Welcome to Dadville! Join musicians and sometimes-comedians Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin in the journey of life, love and the pursuit of dad-ding on the Dadville Podcast. Get your fill of dad jokes, laughs, and heartfelt conversations while these guests talk about parenting while leaving you with new lessons for your own kids. Stick around for visits from Momville as each share their unique insight into this crazy world of parenting. Pull up a lawn chair and join every Tuesday.
The 13-Year-Old Self Rule: Charlie Worsham on Success and Perspective
In this episode, the fellas sit down with Charlie Worsham, the CMA’s reigning Musician of the Year and a true "multihyphenate" talent. Charlie shares his incredible trajectory, from winning national banjo titles at age 12 to playing in the bands of legends like Vince Gill. He dives deep into his "13-year-old self rule," a mental practice that helps him maintain gratitude for his career, even on the hardest days. The trio then chats about the "hard shift" of returning home from the road and the intentional ways he is showing up for his children through heartfelt journaling and obsessive financial planning. Whether discussing his new independent record, Once Upon a Second Time Around, or the sociology of corporate gigs, Charlie offers a masterclass in humility, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful musical community. Visit Charlie Worsham: https://www.charlieworsham.com Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our Sponsors! Boll & Branch - Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at http://bollandbranch.com/dadville Exclusions apply. Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tyler Staton: The Dad Tax and Other Holy Subtractions
In this episode, the fellas interview Tyler Staton, lead pastor of Bridgetown Church and author of Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools. Tyler shares his journey from a middle-school prayer revival in Nashville to navigating faith in New York and Portland. He offers a profound look at contemplative prayer, which he defines as sitting "naked and unashamed" before God to settle the inner "snow globe" of surface-level wants. Moving into fatherhood, Tyler details his hands-on discipleship with his three sons, including a 10% pastry "dad tax" and using jelly beans to encourage emotional honesty. The episode highlights Tyler’s pursuit of being a more "interruptible" and playful father, revealing how daily Nerf wars became his most formative spiritual practice of the year. Balancing humor with depth, they also discuss the "Angel of Light" temptation to do good things for the wrong reasons. Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our sponsors! Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville Boll & Branch - Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at http://bollandbranch.com/dadville Exclusions apply. Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Eric Hutchinson's Unplugged Norwegian Disaster
Musician Eric Hutchinson makes history on Dadville by doing the impossible: arriving early. From the massive independent success of his album Sounds Like This to the "soul-crushing" reality of playing early college gigs next to loud smoothie machines, Hutchinson joins Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin for a deep dive into a career built outside the typical "big machine" path. Now a New York City dad, Eric discusses the "vast amount of humanity" found in raising his daughter, Zelda—navigating everything from sophisticated Monday night jazz shows to encounters with subway crack smokers. It is a candid conversation about the importance of modeling passion for your kids, the creative challenge of making music that stays fresh after twenty years, and the bittersweet reality of the fatherhood musical: "Long Days, Short Years." All Things Eric Hutchinson: https://www.erichutchinson.com/ Join us: http://dadville.substack.com This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at http://betterhelp.com/dadville Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville Boll & Branch - Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at http://bollandbranch.com/dadville Exclusions apply. Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Glamping Fails & "Taxpayer Funded" Camps: A Dadville Summer Update
In this episode of Dadville, the fellas dive into the chaos of summer parenting. Jon shares the "play-by-play" heartbreak of his daughter’s first sleep away camp experience, and Dave recounts a childhood "life of crime" involving a camp nurse and a missing stitch. But it’s not all jokes—the guys get vulnerable about aging in the music industry. They discuss what success meant at 30 versus what it means now at 48, the "Blue Button" hypothetical involving Harry Styles, and how to find contentment without losing your ambition. Plus, a hilarious recap of their "glamping" trip in Yellowstone where temperatures dropped to the 40s in a tent. Connect with Dave & John: John McLaughlin: johnmcl.com Dave Barnes: davebarnesmusic.com This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at http://betterhelp.com/dadville Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville Boll & Branch - Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at http://bollandbranch.com/dadville Exclusions apply. Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aim for a B+ With Lee C. Camp
In this episode of Dadville, we sat down with Lee C. Camp, a professor of theology and ethics who has spent over two decades helping people wrestle with what it means to live a life worth living. While he is the host of the nationally syndicated show No Small Endeavor, Lee got remarkably vulnerable about his own "spiral" into depression at age 47 and the "unresolved crap" he had to address within his own family. We were especially moved by his "85% rule" for parenting, which suggests that a 15% margin for error is a liberating way to teach kids about humility and apologies. He also shared the reality of his "serenity tax"—living without a cell phone for nearly a decade to avoid the "claws of technology". From stories about sons cutting ethernet cables to his deep dive into cardinal virtues, Lee reminds us that the "good life" is a beautiful, iterative process. All things Lee: https://www.leeccamp.com/home Join us: http://dadville.substack.com All Things Dave: https://www.davebarnes.com All Things Jon: https://www.jonmcl.com Thanks to our sponsors! Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville Boll & Branch - Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at http://bollandbranch.com/dadville Exclusions apply. Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial. Visit IGottaAsk.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How to Survive an Empty Nest with Jon Acuff
We are thrilled to welcome back three-time guest Jon Acuff. As a New York Times bestselling author, Jon has built a career helping people stop overthinking and finally get unstuck. In this episode, we tackle the "architecture of enough" and the transition to empty nesting. Jon shares insights from his new book, Procrastination Proof, explaining how procrastination is often a failed "solution" for fear and why we need permission to win. We also discuss shifting your motivation fuel from fear to service and Jon's practical discipline hack: "make tomorrow easy today". Join us for a conversation that will leave you both inspired and lightly roasted. Check out Jon's new book: https://jonacuff.com/ Join us: http://dadville.substack.com All Things Dave: https://www.davebarnes.com All Things Jon: https://www.jonmcl.com Thanks to our sponsors! Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville Boll & Branch - Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at http://bollandbranch.com/dadville Exclusions apply. Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial. Visit IGottaAsk.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sara Watkins’ Urgent Advice for Balancing Art and Family
We sat down with 4-time Grammy winner Sara Watkins to solve a problem every professional faces: How do you maintain a 30-year career without burning out or losing your creative edge? From founding Nickel Creek at age eight to touring with icons like Jackson Browne, Sara has mastered the "communal dance" of longevity. In this session, we tackle the high-stakes pressure of performance anxiety. Sara reveals the counterintuitive secret that transformed her art: how motherhood taught her to stop "sweating the small stuff," making her a more fearless performer. We break down her blueprint for navigating complex team dynamics, the power of "side-person" leadership, and why she treats music as an essential life skill—like math or cooking—to avoid the traps of forced practice. If you’re struggling to balance ego with collaborative success, Sara’s "osmotic" approach to learning will revolutionize your workflow. This is your masterclass in staying grounded while scaling your talent. Check out Sara here: https://www.sarawatkins.com/ Join us: http://dadville.substack.com All Things Dave: https://www.davebarnes.com All Things Jon: https://www.jonmcl.com Thanks to our sponsors! Boll & Branch - Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at http://bollandbranch.com/dadville Exclusions apply. Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial. Visit IGottaAsk.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Survival Guide for Managing Summer Chaos at Home | Dadville Podcast with Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin
Welcome to a special video edition of Dadville! We’re kicking things off with Dave’s high-energy celebration of Arsenal’s Premier League victory and a deep dive into why sports culture feels like family. Then, we pivot to the "frontal assault" of summer parenting. As school rhythms fade, we share our best survival "tips and tricks" to keep the chaos at bay. Discover the power of tangible bucket lists—featuring everything from Walmart trips to visiting local glass-blowing studios—and learn how to manage screen time by treating it as "capital" earned through reading or chores. We also discuss Jon's $100 piano challenge and why local summer camps are a strategic win for every parent. Join us on Substack: http://dadville.substack.com Click Here to Subscribe All Things Dave: https://www.davebarnes.com All Things Jon: https://www.jonmcl.com Thanks to our sponsors! Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at http://betterhelp.com/dadville Boll & Branch - Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at http://bollandbranch.com/dadville Exclusions apply. Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial. Visit IGottaAsk.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why Your Child Isn't Just "Giving You a Hard Time" with Anjelah Johnson-Reyes
Today we’re hanging out with the legendary Anjelah Johnson-Reyes. You’ve seen her viral "Nail Salon" bit and her iconic characters from Mad TV, but in this episode, we get into the nuts and bolts of her career and life as a mom. Anjelah shares her fascinating process for building a comedy hour, from recording every set to "cut the fat" to the daunting anxiety of starting a project from scratch. We dive into her self-produced special, Ugly Baby, and how she "sleuthed" her own audio archives to find the perfect family footage. Beyond the stage, we talk about her husband Manuel’s "resplendent" hair and her daughter Rosie’s hilarious two-year-old sass. Most importantly, Anjelah offers a powerful perspective on parenting: Your child isn't "giving you a hard time," they’re going through a hard time. Watch Angela's New Special, Ugly Baby, HERE! Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our Sponsors: Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Cove - Check out Cove at http://covesmart.com and use code DAD for an additional 10% off your first order! Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From HGTV to Homeschooling: Erin Napier on Building a Life, Not a Brand
Today, we’re hanging out with our friend Erin Napier, who is busy saving Laurel, Mississippi, one 25,000-square-foot hotel at a time. We dive into the "unfortunate" (that’s code for ugly) projects and the heart behind her latest restoration, The Heirloom, which survived a "devastating" fire just weeks before opening. Erin spills the tea on her first year as a homeschooling mom—turns out it only takes two hours a day, leaving plenty of time for her daughter to job-shadow a vet. We also discuss her strict "no-weekend-work" policy and why Ben is a nearly perfect husband, despite his chaotic habit of leaving every single cabinet door open. From air-conditioned mattresses to dodging a massive Great Pyrenees puppy at the breakfast table, Erin reminds us that—no matter what the world says—not everything is an emergency. Come for the design tips, stay for the wisdom on building a life, not just a brand. Follow Erin: https://erinandben.co/ Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Cove - Check out Cove at http://covesmart.com and use code DAD for an additional 10% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lori McKenna: Life is Hard, Go Full Force
Welcome to Momville! In this episode, we’re hanging out with the legendary Lori McKenna, a three-time Grammy winner who somehow balanced raising five kids with a world-class songwriting career. We dive into her "internal rhythm" of 74 BPM and the hilarious reality of her early days showing up to open mics with a minivan and actual peanut butter on her guitar. Lori gets real about her 30-year marriage to Gene, their legendary four-degree thermostat war, and her self-described "underwhelming" mom status. From failing at selling Tupperware to writing hits for Taylor Swift, she shares how she won the lottery without ever buying a ticket. Whether you're obsessed with an empty kitchen sink or currently orbiting your adult children, join us for some funny thoughts and deep talks. Visit Lori: https://www.lorimckenna.com Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to Our Sponsors! Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Cove - Check out Cove at http://covesmart.com and use code DAD for an additional 10% off your first order! Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at http://betterhelp.com/dadville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rupture and Repair: Embracing the Messy Reality of Parent-Child Relationships
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS HERE! The legendary Sissy Goff and David Thomas join us this week. Things get off to a wild start when host Dave realizes that a woman who changed his life decades ago is actually David’s sister. Once the shock wears off, the group discusses the duo’s new book about raising capable kids in a world that feels increasingly fragile. They explore why today’s kids are hesitant to do hard things, like getting a driver’s license, and how the pandemic created a cocoon of safety. You will hear about the importance of practicing flexibility—even if it means causing a dinner table crisis by moving one seat to the left—and why parents must manage their own anxiety while watching their children struggle. From aggressive New York bagel shops to eighth-grade boys sleeping in a gas leak pose, this episode is all about trading protection for preparation. Check out their new book: https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/capablebook Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our Sponsors: Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Cove - Check out Cove at http://covesmart.com and use code DAD for an additional 10% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Beyond the Fourth Wall: The Power of the Vulnerable Parent
This episode features a "PowerPod" collaboration between the fellas and the creators of the 3% podcast, Jamie and Blake. The conversation explores radical honesty, specifically the "3% concept"—the practice of sharing the final, shame-filled layer of truth that individuals typically withhold from even their closest friends. The participants discuss the transition from childhood "proximity friendships" to the foundational intentionality required to sustain deep male connections amidst the busyness of fatherhood. Drawing on therapeutic insights within the sources, they examine how children often sacrifice their authenticity for attachment, a pattern contributing to the modern loneliness epidemic. A significant focus is placed on intentional parenting, highlighting the transformative power of a father’s apology. By embracing vulnerability and "killing the fourth wall" of parental perfection, fathers foster genuine connection and freedom within their families. Check out the 3% Podcast: https://threepercentco.com Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to Our Sponsors! Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Cove - Check out Cove at http://covesmart.com and use code DAD for an additional 10% off your first order! Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ben Rector: The Great Sock Shootout
The fellas are back with our dear friend Ben Rector. It’s a classic dad-session—think driveway-wine-in-camping-chairs vibes. Ben drops some hilarious truth bombs, like his daughter's most accurate description of what he's like. He also breaks down his quest to look less like an accountant with his new robust beard and a legendary sock shootout method to find the perfect pair. But it’s not all oatmeal-sifting rituals and badminton losses. The guys get into the "real" stuff, too. Ben talks about his career shift—choosing depth over scale so he can actually be present for his kids' math homework. It’s a funny, deep, and totally relatable look at suburban fatherhood. Go see Ben (and Jon) on tour: https://www.benrectormusic.com Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our Sponsors: Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Cove - Check out Cove at http://covesmart.com and use code DAD for an additional 10% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hypothetical Equestrian Punctuality with McKittrick Simmons
How quickly could you get a horse to downtown Boston? Well, today's guest McKittrick Simmons posed that very question to Dave and it really framed their 20+ friendship in a new way. After meeting his new friend, Jon McLaughlin, McKittrick breaks down the "neutron bomb" of intentional friendship and why "no theologians allowed" Bible studies are the secret to growth. Whether navigating the "beta test" of parenting, escaping the "shadow world," or bearing witness to friends, this deep dive is for you. Join us: http://substack.dadville.com Thanks to our sponsors! Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Cove - Check out Cove at http://covesmart.com and use code DAD for an additional 10% off your first order! Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at http://betterhelp.com/dadville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Andy Roddick: "Federer Ruined My Life for a Decade"
This week the fellas join up with former world number one tennis player and US Open champion Andy Roddick to discuss his legendary career and the transition into fatherhood. Jon is very excited! Roddick reflects on holding the world’s fastest serve record, his humorous rivalry with Roger Federer, and the "light" feeling of retiring at age 30. He shares candid stories from the "School of Earth," including traveling the world alone at age twelve and why he believes parents must let their children fall sometimes to build resilience. Roddick offers profound wisdom for sports parents, emphasizing the need to "control the controllables" and sharing Andre Agassi's advice on simplifying the path to excellence. From hosting Saturday Night Live to being the "third best player" on his high school team, Roddick brings his signature wit to a conversation about discipline, legacy, and the "white-knuckling" reality of parenting. Visit Andy Roddick: https://www.youtube.com/@ServedPodcast Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our sponsors! Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Cove - Check out Cove at http://covesmart.com and use code DAD for an additional 10% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Riding the Pine for the Spirit with Jamie Winship
The fellas talk to Jamie Winship, a former DC police officer and federal agent turned global peacemaker. Winship shares "absolutely bananas" stories, including the time he felt a divine prompt to "de-arrest" a suspect who committed two felonies, leading to a year-long partnership and a miraculous outcome for the man’s family. Then, they explore the Identity Method, which teaches listeners how to distinguish God’s voice from the "radio static" of internal accusations. Winship explains that your true identity is a gift to the world and an "inexhaustible energy source" that remains intact even when professional roles fail. From practical steps for confession and repentance to a preview of his new book, The War of Worldviews, this episode challenges parents to stop "future-tripping" and lead their families with fearless joy Visit Jamie: https://www.identityexchange.com/ Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our sponsors! Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Cove - Check out Cove at http://covesmart.com and use code DAD for an additional 10% off your first order! Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How to Build a Chore Chart with Your Bare Hands
Whether you are currently on spring break or just trying not to be "spring broke," the struggle of dad guilt is a universal experience. The fellas dive into the work-versus-presence conundrum, exploring how early "husband guilt" evolves into a paternal fear of missing out on key milestones. Then, they get honest about the triggers of feeling like a "warm body" while zoning out on soccer scores and the "comparison trap" sparked by other dads’ elaborate chore charts or "Spanish Wednesdays". From using a "brick" to battle phone distraction to the realization that most parenting is "caught, not taught," this conversation offers much-needed grace. Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our sponsors! Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Cove - Check out Cove at http://covesmart.com and use code DAD for an additional 10% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Matt Maher: Tacos, Topo Chicos, and "The Talk"
Buckle up, Dadville, because Matt Maher is in the house, and he’s bringing more than just hit worship songs. Ever wondered what happens when you walk into a college radio station, pretend to be Dave Barnes, and realize mid-song that your XLR cables aren't even plugged in?. Or how to survive "The Talk" with a 10-year-old using only tacos and a very necessary, panicked swig of Topo Chico?. We’re diving into Matt’s Newfoundland roots—where the ocean is actively trying to kill you—and why he spent seven years as a "professional college student". From "Star Wars cantina" radio vibes to the "golden carrot" of the music industry, Matt breaks down why restructuring life around family is the real win. Plus, we tackle the baffling physics of girls' volleyball uniforms and why his daughter is basically a "method actor" for softball. It’s a masterclass in joy, resistance, and the visceral terror of letting go of your kid's bike for the first time. Catch up with Matt: https://mattmahermusic.com/ Join Us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our sponsors! Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Cove - Check out Cove at http://covesmart.com and use code DAD for an additional 10% off your first order! Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at http://shopify.com/dadville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stephen Kellogg: Meeting Your Kids Where They Are At
In this episode, the fellas sit down with Stephen Kellogg—singer, songwriter, author, and "professional road dog." He joins the show from a waterless hotel in Indianapolis with a "lumberjack" vibe and a "hot word shower" of career reflections and parenting wisdom. As he approaches his milestone 3,000th show, Stephen reflects on a 28-year career built on connection and relentless hard work. The heart of the conversation explores the "clunky" but beautiful journey of raising four daughters, from navigating their unique personalities to learning that every child requires a tailored version of their father. Visit Stephen: https://www.stephenkellogg.com/ Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our Sponsors! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at http://betterhelp.com/dadville Quince - Go to http://quince.com/dadville 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Cove - Check out Cove at http://covesmart.com and use code DAD for an additional 10% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
