Dad Still Standing

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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 dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.

Liam Preston & Matt Dearsley


    • Oct 25, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 42 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Dad Still Standing

    Self-Awareness and Self-Perception

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 49:58


    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.

    Sad Dads Club

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 68:51


    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.

    The Guilt of Happiness

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 47:29


    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.

    Pregnancy Announcements

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 48:23


    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.

    Supportive Partners

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 43:26


    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.

    Complexities of Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2024 55:48


    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.

    Feliz NaviDads

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 53:39


    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.

    Healing and Justice: Legal Action After Baby Loss

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 39:39


    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.

    Spotlight on loss with James Green

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2023 44:16


    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.

    Escaping the Rut

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2023 48:19


    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

    Impact on Careers

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 63:03


    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.

    Regrets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2023 40:36


    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 is here to be supportive and a toolkit following a loss. So, the dads have spent some time thinking about when those regrets do become all-encompassing -  how you can find your way out. Pretty early on in the episode

    Social Media

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2023 46:53


    It 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 discuss their own experiences with social media - the positive, the negative, the public, and the private.  Joining the dads this week are contributions from three listeners: Seth, Mike, and Brian. Thank you all so much for being a part of the show. Social media will impact your journey with grief in different ways at different stages. Just remember to take care of yourselves. If you have one spare minute and want to help the dads, 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 Factory Originals production.

    Multiple Losses

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 46:26


    “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

    Pregnancy After Loss

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2023 51:04


    They'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 actually try again (don't worry no tips); the emotions and anxieties of being pregnant; and the pain of additional losses. A big thank you to all those who got in touch to ask the dads to cover this episode, and as ever if you'd like to reach out to 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 Factory Originals production.

    'Tis the End of Season Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2022 56:48


    As 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. As ever take care this Holiday Season and look after yourselves. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. Liam & Matt Also, not forgetting, if you'd like to reach out to 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 Factory Originals production.

    Sharing is Caring: an episode for friends and family

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2022 50:14


    For 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.  It isn't about shaming them or making them feel like shit, but about giving them an insight into what you're going through and the type of things they can do to help.  The episode for family and friends begins at 6 minutes but obviously, they can listen to the whole thing...we'll leave that up to you. So, have a listen, share the episode, and hopefully, get the response you need from those closest to you.  If you'd like to reach out to 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 Factory Originals production.

    Saving Babies' Lives

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2022 46:20


    For 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 Centre - the Rainbow Clinic - at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester, UK.  The Rainbow Clinic provides specialist care for women who have suffered a previous stillbirth or neonatal death with the aim of ensuring that it doesn't happen again in future pregnancies. This episode explores what the latest developments in baby loss research are; whether all losses are preventable; what each of us can do to support the cause; and delves a little into Prof Heazell's background asking the question how does someone get into the world of saving babies' lives. You can follow Prof Heazell on Twitter: @MCR_SB_Research If you'd like to reach out to 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 Factory Originals production.

    BLAW Special: Day One

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2022 15:51


    BLAW 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 over the years, and what still needs doing to raise awareness of baby loss. 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 Factory Originals production.

    TFMR - An isolating ‘choice'

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 55:39


    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. Taking a more active listening role in this episode gave the dads a chance to get to grips with how deep, complex, and life-altering this element of baby loss is. A follow-up with more practical support and guidance on how to navigate this type of journey is something that will definitely happen. 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 the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com. Another big push for our listeners to leave a review and share the podcast. It goes a long way to reaching those who don't know support exists. 'Dad Still Standing' is a Factory Originals production.

    Mental Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2022 47:04


    There'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 to stay up to date with the show and it would mean the world for you to leave a short review. 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 the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com. 'Dad Still Standing' is a Factory Originals production.

    Spotlight on loss with Paul Costabile

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2022 48:06


    The 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 episode Paul also shares his and Christina's experience of grief under the celebrity spotlight. 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 the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com. 'Dad Still Standing' is a Factory Originals production.

    Anniversaries

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2022 35:28


    Whether 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 you both make the best of the day. Leaning on their experience of miscarriage and stillbirth, the dads talk about what it is like to have to think through one single date in the year and also multiple dates of significance. 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 the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com. 'Dad Still Standing' is a Factory Originals production.

    Triggers and Coping Mechanisms

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2022 54:33


    We'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 Ansell. In this episode, Craig tells the story of his son, Grayson, who died aged ten months, and the work they are doing to spread awareness through Grayson's Legacy Support Trust. Craig then joins Matt & Liam in sharing some of his triggers and coping mechanisms.  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 the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com. 'Dad Still Standing' is a Factory Originals production.

    The 'New' You

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2022 41:26


    In 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 the show dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com. 'Dad Still Standing' is a Factory Originals production.

    Father's Day Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 44:11


    The 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 feel, it is the right way to feel for you.

    Saying goodbye to your baby

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2022 54:24


    In 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?  The dads speak vividly about their own experiences and this might invoke memories of what has happened to you. As always, take care of yourselves and listen, however, you feel comfortable.  If you would like to get in touch with the show visit www.dadstillstanding.com or email dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com. You can also follow us on facebook, twitter, and instagram - @dadstillstanding.

    Bereavement without borders

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2022 41:19


    The dads begin 2022 with Season 2 of the podcast. Joined this week by 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 the impact of his life on their family. Given the subject matter this episode might be distressing for some people, so please do listen at your own pace and however you feel comfortable.  A million thanks to Raul for sharing his story and we hope to share more of your stories soon.

    Navigating the nativities

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2021 54:22


    While 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. 

    Supporting Siblings

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 60:58


    There 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 January 2019. Hear Kirsty, Matt, and Liam explore their own journeys in telling their other children; what worked, what didn't, and the advice they would give to anyone who has to do it in the future. For more information about Naya's Wish visit https://www.nayaswish.com/

    Friends and Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2021 43:56


    We 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 the subject with friends and family who are not giving you what you need. For anyone who wants to be more supportive, the dads also provide some guidance on how to help someone you know who has lost a baby.

    Returning to work

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2021 56:08


    In 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 like to reach out to Chris his email is chris.stewart@mindingminds.co.uk and his website is https://mindminds.co.uk/  

    Grieving together and apart; the differences between mums and dads

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2021 46:08


    One 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 partners. Ultimately grief is a personal emotional response and in the episode, Matt and Liam delve deeper into why we can grieve so differently from those around us who have experienced the same tragedy.

    Special Edition - Liam's Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2021 65:38


    When 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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2021 87:39


    When 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 way that works for you.  A big thanks to Matt for sharing his family's journey and doing so in this way.

    Returning Home

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 50:52


    This 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.

    The day everything changed

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 47:04


    Originally 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.

    So, where do we begin?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2021 27:26


    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.

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