Domestic Dad Cleaning Up The Mess | Sobriety, Parenting, Dad, Addiction, Recovery,

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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 24, 2025

Your Legacy Starts with Your Health, Would You Get Healthy For Your Kids? An Hour With Nick Kuhle

Monday Mar 24, 2025

Would You Get Healthy for Your Kids?

That’s the question we’re diving into on this powerful episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess—and it’s one every father needs to hear.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Nick Kuhle, a former high school teacher who faced a health crisis in his mid-20s that became the turning point of his life. Struggling with low testosterone, chronic inflammation, fatigue, and emotional burnout, Nick was told by doctors that hormone replacement therapy was his only option. But instead of settling for a quick fix, he chose the path of holistic healing.

Through functional medicine, nutritional therapy, and mindset coaching, Nick not only restored his health—he found his purpose: helping other men break free from the cycles of addiction, poor health, shame, and emotional suppression. He’s now a full-time health coach, helping fathers get their energy back, reclaim their identity, and build the kind of legacy their children will be proud of.

We cover a ton of ground in this episode:

•What happens when men in recovery trade alcohol for sugar or other compulsions

•How trauma and shame manifest in your health, energy, and parenting

•The emotional root of food cravings and how to address the why behind them

•Why most men are dehydrated, inflamed, under-slept, and overstressed—and how to fix it

•The truth about processed foods, pasta, and why “healthy” doesn’t always mean real

•How your language and internal dialogue shape your identity and behavior

• Why sleep, water, movement, and real food are still the best medicine

•The power of becoming your own best doctor

•And how shifting from “I struggle with” to “I experience” changes everything

But this episode goes beyond fitness and food.

It’s about fatherhood, faith, and facing your mess—head-on.

You’ll hear Nick’s take on why men must take responsibility for their physical and emotional health—not just for themselves, but for the next generation. We also talk about addiction recovery, marriage, mindset, and how our darkest moments can become defining ones if we let them.

You’ll also hear a deeply personal story from me—about my own battle with addiction, a near-suicidal moment that changed my life, and how my journey through sobriety, faith, and fatherhood led me to where I am today. And yes—how God answered our prayers after years of infertility, in a way only He could.

If you’re a man who wants to live with more energy, more intention, and more purpose—this episode is for you.

If you’re a dad who wants to stop surviving and start showing up—this episode is for you.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to live for your kids—this episode is for you.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Question

00:32 Nick Kool's Background and Journey

01:22 Health Crisis and Turning Point

03:21 Transition to Health Coaching

03:46 Personal Health Stories and Challenges

05:44 Foundations of a Healthy Lifestyle

09:53 Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions

20:27 Cravings and Dietary Advice

26:23 Cravings and Parasites