Turning Rock Bottom Into Purpose: A Father's Redemptive Story w/ John Wildsmith
Published on Nov 4, 2025, 5:30:00 AM
Total time: 00:54:27
Published on Nov 4, 2025, 5:30:00 AM
Total time: 00:54:27
In this episode of the Daughtered Podcast, Oscar's guest is a man whose story of redemption will stay with you. John Wildsmith, founder of Wyldstyle Fit, is proof that even in our darkest moments, there’s a way back. From years of addiction and incarceration to building a life rooted in faith, family, and fitness.
This episode is a raw and redemptive journey through darkness, faith, and fatherhood. Oscar and John talk about how addiction nearly destroyed his life — and how becoming a father saved it.
From the depths of meth addiction and incarceration to the moment that changed everything — a daddy-daughter dance he almost missed — John shares how faith, family, and fitness became his foundation for rebuilding his life.
If you’ve ever struggled with shame, purpose, or showing up for your family, this episode is a reminder that redemption is possible — and that our daughters have a way of leading us home.
00:00 – Welcome & opening line: “Drugs will take you to a dark place.”
00:28 – Meet John: DFW roots, Marine family, church upbringing
02:05 – Early trouble: expulsions, alternative schools, GED
04:10 – Rehab lessons that “ruined” getting high
10:40 – Marriage, pregnancy, family losses, and the slide deeper
16:05 – “Bare minimum provider” mindset & burden on his wife
28:50 – The daddy-daughter dance: “My first dance was my last relapse”
34:45 – Teaching his 11-year-old: shut down gossip, choose integrity & loyalty
37:05 – Presence > perfection: managing reactions & transparency
42:05 – Routines that don’t steal time from family
46:05 – A word to dads in dark places: find your reason, make it your purpose
50:05 – Where to find John: Wyldstyle Fit
51:00 – Oscar’s close & Daughtered community invite
Guest Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, any organizations, companies, or institutions mentioned, or corporate entities represented by the host.
Our aim is to provide a platform for diverse perspectives and open dialogue. While we strive for accuracy and balance, it's important to recognize that opinions may vary. We encourage critical thinking and further exploration of the topics discussed.
Welcome to the Daughtered Podcast — where dads come to talk, think, grow, and thrive. I’m your host, Oscar, and this is a space for men who are committed to becoming stronger, more mindful, and more present—especially in the lives of their daughters. We believe that fatherhood is a journey of growth. Each conversation on this podcast is a chance to learn, reflect, and level up as a dad and as a man. Whether you’re a brand-new father or deep into the teenage years, we’re here to support each other through every stage. Being Daughtered means embracing the lessons our daughters are continuously teaching us and using them to become better. We challenge current misconceptions of masculinity and lead with strength, compassion, and intention—building stronger relationships and lasting memories along the way. This community is for every man who’s ready to show up—not as a perfect dad, but as a growing one.
Want to be a guest on The DAUGHTERED Podcast? Send Oscar Pena a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/daughteredpodcast