarms.com/

Finding Freedom Idaho INC
Equal housing opportunity
======

How Emergency Response Works in Kootenai County, Idaho: Full Breakdown Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz9XczupyJ93VRtqfQEW-g

Sponsored by:

North Idaho Arms, LLC

4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854

(208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM

https://northidahoarms.com/

Finding Freedom Idaho INC
Equal housing opportunity
======

Inside the Mission of Footsteps of the Fallen: Faith, Patriotism, and Purpose Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz9XczupyJ93VRtqfQEW-g

Sponsored by:

North Idaho Arms, LLC

4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854

(208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM

https://northidahoarms.com/

Finding Freedom Idaho INC
Equal housing opportunity
======

Former Trooper Turned North Idaho Author Talks EMPs, Chaos, and Community Preparedness Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com
Phone: 208-618-4421
For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today!
https://bk.homestack.com/northidahoexperience/?aik=khorst
Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation
Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide
In this episode of North Idaho Experience, we sit down with Charles Sage—North Idaho author, former Alaska State Trooper, Baltimore County Deputy, and overseas military ISR pilot—to unpack a lifetime of extraordinary experiences. From flying surveillance missions over Iraq and Afghanistan to policing remote Alaskan villages by floatplane, Charles brings rare insight into law enforcement, aviation, survival, and storytelling.
We dive deep into Charles’ latest novel Wolves of the Abazi, explore how real-world experiences shape authentic fiction, and tackle big-picture conversations around AI, creativity, survival skills, and the future of humanity. This episode blends adventure, philosophy, geopolitics, and freedom-minded living—making it a must-watch for readers, pilots, veterans, and anyone thinking critically about the future.
If you enjoy long-form conversations about freedom, self-reliance, writing, aviation, AI, and North Idaho living, this episode delivers.
🏔️ Interested in moving to North Idaho? Our real estate team specializes in helping freedom-minded families relocate.
📌 Topics Covered in This Episode:
What it’s really like to be an Alaska State Trooper and ISR pilot — including flying solo into remote villages and combat zones.
How real-life law enforcement and aviation experiences translate into authentic fiction writing without over-technical storytelling.
How AI is reshaping creativity, warfare, transportation, and society—and why human-created work still matters.
📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com
👤 Connect with Charles Sage
Amazon - https://a.co/d/b2qjrcn
Youtube - https://youtube.com/@charlessage7323?si=fXjF4ldGOyRozacl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz9XczupyJ93VRtqfQEW-g

Sponsored by:

North Idaho Arms, LLC

4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854

(208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM

https://northidahoarms.com/

Finding Freedom Idaho INC
Equal housing opportunity
======

How Citizens Alliance of Idaho is Holding Politicians Accountable – Matt Edwards Explains the Pledge Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com
Phone: 208-618-4421
Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation
Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide
In this episode of North Idaho Experience, Seth, Eric, and Matt Edwards from the Citizens Alliance of Idaho dive deep into the importance of preserving Idaho values, political accountability, and protecting constitutional freedoms. From how local politics shape daily life to why more families are fleeing failing states for Idaho, this conversation is packed with insight, humor, and real-world experience. Matt explains Idaho’s legislator pledge, the battle for state sovereignty, and how ordinary citizens can make an extraordinary difference.
You’ll also hear Eric’s unbelievable story about spearing a hog with a broom handle, reflections on political division, why voting matters more now than ever, and a powerful discussion on protecting children, personal freedom, and Idaho's future.
If you're considering a move to Idaho—or care about keeping Idaho free—this episode is a must-watch.
📌 Topics Covered in This Episode:
How the Citizens Alliance of Idaho holds legislators accountable through a constitutional values-based pledge.
Why local politics matter far more than most people think, especially in shaping daily freedoms, schools, and community culture.
How Idaho is attracting freedom-minded families nationwide, and what must be done to protect it from political decline.
📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com
👤 Connect with Citizens Alliance
https://www.citizensallianceidaho.org/
💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us?
Email us at info@nidexperience.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz9XczupyJ93VRtqfQEW-g

Sponsored by:

North Idaho Arms, LLC

4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854

(208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM

https://northidahoarms.com/

Finding Freedom Idaho INC
Equal housing opportunity
======

From Combat Medic to Entrepreneur: How One Veteran Built a Mission-Driven K9 Company Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com
Phone: 208-618-4421
Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation
Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide
In this episode of North Idaho Experience, we sit down with Jessica Harris — a retired Army National Guard combat medic who now runs K9 Salute, a mission-driven dog-treat company honoring fallen K9 officers. Jessica shares stories from 20 years in uniform, including her work in counter-drug operations, medical training with law enforcement, and deploying to Iraq as a senior medic. She also breaks down how she transitioned into entrepreneurship, how K9 Salute was born, and why honoring military and police working dogs has become her life’s mission.
If you love dogs, military stories, law enforcement insights, or entrepreneurial inspiration, you’ll get a ton from this conversation.
📌 Topics Covered in This Episode:
How a combat medic transitioned into building a purpose-driven business supporting working K9s.
Behind-the-scenes stories from counter-drug missions, medical training, and deployment life.
Why canine units need more support — and how K9 Salute is helping protect working dogs.
📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com
👤 Connect with Jessica Harris
K9 Salute: https://www.k9salute.com/
Warrior Rising: https://www.warriorrising.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz9XczupyJ93VRtqfQEW-g

Sponsored by: