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 Jun 17, 2024
Monday Jun 17, 2024
Welcome back to "Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up the Mess." Summer is here, and with it comes the allure of vacations. For those of us in recovery, these trips can be both exciting and challenging, especially when surrounded by people who are still drinking. In this episode, “Sobriety Lessons: How to Sober Summer Vacation," we dive into practical tips for maintaining sobriety while on vacation. I share my story of my first summer vacation in recovery, from the thrill of family outings to the unexpected challenges that tested my resolve.
Join me as I discuss strategies for handling peer pressure, planning ahead, and creating a supportive, sober community. Learn how to stay engaged with fun, alcohol-free activities, and prepare for the inevitable moments when temptation strikes. Through mindfulness techniques, positive affirmations, and reflection, you can conquer your vacation without compromising your sobriety. Tune in to hear real-life stories, gain valuable insights, and discover how to enjoy your summer vacation to the fullest while staying true to your recovery journey. Let’s clean up the mess and embrace a sober summer together!
#SoberVacation #SobrietyTips #SummerSobriety #RecoveryJourney #SoberLiving #VacationPlanning #Mindfulness #AlcoholFree #PeerPressure #SoberCommunity
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Monday Jun 10, 2024
Monday Jun 10, 2024
Join host Nick Barnett and special guest Gary Kroeger in a heartfelt episode of "Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up the Mess." They share personal stories and insights on fatherhood, mental health, and the importance of authentic communication. Gary reflects on transformative moments as a father and the need to redefine masculinity to embrace vulnerability and open dialogue.
Together, they emphasize the significance of seeking help for mental health struggles and creating supportive communities. This episode offers actionable advice for fathers and mental health advocates, highlighting the importance of genuine connections and overcoming life's challenges through emotional honesty. Tune in for a candid conversation that explores the complexities of parenting and offers a roadmap to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Summary
The conversation is a deep and heartfelt discussion between two individuals, Gary and Nick, focusing on the themes of fatherhood, mental health, and authentic communication. The dialogue touches on personal anecdotes, advice for struggling individuals, and the importance of emotional vulnerability.
Key Themes and Points:
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Fatherhood and Communication:
- Gary emphasizes the importance of honest communication with his children, highlighting the joy he feels when they express their own ideas and thoughts.
- Both Gary and Nick discuss the challenges and rewards of being present and emotionally available for their children.
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Mental Health:
- Gary and Nick share their personal struggles with mental health, including thoughts of suicide and the impact of addiction.
- They stress the importance of seeking help, whether through therapy, hotlines, or talking to trusted friends and family.
- Gary advises not to suppress dark thoughts but to bring them into the light by sharing and seeking support.
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Redefining Masculinity:
- The conversation includes a discussion on redefining masculinity to include emotional vulnerability and openness.
- Both participants reflect on societal expectations for men to be tough and how breaking this stigma can lead to healthier, more fulfilling lives.
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Personal Growth and Reflection:
- Gary reflects on his journey from struggling with dark thoughts to finding joy in everyday moments.
- Nick acknowledges the impact of community and support in overcoming personal challenges.
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Advice and Hope:
- Gary provides practical advice for those struggling with mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of immediate action and seeking help.
- He shares an anecdote about finding joy in simple moments, reinforcing the idea that happiness can be found even in difficult times.
Actionable Advice:
- Seek immediate help if experiencing dark thoughts or mental health struggles.
- Engage in open and honest communication with family and friends.
- Embrace vulnerability and emotional openness as strengths rather than weaknesses.
- Recognize and celebrate small moments of joy and connection.
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Welcome to Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, where host Nick Barnett and special guest Rich Nesbit delve into the triumphs and trials of sobriety, faith, and fatherhood. In this compelling episode, they share heartfelt narratives of overcoming addiction and discovering redemption through faith.
Join Nick and Rich as they explore the transformative influence of faith and the significance of community support in the journey to recovery. From navigating the complexities of addiction to embracing the blessings of sobriety, they offer invaluable insights and actionable guidance for those seeking hope and healing.
Tune in as they recount personal anecdotes, draw wisdom from their experiences, and reflect on the profound impact of faith in their lives. Whether you're embarking on your own path to sobriety or seeking inspiration to deepen your faith, this episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess promises to leave you empowered and inspired.
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOMESTICDADPROJECT
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/the_domestic_dad_brand
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
In this insightful episode of "Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up the Mess," host Nick Barnett and John Church dive deep into the crucial topic of emotional regulation. As fathers, husbands, and men, mastering our emotions is essential for creating a positive and supportive family environment. John shares practical strategies to help dads navigate intense feelings and manage their responses effectively, especially during challenging situations with children.
Listeners will learn about the power of self-awareness in identifying emotional triggers and the importance of techniques like box breathing to regain calmness. John emphasizes the need to reframe peoples behavior, viewing it as a sign of their struggles rather than a personal attack, fostering empathy and patience.
The episode also covers the significance of self-reflection and mindfulness in building long-term emotional resilience. Through daily practices, dads can enhance their emotional health and better handle conflicts. Nick and John discuss the importance of accountability, modeling responsible behavior, and how to recover gracefully when tempers flare.
This episode is packed with actionable tips for fathers looking to improve their emotional regulation, strengthen their family bonds, and become better men overall. Whether it's dealing with feelings of disrespect, managing insecurities, or understanding the impact of our reactions, this episode provides a "Super Bowl-winning playbook" for fathers. Join Nick and John as they explore the journey of emotional growth and the profound impact it can have on our lives and relationships.
Tune in to "Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up the Mess" and take the another step towards becoming a more emotionally intelligent and resilient father.
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Monday May 20, 2024
Monday May 20, 2024
In this episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, I reflect on my two-year sobriety journey, highlighting the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that come with it. After nearly two decades of addiction, I embraced sobriety at 39, leading to weight loss, improved health, mental clarity, and personal growth. I discuss rebuilding relationships, creating support networks, and finding new hobbies.
Drawing a parallel with the Chinese bamboo tree, which grows 90 feet after five years of unseen development, I emphasize the importance of patience and resilience in recovery. Sobriety requires a strong foundation before visible progress appears.
For those on this path, your efforts are building a robust future. For supporters, your encouragement is crucial.
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOMESTICDADPROJECT
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Welcome to “Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up the Mess" with host Nick. In this episode, Nick shares a personal story about his journey to sobriety and the challenges he faced when going out for the first time after becoming sober.
Nick navigates through the pressures of social gatherings and the curiosity of others, highlighting the unique challenges of staying sober in environments centered around alcohol. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and having a plan before heading out, providing practical strategies to maintain sobriety while socializing.
This episode delves into key considerations for staying sober in social settings, from identifying triggers to practicing assertive responses when offered drinks. Nick shares personal insights and strategies to help listeners confidently navigate similar situations, stressing the importance of prioritizing sobriety above all else.
Join Nick on “Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up the Mess" for a candid discussion on the challenges of sobriety and empowering tips to stay strong in social settings. Discover how to exercise your sobriety "muscle" and confidently navigate any social situation without alcohol.
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOMESTICDADPROJECT
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
In this engaging episode of “Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess,” host Nick delves into empathy and emotional management with special guest John Church. John, a devoted husband and father to four adult children, is also a military veteran, former pastor, master coach, and counselor, offering a wealth of experience and insight.
Throughout the conversation, John challenges conventional notions of discipline, highlighting the transformative impact of nurturing emotional intelligence within family dynamics. He shares personal anecdotes and practical strategies aimed at cultivating empathy in fatherhood and marriage.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on fostering deeper connections with children, promoting emotional resilience, and navigating the ups and downs of parenting and marriage with grace and understanding. John's authentic approach and actionable advice make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to enhance their parenting and marital skills.
Join Nick and John on "The Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess” for an enlightening discussion that explores the profound importance of empathy and emotional awareness in the journey of fatherhood and marriage. Tune in to discover practical tips and heartfelt insights that can enrich your relationships and empower you as a parent and spouse.
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
In this episode, Matt shares his journey through addiction and recovery, offering insights, advice, and reflections on sobriety and fatherhood. From hitting rock bottom to finding redemption, Matt's story is a testament to the power of acceptance, perseverance, and the support of loved ones.
He discusses the challenges he faced, the impact of addiction on his relationships, and the pivotal moment that led him to seek help. Matt candidly shares his experiences with AA meetings, the importance of accountability, and the role of spirituality in his recovery journey.
As a father, Matt emphasizes the significance of being a positive role model for his children and the profound impact of parenthood on his sobriety. He offers practical advice for those struggling with addiction, emphasizing the importance of seeking support, staying committed to recovery, and finding purpose in giving back to others.
Throughout the conversation, Matt's authenticity and vulnerability shine through, as he reflects on the lessons he's learned, the mistakes he's made, and the gratitude he feels for the life he's been able to rebuild.
Tune in to this inspiring episode for an honest and heartfelt conversation about addiction, recovery, and the transformative power of hope.
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOMESTICDADPROJECT