Advertise on podcast: Dad Still Standing

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 some handy tips and advice for getting through the festive season. Matt and Liam also chat about how to show up for others at Christmas even if you don’t feel up to it, and also how to build the confidence to say no if it’s just not for you this year. They discuss the best approaches for your first Christmas after loss and whether it’s better to sit in the grief or try and artificially kick start your emotional resilience by embracing the time of the year. 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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. 'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.

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 himself. We touch on the role of counselling and how it provides a space to be open about your own challenges and also as a couple. We go deep on the complexities of miscarriage and the connotations that come with it - while trying to unsuccessful come up with an alternative word. Andy opens up about how his thoughts and feelings were changed following counselling and his new perspective towards their first loss - something we've touched on in previous episodes. Finally, we discuss the songs that bring us closest to our babies and Andy confesses all about how much James Blunt means to him and our campaign to unite them begins. Stay to the end for that one. 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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. 'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.

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 [email protected]. '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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠. '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 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠. '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 ⁠[email protected]⁠. '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 [email protected]. '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 [email protected]. '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 [email protected]. '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 [email protected]. 'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.