Dads Don't Cry

Peter Shelley
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated weekly

Dads Don’t Cry is a RTÉ Radio 1 series airing on Wednesday nights at 10pm on RTÉ Radio 1, and podcast hosted by Peter Shelley, created to break the silence around grief, child loss, and life after the unimaginable. Born from Peter’s own experience of losing his daughter, Aodhla, the podcast is a space where bereaved parents and families share the stories of the children they love and miss. These are honest conversations about love, loss, relationships, hope, and learning to carry grief while continuing to live. While the name is Dads Don’t Cry, these conversations are for everyone. Fathers, mothers, siblings, grandparents, friends, colleagues, and anyone who wants to better understand grief will find compassion, honesty, and connection here. Every child remembered on this podcast matters. Every story shared helps someone else feel a little less alone. Please listen with care. Some episodes contain conversations that may be emotionally difficult. Take a break if you need to, and remember that support resources for bereaved families are included in each episode description. For further information about the series, Peter’s story, and a full list of support organisations, visit the Dads Don’t Cry page on the RTÉ website.

  1. 2 days ago

    Where to Listen

    The podcast is now airing as a special series on RTÉ Radio 1, with new episodes broadcast every Wednesday at 10:00pm. Missed the live broadcast? You can catch up from around 10:45pm each Wednesday by visiting RTÉ.ie/dadsdontcry or listening on the RTÉ Radio Player. This podcast feed will continue to be home to the original Dads Don't Cry episodes, featuring honest conversations with bereaved parents, healthcare professionals and experts. If you're new here, there's a wealth of episodes waiting for you, and I'll continue to share updates here from time to time - so make sure you hit Follow to be notified. You can also keep up to date on Instagram @dadsdontcrypodcast, and if you'd like to share your thoughts or feedback, I'd love to hear from you at dadsdontcrypodcast@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your continued support. It means the world, and I hope you'll join me for the new series on RTÉ Radio 1.

    Where to Listen

  2. 13 Jul

    Episode 27: Listeners Questions

    After a short break, Peter returns with a solo episode to share what's been happening behind the scenes, including the exciting news of a special summer series for Dads Don't Cry. He opens up about returning to Slane Church for the christening of his daughter Réiltín, the first time back since saying goodbye to Aodhla, and reflects on how grief and joy can exist side by side. Peter also answers listener questions on some of the biggest topics facing bereaved parents: deciding whether to have another child after loss, living with the complexities of parenting a rainbow baby, feeling "okay" while grieving, the changing support of family and friends, and finding community as a bereaved parent. An honest, personal episode about carrying hope without leaving your child behind, remembering those we love, and why every grief journey is different.

    Episode 27: Listeners Questions

  3. 22 Jun

    Episode 26: Ría

    In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, Peter sits down with Mark to share the story of his daughter, Ría, who died due to a Fetal-maternal hemorrhage (FMH). Per the pathologist, it happens rarely, is not predictable or preventable. Sadly one of those tragic, unfortunate, events. Mark speaks with remarkable honesty about the excitement of pregnancy, the fears that surfaced along the way, and the devastating moment he and his wife learned that Ría's heart had stopped beating. He takes us through the unimaginable reality that followed, telling their children, preparing for Ría's birth, creating precious memories in the limited time they had with her, and facing the heartbreak of planning a funeral for a child they had longed to meet. Together, Peter and Mark explore what happens after the condolences fade: how grief affects relationships, work, mental health, and family life. They reflect on the different ways men and women grieve, the importance of seeking support, and how children often teach us some of grief's most valuable lessons through their honesty and innocence. This is a conversation about loss, but also about love, resilience, fatherhood, and finding ways to keep a child's memory alive. Through stories of kindness, remembrance, and enduring connection, Mark shows how Ría remains an irreplaceable part of his family's life. A powerful and heartfelt episode that will resonate with bereaved parents, families, and anyone seeking to better understand life after the loss of a child.

    Episode 26: Ría

  4. 15 Jun

    Episode 25: Frankie

    In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, host Peter is joined by Sinead, Frankie’s mammy, to share the story of her beloved son and the profound impact his loss has had on her life and family. Sinead opens up about her pregnancy, the concerns she felt weren’t being heard, and the devastating events that led to Frankie’s brief life and her own near-death experience. With remarkable honesty, she reflects on the days and weeks that followed, from leaving the hospital without her baby to planning Frankie’s funeral and learning to navigate the overwhelming reality of grief. Together, Peter and Sinead explore the lasting impact of child loss, the challenges of coping with insensitive comments, family dynamics, unanswered questions, and the anger that can remain when seeking accountability. They also discuss the different ways people grieve, the importance of support networks, and how sharing stories can bring comfort, understanding, and connection to those facing loss. Sinead shares how Frankie’s memory continues to shape her family’s life, inspiring meaningful fundraising efforts in his memory and a determination to keep his legacy alive. This is a powerful conversation about love, loss, resilience, and the enduring bond between a parent and child. A heartfelt episode that will resonate with anyone who has experienced grief, supported someone through loss, or is seeking hope in the stories of others.

    Episode 25: Frankie

  5. 8 Jun

    Episode 24: Finn

    This week on Dads Don’t Cry, Peter is joined by Chloe, Finn’s mam, for a deeply moving conversation about love, hope, resilience, and loss. Chloe shares her journey through pregnancy, receiving Finn’s diagnosis of Down syndrome, and the many challenges that followed after his birth. She opens up about the long hospital stays, moments of uncertainty, the search for answers, and the strength it took to keep believing in brighter days for her son. Together, Peter and Chloe discuss Finn’s complex health challenges, the precious memories created along the way, and the reality of navigating life when hope and heartbreak exist side by side. Chloe reflects on bringing Finn home, saying goodbye, and the lasting impact he continues to have on her family. The conversation also explores grief, therapy, humour, relationships, and the different ways people cope with loss. Chloe shares how she keeps Finn’s memory alive through art and advocacy, ensuring his legacy continues to make a difference. This is an honest, powerful, and inspiring episode about parenthood, courage, and the enduring bond between a mother and her child.

    Episode 24: Finn

  6. 25 May

    Episode 23: Georgia "Sesame"

    In this deeply honest episode of Dads Don’t Cry, Peter is joined by Finlay to share the emotional story of pregnancy loss, grief, healing, and hope. Finlay opens up about the excitement of expecting a baby, the devastation of discovering there was no heartbeat at the 12-week scan, and the traumatic experience that followed. Together, they explore the realities of miscarriage, the isolation many parents feel, and why phrases like “only” can unintentionally minimise grief. Finlay reflects on the importance of partner support, therapy, memorial tattoos, and finding ways to honour baby Georgia “Sesame” through remembrance, advocacy, and openness. The conversation also touches on pregnancy after loss, navigating anxiety, improving support systems in hospitals and workplaces, and the power of speaking openly so others feel less alone. A heartfelt and important discussion about parenthood, loss, resilience, and remembering the babies who leave too soon.

    Episode 23: Georgia "Sesame"

  7. 18 May

    Episode 22: Róisín

    In this deeply moving episode of Dads Don’t Cry, host Peter is joined by Lynda, Róisín’s mam and co-founder of Fairy Footprints, to share her powerful story of love, loss, and resilience. Lynda reflects on her early journey into motherhood, including the heartbreak of miscarriage before the joy of welcoming her daughter, Róisín. She paints a vivid picture of Róisín’s bright, spirited personality and the devastating day her life was suddenly cut short. The conversation explores the immediate aftermath of Róisín’s passing, navigating the hospital, facing the unimaginable task of returning home, and telling her son Killian that his sister was gone. Lynda speaks candidly about the rawness of grief, the silence that often surrounds it, and the struggle to find ways to cope. She shares how her family honours Róisín, and the small signs that brought comfort in the darkest moments. Lynda also opens up about subsequent miscarriages, the birth of her daughter Anna, and the difficult but important conversations about Róisín that continue within their family. As her family grew with the arrival of Brody, Lynda reflects on the evolving dynamics of grief, love, and parenting after loss. A key part of her journey has been transforming pain into purpose; creating memory boxes and advocating for better hospital bereavement support through the Fairy Footprints initiative. Throughout the episode, Lynda highlights the importance of supporting grieving siblings, keeping Róisín’s memory alive, and building a lasting legacy that helps other families facing similar heartbreak. The episode closes with a discussion on how others can support Fairy Footprints and contribute to a more compassionate approach to grief and loss.

    Episode 22: Róisín

  8. 11 May

    Episode 21: Robyn-Grace

    In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, Peter is joined by Michelle to share the powerful story of her daughter, Robyn-Grace. After early scans revealed serious concerns, Michelle received the devastating diagnosis of a rare and fatal condition. With limited options in Ireland at the time, the difficult decision was made to travel abroad for a medical termination, facing logistical challenges and societal judgment along the way. Michelle reflects on Robyn-Grace’s passing and birth in Liverpool, where she was able to spend precious time with her. She speaks about the complex mix of grief, guilt, and relief that followed, and the difficulty of returning home and coping with loss. The conversation also explores ongoing grief, miscarriages, and the emotional toll of hidden sorrow, alongside Michelle’s advocacy during the Repeal the 8th campaign for greater compassion and choice. The episode closes with her journey toward hope, including a subsequent pregnancy and the birth of her daughter Bonnie Grace, held alongside the lasting presence of grief and a commitment to supporting others.

    Episode 21: Robyn-Grace
See All (28)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Dads Don’t Cry is a RTÉ Radio 1 series airing on Wednesday nights at 10pm on RTÉ Radio 1, and podcast hosted by Peter Shelley, created to break the silence around grief, child loss, and life after the unimaginable. Born from Peter’s own experience of losing his daughter, Aodhla, the podcast is a space where bereaved parents and families share the stories of the children they love and miss. These are honest conversations about love, loss, relationships, hope, and learning to carry grief while continuing to live. While the name is Dads Don’t Cry, these conversations are for everyone. Fathers, mothers, siblings, grandparents, friends, colleagues, and anyone who wants to better understand grief will find compassion, honesty, and connection here. Every child remembered on this podcast matters. Every story shared helps someone else feel a little less alone. Please listen with care. Some episodes contain conversations that may be emotionally difficult. Take a break if you need to, and remember that support resources for bereaved families are included in each episode description. For further information about the series, Peter’s story, and a full list of support organisations, visit the Dads Don’t Cry page on the RTÉ website.

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Shelley
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Peter Shelley
  • Show Website
    Dads Don't Cry

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