Contact Us

Experience Life, the North Idaho Way

Endless Adventures Await

Dive into the thrill of North Idaho, where every season brings new ways to explore.

Follow Along for More!

What’s the real power of jiu-jitsu? According to Matt Shandy, it’s not just physical strength—it’s the mental lesson of humility. In this clip, Matt breaks down how combat sports like jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and boxing expose false confidence, smash the ego, and teach lessons that carry far beyond the mat. From getting “picked up and beat” to learning what real confidence actually is, this conversation dives into why physical confrontation—controlled and disciplined—can be one of life’s greatest teachers. This episode is about growth, learning the hard way, and why sometimes you don’t lose… you learn. 👉 Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel or listen on any major podcast platform at North Idaho Experience. 🛠 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://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 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with Gracie Barra https://getstarted.graciebarrabjj.com/hayden/ 💼 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/ #Northidaho #coeurdalene #LivinginCoeurdalene #livinginnorthidaho #movingtonorthidaho #NorthIdahoExperience #JiuJitsuLife #MentalToughness #Humility #EgoCheck #CombatSports #RealConfidence #PersonalGrowth #PodcastClips #MindsetMatters
Jiu-Jitsu, Ego, and the Power of Humility | Matt Shandy
In this episode of North Idaho Experience, we sit down with Matt Shandy, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and professor at Gracie Barra Hayden, to dive deep into how Jiu Jitsu transforms confidence, mindset, discipline, and everyday life. Matt shares his powerful journey through martial arts, MMA promotion, competitive Jiu Jitsu, and teaching — including lessons learned from street encounters, competition, coaching, and personal adversity. This conversation explores why Jiu Jitsu is more than a sport, how it builds mental resilience, why it’s one of the best self-defense systems in the world, and how it creates unmatched community and brotherhood. We also talk about the North Idaho martial arts scene, the evolution of Jiu Jitsu over the last 20+ years, why men and women of all ages should train, and how physical struggle on the mats creates calm, focused leaders off the mats. Whether you’re new to Jiu Jitsu, considering starting martial arts, or already training — this episode delivers real-world insight, wisdom, and motivation you won’t want to miss. 🛠 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://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 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: How Brazilian Jiu Jitsu builds mental toughness, confidence, and emotional control Why Jiu Jitsu is one of the most effective real-world self-defense systems How martial arts culture, discipline, and humility translate to success in life 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with Gracie Barra BJJ https://getstarted.graciebarrabjj.com/hayden/ 💼 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/ #Northidaho #coeurdalene #LivinginCoeurdalene #coeurdalenerealestate #movingtocda #movingtocoeurdalene #livinginnorthidaho #movingtonorthidaho #northidahorealestate #BrazilianJiuJitsu #JiuJitsuLife #MartialArtsMindset #SelfDefenseTraining #BJJLifestyle #GracieBarra #NorthIdahoExperience #MentalToughness #JiuJitsuJourney #CombatSports 00:00:00 Introduction to Jiu Jitsu & Matt Shandy 00:01:36 Matt’s Early Martial Arts & MMA Background 00:05:24 From Competition to Coaching & Promotion 00:08:59 Life Lessons Learned Through Jiu Jitsu 00:13:28 Humility, Ego, and Mental Strength on the Mats 00:18:05 Why Jiu Jitsu Builds Real Confidence 00:23:43 Jiu Jitsu vs Other Martial Arts Explained 00:30:17 Self Defense, Law Enforcement, and Real-World Application 00:38:42 Training at Any Age & Starting Jiu Jitsu Safely 00:46:53 Brotherhood, Community, and the Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle 00:53:20 Competing in Jiu Jitsu | Why Testing Yourself Matters 01:07:23 Final Thoughts | Why Jiu Jitsu Is More Than a Sport
Win or Learn: How Jiu-Jitsu Builds Strong Men, Strong Minds, and Strong Communities
John and Austin head deep into the backcountry for their 2025 elk hunt — early mornings, steep climbs, and unforgettable moments in the mountains. From bugles at first light to the hard-earned pack out, this reel captures the grit, patience, and thrill of the chase. 🛠 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/ 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with The Next Ridge https://www.instagram.com/thenextridge208?igsh=MXh4ZzJ6aTI4dTVlbA== 💼 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/ #Northidaho #coeurdalene #LivinginCoeurdalene #movingtocda #movingtocoeurdalene #livinginnorthidaho #movingtonorthidaho #ElkHunt2025 #BackcountryHunting #MountainLife #ElkSeason #HuntingAdventure #IdahoOutdoors
Elk Down in 2025 | John & Austin’s Backcountry Adventure
Experience a raw and authentic Idaho elk hunt on the Idaho–Montana border during rifle season. In this video, we head deep into North Idaho’s backcountry for a true mountain hunting adventure—foggy mornings, brutal weather, spike camp decisions, long glassing sessions, and unforgettable moments with good friends. Follow along as we scout elk habitat, glass southwest-facing slopes, battle rain, hail, and wind, and adapt our strategy based on fresh sign and weather conditions. From camp life and gear talk to real conversations about hunting pressure, elevation, and patience, this hunt captures what Western elk hunting is really about. If you’re interested in Idaho elk hunting, rifle season tactics, mountain glassing strategies, or backcountry camp life, this video delivers real-world insight straight from the field. 🛠 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 weather, elevation, and hunting pressure affect elk movement during rifle season Real backcountry elk hunting strategies including glassing, terrain selection, and timing What camp life, gear choices, and mental toughness look like on a true Western elk hunt 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with Austin and John (The Next Ridge) John Fontaine -208-719-6881 Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001 Thenextridge208@gmail.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 The Next Ridge Instagram: 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/ #Northidaho #coeurdalene #LivinginCoeurdalene #movingtocda #movingtocoeurdalene #livinginnorthidaho #movingtonorthidaho #IdahoElkHunting #ElkHunt2025 #BackcountryHunting #WesternElkHunt #RifleSeasonElk #NorthIdaho #PublicLandHunting #MountainHunting #ElkCamp #huntingadventures 00:00 Heading to Elk Camp in North Idaho 01:02 Rifle Season vs Archery Elk Hunting 02:04 North Idaho Scenery and Backcountry Access 03:31 Camp Setup and Stove Talk 05:27 Morning Fog and Elk Hunting Conditions 07:31 Climbing Above the Fog to Glass Elk 10:28 Reading Terrain and Elk Behavior 12:04 Choosing to Glass Instead of Spike Camp 14:00 Mountain Meals, Camp Life, and Fellowship 23:04 Extreme Weather While Elk Hunting 24:45 Cow Elk Spotted and Evening Strategy 26:58 New Spot, Southwest Slopes, Final Glassing
North Idaho Elk Hunt 2025 | Real Backcountry Rifle Elk Hunting
Building a custom home isn’t just about blueprints and finishes—it’s about real relationships. In this clip from the North Idaho Experience Podcast, we talk about what truly sets custom builders apart: trust, communication, and staying connected long after the contract is signed. From FaceTime walkthroughs with out-of-state clients to sharing whiskey and Christmas cards, this is what building homes the right way looks like. We work with clients from all over—Canada, California, the East Coast, Seattle, and beyond—keeping them involved every step of the way, even when they’re miles away. When you build with the right people, it never feels transactional. 👉 Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel or listen on any major podcast platform at North Idaho Experience. 🛠 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://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 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with NIE Custom Homes niecustomhomes.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/ #Northidaho #coeurdalene #LivinginCoeurdalene #coeurdalenerealestate #movingtocda #movingtocoeurdalene #livinginnorthidaho #movingtonorthidaho #northidahorealestate #NorthIdahoExperience #CustomHomeBuilder #NorthIdahoLiving #CustomHomes #LuxuryHomeBuilder #HomeBuildingJourney #ConstructionLife #BuilderClientRelationship #RelationshipDriven #IdahoRealEstate #DreamHome #OutOfStateBuyers #ConstructionPodcast #HomeBuilderLife
Why Relationships Matter More Than the Build | NIE Custom Homes
Thinking about building a custom home in North Idaho? In this in-depth podcast, we sit down with Jon and Spencer from NIE Custom Homes to break down the entire custom home building process — from framing and foundation details to finishes, change orders, and choosing the right builder. We cover real-world lessons from active builds, including how to avoid bad builders, why trust and integrity matter more than price, and what homeowners need to know before breaking ground. This episode also dives into VA construction loans, building as a Canadian relocating to Idaho, managing change orders, and how quality builders protect homeowners throughout the build. Whether you’re relocating to North Idaho, planning to build in the next year, or just want insider knowledge from experienced builders, this episode delivers honest, boots-on-the-ground insight you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re considering a move or a build — now or 12 months from now — this conversation will help you avoid costly mistakes and build with confidence. 🛠 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://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 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: How to choose a trustworthy custom home builder and avoid costly construction mistakes How VA loans and construction loans work for building a home in North Idaho What the real custom home building process looks like, from framing to final walkthrough 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with NIE Custom Homes NIECustomhomes.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/ #Northidaho #coeurdalene #LivinginCoeurdalene #coeurdalenerealestate #movingtocda #movingtocoeurdalene #livinginnorthidaho #movingtonorthidaho #northidahorealestate #NorthIdahoCustomHomes #BuildInNorthIdaho #CustomHomeBuilder #VALoanConstruction #NorthIdahoRealEstate #MovingToIdaho #IdahoHomeBuilders #CustomHomeProcess #NorthIdahoLiving #BuildVsBuy 00:00:00 Thinking About Building a Custom Home in North Idaho 00:02:06 Meet the Builders Behind North Idaho Experience Custom Homes 00:06:10 Why Trust Matters More Than Price When Choosing a Builder 00:12:44 Framing Secrets That Prevent Floor Squeaks & Structural Issues 00:18:31 Industry Standards vs Industry Best Practices in Home Building 00:26:39 Can Homeowners Visit the Construction Site During a Build? 00:34:08 Change Orders Explained: What’s Reasonable and What’s Not 00:43:12 Cabinets, Flooring & Finish Work That Separate Good Builders 00:55:33 VA Loans & New Construction: What You Need to Know 01:05:32 Canadians Moving to Idaho & Building Custom Homes
Building a Home in North Idaho: What Most Builders Won’t Tell You
Subscribe