From Warzones to Wilderness: Building a Life That Actually Matters

Fighting for the Innocent: The Night Ruck, Sex Trafficking, and Taking Action in North Idaho

Every 40 seconds, a child goes missing in America. 756,000 kids disappear every year — and most people have no idea. In this episode, we sit down with Erin, founder of 756 Dark: The Night Ruck, a powerful community event in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, raising awareness and donations to fight child sex trafficking and exploitation. Erin shares how a calling she couldn't ignore led her to create one of the most impactful grassroots events in North Idaho — a silent ruck march through McEuen Park, in the dark, with a candlelight prayer closing — all in support of two incredible organizations: The Innocent and Helping Captives. We also get real with Erin and co-host John about their firsthand experiences in law enforcement — the heartbreak of knowing abuse is happening and having your hands tied by the system, the emotional toll of the job, and what finally pushed them to walk away. The conversation takes a powerful turn as all three share how faith became the foundation that carried them through the darkness and into purpose. Whether you're passionate about protecting children, curious about the realities of law enforcement, or searching for something deeper in your own walk — this episode will light a fire in your soul. 🎟️ THE NIGHT RUCK — October 9th, 2026 | McEuen Park, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 🔗 756dark.org | Instagram: @756dark 💛 Donate to: The Innocent | Helping Captives 🎙️ Subscribe to The Next Ridge on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. 🛠 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 our North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887 [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887] Grab our Relocation Guide:https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl [https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl] Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist [https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist] 📱 Social Links The Next Ridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA== [https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA==] North Idaho Experience Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/ [https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience [https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience] Brokered by: REAL Brokerage LLC Equal housing opportunity ====== ****...

From Hormones to Healing: The Truth About PTSD, Wellness & Taking Your Life Back

Are your hormones silently wrecking your health? Whether you're a veteran, first responder, or just someone who feels "off" and can't figure out why — this episode is for you. We sat down with Dustin and Sarah, founders of Revival Wellness Clinic in Hayden and Sandpoint, Idaho, to talk about what's really going on inside your body when life, stress, and trauma take their toll. From testosterone decline and cortisol burnout to cutting-edge PTSD treatment technology — this conversation covers ground that most doctors never will. Sarah, a nurse practitioner with a background in emergency medicine, breaks down how chronic stress, trauma, and environmental factors are tanking hormone levels in men and women — especially in high-demand careers like law enforcement, firefighting, and military service. We also dig into GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic, the truth about TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), peptides, IV hydration therapy, and a brand-new VR-based neurotechnology called NeuroVA that is helping veterans and trauma survivors rewire their brains without medication. If you've been struggling with brain fog, low energy, mood swings, poor recovery, or just haven't felt like yourself — this episode gives you real answers and a path forward. Revival Wellness Clinic is now accepting patients at their Hayden and Sandpoint, Idaho locations. Take care of your body, your mind, and your future. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts | 📺 Watch on YouTube Search: The Next Ridge 🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions: Contact us: John Fontaine -208-719-6881 Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001 Thenextridge208@gmail.com 👤 Connect with Revival Wellness Clinic https://revivalwellnessclinic.com/ 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: How chronic stress and trauma destroy your hormones — and why veterans, first responders, and anyone with high-cortisol careers are at the highest risk for testosterone and adrenal burnout without even knowing it. The truth about hormone replacement therapy, GLP-1 weight loss drugs, and peptides — what they actually do, who they're right for, and why they're tools — not magic fixes — that only work alongside real lifestyle changes. A groundbreaking VR-based brain recovery technology called NeuroVA — now coming to North Idaho — that is helping PTSD sufferers, TBI patients, rape survivors, and trauma victims literally rewire their brains through interactive gameplay, no medication required. 🛠 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 our North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887 [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887] Grab our Relocation Guide:https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl [https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl] Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist [https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist] 📱 Social Links The Next Ridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA== [https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA==] North Idaho Experience Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/ [https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience [https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience] Brokered by: REAL Brokerage LLC Equal housing opportunity ====== ****...

The PEACE Act: How Oregon's Ballot Initiative Could End Hunting, Ranching & Wildlife Management as We Know It

Is hunting about to become a criminal act in Oregon? In this eye-opening episode of the The Next Ridge, we sit down with Ryan — a 33-year veteran Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Officer — to break down Initiative Petition 28, also known as the Oregon Peace Act. This proposed ballot measure would eliminate the legal exemptions that currently protect hunting, fishing, trapping, and ranching from Oregon's animal abuse statutes, effectively making all forms of licensed hunting a misdemeanor offense punishable by 90–180 days in jail. Ryan walks us through exactly what IP 28 would criminalize — from deer hunting and crabbing to pest control and euthanizing injured animals — and who it would impact: 330,000+ licensed hunters, 500,000+ licensed anglers, 37,000 farms and ranches, Oregon's nine federally recognized tribes, veterinarians, wildlife biologists, and more. We discuss the economic devastation this would cause to rural Oregon communities, the anti-science approach to wildlife population management promoted by the bill's supporters, and why emotionally-driven conservation policy consistently fails. We also dig into how similar incremental tactics have already been used to effectively end beaver trapping in Oregon starting January 2026. This isn't just an Oregon issue. If this kind of legislation gains traction on the West Coast, it will move inland — and that means Idaho, Montana, and beyond are next. Whether you're a hunter, angler, rancher, or simply a meat-eater who believes in your right to feed your family, this episode gives you the facts you need to stay informed and get involved. 👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on any major podcast platform — search The Next Ridge. 📍 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  🛠 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 our North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887 [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887] Grab our Relocation Guide:https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl [https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl] Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist [https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist] 📱 Social Links The Next Ridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA== [https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA==] North Idaho Experience Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/ [https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience [https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience] Brokered by: REAL Brokerage LLC Equal housing opportunity ====== ****...

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==] 🛠 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 our North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887 [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887] Grab our Relocation Guide:https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl [https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl] Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist [https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist] 📱 Social Links The Next Ridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA== [https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA==] North Idaho Experience Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/ [https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience [https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience] Brokered by: REAL Brokerage LLC Equal housing opportunity ====== ****...

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 🛠 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 our North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887 [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-idaho-experience/id6755906887] Grab our Relocation Guide:https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl [https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-o8rm3ptl] Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist [https://stan.store/JohnFontaineNIE/p/subscribe-to-get-our-home-sellers-checklist] 📱 Social Links The Next Ridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA== [https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA==] North Idaho Experience Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/ [https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience [https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience] Brokered by: REAL Brokerage LLC Equal housing opportunity ====== ****...