North Idaho Experience

North Idaho Experience
  • 5.0 (93)
  • 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. 6d ago

    Cameron Birk: From Addiction to Ministry — Inside Absolute Ministries' 85% Recovery Success Rate

    What does it take to permanently break the cycle of addiction? Cameron Birk knows firsthand — and he built a ministry around the answer. In this episode of the North Idaho Experience Podcast, Seth and Dave sit down with Cameron Birk, founder of Absolute Ministries, and Layne Barndt, their Relationship Director, to go deep on what real, lasting recovery actually looks like. Cameron's story doesn't start in a boardroom or a church pew. It starts with cocaine, alcohol, and a life spiraling toward destruction in his early 20s. After multiple failed attempts at sobriety and a near-fatal low point, Cameron entered a residential program — and heard a call that changed everything. In 2009, he turned that transformation into Absolute Ministries, a long-term faith-based residential recovery program now operating across 18 facilities in Washington and Idaho. This is not a 28-day program. Residents average two years in the structured program, and the results back it up — an 85% long-term success rate and an estimated $85 million saved in public safety and healthcare costs. Layne Barndt, their Relationship Director, adds another layer to the conversation — sharing his own path to the ministry and what it looks like on the ground to walk people from rock bottom back to a full life. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Cameron's raw personal story: from addiction and suicide attempts to founding a ministryWhy Absolute Ministries defines addiction far beyond drugs and alcoholHow their long-term residential model produces results that short-term programs simply can'tThe role of faith, accountability, and community in lasting sobrietyReal graduate stories: a mom who regained custody of her children, a former San Quentin inmate voted Employee of the Year, and a man who remarried his ex-wife on graduation dayHow the program handles relapse — and why honesty changes the outcomeThe fentanyl crisis, nicotine addiction, and the surprising substances hardest to quitHow to refer someone, get involved, or support the ministry Learn more about Absolute Ministries: https://www.absoluteministries.org/ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zLHc-_WVdGA&ra=m 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, LLC4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854 (208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM https://northidahoarms.com/ Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

  2. Aug 11

    Coach Mel: From Homeless at 14 to Serial Entrepreneur, Health Coach & Real Estate Developer in Post Falls, Idaho

    Coach Mel didn't have an easy start. She was homeless at 14, a high school  dropout, and spent years being told her standards were too high. Today she  is a serial entrepreneur, certified health coach, published author, and real  estate developer transforming the commercial landscape of Post Falls, Idaho  — one block at a time. In this episode, Seth and Dave sits down with Coach Mel for a wide-ranging conversation about what it actually takes to build something from nothing. Coach Mel shares the personal health crisis that led her to transform her body, lose over 100 pounds, and eventually launch MelFit — a health, wealth, and life coaching  program that now serves clients globally through her MelFit 365 app and  in-person studio in Post Falls. She also opens up about her real estate journey, including how she developed  Eats on Spokane Street, Post Falls' fastest-growing community dining hub,  and her ambitious upcoming project, Casitas Del Rio — a 21,000 square foot  mixed-use development along the Spokane River. Along the way she shares what  it is really like navigating city hall, smart codes, and small-town politics  when you have big development ambitions. Coach Mel is the author of Molested to Millionaire, and in this conversation  she discusses why she wrote the book and why she believes your circumstances  have nothing to do with your ceiling. Topics covered in this episode include entrepreneurship, health transformation,  real estate development, small business ownership, Post Falls Idaho growth,  community-focused development, fitness coaching, and building a business with  high standards. North Idaho Experience is a podcast and video show dedicated to showcasing life, business, and real estate in North Idaho. New episodes every week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. 👤 Connect with Mel FIT https://www.melfitcoaching.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoouBYzGJqRl-HGxKV6ARmHYq3xxx1b59xEwvNGPy5BrA6IZRfao Eats On Spokane Street https://www.eatsonspokanest.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, LLC4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854 (208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM https://northidahoarms.com/ Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

  3. Aug 4

    Steve Morgan: Black Hawk Down, an RPG Strike, and Healing Veterans in North Idaho

    Steve Morgan flew AC-130 Spectre gunships over Somalia during the Black Hawk Down incident. He watched soldiers die below while his crew was ordered to stand down. Years later, an RPG strike over Iraq destroyed his aircraft — and ended his Air Force career. What followed nearly broke him. In this episode, Air Force combat veteran and founder of Brave Souls United, Steve Morgan, sits down with Seth and Eric for one of the most powerful conversations in North Idaho Experience history. Steve opens up about the rules of engagement that still haunt him, the isolation and alcohol that followed his service, and the bow hunting trip to North Idaho that changed his trajectory. Today, Steve runs Brave Souls United — a nonprofit built on one mission: "You are not alone." He brings veterans into the North Idaho wilderness for bow hunting, fishing, and hiking, because he believes healing is an art, not a science. In this episode: From C-5 Galaxies to AC-130 Spectre gunships — Steve's Air Force journey34 days in Somalia and the Black Hawk Down missionSurviving an RPG hit over IraqWhy military programming doesn't switch off when veterans come homeThe quote that changed everything: "Maybe we never missed the fires. Maybe we just missed having a place to stand when the world needed us."How North Idaho saved Steve Morgan's lifeBrave Souls United — what it is and how to get involvedConnect with Steve Morgan & Brave Souls United: bravesoulsunited.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, LLC4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854 (208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM https://northidahoarms.com/ Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

  4. Jul 28

    Multi-Gen Compounds & Shop Homes in North Idaho — John & Spencer, NIE Custom Homes

    Can you legally build a multi-generational compound on 10 acres in North Idaho?  What does a shop home actually cost — and why is the "$150K build" myth so  dangerous? John and Spencer from NIE Custom Homes answer both questions and a lot more. In this episode of the North Idaho Experience Podcast, Seth and Eric sit down  with the partners of NIE Custom Homes — a North Idaho-based custom builder  specializing in shop homes, multi-generational properties, and new construction.  With 6 builds already underway and 5 more signed for next year, they're giving  us the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to build in North Idaho. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: • Multi-generational zoning: how to legally place 3 structures on 10 acres in Idaho • Shop homes explained: real costs, finishes, and the root cellar upgrade • Excavation surprises: granite pockets and clay soil that add $10,000+ overnight • Perc tests & geotech engineers: the due diligence step most buyers skip • How to vet raw land BEFORE you make an offer • NIE's no-change-order policy: how fixed-price contracts protect buyers • In-house drafting & design: faster timelines, all under one roof • Kootenai vs. Bonner County: 11 inspections + $12K–$14K permits vs. 2 inspections • VA Construction Loans: 0% down up to $995,000 for 100% VA disabled veterans • Aquifer restrictions and setback rules for multi-gen properties ABOUT NIE CUSTOM HOMES: NIE Custom Homes is a North Idaho-based custom builder handling design,  drafting, and construction in-house. They specialize in shop homes,  multi-generational compounds, and custom new builds. CONNECT WITH NIE CUSTOM HOMES: Website: niecustomhomes.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, LLC4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854 (208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM https://northidahoarms.com/ Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

  5. Jul 21

    From Marine to K9 Trainer: Free Service Dogs for Veterans & What's Wrong With Your Dog | Yoshi of Righteous K9

    What if 80% of your dog's behavior problems were actually YOUR fault? In this episode of the North Idaho Experience podcast, Seth and Eric sit down with Yoshi — the former Marine, ex-Tennessee State Trooper, and founder of Righteous K9 — for one of the most honest, faith-filled, and fascinating conversations we've ever had. Yoshi's story is unlike anything you've heard. Adopted from the Soviet Union at age 7, raised in Coeur d'Alene, deployed to Afghanistan, then nearly killed in a head-on collision with a semi-truck — the accident that brought him back to his faith and set him on a path to building North Idaho's premier dog training company. Today, Righteous K9 trains everything from basic obedience puppies to military-grade bomb and drug detection dogs. But what Yoshi is most passionate about? Providing free service dogs to veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD — funded entirely by his civilian client base. In this episode, you'll hear: Why 80% of dog behavioral issues come down to handler error — not the dogHow Yoshi's German Shepherd literally saved his life from a morphine overdoseWhat PTSD service dogs actually do and how they detect anxiety in their handlersThe Proverbs 12:10 verse that inspired the name "Righteous K9"Why Yoshi believes North Idaho is the perfect home for this missionHis vision to launch a non-profit giving free service dogs to those who servedWhether you're a dog owner, a veteran, someone struggling with PTSD, or just a fan of great North Idaho stories — this one will stick with you. 📍 CONNECT WITH ROYAL K9: https://righteousk9training.com/ https://www.facebook.com/share/193W1CNri6/?mibextid=wwXIfr 0:00 — Introduction: Meet the Royal K9 Founder 2:30 — How Royal K9 Started: The Origin Story 9:00 — The Biggest Mistakes Dog Owners Make 17:00 — What Professional K9 Training Actually Looks Like 25:00 — Working With Reactive & Problem Dogs 33:00 — Building a Dog Training Business in North Idaho 42:00 — The Royal K9 Philosophy & Standards 50:00 — Real Client Transformations & Success Stories 57:00 — How to Get Started + Where to Find Royal K9 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, LLC4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854 (208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM https://northidahoarms.com/ Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

  6. Jul 14

    Why This Entrepreneur Left Everything to Build a Retreat in North Idaho

    Dave and Seth sit down with Tony Marcella — founder of Shiloh, entrepreneur, atypical cystic fibrosis advocate, and organizer of the Shiloh Echo Retreat in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Tony shares the story that nearly ended his life: years of misdiagnosis, a medical system that studied him instead of solving his problem, and the digestive enzyme and salt regimen that finally turned things around. From there the conversation opens up into everything that makes North Idaho what it is — homesteading, real food, reading labels, distrust of "big pharma," concealed carry as a constitutional right, and why decentralization and local community may be the future of this country. He also breaks down his vision for the Shiloh Echo Retreat (September 11–13): 100+ acres at Boulder Creek Retreat, on-site blacksmithing with Fire Iron Forge, a gun range with Yeager Defense, locally sourced non-GMO meals, worship led by Nashville folk artist William Toll, 12+ speakers on privacy, freedom, and simple living — all for $30 for three days. Plus a genuinely fascinating dive into open-source technology, GrapheneOS, local AI, surveillance, and what it means to actually own the tech in your life. At the center of it all is Tony's message: you don't control your circumstances, but your response is your responsibility — and there's still hope. 🔗 Learn more about the  Shiloh retreat: shilohecho.org ▶️ Watch the full episode on the North Idaho Experience YouTube channel, or find us on your favorite podcast platform. Thinking about buying, selling, or relocating to North Idaho? Reach out to our team — one of the top-rated real estate teams in the area. Contact info is in the show notes. This episode is brought to you by North Idaho Arms — Post Falls, Idaho. Unapologetically pro-2A. 00:00 - Introduction & Atypical Cystic Fibrosis Journey 05:00 - Medical System, Naturopathy, and Food Quality 10:00 - Genetic Predisposition, Historical Diets & Food Choices 15:00 - Tony's Background: From Software Engineer to Drummer 20:00 - Innovation, AI, and Moving to North Idaho 25:00 - Finding Community in Idaho & The Homesteading Lifestyle 30:00 - Introducing the Shiloh Echo Retreat (Activities & Purpose) 35:00 - Prepping vs. Preparing & The Power of Fellowship 40:00 - Faith, AI as Religion & The True Value of Life 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, LLC4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854 (208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM https://northidahoarms.com/ Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

    Why This Entrepreneur Left Everything to Build a Retreat in North Idaho

  7. Jul 10

    From Navy Minefields to Batteries That Take a Bullet

    This one goes everywhere. We sit down with Ryan Wiggins — a former Navy mineman, dive instructor, and now a battery industry innovator supplying tech to NASA, the DOD, and major utility companies. We get into how a sailboat rebuild in Florida turned into a career in energy storage, why his battery tech doesn't flinch when you shoot it, and what it's actually like clearing underwater minefields for the military. Then we swing into spearfishing pike in Idaho, dive rescue work, competitive shooting, mesh radio networks, and the story behind why Ryan and his fiancée ended up here after Florida basically tried to swallow their house whole. It's a wild ride with a genuinely fascinating guy, and honestly, we didn't even get to the aliens — that's a conversation for next time. Sponsors: North Idaho Arms 4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854 (208) 457-3031 CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM https://northidahoarms.com/ 👤 Connect with Ryan Wiggins http://www.abyssbattery.com/ http://www.hycapenergy.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, LLC4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854 (208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM https://northidahoarms.com/ Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

  8. Jul 7

    Active Duty, Custom Belts, and a Very Dead Bear | Hunter Hanley

    Hunter Hanley is juggling two jobs — one for the US Army, one for himself. He's Civil Affairs, SOF umbrella, Fort Bragg, about 14 months from ETSing. And while the Army keeps him on a full schedule, he's been building Hanley Leatherworks out of two spare bedrooms: custom leather belts, reversible inner belts that flip from dress clothes to full gun rig, and a new MOLLE outer belt he hasn't even officially launched. US Marshals are already fans. His backlog is six weeks deep. He's working till 2 AM most nights. And his dad is Jason Hanley from Acme Acres, who dropped by too. We also get into bear hunting with hounds, a suppressed 45-70, tapeworms, gray man gear theory, boot camp during COVID, and the very real possibility Hunter ends up in North Idaho sooner rather than later. Hanley Leather Works:  Get 10% off: https://www.hanleyleatherworks.com/discount/NORTHIDAHOEXPER?ref=yawohvyf This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.  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, LLC4013 West Riverbend Avenue, Post Falls, Idaho 83854 (208) 457-3031CONTACT@NORTHIDAHOARMS.COM https://northidahoarms.com/ Finding Freedom Idaho INC Equal housing opportunity ======

See All (189)

5
out of 5
93 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
    189
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 North Idaho Experience
  • Show Website
    North Idaho Experience

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