Dad Still Standing
42 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - â â â â â - 14 ratingsđ Winner of the Best Parenting Podcast of the Year - British Podcast Awards.
Two dads discussing baby loss, coping with life, and working their way through grief. In the aftermath of losing babies, Liam and Matt found there was no support specifically aimed at dads to help them process their grief, prepare for what was to come next, and help them to support their partners.
So, they've teamed up to create this podcast for other dads (and families) which shows a bereaved father's perspective and provides the tools to help them on their journey with grief.
If you would like to contact us you can do so via our social media pages (@dadstillstanding) or email [email protected].
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Episodes
Pregnancy Announcements
March 08, 2024 08:30 - 48 minutes - 113 MBIn 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 the...
Supportive Partners
February 23, 2024 08:16 - 43 minutes - 102 MBIn 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 ...
Complexities of Grief
February 08, 2024 07:30 - 55 minutes - 130 MBThis 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 revi...
Feliz NaviDads
December 22, 2023 08:59 - 53 minutes - 125 MBAs 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 dad...
Healing and Justice: Legal Action After Baby Loss
December 01, 2023 08:30 - 39 minutes - 92.9 MBThis 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 emotiona...
Spotlight on loss with James Green
October 28, 2023 06:30 - 44 minutes - 101 MBThe 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, menta...
Escaping the Rut
October 14, 2023 05:30 - 48 minutes - 113 MBIn 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 ...
Impact on Careers
September 06, 2023 05:30 - 1 hour - 145 MBIn this thought-provoking episode of 'Dad Still Standing,' the dads delve deep into a seldom-discussed aspect of griefâthe 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 ...
Regrets
July 29, 2023 05:45 - 40 minutes - 93.7 MBThe 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 th...
Social Media
May 27, 2023 05:30 - 46 minutes - 109 MBIt can be a force for good, it can bring you to your knees; and thatâs 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 emot...
Multiple Losses
March 27, 2023 05:30 - 46 minutes - 108 MBâSurely it wonât happen again?!â 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 weekâs 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 đ€Ł (yeah we donât know how that happened either) to discuss his losses and the reality of losing more than one child and...
Pregnancy After Loss
February 28, 2023 06:31 - 51 minutes - 119 MBThey'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 tr...
'Tis the End of Season Special
December 20, 2022 06:30 - 56 minutes - 130 MBAs 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 jou...
Sharing is Caring: an episode for friends and family
December 13, 2022 06:30 - 50 minutes - 116 MBFor 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 cou...
Saving Babiesâ Lives
November 01, 2022 06:30 - 46 minutes - 108 MBFor 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 weekâs episode Matt & Liam talk to Professor Alex Heazell, Senior C...
BLAW Special: Day Five
October 14, 2022 05:30 - 10 minutes - 25.6 MBđŻWave of Light đŻ The last episode in the BLAW specials and itâs all about the #WaveOfLight. If you donât 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 mes...
BLAW Special: Day Four
October 13, 2022 05:30 - 10 minutes - 25.8 MBGetting out the đ© 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...
BLAW Special: Day Three
October 12, 2022 05:30 - 12 minutes - 29.5 MBđ Seeking and giving support đ Day three of the Dad Still Standing BLAW specials, in this episode Matt & Liam discuss how to go about seeking support if youâre 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 donât feel great. They'd love you to get in touch so please message on Instagram or Facebook and for our socials search @dadst...
BLAW Special: Day Two
October 11, 2022 05:30 - 9 minutes - 23.8 MBđđŒDos and Don'ts đ đ»ââïž The second episode of the Baby Loss Awareness Week specials sees the dads discuss the dos and donâts 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 ...
BLAW Special: Day One
October 10, 2022 05:30 - 15 minutes - 38.2 MBBLAW SPECIALS Itâs Baby Loss Awareness Week, as if you didnât 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 theyâd 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 itâ...
Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) Special: Day One
October 10, 2022 05:30 - 15 minutes - 38.2 MBBLAW SPECIALS Itâs Baby Loss Awareness Week, as if you didnât 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 theyâd 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 itâ...
TFMR - An isolating âchoiceâ
October 03, 2022 05:30 - 55 minutes - 129 MBEasily 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 weekâs 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 wi...
Mental Health
September 20, 2022 05:00 - 47 minutes - 109 MBThere'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 ...
Spotlight on loss with Paul Costabile
August 15, 2022 06:06 - 48 minutes - 112 MBThe dads have a very special episode this week as theyâre 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 theyâve been through. Given their new found celebrity status, Liam and Matt were keen to understand how differ...
Anniversaries & Birthdays
August 01, 2022 05:00 - 35 minutes - 83.1 MBWhether 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 ...
Anniversaries
August 01, 2022 05:00 - 35 minutes - 83.1 MBWhether 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 ...
Triggers and Coping Mechanisms
July 18, 2022 05:00 - 54 minutes - 126 MBWeâve 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. Theyâre joined this week by an...
The 'New' You
July 01, 2022 15:28 - 41 minutes - 94.8 MBIn 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 @...
Father's Day Special
June 14, 2022 05:00 - 44 minutes - 101 MBThe 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 Fathe...
Saying goodbye to your baby
March 11, 2022 04:00 - 54 minutes - 50 MBIn 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? a...
Bereavement without borders
February 15, 2022 19:22 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MBThe 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 sto...
Navigating the nativities
December 17, 2021 05:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBWhile 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.Â
Supporting Siblings
November 15, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 140 MBThere 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...
Friends and Family
September 24, 2021 04:00 - 43 minutes - 101 MBWe 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...
Returning to work
August 24, 2021 04:00 - 56 minutes - 129 MBIn 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 bot...
Grieving together and apart; the differences between mums and dads
August 03, 2021 05:00 - 46 minutes - 106 MBOne 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...
Special Edition - Liam's Journey
July 20, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBWhen 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.
Special Edition - Matt's Journey
June 25, 2021 08:41 - 1 hour - 80.3 MBWhen 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...
Returning Home
June 07, 2021 08:00 - 50 minutes - 69.8 MBThis 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 ca...
The day everything changed
May 24, 2021 20:10 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MBOriginally 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 [email protected].
Introducing Liam, Matt and Dad Still Standing
May 12, 2021 22:41 - 27 minutes - 38.5 MBIn 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 [email protected].
So, where do we begin?
May 12, 2021 22:41 - 27 minutes - 38.5 MBIn 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 [email protected].