Almost Paradise In North Idaho

In this heartfelt conversation, we step into the life of a North Idaho family navigating a season of growth, change, and quiet trust in God’s plan. As Chloe pursues new opportunities and prepares to return home for a time, her parents reflect on the balance between letting go and holding on. Their journey is marked by faith—guiding a father as he considers expanding his business, a mother serving...

Spring officially arrived last Friday—but somehow, I missed it. Maybe that says something about how this season really works, especially here in North Idaho. We’ve had glimpses—50-degree days, melting snow, longer light—but the wind reminds us we’re not quite there yet. Then came a true spring day: 60s, no wind, and a chance to get our hands dirty in the yard. The trampoline is up, tennis is calli...

In this lighthearted but sentimental Morning Brew, Ted reflects on the stories our old work coats can carry. Joy's worn coat once belonged to her father and he still walks the barnyard with her in spirit as she feeds horses, pets donkeys, and gathers eggs. Ted’s coat, on the other hand, simply tries to survive firewood, rough bark, and one very unfortunate decision — forgetting he had put eggs in...

Today Ted's March Madness Morning Brew captures the spirit of the tournament through the eyes of a fan who knows just enough to be dangerous—and isn’t afraid to admit it. With Gonzaga and Idaho University carrying the hopes of North Idaho, Ted leans into the excitement, unpredictability, and shares the experience that makes March special, while steering clear of overanalyzing stats or pretending t...

In this episode of Almost Paradise in North Idaho , we spend time with the Better Together Animal Alliance Care Center in Ponderay—where the mission goes far beyond sheltering animals. It’s about helping dogs, cats, and people find each other… so everyone is truly better together. Ted shares his own story of three barn kittens—Tiger, Hissy, and Bash—who found their way from under a stack of hay ba...

In this special St. Patrick’s Day Morning Brew, Ted pours a strong cup of coffee and takes listeners on a short trip to Ireland—without leaving North Idaho. Who was St. Patrick, and why is his story still told centuries later? Along the way, Ted explores the famous legend of Patrick chasing the snakes out of Ireland, and the more likely explanation involving glaciers and geography. He also shares...

About a month ago I discovered something surprising about myself. After seventy-two years of staying out of the Jail, I finally managed to get locked up… by Facebook. Apparently a harmless little post triggered the mysterious “community standards” department and landed me in what folks call Facebook Jail. My sentence was short, but it gave me time to think about algorithms, free conversation, and...

Ted shares some of the comments and feedbacks he gets about his attempts to do his podcast. That are all nice, because he won't share the ones that aren't nice!

After an afternoon of cutting firewood with his friend Terry, dark clouds and rain convinced Ted it might be a good time to stop and head to the Three Mile Café for pie—except the café is out of pie and the ice cream machine isn’t working. Over coffee and cookies they watch the weather change. By the time they return home, the rain has turned to a gentle snowfall—the kind of snow that’s pretty to...

Today on Almost Paradise in North Idaho , I sit down with retired Naval Flight Officer Mike Peterson for a fascinating conversation about life in the cockpit—or as Mike jokingly puts it, the back seat , where the “important work” happens. Mike served aboard aircraft carriers navigating and targeting from high-performance fighter jets, guiding missions in situations where American troops were somet...

When the clocks jump ahead for Daylight Saving Time, our bodies don’t always get the memo. In this Morning Brew, Ted shares a few front-porch reflections on those groggy Monday mornings when the alarm clock and our inner clock don’t quite agree. With a strong cup of coffee in hand, he talks about darker mornings, sleepy greetings, and the importance of staying alert on the highways, especially whe...

In this Morning Brew reflection, Ted shares the simple tools that help him notice life more carefully—a small spiral notebook and a four-color Bic pen carried in his shirt pocket. This habit by Ted was formed years ago when he was a journalism student and teacher. It now it has become a daily companion for podcast ideas, observations, and reminders worth remembering. Written in red ink so they sta...

In this Morning Brew reflection, Ted shares a lighthearted story about a stubborn molar and a tired old fence post—two things that recently demanded his attention. The tooth had quite a history, including a root canal more than twenty years ago, and after weeks of whispering, talking, and finally yelling, it was clear a trip to the dentist couldn’t be avoided. The verdict? Extraction. At the same...

In this Morning Brew reflection, Ted briefly acknowledges the growing tensions and conflict in the Middle East, offering prayers for those affected while choosing not to add more noise to an already crowded news cycle. Instead, he turns his attention to something closer to home in North Idaho. After his ATV suddenly died while plowing snow, a series of friends stepped in to help. From Jim helping...

Retirement sounds simple—work hard, collect the watch, and enjoy the rest. But as Harold and I talk through on this front porch episode, it’s not that tidy. For many men, work isn’t just what we did. It’s who we were. So what happens when the job title disappears? When the alarm clock stops ringing? When you’re suddenly home… all the time? In this honest conversation between two guys in their 70s,...

In this meaningful episode of Almost Paradise in North Idaho , Ted introduces his new “Morning Brew” segment — a simple way to begin the day with reflection, gratitude, and a little North Idaho perspective. But this sunrise also carries a sunset. Ted shares a heartfelt farewell to Missy, their 18½-year-old rescue dog who quietly blessed the family for a decade. Independent and steady, she reminded...

Noah stops in and visits with Ted about a wide range of local issues. He is disappointed that he got all ready for his first North Idaho winter, and then it didn't happen. Noah considers himself a true Badger now as he is hooked on the high school sports scene. Other issues discussed include: The North Bench Fire Department financial challenges, the upcoming political races, the Canadian flag issu...

In this episode of Almost Paradise in North Idaho , I sit down with my friend Jim Bottoms — a man many around here affectionately call our own Cowboy Poet. Jim is a gifted songwriter, poet, and author who has quietly spent years putting faith, life, and hard-earned wisdom into words. He stopped by the studio with his guitar, shared some songs, recited some of his poetry, and talked about his lates...

U.S. Highway 95 is more than a roadway—it’s a shared journey. From Sandpoint to the Canadian border, it carries the daily stories of families, workers, and neighbors simply trying to get where they’re going and return home safely. In this episode of Almost Paradise in North Idaho , we share conversations with Idaho Transportation Department officials, Idaho State Patrol leaders and troopers, and t...

In this episode of Almost Paradise in North Idaho , we pull up a chair with lifelong Boundary County resident and real estate agent/broker Darlene Schneider for a down-to-earth conversation about home, community, and the changing face of North Idaho. Darlene grew up here, drove logging trucks as a teenager, raised a family in these valleys, and later found her way into real estate after her kids w...

The Bonners Ferry Gun & Horn Show is back this weekend, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest and best yet. In this episode of Almost Paradise in North Idaho , Kevin Dye joins us to preview what folks can expect and why this long-standing community tradition continues to matter. From firearms, horns, and outdoor gear to an expanded outdoor expo that’s free to the public, this year’s sho...

At just 22, Chloe is chasing callings, not comfort. From trading a California beach lifestyle for North Idaho winters, to working in her family’s pizza parlor, to now teaching English in the Dominican Republic, Chloe’s life has been shaped by curiosity, courage, and a willingness to say yes. In this episode, we talk about cultural adjustments, stepping into the unknown, serving in one of the poore...

Episode 100 arrives on Groundhog Day, which feels just about right. This podcast has always been about showing up—again and again—coffee in hand, eyes open, heart willing. In Almost Paradise, seasons repeat, stories echo, and lessons deepen. Along the way, we’ve learned that faith often grows in the ordinary rhythms: listening, paying attention, and being faithful where we’re planted. This milesto...

Ted kicks off this podcast promoting the US-95 Corridor Safety Workshop. It is being presented by the Idaho Transportation Department and the Idaho State Police. It will discuss ways to make Hwy 95 safer from Sandpoint to the Canadian border. Lots have accidents have happened on this highway the past couple years for a variety of reasons, and proposed solutions will be presented and input from the...

Today Linda is the CEO of the local Bonners Ferry Senior Hospitality Center, but she has worn many hats during her life here in the community. And while all of those different adventures were interesting and successful, her current position may be the most fulfilling. Even though she was retired, she was asked a couple years ago to help the senior center recover from some difficult times. She has...