When you first lose your baby, it can feel impossible to imagine a time when grief won’t dominate every waking moment. The early days are often raw, overwhelming, and full of uncertainty about how life will ever feel bearable again.
In this episode, Matt and Liam take a step back and reflect on their own journeys of grief. They talk openly about how things felt in the beginning – the intensity, the shock, and the misconceptions they had about what grief would look like. They share how their experiences have evolved over the years, what has shifted and softened, and the moments that made them realise grief was taking a different shape.
What makes this conversation particularly powerful is that their experiences of looking back and looking forward are very different. This contrast creates an honest, thought-provoking discussion that highlights just how individual the grief journey is.
This episode also explores how being bereaved dads has shaped their identities, their relationships, and their ongoing sense of fatherhood. They discuss what it means to carry their children with them today, and how remembrance continues to play a role as they look ahead to the future.
It’s an honest and heartfelt discussion that will resonate with anyone navigating baby loss, whether you’re right at the start of the journey or many years further down the line.
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 awesome.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
As the nights draw in and the days get colder, many people notice their grief feels heavier. In this episode, we talk about how the change in seasons can affect our emotions, whether winter makes grief harder to carry, and why that might be the case.
We explore Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the pressure of festive celebrations, and the way darker days can heighten feelings of loneliness or sadness after loss. We also share some of our own experiences of navigating grief in winter, alongside ideas that can bring light and comfort during these months; from small rituals of remembrance to finding hope in the changing seasons.
If you’ve ever felt that your grief seems sharper in the winter, you’re not alone.
If you want to share your story or get in touch with us, you can find us on social media @dadstillstanding or email us at dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
This 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 doing to improve care, offer guidance, and change outcomes – as well as how they’re supporting dads and partners, who can often feel overlooked in their grief.
If you or someone you know needs support, Tommy’s midwife-led Advice Line is free to call on 0800 014 7800. You can also visit tommys.org, or find them on Instagram and X (Twitter) @tommys.
As always, if you’ve been affected by anything in this episode or want to share your story, get in touch with us on Instagram @dadstillstanding, drop us an email at dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com or visit www.dadstillstanding.com.
This episode was crafted by the incredible Factory Originals.
In 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 experiences, and how she tries to offer comfort without cliché.
Matt and Liam also open up about their personal journeys with belief, loss, and meaning. And in a moving moment, Matt experiences something of an epiphany about his own faith.
This episode is a reminder that grief doesn’t follow a script – and neither does belief.
If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode or want to share your story, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us on Instagram @dadstillstanding, drop us an email at dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com or visit www.dadstillstanding.com.
Losing 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 believed. It's safe to say it is an episode the dads have wanted to do for some time - and it delivered!
Even if faith isn’t part of your life, this is an important conversation about grief, belief, and finding your own way through loss.
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 awesome.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
In 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.
Understanding your rights is an essential part of the grieving process, and we’re here to help you feel informed and empowered.
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 awesome.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
This 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.
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 awesome.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
It’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 out some questionable holiday advice.
Whether you’re feeling more “bah humbug” than “ho ho ho,” or just trying to get through the season, this episode is a reminder that you can honour your feelings, set your own pace, and maybe even find a little joy along the way.
Grab your festive drink of choice, settle in, and let’s survive Christmas together - Grinch-style.
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 surprisingly uplifting conversation about getting through the hard times with small steps, practical coping strategies, and a reminder that you’re not alone.
Tune in for validation, solidarity, and maybe even a laugh or two in the midst of it all. It’s okay to not be okay, and we’re right here with you.
We'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, practice self-awareness, and gently challenge the assumptions people may make about your grief journey.
We’ll share practical tips for journaling, therapy, and opening up to trusted people, as well as strategies for communicating your emotional reality without feeling obligated to explain everything. This episode is about honouring your feelings and finding balance in how you share them with the world.
It’s a powerful start to a new season that promises to continue offering support, insight, and encouragement for all parents navigating baby loss. Tune in for an honest conversation about the complex layers of grief and self-awareness plus all the usually shite we chat.
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 awesome.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
In 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 one already. Thanks so much to all of our listeners, we really wouldn't be here without you.
You can follow the Sad Dads Club on Instagram and Facebook. Details about their Sad Dads Open Hour and other events can be found here.
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 awesome.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
In 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 emotional landscape that tells us it might be too soon or somehow disrespectful to find joy in life again. Through this conversation, we aim to offer perspectives that help normalise these feelings as a part of the healing process, providing comfort and understanding to anyone navigating life after loss.
Join us as we break down these barriers, encouraging a dialogue about emotional honesty and the right to reclaim joy without reservation.
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 awesome.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
In 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 for others with personal pain, providing a thoughtful discussion on a sensitive subject.
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 awesome.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
In 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 support, including the moments they wish they could have approached differently.
The conversation also delves into the experiences of receiving support, highlighting the significance of empathy, patience, and the delicate balance of navigating two individual grief paths within a single relationship. Our guests share both heartwarming and difficult experiences of support from their partners, offering a raw look at the complexities of grieving together yet apart.
This episode is an invitation to all listening to consider the dynamics of their relationships in the face of grief. It's a discussion about growth, love, and the continuous effort to understand and be understood by one's partner. Whether you're seeking to be a better source of support or wishing to communicate your own needs more effectively, this episode offers perspectives, encouragement, and a reminder that you're not alone in this journey.
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 awesome.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
This 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 awesome.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
As 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 the social channels.
Thinking of getting Liam and Matt a gift this year, then look no further than the rating option on your podcast - If you could write a review or just rate the pod that would be awesome. Please also remember to subscribe or follow the podcast so it lands in your inbox as soon as a new episode drops in 2024.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
This 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 not just the financial implications of taking legal action but the policy and practice changes it can lead to. Ultimately saving more babies' lives.
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 just rate the pod that would be awesome.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
The 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, the impact of the podcast and having a voice on baby loss, and how men deal with emotions.
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 just rate the pod that would be awesome.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show please message us on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadstillstanding. You can also email the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.
'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
In 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 of a baby.
They also touch on the benefits of exercise and mindfulness as ways to help your mental health - Matt even attempts it live, before Liam ruins it 🤣
Finally, they chat about finding a group of other dads or trusted friends to talk to, because speaking openly with people who understand can make a world of difference.
But before all that, they can't help themselves discussing the British Podcast Award Win...so, strap yourselves in for that one...as it comes thick and fast!
If you're a dad dealing with the painful loss of a baby, or you know someone who is, this episode is packed with helpful advice, support, and ways to take steps forward, even when it feels impossible.
The dads would love you to follow the podcast or subscribe wherever you get it, and of course, leave a review.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show 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 podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.
In 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 Arthur who give their insight into how bereavement affected their careers.
So, whether you are listening for coping strategies; supportive resources; advice; other people's experiences; or just to hear Matt call Liam a "prick"...then fear not this episode has it all.
If you have a spare minute and want to help Liam & Matt, please could you leave a review for the podcast on here. It helps enormously to reach more families.
If you’d like to get in touch with the show 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 podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.