Shows
Dad Still StandingMeet The Midwife: Tommy's SpecialThis Father’s Day weekend, we’re proud to bring you a special episode in collaboration with Tommy’s, the UK’s leading baby loss charity.Joining us is Juliette Ward, an NHS Rainbow and Pregnancy After Loss Specialist Midwife, who shares her insight from years of supporting families through both heartbreak and hope. We talk about the vital role midwives play in pregnancy – especially those that end in loss – and how Juliette and her colleagues walk alongside parents during the most difficult and complex moments.We also shine a light on the incredible work Tommy’s is d...2025-06-1355 min
Dad Still StandingSpotlight on Loss with Rev. Kate BottleyIn this powerful and heartfelt episode of Dad Still Standing, we’re joined by Reverend Kate Bottley – priest, broadcaster, journalist, and familiar face from Channel 4’s Gogglebox and BBC National Radio. Building on our earlier episode about religion and baby loss, this conversation offers a new lens: what it’s like to stand beside grieving parents as the person conducting their child’s funeral.Kate speaks with honesty and warmth about the sacred responsibility of holding space for families at their lowest moments. She shares her reflections on how faith – and doubt – show up in these deeply human experien...2025-06-0649 min
Dad Still StandingReligion, Grief, and Baby LossLosing a baby can shake everything you believe in - whether you have a strong faith or none at all. In this episode, Liam and Matt talk openly about their beliefs and non-beliefs and what impact they did or didn't have on them following the loss of their children. Liam in particular discusses how his (and his wife's) faith was tested after losing Paloma and how it has changed over time. The dads also explore how religion can be a source of comfort following a bereavement but can also leave you questioning everything you...2025-03-2138 min
Dad Still StandingKnowing Your Legal RightsIn this episode, we explore the crucial topic of knowing your legal rights after baby loss. Whether it’s understanding bereavement leave entitlements at work, government support, or the challenges of navigating the system, we break down what you need to know.We also discuss the proposed changes to bereavement leave currently being proposed to the UK Parliament—are they enough, and do they truly support grieving parents? Plus, we delve into the complexities of legal entitlements depending on when a loss occurs in pregnancy and why this can be such a difficult issue.2025-03-0347 min
Dad Still StandingSpotlight on Loss with Geoff NorcottThis episode we're dropping one of our Spotlight on Loss specials as the dads are joined by the incredible British stand-up comedian, actor, author, podcaster and all round top bloke, Geoff Norcott.
The three dads discuss baby loss in general; how men are particularly affected by grief; and what support should be out there to help them through the darkness.
Geoff shares his personal journey with grief following the loss of his baby daughter at 34 weeks, and how it impacted his family as well as his career in the spotlight and on stage.
...2025-01-3142 min
Dad Still StandingYou're a mean one, Mr. GriefIt’s Christmas time, and while the world is full of festive cheer, it’s not always easy to feel the same after loss. In this slightly more light-hearted episode, Matt and Liam channel their inner Mr Grinch to tackle the holiday season with honesty, a sprinkle of humour, and a whole lot of heart.
We talk about navigating the emotional minefield of Christmas - family gatherings, festive traditions, and that overwhelming pressure to feel merry. But it’s not all heavy! Expect some laughs as we share stories, tackle awkward moments, and even throw...2024-12-2238 min
Dad Still StandingEverything's just a bit shit...In this episode, Matt and Liam get real about those days when life feels overwhelmingly hard. You know the ones - the days when grief, loss, and just the weight of it all hit you square in the face. We’re not here to sugarcoat it; we’re here to say it’s okay to feel like everything’s just a bit shit sometimes.
We talk about the emotional punches life throws at you (cue the boxing metaphors) and how to keep going when you’re taking on too much water. It’s a raw, honest, and at times sur...2024-12-1739 min
Dad Still StandingSelf-Awareness and Self-PerceptionWe're back and welcome to Season 4 of Dad Still Standing! We’re kicking off this season with an in-depth and personal look at self-awareness and self-perception in the aftermath of baby loss. In this episode, we (Matt and Liam) dive into how grief shapes the way we see ourselves versus how others perceive us. Have you ever felt that you’re projecting strength while battling all the shit going on inside? Or found yourself misunderstood by well-meaning friends and family? You’re not alone.
Join us as we discuss how to align these perceptions, practic...2024-10-2549 min
Dad Still StandingSad Dads ClubIn the season three finale coinciding with Father's Day, Matt and Liam are joined by the incredible bereaved parents behind the Sad Dads Club. Chris, Rob and Jay dialling in from the USA share the story of their losses and the impactful work they are doing to support fathers across America (and the world) with their grief. The dads give their advice ahead of Father's Day, and Matt and Liam also do a little round-up of the season, sharing their favourite highlights. As always it's been a blast this season and we're looking forward to the next...2024-06-141h 08
Dad Still StandingThe Guilt of HappinessIn this episode, the dads delve into the complex emotions that come with feeling happiness after experiencing a profound loss. Many of us grapple with guilt when moments of joy peek through our grief - wondering if it's okay to feel happy and questioning what it means about our mourning. We explore not only the personal dimension of this guilt but also how perceptions—both our own and those of people around us—shape these feelings. Matt and Liam discuss the sources of this guilt, whether it is internal expectations or external pressures, and how to understand the e...2024-04-2647 min
The Worst Girl Gang EverFinding the Positives by Helping Others with Dad Still StandingIn this episode of The Worst Girl Gang Ever, hosts Bex Gunn & Laura Buckingham talk to Liam Preston and Matt Dearsley, the co-hosts of the Dad Still Standing podcast.Both pairs of podcast hosts discuss the importance of supporting those affected by baby loss and the grief it causes, as well the gap in support dads often receive. Liam and Matt share their personal stories of dealing with this gap and how Dad Still Standing offers help and understanding in this difficult situation. They also talk about how mums and dads have to cope...2024-03-1853 min
Dad Still StandingPregnancy AnnouncementsIn this episode of the Dad Still Standing podcast, hosts Matt and Liam delve into the emotionally complex topic of pregnancy announcements and their impact on individuals who have experienced baby loss. They share their personal perspectives and reactions to such announcements, reflecting on their own experiences of grief and loss. The conversation explores the broader implications of sharing pregnancy news on social media, the mixed emotions it can evoke, and how individuals navigate these feelings while still engaging with their community and support networks. This episode offers insights into the challenges of balancing joy...2024-03-0848 min
Dad Still StandingSupportive PartnersIn this episode of Dad Still Standing, the dads explore the crucial roles of giving and receiving support within a partnership after the loss of a child. They have contributions from four listeners, each with their own insights into what it truly means to be a supportive partner during the most challenging times. Through their personal journies, the dads discuss the actions and gestures that have made a difference in their partners' lives, reflecting on the importance of being a steadfast source of comfort and understanding. They candidly reveal the lessons learned from their attempts to provide...2024-02-2343 min
Dad Still StandingComplexities of GriefThis episode starts with a strong focus and direction but loses it within the first three minutes - maybe less than that. However, the dads do talk about the complexities of grief; why you shouldn't avoid groups and social settings; tips on how to deal with the longer-term effects of loss; the challenges of rebuilding yourself mentally and much much more. Please remember to subscribe or follow the podcast so it lands in your inbox as soon as a new episode drops. If you could write a review or rate the pod that would be...2024-02-0855 min
Dad Still StandingFeliz NaviDadsAs another year comes to an end, the dads reflect on what Christmas is all about and what the New Year could bring for us all. As promised, Liam and Matt have taken the best of the questions sent in from listeners and have answered them in their candid style. The episode is packed full of laughs, advice, and reflections on how the past twelve months have been for the pair and also the podcast. If you're feeling overwhelmed this Christmas or just want to offload, feel free to drop the dads a DM on...2023-12-2253 min
Dad Still StandingHealing and Justice: Legal Action After Baby LossThis episode focuses on medical negligence and legal action and the fraught conversations among families about whether to sue or not. The dads - with absolutely zero expertise in this - are thankfully joined by Guy Forster from the Irwin Mitchell legal firm. Guy is a partner there and heads up their Medical Negligence team. The episode dispels some of the myths about legal action as well as covers the threshold for taking on or winning claims; what the process looks like; and the emotional impact of doing so on families. Interestingly we also explore n...2023-12-0139 min
Dad Still StandingSpotlight on loss with James GreenThe dads are joined by Sky Sports broadcaster, presenter, journalist, Gooner, and all-round top bloke James Green for this episode of the podcast. On the show, James shares his own experiences of loss with Matt & Liam, and while you would hope that the dads managed to structure this important topic in some kind of sensible way - they just go off down various rabbit holes and somehow try to pull it all together at the end to make it sound profesh. The three of them talk about loss, mental health, being public with their grief, t...2023-10-2844 min
Dad Still StandingEscaping the RutIn this episode, the dads get real about the emotional ups and downs that come with losing a baby. And the sometimes never-ending rut that feels impossible to escape. They explain that grief isn't just about feeling sad; it's a mix of emotions that can make you feel physically tired or mentally stuck. The dads then offer some practical advice for getting through the hardest days. They stress the importance of acknowledging how you're feeling instead of bottling it up, and share tips on finding professionals like counsellors who can help specifically with the loss o...2023-10-1448 min
Dad Still StandingImpact on CareersIn this thought-provoking episode of 'Dad Still Standing,' the dads delve deep into a seldom-discussed aspect of grief—the profound impact on your career. From the immediate aftermath of loss to long-term job performance, they explore the challenges and adjustments grieving fathers and mothers face in the workplace. Whether you're struggling with colleague dynamics, contemplating career changes, or seeking a better work-life balance during this painful time, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice. Enlisting the support of their listeners, Matt and Liam are joined by five guests Ross, Emma, Indy, Vaish, and Ar...2023-09-061h 03
Dad Still StandingRegretsThe dads are back with an episode requested by one of their listeners, all about regrets following baby loss. It's hard to go through what we all have without thinking back to decisions we made or things we wished we'd done differently. For this episode, Liam & Matt try and recognise some of the classic regrets people will face and also delve a little into a few of their own. As ever, the podcast is here to be supportive and a toolkit following a loss. So, the dads have spent some time thinking about when those regrets do b...2023-07-2940 min
Dad Still StandingSocial MediaIt can be a force for good, it can bring you to your knees; and that’s just with a swipe of your finger. Browsing, posting, commenting or liking content on social media after loss can bring up the full range of emotions. In this episode the dads discuss the pros and cons of social media. From it being a tool to build a community and find an empathetic ear; to the triggering and emotional onslaught of seeing baby related posts. They also share advice on how to handle those difficult emotional reactions to posts and...2023-05-2746 min
Dad Still StandingMultiple Losses“Surely it won’t happen again?!” Sadly, however, the reality is that for many couples it will, and multiple losses will go on to dominate their journey with grief. In this week’s episode the dads discuss the devastating world that is losing more than one baby and how to cope in that moment, and navigate a relationship through what follows. Matt guests on his own podcast 🤣 (yeah we don’t know how that happened either) to discuss his losses and the reality of losing more than one child and how it can define you. If you...2023-03-2746 min
Dad Still StandingPregnancy After LossThey're back...Season Three...And what a way to kick it off. An episode Matt & Liam have been wanting to do for some time finally lands, and this week it is all about pregnancy after loss. Navigating this part of the baby loss journey is incredibly complex. Whether you're successful, suffer further losses, or for some not being able to conceive again - the pregnancy after loss world is emotional and fraught with danger. In the episode, the dads discuss how to approach the subject of trying again with your partner; how to...2023-02-2851 min
Dad Still Standing'Tis the End of Season SpecialAs we draw a close on 2022 and Season Two of the Dad Still Standing podcast, Matt & Liam reflect on what has been a crazy year for the pod. It wouldn't be an end-of-season show without inviting some special guests along for the sleigh ride (apologies in advance the show is littered with puns). So, the dads are joined by four previous guests who have appeared on the show this year. The dads hope you enjoy catching up with old friends as much as they did and hearing how their baby loss journeys have progressed in 2022.2022-12-2056 min
Dad Still StandingSharing is Caring: an episode for friends and familyFor most of us, we can probably think of a friend or family member who could have done more to support us or was that little bit better after our loss. But due to a lack of knowledge or thoughtfulness or experience, they just weren't there when we needed them. Well, after a suggestion from one of our listeners...we've done something different with this episode. We've designed and recorded it for you to pass on to that family member who isn't there for you, or that mate who you think could be doing more. ...2022-12-1350 min
Dad Still StandingSaving Babies’ LivesFor some, the terrible fate of our babies death was inevitable. For many others, our tragedies avoidable. Medical science and our understanding of the human body has come on leaps and bounds; with research at the very core of how we improve patient care and provide the right advice throughout a pregnancy. However, despite an advancement in research there is still so much unknown about why and how our babies die. In this week’s episode Matt & Liam talk to Professor Alex Heazell, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Director of Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Cent...2022-11-0146 min
Dad Still StandingBLAW Special: Day Five🕯Wave of Light 🕯 The last episode in the BLAW specials and it’s all about the #WaveOfLight. If you don’t know what the Wave Of Light is, then you will in about three minutes as the dads discuss the finale of BLAW which takes place on Saturday 15th October 2022 at 7pm. In this episode Matt & Liam chat about what the culmination of Baby Loss Awareness Week involves, how they remember their babies, and how you can be part of the Wave Of Light. They'd love you to get in touch so please message on...2022-10-1410 min
Dad Still StandingBLAW Special: Day FourGetting out the 💩 zone You know what it can be like at times… f#@king miserable. Well, in this episode the dads discuss how you can get yourself out that shit zone when you find yourself struggling. It also contains hints and tips as Matt and Liam draw on their own experiences of picking themselves up and flipping the switch on their grief. They'd love you to get in touch so please message on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com. 2022-10-1310 min
Dad Still StandingBLAW Special: Day Three👀 Seeking and giving support 👏 Day three of the Dad Still Standing BLAW specials, in this episode Matt & Liam discuss how to go about seeking support if you’re struggling with the complex emotions that come with this week. The dads also discuss the best ways to check in on those you think might be struggling and how to go about asking for support if you yourself don’t feel great. They'd love you to get in touch so please message on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email...2022-10-1212 min
Dad Still StandingBLAW Special: Day Two👍🏼Dos and Don'ts 🙅🏻♂️ The second episode of the Baby Loss Awareness Week specials sees the dads discuss the dos and don’ts of navigating BLAW. This week can be an especially emotional and overwhelming time for baby loss parents, and so Liam and Matt talk about acknowledging your emotions, having a drink, and whether or not Matt is boring. They'd love you to get in touch so please message on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com. 'Dad Still Standing' is a Facto...2022-10-1109 min
Dad Still StandingBaby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) Special: Day OneBLAW SPECIALS It’s Baby Loss Awareness Week, as if you didn’t know already, and the dads have decided to do something a little different. As great as baby loss awareness week is for raising awareness it can be exhausting and overwhelming for those dealing with the grief of baby loss. Matt and Liam decided that they’d help their listeners through it with five shorter episodes each day - think of it as bite size chunks of the dads. In this episode, they discuss what BLAW week is, how it’s grown ov...2022-10-1015 min
Dad Still StandingTFMR - An isolating ‘choice’Easily one of our most requested subjects to cover, TFMR or terminating for medical reasons is an area the dads have not experienced personally. However, joining them for this week’s episode is Emma Belle from TFMR Mamas, who since her own loss has been an inspirational advocate and provided support to 1000s of parents who have had their own TFMR. The episode is sensitive at times as Emma opens up about her journey and covers the challenges, complications, isolation, and pain that comes with making the most difficult ‘choice’ a parent is forced to make. Taki...2022-10-0355 min
Dad Still StandingMental HealthThere's probably not an episode where the dads haven't discussed how your mental health is altered after losing a child. So, with that in mind, Matt & Liam have decided to spend this whole one talking about the effects, both positive and negative on a dad's mental health. Also, in a returning segment for the show, they asked dads to send them a message answering the question: "How has your mental health changed since losing a baby?" Listen to Matt, Liam and the other dads discuss mental health and baby loss. As always follow on socials...2022-09-2047 min
Dad Still StandingSpotlight on loss with Paul CostabileThe dads have a very special episode this week as they’re joined by US host, comedian, writer, producer and entertainment reporter Paul Costabile. Paul and his wife Christina Perri have had two losses with their most recent being their daughter Rosie in November 2020. The three dads discuss all things baby loss, and despite being thousands of miles apart the shared experiences they’ve been through. Given their new found celebrity status, Liam and Matt were keen to understand how different it would be to lose a child and be famous. So, in the...2022-08-1548 min
Dad Still StandingAnniversaries & BirthdaysWhether you call them anniversaries or birthdays, marking each year after your child has passed will be emotionally fraught. Anxiety about what the day will feel like; nervous for how family and friends will react; differences of opinions on how to celebrate their life. In this episode Matt & Liam discuss what it is like approaching the first birthday of your child and how you can best prepare for it. They also give advice and tips on how to broach the subject with friends and family, and importantly how couples can communicate with each other to make sure...2022-08-0135 min
Dad Still StandingTriggers and Coping MechanismsWe’ve all been triggered at some point since our losses and in this episode, Matt & Liam talk through some of those potential triggers and how to prepare yourself for them. However, while we know that some triggers can be seen in advance, we also are well aware that they can come out of nowhere and slap us right in the chops! So, the dads discuss coping mechanisms for when triggers arise and what you can do to try and work through those difficult moments. They’re joined this week by an incredibly special guest, Craig...2022-07-1854 min
Dad Still StandingThe 'New' YouIn this episode, the dads discuss how baby loss changes you as an individual, for both better and worse. They also chat about the search to find and adapt to the 'new' you following your child's death. This 'new' you can be a positive and a negative, and we've reached out to our incredible listeners for some examples, so this episode features a few other dads contributing to the pod. We'd love you to get in touch so please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email th...2022-07-0141 min
Dad Still StandingFather's Day SpecialThe dads are back after a little hiatus and returning for an episode all about coping with Father's Day. Whether it is your first Father's Day after losing your baby or your 20th, the emotions can still feel the same. So, alongside delving into their own experiences, Liam and Matt chat through the best ways to cope with the pressures the day can bring, give out their top five tips for dads, and offer advice on how family and friends can support you. Whatever you do, take care on Father's Day and remember that however you...2022-06-1444 minDad Still StandingSaying goodbye to your babyIn this episode of the podcast, the dads discuss an important part of the grief journey - how we say that final goodbye to our babies. Depending on your circumstances and type of loss, you may or may not have had to plan a funeral for your child. Matt & Liam discuss both of these experiences, having held funerals and not held funerals for their children. Discussing all the difficult questions; whether to hold a funeral? where to lay your child to rest? what the ceremony should be like? and do you invite people to the funeral? T...2022-03-1154 minDad Still StandingBereavement without bordersThe dads begin 2022 with a very special guest - Raul Navarro Jr - a listener all the way from California. This episode focuses on how bereavement doesn't discriminate, and that the experiences of dads in London, Lisbon, Lahore, or Los Angeles can be incredibly similar. We can be from distant cities but our grief feels the same - we can live in different time zones but have the same sleepless nights. The show is part of a special episode filmed with the BBC and in it, Raul shares his story about his son Isaac and t...2022-02-1541 min
Dad Still StandingNavigating the nativitiesWhile amazing and full of spirit, Christmas and other seasonal holidays can also cause a lot of emotional pain. A reminder our babies are not with us at a time when we are forced to act merry! Matt and Liam spend this episode chatting through all their tips on how to navigate the nativities and sidestep the Santas. 2021-12-1754 minDad Still StandingSupporting SiblingsThere are many ways in which baby loss leaves you unprepared. One of the most unexpected is having to tell a child that their brother or sister has died. Matt and Liam have both experienced this challenge, in different circumstances and with differing results. When the podcast was first dreamt up this was an episode that they both were keen to do. Joining them to talk through their work is Kirsty, the founder of sibling support charity Naya's Wish. Naya's Wish was set up after Kirsty's and her husband Brent's daughter, Naya, was stillborn in Ja...2021-11-151h 00Dad Still StandingFriends and FamilyWe know that friends and family play such an important role in the healing process and can be crucial to our journeys through grief. However, their close proximity to our pain doesn't necessarily mean that they are always helpful or support us in the way that we would like. In this episode, Liam and Matt discuss how friends and family can be more supportive in the immediate days after a loss and also in the months and years to follow. Through exploring their own experiences of good and bad support they offer advice on how to broach...2021-09-2443 minDad Still StandingReturning to workIn this episode, Liam & Matt interview the podcast's first guest as they talk with mental health expert, Christ Stuart, from Minding Minds. The episode covers the difficult prospect that is returning to work after losing a baby. For some, they may be lucky enough to get a few weeks off, for others, it may be an immediate return. Regardless of how fast, returning to work can be an anxiety-ridden experience but Matt, Liam, and Chris talk through ways to make it as easy as possible for both employees and also employers. If you'd li...2021-08-2456 minDad Still StandingGrieving together and apart; the differences between mums and dadsOne of the most challenging aspects of losing a child is the strain it puts on your partner, relationship, and family. In this episode, Matt and Liam discuss their experiences of how mums and dads grieve in different ways. It is a theme that comes up often and a subject that has been mentioned in almost all of the messages the podcast has received. Frequently, dads reach out to us because they feel they are grieving differently from their partners. And often mums have emailed the show because they don't understand the reaction of their par...2021-08-0346 minDad Still StandingSpecial Edition - Liam's JourneyWhen they decided to do a podcast together, Matt and Liam soon realised that they hadn't told each other the stories of their losses. Following on from Matt's journey in the last episode, Liam tells his story for the first time. Hear the moments before, during, and after the loss of his daughter Paloma. This episode may be upsetting for some people to listen to, so please do so in a way that works for you. Thank you to Liam for sharing his family's journey and doing so in this way.2021-07-201h 05Dad Still StandingSpecial Edition - Matt's JourneyWhen they decided to do a podcast together, Matt and Liam soon realised that they hadn't told each other the stories of their losses. In order to do the show justice, Matt and Liam would need to tell each other their stories but wanted to do so in a way that was authentic and meaningful. So, in real-time and for the first time, you'll hear Matt describe to Liam the tragic losses his wife, Lauren, and he has suffered. This episode may be upsetting for some people to listen to, so please do so in a...2021-06-251h 27Dad Still StandingReturning HomeThis episode begins as the previous one ended. The moment you leave the hospital following a loss and return to the family home. Our third show covers everything from the difficulties in telling family members and friends, to the nature of support that can be offered in the immediate aftermath of losing a child. As ever, Matt and Liam talk candidly about their own journies through the perspective of two dads navigating such tragic circumstances. If you would like to contact us you can do so via Instagram // Facebook // Twitter or dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com...2021-06-0750 minDad Still StandingThe day everything changedOriginally planned to cover the first six weeks after losing a child, Matt and I realised there was far too much content for this one show. So, we begin this episode intending to discuss everything that happens in the first week and as you'll quickly discover, we failed to scratch even the surface! If you would like to contact us you can do so via Instagram // Facebook // Twitter or dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.2021-05-2447 min
Dad Still StandingSo, where do we begin?In our first episode, we discuss why we've created Dad Still Standing and why a podcast around baby loss from a father's perspective is so needed. We also look at what's to come from the podcast over the year and our aim to support as many dads (and their families) as possible. If you would like to contact us you can do so via Instagram // Facebook // Twitter or dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com. 2021-05-1327 min