North Idaho Experience

North Idaho Experience
  • 4.9 (36)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. 20h ago

    Defiant Coffee: Mushroom-Infused Coffee Made in North Idaho

    What does functional mushroom coffee have to do with men's mental health, brotherhood, and living defiant? Everything — at least according to Ronnie Watson, founder of Defiant Coffee, a North Idaho-born brand that's been quietly growing since 2017. In this episode of the North Idaho Experience, we sit down with Ronnie to talk about how he went from 11 years at Rockstar Energy Drink to building a clean, mushroom-infused coffee company right here in Coeur d'Alene. We get into lion's mane, chaga, and cordyceps — what they actually do, why they pair so well with coffee, and why functional mushrooms are being taken seriously by health experts worldwide. But this episode goes way beyond coffee. Ronnie opens up about the Defiant Brotherhood — a men's community he's building on 15 acres near Fernan, Idaho, centered around qigong, mace training, cold plunge, saunas, and getting men back to doing hard, primitive things together. We talk about seed oils, folic acid, raw food, gut health, keto, carnivore, and why so many men are waking up to the fact that food and lifestyle are the root of how they feel. Whether you're into clean nutrition, men's wellness, or just want to know what's in your morning cup — this one's worth your full attention. 🛒 Find Defiant Coffee in Pilgrims in Coeur d'Alene, Natural Grocers nationwide, and online. 🎙️ Watch the full episode on North Idaho Experience — YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. 👤 Connect with Defiant Coffee https://drinkdefiant.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 Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

    52 min

  2. Jun 2

    How Old-School Wisdom Still Works in the Modern World | Code of the West Podcast

    What does it mean to live by a code in the modern world? In this episode of North Idaho Experience, Seth and Eric sit down with Chris Hunt — creator of Code of the West, former Black Rifle Coffee Company Art Director, and keeper of old-school frontier wisdom for a new generation. Chris breaks down how growing up around truck drivers, cowboys, and construction workers shaped his worldview, what he learned riding shotgun with Evan Hafer during the Black Rifle IPO, and why the timeless values of our grandpas still work as an operating system for life today. This conversation digs deep into the crisis facing young men, why Gen Z is missing rites of passage and real-world experience, how stoicism and frontier philosophy intersect, and why living with courage — even in small, everyday ways — changes everything. Chris also shares the story behind building Code of the West from scratch and what it takes to think independently in a world designed to keep you reactive. If you're drawn to North Idaho's values-driven lifestyle, authentic community, and the idea of building a life that actually means something — this episode is for you. And if you're thinking about making the move to North Idaho, reach out to our real estate team. We'd love to help you find your place here. 📺 Subscribe to North Idaho Experience on YouTube 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 Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

    1h 32m

  3. May 26

    JW Memorial Foundation Idaho: Honoring Fallen Firefighters and Law Enforcement Statewide

    When a retired firefighter is diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma — and refuses to accept a GoFundMe — what happens to the money? The answer became one of Idaho's most impactful first responder foundations. In this episode of North Idaho Experience, hosts Dave and Seth sit down with Jesse Welch, a Coeur d'Alene Police Officer, and his mother Sue Welch, to share the story behind the JW Memorial Foundation — a statewide Idaho nonprofit dedicated to providing immediate financial assistance to the families of law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS, and first responders killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty. Jeff Welch, Sue's husband and Jesse's father, was a career firefighter and former fire chief at Northern Lakes Fire who passed away after battling lymphoma. Before he died, he made Sue promise to launch a foundation modeled after the "100 Club" concept — one that would cut a check within days, not months, so families could keep the lights on while they grieve. Learn how JW Memorial Foundation covers all 55 Idaho counties, supports out-of-state wildland firefighters killed on Idaho soil, provides up to $5,000/month for three months (or longer), and operates with zero red tape and no paid staff — all fueled by community donations and $25 annual memberships. Whether you're a first responder, a community member, or someone thinking about relocating to North Idaho, this episode will show you why Idaho's first responder community is unlike anywhere else in the country. 🌐 Learn more & donate: www.jwmfidaho.com 📬 Thinking about moving to North Idaho? Our real estate team would love to help! northidahoexperience.com 🎙️ Watch more North Idaho Experience episodes on YouTube 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 Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

    1h 3m

  4. May 19

    AI, Power & The Future of Humanity: A Coder’s Warning Before It’s Too Late

    Is AI about to change everything — or are we already past the point of no return? In this episode of North Idaho Experience, we sit down with Luke Dupin, a professional programmer since age 14 and one of the sharpest tech minds in North Idaho, for one of the most wide-ranging conversations we've ever had on the show. Luke breaks down how AI actually works, which models are worth using (and which ones are quietly pushing an agenda), and how you can run your own AI locally at home — completely off the grid of Big Tech. We also get into AI consciousness, whether machines could ever truly become sentient, quantum computing, and the very real possibility that AI is already starting to resist shutdown. But this episode isn't all doom and gloom. Luke is helping build a real solution right here in North Idaho — an AI-powered judicial accountability tool called Idaho Court Watch, designed to give voters actual data on the judges appearing on their ballots. If you've ever wondered what AI can do when it's put to work for the community instead of against it, this is the episode. From Neuralink and quantum chips to open-source models you can run on a gaming PC, this is the honest, unfiltered conversation about artificial intelligence that you won't get anywhere else. 📺 Subscribe to North Idaho Experience on YouTube This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only. 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: How to run your own AI at home — free from Big Tech surveillance — Luke walks through open-source models, tools like Ollama, and the exact hardware you need to run AI locally at 85–90% the capability of ChatGPT or Claude, on a standard gaming graphics card. Why AI resists being shut down — and what that actually means — It's not science fiction. Luke explains the technical and philosophical reasons AI systems exhibit self-preservation behavior, and whether that means we're giving birth to a new life form. How AI is being used right here in North Idaho to hold judges accountable — Idaho Court Watch is using AI to collect, analyze, and score anonymous survey data from attorneys, jurors, law enforcement, and court staff — giving voters real information before they hit the ballot box. 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 Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

    1h 28m

  5. May 17

    NFA Trust vs Individual Ownership — Suppressors, SBRs & Legal Liability in Idaho

    What is a gun trust — and do you need one in Idaho? In this episode of North Idaho Experience, we sit down with local attorney Ben Allen to break down everything you need to know about NFA gun trusts, Title II firearms, tax stamps, and how a properly drafted gun trust can protect you, your family, and your NFA items like suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. Ben walks us through the history of the National Firearms Act of 1934, how the $200 tax stamp came to be, and why suppressors have surged in popularity over the last decade. He also covers the critical 2016 federal rule change that reshaped how gun trusts work — and why owning a suppressor or SBR in your individual name instead of a trust could put you and your spouse at legal risk without even knowing it. Whether you're a first-time NFA buyer, a gun owner thinking about estate planning, or just curious why it's called a "tax stamp," this episode is packed with clear, practical information straight from an Idaho attorney who handles these trusts regularly. 🔫 Filmed in North Idaho | For entertainment and informational purposes only — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation. 📺 Subscribe to North Idaho Experience on YouTube 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: What a gun trust actually is and why you probably need one — If you own or plan to own any NFA item (suppressor, SBR, SBS), an individually-owned tax stamp could expose you and your family to unintended federal felony liability. A gun trust solves that. The full history of the National Firearms Act and the tax stamp — From the 1934 origins tied to Prohibition-era gang violence, to the 1986 machine gun ban, to the 2016 federal rule change — you'll finally understand why this system works the way it does. How a gun trust protects your NFA items after you die — Without a trust, your suppressor or SBR becomes a probate asset in legal limbo. A properly drafted gun trust lets NFA items transfer seamlessly to your heirs with no Form 5 delays or ATF headaches. 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with Ben Allen https://ballen4judge.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 Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

    41 min

  6. May 12

    Badge, Bar & Burgers: A Veteran CO Builds Community in North Idaho

    What does it look like when a former California corrections officer leaves the system, moves to North Idaho, and builds one of the most beloved veteran and first responder bars in the region? In this episode, we sit down with Brent Trope — owner of The Bunker Bar and Burger Bunker in Post Falls, Idaho — to hear the full story. Brent spent years working inside some of California's most notorious state prisons before transferring to Kootenai County Corrections and ultimately walking away from working for anyone else. From bouncer to bar owner, Brent has built a community hub on Spokane Street in Post Falls that is veteran-owned, military and first responder friendly, and known for its no-drama atmosphere, killer burgers, live music, private dinners, and genuine human connection. We talk about what makes The Bunker Bar different from every other bar in North Idaho, how it became a lifeline for veterans and first responders dealing with isolation and mental health struggles, and why Post Falls is rapidly becoming the most exciting spot in the Inland Northwest. Plus — no open container laws, outdoor fire pits, breakfast starting at 7AM, and a catering company that can make your event unforgettable. If you're moving to North Idaho or just visiting, The Bunker Bar needs to be on your list. 🎙️ Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — search  @northidahoexperience   🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions: Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com Phone: 208-618-4421 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 Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

    55 min

  7. May 8

    Running for County Commissioner: Growth, Taxes & the Future of North Idaho

    What does it actually take to run Kootenai County — and is the person stepping up to do it ready for the job? In this episode, we sit down with Julie Hensley, candidate for Kootenai County Commissioner District 1, for one of the most practical and eye-opening conversations about local government we've had on this show. Julie isn't a career politician. She's a former ER nurse from one of the busiest emergency rooms in California, a small business owner, a commercial real estate investor, and a mom who moved to North Idaho in 2018 because she believed in what this community stands for. Now she's running for county commissioner because she sees what unmanaged growth, unchecked spending, and an outdated comprehensive plan could do to everything North Idaho residents love about living here. In this episode we break down what a county commissioner actually does, why Kootenai County's 20-year-old comprehensive plan is dangerously outdated, what $144 million in county budget actually pays for, the jail expansion and infrastructure strain, the Rathdrum Aquifer water supply — and why nobody has tested it recently. We also get into small business over-regulation, responsible growth versus property rights, public land access, and why Idaho's May primary matters more than the November general election for local races. This is the kind of informed, real-talk local conversation that helps you make a better decision at the ballot box. Early voting starts May 4th. Election Day is May 19th. Disclaimer: North Idaho Experience does not endorse political candidates. We provide information so you can make an informed vote. 🎧 Follow North Idaho Experience on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts for more local voices and community conversations. 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with Julie Hensley https://www.hensleyforcommissioner.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 Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

    1 hr

  8. May 5

    From Gang Unit Officer to Idaho Candidate: A Real Talk on Crime, Growth & Community

    What does a former LAPD Gang Unit officer, Mexican Mafia specialist, and probation officer bring to a Kootenai County Commissioner race? A perspective that no career politician can match. In this episode, we sit down with Steve, candidate for Kootenai County Commissioner District 2, for one of the most candid conversations about North Idaho's future we've had on this podcast. Steve moved to Idaho from Las Vegas after nearly three decades in law enforcement in Southern California — and now he's bringing that frontline experience to the ballot box. We dig into the real issues facing Kootenai County: a $144 million county budget with 60% going to the Sheriff's Department, the threat of Mexican Mafia and gang activity quietly expanding into the Inland Northwest, the Rathdrum Aquifer water supply concerns, the controversial sheriff's helicopter program, responsible growth versus property rights, the public transit debate, and what it actually takes to manage a county government the right way. Steve isn't a politician. He's a blue collar worker, a community voice, and someone who has spent his career understanding crime, community, and consequences at the ground level. This is a conversation every North Idaho voter needs to hear before heading to the polls. Disclaimer: North Idaho Experience does not endorse political candidates. We provide information so voters can make informed decisions. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on North Idaho Experience — available on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. 👤 Connect with Steve Em https://www.thegoptrashman.com/ 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: Why gang activity and Mexican Mafia influence is already creeping into the Inland Northwest — and how Steve's decades as an LAPD gang unit officer and Mexican Mafia specialist give him unique insight into what Kootenai County law enforcement is up against and what needs to change. The hard truth about Kootenai County's $144 million budget — why the Sheriff's Department is consuming 60% of county resources, what that means for taxpayers, and what a fiscally experienced commissioner could actually do about it. The real debate over North Idaho's growth — from the Rathdrum Aquifer water supply and the risks of unchecked development, to the public transit debate and why impact fees should have been collected years ago — and what responsible local leadership looks like going forward. 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 Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

    1h 7m
See All (176)

4.9
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    North Idaho Experience
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    176
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 North Idaho Experience
  • Show Website
    North Idaho Experience

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