Dadville with Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin

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...

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...

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...

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 di...

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 t...

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 husban...

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 ho...

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 pract...

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...

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...

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.

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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, em...

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...

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 ta...

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 "profession...

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.

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The fellas welcome the official "Pastor of Dadville," Elliott Cherry back to the pod to discuss the hilarious and humbling realities of fatherhood, from the "gates of Thunderdome" (the teenage years) to the chaos of solo parenting at soccer games where treadmills are left unplugged.

Beyond the laughs, they dive into the profound concept of "making peace with the proximate"—learning to love the world as it is rather than demanding it be perfect. They explore the necessity of vulnerability, the beauty of being the "guy on the side of the road" who needs he...

Think of this show as a "real-life ad for friendship" between two celebrity Nashville dads who are just like you. The fellas are just hanging out, laughing, and navigating the bizarre realities of life—like why the Kroger meat department employees are always so put out when you actually ask them to do their jobs.

This week, they discuss dealing with a "post-apocalyptic" ice storm that resets the day into "Tuesday 2.0" (hello, community laundry hubs!) and debate the merits of escaping prison in high-end Lulu running gear. We dive into life's most niche dilemmas: th...

Using AI-driven prompts in their Dad GPT series, the felas tackle how marriage is "assailed by outside forces" like screaming babies and the difficulty of maintaining an "eternal foot down". A central theme is the battle for presence; they candidly discuss phone addiction and using physical "bricks" to stay engaged. Focusing on the "repair" over the "rip," the show aims for a future where children truly "like" their parents. It's an honest look at parenting, "brain butter" and all.

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This week's episode features the fellas catching up with Greta Eskridge, a second-generation homeschooling mother and author, sharing a powerful narrative of redemption and proactive parenting. We talk about her latest book, It's Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn, and some practical advice for protecting kids in a digital world. She advocates for connection over policing, treating "the talk" similar to teaching a child to cross the street. By offering simple definitions and "what-if" scripts, Greta aims to remove the stigma of these "brown bag" topics, helping families find where true healing begins.

After two years away, the wives are back in Dadville—and the best part? They’re all still married to the same people! In this catch-up episode, the couples dive into the emotionally exhausting reality of raising older kids, where arguments are far more robust than the toddler days. They also tackle the hilarious side of parenting, like why their kids now narrate their father's rising frustration ("Daddy’s getting mad!") and Amy’s persistent habit of asking where every new friend went to elementary school. It’s a hilarious look at life, love, and the pursuit of "awesome dadding."<...

The fellas navigate the highs and lows of 2025, from vocal health scares to interactions with musical icons. Dave opens up about his battle with ulcerative laryngitis, a condition that forced him into total silence and led to a profound spiritual moment of surrender while walking near Vanderbilt. John reveals why he scrapped a completed record for the first time in his career, and they discuss the journey of getting an album into the hands of an icon.

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In this insightful return to Dadville, Stephen James joins the fellas to explore the "ecology" of leadership, parenting, and personal evolution. Focusing on Council Leadership, Stephen explains his transition from licensed therapy to viewing leadership as a lived practice rather than a mere class. He delves into the profound concept of "I amness", advocating for stillness and presence over constant productivity. This episode serves as a masterclass in embracing "weirdness" and the art of finding one’s way home.

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We welcome Elizabeth and Brook Mosser from the Intentional Parents Podcast for a "copod" that—despite the catchy name—is definitely not a killer whale documentary. They tackle the "Godzilla of intentionality", a terrifying concept that often looms over parents like a massive monster with surprisingly tiny arms. Moving beyond "prescribed trails" and scripture-based scavenger hunts, the group focuses instead on ordinary moments, like sharing milkshakes in the dark or surviving "homeschool sarcasm." You’ll learn about TikTok’s "aura farming" and why the best parenting strategy involves leaving your "fixing" agenda in the car to focus on simple curiosit...

Hey friends,

Well, we have a bit of a setback this year with our yearly gift guide. Jon will explain.

Here's the gift guide: https://dadville.substack.com/p/the-2025-dadville-gift-guide

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In this episode of Dadville, we dig into the life and mind of a true comedy legend—the best-selling comedy recording artist of all time, Jeff Foxworthy. We talk about the grind behind his success, including the years of focused “10,000-hour” effort it took just to get on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, which he describes as “the Everest of comedy.”
He opens up about wrestling with the blank page, the strange “sickness” that pushes comedians to turn even the worst moments—like a $138,000 copperhead snake bite—into material. We also kick around the big creative questions: Are comics born funny, o...

This week the fellas caught up with Tonic's Emerson Hart, one of the biggest hitmakers of the '90s! Hart reflects on Tonic's multi platinum success, including the exhaustion of the '90s, during which he witnessed the aftermath of Princess Diana’s car crash and later slept for three days. Also, why does Hart's eyes twitch when collaborating with young artists? Plus, he gives solid advice that keeps him chasing after young kids well into his 50s.

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Tony Hale returns to Dadville! You might know him from Veep or Arrested Development, but we know him best as that lovable actor who's entering the "evolution and expansion" season of his career. Tony chats with the fellas about the long process of producing his new film, Sketch, and the motivation to move out of Hollywood. Also, he talks about the amazing experience of playing a nurse oncologist on The Sopranos. Don't miss this one!

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Wertz is back! Longtime friend Matt Wertz details the daily chaos of his "punk rock" family of four, including managing the mental load and surviving on essential baby tech like the Snoo and the revolutionary swivel car seat. But the true trauma centers on his $300 green hoodie that was ruined by an oil stain.  We also reflect on the benefits of late-life fatherhood, having gotten the "hustling" out of the way, and recall the wild, early touring days of playing for sorority chapter meetings to promote Austin shows. Plus, Matt shares details on his exciting new custom songwriting venture, S...

Welcome to the vortex of Jon and Dave, where the fellas discuss the profound struggles of the middle-aged musician—a job akin to being a 60-year-old accountant desperately trying to invent a new Greek number! They dive into the logistics of hosting a terrifying 100-kid Halloween rager that thankfully "backed down" from a midnight curfew to 11 PM.

Hear about the genuine fear of losing a child in a "nanosecond" at College Gameday, and the proud father who risked his life on a step ladder to hang up black lights. Find out if the plan to...

We welcome back visionary storyteller Glenn Henry (Belief in Fatherhood) as he discusses his new book, Father Yourself First (dropping November 4th). Glenn gets real about the hard work of parenting, moving past the romanticized YouTube version. He shares the personal crisis that fueled the book, including throwing a tantrum in the office mirror and the dilemma of his inner child being jealous of the parent he became.

Hear how Glenn had to reconcile with his wife, even taking a CNA job (resulting in a very memorable story) to prove his willingness to work. We also...

The fellas sat down with former NFL long snapper, Vanderbilt grad, PhD candidate, and full-time force of nature, Andrew East. Dave kicks things off by recounting his extremely awkward cornhole tournament experience, a moment of social anxiety where he suddenly found himself in a new "gauntlet" of gigantic, ripped athletes.
Andrew then dives deep into the absurdity of competing on Special Forces: World's Toughest Test alongside his Olympic gold medalist wife, Shawn Johnson. He reveals the terror of backing out of shrinking tunnels and the grueling 15-hour interrogation where they were put in stress positions while listening to "...

Dr. Peter Enns joins the fellas for a candid discussion on faith, complexity, and institutional conflict. Enns recounts the "very scary" reality of losing his academic boundaries after teaching at Westminster Theological Seminary for 14 years, following the controversy surrounding his book, Inspiration and Incarnation. He delves into the core issue: the historical evidence showing the Bible is written by real people during real cultures. Enns shares his deeply personal journey through doubt, realizing he valued integrity and authenticity above all else.

He advocates for embracing the Bible’s multivocality—the way scripture "speaks with multiple voices" on the...

They demanded it, so here we are: satisfying the masses with a conversation featuring just Jon and Dave. But even a simple chat can’t escape the daily grind. The fellas dive deep into the brutal reality of music promotion and Jon explains the existential crisis behind his deadpan viral video where he unwraps his own albums as gifts, and why his new album, Scenarios, required the discipline to only include songs he truly loves.

They also discuss youth club sports, debating the provocative idea that these leagues are a business. If parents are the customers, do...

We finally did it! After five years of plotting, leveraging, and extreme Arsenal giddiness, we landed an absolute legend. Yes, Jon is honoring Dave’s obsession (who wore a full Arsenal kit, naturally), as we have the legendary Lee Dixon joining Dadville!

We dive deep into his legendary career, which started with his humble beginnings as a tiny striker whose permanent shift to right back only happened because a teammate got the flu. Lee shares gold on the "geography teacher" Arsène Wenger, the manager’s strategic "stretch war," and the hilarious confrontation with an angry Manch...

Welcome to the ultimate therapy session for dads trapped in the youth sports mess! We’re coming in scorching with Pure Athlete co-founders Britt Lee and Brad Williams, who bring their hard-earned wisdom (and admissions of doing a lot of things wrong) to the table. We tackle the agonizing questions facing parents in the thick of it. Why are we compromising our spiritual commitments—like skipping church—for the sake of tournaments?
Britt and Brad share gut-punch moments and discuss why parents are prone to living vicariously through their children to heal our wounds. We debate the rise of ear...

This week we have Matt Nathanson joining the fellas for a chat that  dives into MySpace nostalgia, discussions about Hugh Grant-level hair, and the general 'churn' of parenting – sometimes involving mooning your daughter from the garage. The banter is sharp, the compliments are lavish (especially about Matt's violently attractive looks), and the self-deprecating humor flows freely. It's a laugh-out-loud, informal gabfest where even the worst onstage moments become gold!

Visit Matt: https://mattnathanson.com/

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Welcome back to a "Classic D&J" episode as the fellas reunite after what feels like ages. They cover the latest twist in Dave's long-shot quest of getting his album into the hands of a Beatle and the comical challenge of penning a compelling note to a music icon. They also go deep on their shared home improvement struggles, mundane DIY victories, and the neverending search for approval artists face everyday.

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This week we have comedian (and bow-tie enthusiast) Mike Goodwin joining Dadville to share his blend of *wit, warmth, and wisdom.  Mike is celebrated for his clean, clever comedy that makes audiences think AND laugh. 

Goodwin discusses his deeply personal look at the gut-wrenching experience of dropping his daughter off at Vanderbilt University and the emotional shift in fatherhood, including his daily "Good morning, buddy" texts. Mike also reveals the backstory of his viral "two things" bit, the meticulous craft of comedy, and how he hones new material.

Catch up with Mike: https://www.mi...

Join us for an unforgettable conversation with music legend Dann Huff, whose career is so extensive it takes "four finger scrolls" on Wikipedia. Discover his candid insights into his dual role as a prolific session guitarist and an award-winning producer Dann opens up about playing on colossal, core-memory songs for global icons like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Madonna, and producing for Lonestar, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban.

He shares his journey, including the controversial Solos album and his return to Nashville, acknowledging the nervousness he still feels when producing. Dann offers profound wisdom on the...