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 Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
In this compelling episode of "Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess," Nick Barnett engages in a profound dialogue with Dean Feltes, Executive Director of One City United. They delve into their life's adversities, recounting their transitions from tumultuous pasts marked by alcoholism to discovering profound faith. This episode traverses their unique journeys towards sobriety, the daunting impact of incarceration on fathers, and the deep-seated effects of addiction on family structures.
Nick and Dean discuss the significance of purposeful living, especially for their children, emphasizing the need for fathers to act as beacons of strength and stability. They also unpack the inception and mission of One City United, which strives to bridge the gap between individuals in crisis and supportive resources aimed at tackling poverty, addiction, and societal disconnects.
Throughout the conversation, Dean imparts wisdom on setting realistic expectations and fostering accountability within families, advocating for personal growth and understanding. This episode not only sheds light on the challenges faced by fathers but also offers hope and guidance for those on a similar path, highlighting the transformative power of support, resilience, and communal effort in overcoming life's obstacles.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Inspiration as a Dad
00:35 Welcome to the Domestic Dad Podcast
01:26 Guest Introduction: Dean's Early Life
06:41 Dean's Journey to Sobriety and Faith
13:08 Nick's Personal Faith Journey
18:26 Launching OneCityUnited
26:28 Challenges Faced by Dads Today
30:08 The Perpetual Cycle of Shame and Guilt
31:28 Facing and Owning Your Past
31:54 Moving Forward with Purpose
32:17 The Role of the Enemy in Our Struggles
33:16 Empowering Through Transparency
35:49 Living Your Calling Every Day
39:15 Parenting with Purpose and Accountability
51:13 The Impact of Social Media on Kids
54:10 What's in Your Cup?
56:59 Concluding Thoughts
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Monday Aug 19, 2024
In this heartfelt episode, the host, Nick, interviews Joey, a father who has walked the challenging path of sobriety. Joey shares his personal journey from struggling with alcoholism to finding hope, strength, and community through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). He reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to seek help, the importance of accountability, and the profound changes in his relationships since getting sober.
Joey emphasizes that sobriety isn't just about quitting alcohol—it's about transforming one's entire life. He discusses the struggles of early sobriety, the critical role of a support network, and the unexpected rewards that come from helping others on their own journeys. As a sponsor in AA, Joey finds fulfillment in guiding others through the steps and witnessing their personal growth.
Throughout the conversation, Joey offers practical advice to those contemplating sobriety, urging them to take the first step and seek help. He candidly shares the challenges and rewards of staying sober and underscores the importance of being open-minded, trusting the process, and embracing the support available in the sober community.
The episode closes with Joey encouraging listeners to believe in the possibility of a better life, no matter how deep their struggles with addiction may be.
Key Takeaways:
- Sobriety Requires Support: Joey stresses the importance of finding a mentor or sponsor who can guide you through the early stages of sobriety. This relationship is crucial for accountability and learning how to navigate life without alcohol.
- Transformation Beyond Sobriety: Getting sober is not just about stopping drinking—it's about fundamentally changing your approach to life, relationships, and self-care.
- Help Others, Help Yourself: As a sponsor, Joey finds that helping others stay sober is a powerful tool for maintaining his own sobriety. The process of guiding others reinforces his commitment to his own recovery.
- Open-Mindedness and Trust: Joey advises newcomers to sobriety to stay open-minded and trust that life will improve, even if the path is unclear at first.
- Improved Relationships: One of the biggest rewards of sobriety is the positive change in relationships. Joey highlights how his connections with family, friends, and his son have strengthened since he stopped drinking.
- Challenges Remain: Sobriety doesn't eliminate life's challenges, but it does equip you with better tools to handle them. Joey emphasizes the importance of learning to deal with issues soberly and productively.
Memorable Quotes:
- "Things will get better. Things can get better."
- "Helping other people is how I gain energy."
- "Sobriety is a path where you have no idea where you're headed at first, but trust that things are going to get better."
00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Joey
00:40 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics
01:52 School Days and Early Friendships
02:47 Sports and Sibling Bonding
05:01 Parental Influence and Growing Up
06:55 High School Years and Early Drinking
07:52 College Life and Escalating Alcohol Use
11:59 Realizing the Problem with Alcohol
15:57 Struggles with Addiction and Attempts to Quit
17:11 Regrets and Consequences of Drinking
27:07 The Turning Point and Seeking Help
38:41 The Turning Point: Quitting Alcohol for Good
38:47 Physical and Emotional Struggles of Alcoholism
40:58 Building Skills for Sobriety
42:35 The Importance of Community and Meetings
43:39 Maintaining Sobriety: Daily Practices
45:12 The Impact of Sobriety on Family Life
53:26 The Journey of Helping Others
01:04:34 Advice for Those Seeking Sobriety
01:05:52 The Role of AA and Sponsorship
01:13:50 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
In today's episode I'm sharing the first podcast episode I ever recoded. Meet Paul—a remarkable individual born into a challenging environment, who had his first drink at the age of five. Growing up surrounded by addiction, Paul shares his journey from a troubled childhood to the streets of San Bernardino and the struggles with alcohol that defined his life. Together, we unravel the complexities of his past, exploring the impact of family dynamics, addiction, and the pursuit of redemption.
Join us on this powerful journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to sobriety. This is the Domestic Dad Project Podcast, where we go beyond the surface to uncover stories that inspire and ignite hope.
#SobrietyJourney #BreakingTheStigma #FaithAndRecovery #InspirationForChange #CleanLiving #RecoveryStories #TransformativeJourneys #HopeAfterAddiction #BreakingFree #HealingThroughFaith #StrengthInSobriety #SoberLife #OvercomingAddiction #ResilienceInRecovery #SecondChances #EmpowermentInSobriety #FindingPurpose #FamilySupport #InnerStrength #AddictionFreeLife
Website: www.domesticdadproject.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DomesticDadProject
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
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