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 Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
From the Fire to Freedom: Joe Bondy’s Journey of Redemption, Faith, and Fatherhood
In this raw and deeply moving episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Joe Bondy, a man who has lived through the depths of addiction, violence, and self-destruction—only to emerge stronger through the grace of God. Joe’s story is one of unimaginable hardship, but also powerful transformation, healing, and redemption.
For over 30 years, Joe was caught in the cycle of addiction, incarceration, and broken relationships. He grew up in a world where violence and substance abuse were the norm, leading him down a dark path that nearly cost him everything—his family, his freedom, and even his life. But in his lowest moments, God reached out, and Joe’s journey took a turn toward hope, faith, and renewal. Now, he’s a leader in his community, mentoring men who are fighting their own battles with addiction and rebuilding their lives.
This episode explores powerful themes of fatherhood, faith, accountability, and breaking generational cycles. Nick and Joe discuss the struggles of addiction recovery, the deep wounds of childhood trauma, the reality of relapse, and the incredible healing that comes when you surrender to God’s plan. If you’ve ever questioned whether change is possible, Joe’s story is living proof that no one is beyond redemption.
Key Topics & Timeline:
00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Joe Bondy
00:30 Joe's Childhood: Love and Torment
02:19 Early Encounters with Racism
05:19 Struggles with Abuse and Early Drug Use
12:14 School Challenges and Dropping Out
16:03 Moving to Iowa and Escaping Gang Life
19:04 Finding Faith and Overcoming Addiction
22:59 Embracing a New Life in Christ
38:21 The Journey to Transformation
39:00 Struggles and Regrets
40:07 A Father's Guilt and Redemption
40:59 The Impact on Family
43:27 Seeking Forgiveness and Change
46:38 The Power of Faith and Community
49:30 Leading by Example
53:20 The Rise Up Program
01:03:28 A New Beginning
01:13:27 Pain Management and Medical Marijuana
01:14:40 Struggles with Addiction and Faith
01:16:02 Recovery and Relapse
01:21:13 Family and Personal Transformation
01:28:03 Community and Support Systems
01:48:28 Final Reflections and Advice
Why You Should Listen to This Episode:
✔️ Raw, unfiltered honesty about addiction, fatherhood, and faith.
✔️ A firsthand testimony of God’s power to redeem even the most broken lives.
✔️ Real-life strategies for men struggling with addiction and seeking transformation.
✔️ Encouragement and hope for those who feel like they’ve gone too far to be saved.
✔️ Insights on faith-based recovery, breaking generational cycles, and leading by example.
If you’re struggling with addiction, guilt, or wondering if change is really possible, this episode is a must-listen. Joe Bondy’s story proves that no matter how far you’ve fallen, God’s grace can pull you back up.
🎧 Listen now and let this conversation be a reminder that your past doesn’t define you—your next choice does.
#DomesticDad #FaithAndRedemption #BreakingTheCycle #OvercomingAddiction #Fatherhood #RecoveryJourney #Testimony #SecondChances #TransformationStory
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOMESTICDADPROJECT
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