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
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
From Outlaw to Redemption: Ron Gruber’s Journey of Faith, Forgiveness, and Freedom
In this gripping and unfiltered episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Ron Gruber, a man whose story is nothing short of miraculous. From an abusive childhood and the violent world of outlaw motorcycle gangs to decades spent in prison, Ron’s past is a haunting testament to the darkness that can consume a life. But his journey doesn’t end there—through a divine encounter in the woods, Ron found himself at the feet of God, discovering a path to forgiveness, faith, and a life transformed.
For years, Ron was trapped in a cycle of rage, revenge, and regret, serving time for murder and racketeering in some of the toughest prisons in America. It was there, in a solitary cell, that he began to understand the true cost of his choices and the possibility of redemption through Christ. Today, Ron is a man on a mission—sharing his story of radical change to show that no one is too far gone for God’s grace.
This episode delves into powerful themes of forgiveness, surrender, and the battle to overcome shame. Nick and Ron discuss the struggle to reconcile with a violent past, the challenge of self-forgiveness, and the relentless love of God that reaches even into the darkest places. If you’ve ever wondered if God can truly rewrite your story, Ron’s testimony is living proof that He can.
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Key Topics & Timeline:
00:00 — Introduction and Greetings
01:22 — Ron Gruber’s Childhood: Abuse, Trauma, and Survival
05:23 — Life with a Motorcycle Gang: Brotherhood or Bondage?
07:26 — First Imprisonment and Gang Life: The Brutal Reality
16:00 — Turning Point and Finding Faith: A Night in the Woods
23:32 — Struggles and Redemption: The Battle for the Soul
33:42 — Obedience and Faith in Adversity: Staying True to God
35:34 — Reconnecting with Family: Healing Broken Relationships
37:00 — Impact of Testimonies: Changing Lives with the Word
38:01 — Struggles with Sin and Redemption: Fighting the Old Self
40:32 — Living in the Word: The Daily Fight for Faith
41:38 — Cleaning Up Life’s Messes: Owning Your Story
47:45 — Advice for the Broken: Hope for Those on the Edge
54:09 — Staying Connected to the Spirit: The Power of Prayer
58:05 — Final Reflections and Encouragement: The Road Ahead
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Why You Should Listen to This Episode:
✔️ Unfiltered honesty about violence, guilt, and the power of redemption.
✔️ A firsthand testimony of God’s ability to transform even the darkest lives.
✔️ Practical advice for those battling shame, regret, and feelings of unworthiness.
✔️ A reminder that no past is too dark for God’s light to break through.
✔️ Inspiring insights on the power of forgiveness, both receiving and giving.
If you’re struggling to believe that God has a plan for you, or if you’re fighting to forgive yourself for what’s been done or what you’ve done—this episode is for you. Ron’s story proves that even in the darkest nights, God’s grace shines brightest.
🎧 Listen now and let this story remind you that your past doesn’t have to define your future—God does.
#DomesticDad #FaithAndRedemption #OvercomingShame #Testimony #SecondChances #TransformationStory #Forgiveness #BreakingTheCycle
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOMESTICDADPROJECT
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