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

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

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

May 19, 2025 82 mins

Crushed by Depression, Called by God: How Faith and Purpose Saved Mason Smith

 

In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Mason Smith—a former youth pastor, missionary, husband, and father—for a deeply personal journey through depression, a suicide attempt, spiritual awakening, and calling.

 

M...

From Combat to Calling: How Chris Jung Found Faith and Fatherhood

 

In this deeply moving episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Chris Jung, a military veteran, husband, and father, for an emotional journey through war, trauma, healing, and redemption. Chris opens up about his deployment to Afghanistan, the loss of a friend in combat, and the invisib...

In this gripping and emotional episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Jason Hausman for a raw, unfiltered look at addiction, trauma, and the long road to redemption. Jason’s story is one of unimaginable darkness—from childhood abuse and early exposure to drugs, to meth addiction, manipulation, and a head-on collision that nearly took his life.

 

Jaso...

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In this heart-wrenching and hopeful episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up the Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Esmir, a father whose life has been marked by both deep wounds and divine miracles.

 

Born in Bosnia and raised in the Midwest after fleeing war with his family, Esmir opens up about the challenges of growing up as an immigrant—navigating a new culture, emotional isolation, an...

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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, chron...

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From Outlaw to Redemption: Ron Gruber’s Journey of Faith, Forgiveness, and Freedom

 

In this gripping and unfiltered episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Ron Gruber, a man whose story is nothing short of miraculous. From an abusive childhood and the violent world of outlaw motorcycle gangs to decades spent in prison, Ron’s past is a haunting testam...

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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...

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In this powerful episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Pastor Chip Uhrmacher from Prairie Lakes Church in Cedar Falls Iowa for an eye-opening conversation about marriage, faith, and overcoming life’s greatest challenges.

 

Pastor Chip shares deeply personal moments—from his own spiritual transformation to the devastating loss of his sister to violen...

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January 13, 2025 82 mins

The Battle Within: Joe’s Journey from Addiction to Purpose

 

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett welcomes Joe for a no-holds-barred conversation about his journey through addiction, despair, and his incredible transformation into a beacon of hope in the recovery community. Joe’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and the...

December 30, 2024 77 mins

In this powerful episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett welcomes Quovadis Marshall, affectionately known as Pastor Q, the Pastor of Hope City Church in Waterloo, Iowa, and the author of the life-changing book Fighting for Love: Fighting for Life, Love, and All That Matters. https://www.fightingforlove.us

 

This conversation delves deep into Pastor Q’s remarkable st...

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The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time for joy, family, and celebration, it can also be a minefield for those navigating sobriety. In this episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up the Mess, Nick Barnett reflects on his personal journey of transforming holiday chaos into a season of hope and connection through sobriety. Packed with insights, practical advice, and heartfelt stories, this episode is your guide to ...

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Overcoming Trauma and Finding Purpose | Marcus “Smooth” Norris Shares His Powerful Story

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Marcus “Smooth” Norris for an inspiring conversation about overcoming unimaginable trauma, finding purpose, and using his experiences to uplift others.

 

Marcus shares his journey...

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November 11, 2024 89 mins

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.

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October 14, 2024 84 mins

Breaking Free from Addiction and Reclaiming Family: The Story of Jared Reuter

In this powerful episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett welcomes Jared Ryder, a dedicated father, fitness enthusiast, and YouTuber, as he shares his raw and inspiring story of overcoming addiction and rediscovering purpose.

Jared opens up about his struggles with alcohol and prescription ...

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September 30, 2024 97 mins

Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Faith: The Story of Christopher Tims

 

In this heartfelt episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Christopher Tims, a dedicated educator, coach, and minister, to discuss his incredible journey from addiction to redemption through faith and perseverance.

 

Christopher shares candidly about h...

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September 16, 2024 95 mins

In this enlightening episode of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up The Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Dr. Kettman, a leading expert in integrative medicine and hormone health. This engaging conversation explores Dr. Kettman's personal and professional journey, highlighting the profound impact of testosterone therapy, exercise, diet, and spiritual wellness on overall health.

Dr. Kettman shares valuable ins...

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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 fath...

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August 19, 2024 78 mins

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.

...

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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...

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July 22, 2024 97 mins

Welcome back to Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up the Mess as we chat with Steve Schneider, a devoted father who shares his inspirational journey from initial reluctance about parenthood to becoming a dedicated dad. This episode delves into overcoming alcoholism, embracing personal growth, and the critical role of modeling positive behavior. Steve's story highlights the significance of confidence, integrity, and aligning one'...

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