Are you looking for inspiration to start your journey into sobriety and become a better Dad? Has that hard wired feeling of “suck it up and deal with it”, gotten to a point where you had to sedate the weight of it with something else? Me too! Im Nick Barnett, Founder of the domestic dad project, A brand that strives to create a community that breaks the stigma around dads reaching out for help to get their lives back on track and become better Fathers. Welcome to The Domestic Dad Podcast, your go-to destination for candid discussions on journeys into sobriety, parenting, and personal growth. Ive been a dad since I was 18 years old. Im also a trauma survivor, alcoholic, divorced, happily re-married, proud, hard working, humbled by life domestic Dad. I remember realizing I was in the pit of addiction when I couldn’t leave the house without planning a stop to grab a few shooters at the gas station before I got home. Or Making up reasons to go to the grocery store just to make a un-necessary food purchase to bury a bottle of booze or wine in my cart and Stashing “back up bottles” around the house.. Only to wake up in the middle of the night, parched with a glass filled with vodka disguised as water on my night stand to quench my thirst so I could get through the next few hours without getting sick… Just to get hit with another devastating hangover that left me with debilitating heart burn, bloating, vomiting and shaking so bad that I couldn’t write an email, send a text or complete sentence without stammering over words… all while coming up with reasons in my head that every person in the world was against me and I was the “victim” Looking back at the way addiction stained my days and nights, stole time from me, my wife, and my kids left me embarrassed and ashamed. Because of this, I struggled with the pit of mental health issues in some of the darkest ways imaginable. But I fought my way out. With the help of community resources, life changing coaches, mentors, pastors and raw will power. Since then, I’ve embarked on an unbreakable journey into sobriety and life that has changed in some the greatest ways imaginable. There is not one goal I have set for myself that I haven’t had the confidence to go after, most which I’ve achieved. Today I feel great when I wake up in the morning, I’m productive with my work, my 40 year old body feels great, I’m present with my family and friends, I sleep through the night, I don’t have the fear of dying from my disease, I no longer doubt my value to my family and I know I have a meaningful future! My mission here is to share the resources that worked for me, with you! In the form of candid interviews and conversations around journeys into sobriety. But that’s not all – we also tackle the sheer delight and trials of parenting, sharing practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and expert advice to help you navigate the wonderful adventure of raising children and being the glue that not only allows your family to survive but more importantly THRIVE! Because you’re worth it, you have value in this world, there is a bright future for you here, and there is a son or daughter that needs and wants a meaningful relationship with you. My hope is that you will subscribe to this podcast and that it inspires you to join our growing community! So grab a mop and let’s start cleaning up the mess! Website: www.domesticdadproject.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOMESTICDADPROJECT Insta: https://www.instagram.com/the_domestic_dad_project
Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
Crushed by Depression, Called by God: How Faith and Purpose Saved Mason Smith
In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Mason Smith—a former youth pastor, missionary, husband, and father—for a deeply personal journey through depression, a suicide attempt, spiritual awakening, and calling.
Mason didn’t grow up in chaos. He had a loving family and a strong foundation. But his world was shattered by a series of tragic losses that opened the door to darkness, depression, and numbness. At just 17 years old, he sat on his bed with a loaded shotgun, ready to end his life—until God intervened in a miraculous way.
This episode explores that moment—and everything that followed. Mason shares the long road from surviving to living: walking away from the fence of apathy, wrestling with his faith, and slowly rebuilding his life one surrendered step at a time. From college disillusionment to his first mission trip that awakened a true love for God, Mason’s story is one of obedience, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
Nick and Mason dive into the messiness of ministry, the beauty of fatherhood, and the calling that eventually led Mason to become the Asia Director for a global missions organization. Along the way, we hear about his love story with his wife, raising two boys, and what it means to lead with humility, honesty, and faith.
For anyone who’s ever wondered if their past disqualifies them from their purpose—this conversation is proof that your darkest moments can become your greatest testimony. Mason’s story is a reminder that no matter how far you’ve fallen, God isn’t done with you yet.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:30 Childhood Memories
02:22 First Encounter with Loss
04:48 Struggles with Depression
06:19 Turning Point and Faith Journey
08:43 High School Challenges
18:59 College Life and Spiritual Awakening
23:53 Mission Work and Personal Growth
30:34 Finding Love and Building a Family
37:56 Ministry and Life Lessons
39:31 Supporting Each Other in Ministry
40:24 A Call to Missions
42:06 A Divine Encounter
44:53 Stepping Out in Faith
45:46 Finding the Right Fit
48:37 The Importance of Support
56:53 Fatherhood Reflections
01:06:18 Advice for Those in Despair
01:14:50 The Power of Community
01:15:27 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
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Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: @DomesticDadProject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOMESTICDADPROJECT/
Instagram: @the_domestic_dad_project
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Support Mason’s Missions Work:
Visit www.storylinemissions.org, click on “Give,” and consider donating to Mason Smith or the Asia missions team. Every dollar makes a difference—and sometimes, $12 can change a life.
Mason Smith Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mason-Smith-100075804065429/
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