The Next Ridge

The Next Ridge
  • 5.0 (1)
  • WILDERNESS

🎙️ The Next Ridge Podcast — Life Out West, North Idaho Living, Montana Stories & the Outdoor LifestyleThe Next Ridge Podcast dives deep into the lifestyle of the American West—North Idaho, Montana, and the rugged country that shapes the people who live there. Each episode explores real stories of adventure, adversity, hunting, fishing, backcountry living, and what it means to build a life rooted in grit, freedom, and the outdoors.From mountain towns and wild public lands to everyday conversations about mindset, discipline, and overcoming challenges, this podcast is for anyone who loves the outdoors and dreams of living closer to the mountains. Whether you’re into western lifestyle, North Idaho real estate, Montana culture, archery, hunting, or self-improvement, you’ll find something here.Join us each week as we go beyond the trailhead—and climb to the next ridge.

Episodes

  1. FEB 28

    From Warzones to Wilderness: Building a Life That Actually Matters

    What happens when a former Army airborne veteran and overseas contractor trades warzones for wilderness, adrenaline for presence, and chaos for purpose? In this powerful conversation, Stu shares his journey from military service and contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan to building a meaningful life rooted in adventure, family, fly fishing, hunting, mindset, and personal growth in North Idaho. This episode dives deep into veteran transition, executive protection work, travel to 50+ countries, modern masculinity, gratitude, mindset shifts, mental resilience, social media influence, hunting culture, and finding peace through the outdoors. If you're interested in: • Life after the military • Veteran mental health and growth • Executive protection careers • Fly fishing and backcountry hunting • North Idaho living • Discipline, accountability, and mindset • Breaking free from negativity This episode is for you. Stu’s story proves that reinvention is possible — and that fulfillment isn’t found in status or politics, but in discipline, brotherhood, gratitude, and intentional living. 🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions: Contact us: John Fontaine -208-719-6881 Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001 Thenextridge208@gmail.com For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my 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://northidahoexperience.com/johns-relocation-guide Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-seller-guide/ 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: How veterans can successfully transition from combat and contracting to a purpose-driven civilian life. Why mindset, gratitude, and accountability are critical for overcoming negativity and rebuilding identity. How outdoor pursuits like hunting, fly fishing, and adventure strengthen mental health, brotherhood, and masculinity. 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with Stu https://www.instagram.com/stu_adventure_traveler?igsh=MW1vMzJtZmFraHA3bA%3D%3D 💼 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  https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA==] Brokered by: The Experience Northwest Equal housing opportunity ====== ****Most stats and data come from the following sites and are not based on our opinions: Great Schools: https://www.greatschools.org/idaho/coeur-d'alene/ Neighborhood data: https://www.niche.com/?ref=places-to-live Census data: https://data.census.gov/ More about Coeur d'Alene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeur_d%27Alene,_Idaho ***All stats, data, housing prices and anything else mentioned are subject to change and provided merely as examples at the time of recording*** ====== IREC: https://irec.idaho.gov/consumer/

    1h 29m

  2. JAN 1

    How Bird Dogs Really Work | Upland Hunting, Field Secrets, and Training

    🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions: Contact us: John Fontaine -208-719-6881 Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001 Thenextridge208@gmail.com Grab our Relocation Guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-relocation-guide/ Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-seller-guide/ Discover the world of upland bird hunting, pheasant hunting, and bird dog training with Suzanne—an experienced upland hunting guide, Air National Guard veteran, and pointing dog handler—as she breaks down everything from training a bird dog puppy to hunting pheasants, Huns, and grouse in the Pacific Northwest. In this in-depth conversation, Suzanne shares her journey from military service to becoming a guide at Double Barrel Ranch, offering expert insight into bird dog obedience, scenting conditions, e-collar training, force fetch, pheasant cooking tips, and how to get started in upland hunting in Idaho and Eastern Washington. Whether you’re new to bird hunting, thinking about getting a German Shorthaired Pointer or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, or looking to refine your dog’s skills, this episode delivers practical, real-world advice from someone living the lifestyle. You’ll also learn about NASRA (National Shoot to Retrieve Association) competitions, conservation programs, hunting preserves, and why upland hunting is one of the most rewarding ways to hunt with dogs. 👉 Perfect for hunters, dog owners, outdoor families, and anyone curious about bird dogs, pheasant hunting, or life in North Idaho. 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: How to train a bird dog correctly – From puppy obedience and e-collar use to force fetch, soft mouth training, and avoiding over-pressure. How upland birds and dogs really work together – Including scent cones, wind, weather conditions, and how dogs locate pheasants and partridge. How to get started in upland hunting – Where to hunt in Idaho & Washington, using preserves, NASRA competitions, and bird dog resources. 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with Suzanne Mensik https://uplandbirdranch.com/ Suzanne IG: https://www.instagram.com/harleythebirddog?igsh=MWxrd2swd2JzN2RtZg== Double Barrel Rach IG: https://www.instagram.com/double_barrel_ranch?igsh=MTNmd2Z1enBkNGcxdg== 💼 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 The Next Ridge Instagram: The Next Ridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA== NIE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/ NIE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience Brokered by: The Experience Northwest Equal housing opportunity ====== ****Most stats and data come from the following sites and are not based on our opinions: Great Schools: https://www.greatschools.org/idaho/coeur-d'alene/ Neighborhood data: https://www.niche.com/?ref=places-to-live Census data: https://data.census.gov/ More about Coeur d'Alene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeur_d%27Alene,_Idaho ***All stats, data, housing prices and anything else mentioned are subject to change and provided merely as examples at the time of recording*** ====== IREC: https://irec.idaho.gov/consumer/

    1h 31m

  3. 12/18/2025

    What It’s Really Like to Fly Into Idaho’s Backcountry for a Hunt

    🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions: Contact us: John Fontaine -208-719-6881 Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001 Thenextridge208@gmail.com Grab our Relocation Guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-relocation-guide/ Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-seller-guide/ Welcome to The Next Ridge Podcast, brought to you by North Idaho Experience! In this episode, we take you deep into Idaho’s Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, the largest wilderness in the lower 48. Join us as we relive two years of flying into the backcountry, hunting sheep and mule deer, surviving challenges, packing big miles, learning tough lessons, and experiencing some of the most rugged country in America. We break down everything—from our first backcountry sheep hunt, forgotten calories, brutal pack-outs, gear failures, and learning curves… to the epic mule deer high-country hunt where both tags are filled in blizzards, cliffs, river crossings, and relentless elevation. If you've ever wondered what a fly-in hunt, Idaho wilderness mule deer hunt, or true backcountry expedition feels like—this episode is a raw, detailed look at the experience. 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: What it’s really like to fly into Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness—logistics, expectations, challenges, and what makes it one of the most rugged hunts available in the U.S. How to prepare, pack, and survive on a multi-day backcountry hunt including gear breakdowns, water sourcing, calories, and lessons learned the hard way. Detailed storytelling from two years of hunts—sheep, mule deer, wolves, bears, extreme elevation, brutal terrain, and unforgettable wilderness moments. 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.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/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA== Brokered by: The Experience Northwest Equal housing opportunity Brokered by: The Experience Northwest Equal housing opportunity ====== ****Most stats and data come from the following sites and are not based on our opinions: Great Schools: https://www.greatschools.org/idaho/coeur-d'alene/ Neighborhood data: https://www.niche.com/?ref=places-to-live Census data: https://data.census.gov/ More about Coeur d'Alene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeur_d%27Alene,_Idaho ***All stats, data, housing prices and anything else mentioned are subject to change and provided merely as examples at the time of recording*** ====== IREC: https://irec.idaho.gov/consumer/

    1h 12m
  4. The Next Ridge Podcast | Pilot Episode: Veterans, Hunting & Life in North Idaho

    12/04/2025

    The Next Ridge Podcast | Pilot Episode: Veterans, Hunting & Life in North Idaho

    🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions: Contact us: John Fontaine -208-719-6881 Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001 Thenextridge208@gmail.com Grab our Relocation Guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-relocation-guide/ Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/johns-seller-guide/ This episode kicks off The Next Ridge Podcast, hosted by Austin Johnson and John Fontaine—two military veterans turned Idaho outdoorsmen who share real stories from the mountains, the backcountry, and the everyday challenges that shaped them. In this pilot, they talk about growing up in Minnesota, serving in Afghanistan, becoming cops, moving to North Idaho, and building a life rooted in hunting, fishing, adventure, and resilience. You’ll hear why they started the podcast, what “The Next Ridge” means, and what to expect from upcoming hunting films, outdoor trips, gear reviews, and conversations with people who live bold, rugged lives across Idaho and Montana. If you love elk hunting, mule deer, backcountry adventures, military stories, or authentic outdoor conversations, you’re in the right place. 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: The meaning behind “The Next Ridge” and how it connects hunting, mindset, and life challenges. Austin and John’s backgrounds in the military, law enforcement, and their move to North Idaho. What to expect from the podcast and YouTube series, including hunts, gear reviews, lifestyle topics, guest stories, and Idaho/Montana adventure content. 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.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 Brokered by: The Experience Northwest Equal housing opportunity ====== ****Most stats and data come from the following sites and are not based on our opinions: Great Schools: https://www.greatschools.org/idaho/coeur-d'alene/ Neighborhood data: https://www.niche.com/?ref=places-to-live Census data: https://data.census.gov/ More about Coeur d'Alene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeur_d%27Alene,_Idaho ***All stats, data, housing prices and anything else mentioned are subject to change and provided merely as examples at the time of recording*** ====== IREC: https://irec.idaho.gov/consumer/

    26 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

🎙️ The Next Ridge Podcast — Life Out West, North Idaho Living, Montana Stories & the Outdoor LifestyleThe Next Ridge Podcast dives deep into the lifestyle of the American West—North Idaho, Montana, and the rugged country that shapes the people who live there. Each episode explores real stories of adventure, adversity, hunting, fishing, backcountry living, and what it means to build a life rooted in grit, freedom, and the outdoors.From mountain towns and wild public lands to everyday conversations about mindset, discipline, and overcoming challenges, this podcast is for anyone who loves the outdoors and dreams of living closer to the mountains. Whether you’re into western lifestyle, North Idaho real estate, Montana culture, archery, hunting, or self-improvement, you’ll find something here.Join us each week as we go beyond the trailhead—and climb to the next ridge.

Information

  • Creator
    The Next Ridge
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2026 The Next Ridge
  • Show Website
    The Next Ridge

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