Dad Still Standing

In this episode, Matt and Liam talk about compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is the emotional, physical, and psychological exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to the suffering and trauma of others. We explore what this can look like when you are trying to support other people through grief, but also what happens when you are the person who needs support and those around you begin to feel o...

We’re back for Season 5 of Dad Still Standing, and we’re excited, raring to go, and so pleased to be bringing you our first ever video episode on Spotify and Youtube. In this opening episode, To Heal or Not to Heal, we talk about one of the questions that often sits quietly in the background after loss: how quickly are you supposed to heal? Is it okay if you feel ready to move forward sooner than...

It’s (almost) Chrrriiiiiistmas!! The dads are here for another festive edition of the podcast. Trying to cover the highs and the lows, the merriment and the sorrow. But overall delving deep into the reminders of a time of year that stirs many emotions for people. If you get past the first 15 minutes of the dads having a bitch and a moan about the elf on a shelf and the past twelve months, there’s...

This episode we chat to Andy Parsons, who apart from being a top bloke also happens to be married to British #NationalTreasure Becky Adlington. In the episode Matt, Liam and Andy discuss all things baby loss including how the couple grieved after suffering multiple miscarriages; Andy's own journey with grief and being a spokesperson as a bereaved father; and how sport gave him a moment to hims...

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, th...

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 sa...

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 e...

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....

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 a...

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 s...

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 wi...

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,...

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 ho...

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...

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 d...

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 peo...

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 preg...

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...

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...

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...

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 cover...

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 i...

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...

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, o...

The 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...