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_brand
Episodes
Monday Nov 11, 2024
Monday Nov 11, 2024
The Battle Within: Ben Schwartz’s Journey from Addiction to Faith
In this heartfelt and intense episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Ben Schwartz for a deep dive into his journey of addiction, self-destruction, and ultimate redemption. Ben’s path is one of raw honesty, relentless struggle, and the life-changing power of surrendering to God.
Ben opens up about his early struggles with family instability, feelings of inadequacy, and the damaging choices he made as he tried to find purpose and escape pain. From battles with alcoholism, pornography, and bulimia, to the hollow chase of temporary highs, he recounts how these addictions filled his life with shame and broke down his relationships. Through his compelling story, listeners will hear how Ben’s life began to change after a surprising encounter with a pastor who would lead him toward a path of faith and redemption.
Nick and Ben discuss the importance of having accountability, breaking the cycle of self-deception, and learning to find worth through a relationship with God. Ben shares the profound realizations that changed him, the steps he took to rebuild trust with his family, and the power of being present for his children—a precious gift that sobriety has given him.
With incredible vulnerability, Ben reveals the ongoing daily struggle of maintaining sobriety, the power of seeking forgiveness, and the transformative impact of turning his life over to a higher power. This episode is a testament to the healing found in faith and the courage it takes to confront one’s own darkness.
Episode Highlights:
•00:00 Introduction: Confronting Addiction with Faith
•01:15 Guest Introduction: Ben Schwartz’s Struggle and Redemption
•04:00 The Impact of Family and Early Childhood on Identity
•09:00 Hidden Battles: Addiction to Alcohol, Pornography, and Control
•19:10 Losing Control: College and the Spiral into Self-Destruction
•30:45 Faith as a Turning Point: Finding Hope Through a Pastor’s Guidance
•37:00 Embracing God’s Grace and Letting Go of Shame
•43:20 Surrendering the “Ring” of Addiction: Learning from Lord of the Rings
•54:00 Fatherhood and Sobriety: Reclaiming Purpose and Presence in Family
•59:30 Building Accountability: Why Strong Men Need Real Support
•1:07:45 Advice for Those Struggling: The Power of Surrender
•1:12:00 Final Thoughts: Embracing Life’s Second Chances
Key Themes:
•The roots of addiction and the journey to acknowledging a problem
•How faith provides strength and direction in the darkest hours
•Fatherhood, accountability, and rebuilding trust with family
•The ongoing struggle and daily commitment to sobriety
Ben’s story will resonate with anyone facing their own battles and seeking the strength to move forward. His message is one of redemption, the resilience found in faith, and the incredible healing that comes from being authentically vulnerable.
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Facebook: Facebook.com/DOMESTICDADPROJECT
Instagram: Instagram.com/the_domestic_dad_brand
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