Dad Still Standing

Liam Preston and Matt Dearsley
  • 4.9 (15)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Two dads discussing baby loss, coping with life, and working their way through grief. Liam and Matt found there was no support for dads to help them process their grief, prepare for what was to come next, and help them to support their partners. So, they teamed up to create this podcast which provides the tools to help bereaved dads on their journey after losing a child. If you would like to contact us you can do so via our social media pages (@dadstillstanding) or email dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.

  1. Meet The Midwife: Tommy's Special

    JUN 13

    Meet The Midwife: Tommy's Special

    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 dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com or visit www.dadstillstanding.com. This episode was crafted by the incredible Factory Originals.

    55 min
  2. Spotlight on Loss with Rev. Kate Bottley

    JUN 6

    Spotlight on Loss with Rev. Kate Bottley

    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 dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com or visit www.dadstillstanding.com.

    50 min
  3. Religion, Grief, and Baby Loss

    MAR 21

    Religion, Grief, and Baby Loss

    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 ⁠⁠⁠dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠. 'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.

    38 min
  4. Knowing Your Legal Rights

    MAR 3

    Knowing Your Legal Rights

    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 ⁠⁠dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠. 'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.

    47 min
  5. Spotlight on Loss with Geoff Norcott

    JAN 31

    Spotlight on Loss with Geoff Norcott

    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 ⁠dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com⁠. 'Dad Still Standing' is a podcast about baby loss and grief and is a Factory Originals production.

    43 min
  6. You're a mean one, Mr. Grief

    12/22/2024

    You're a mean one, Mr. Grief

    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.

    39 min
  7. Everything's just a bit shit...

    12/17/2024

    Everything's just a bit shit...

    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.

    40 min
  8. Self-Awareness and Self-Perception

    10/25/2024

    Self-Awareness and Self-Perception

    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.

    50 min
See All (49)

4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Two dads discussing baby loss, coping with life, and working their way through grief. Liam and Matt found there was no support for dads to help them process their grief, prepare for what was to come next, and help them to support their partners. So, they teamed up to create this podcast which provides the tools to help bereaved dads on their journey after losing a child. If you would like to contact us you can do so via our social media pages (@dadstillstanding) or email dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Liam Preston and Matt Dearsley
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Liam Preston and Matt Dearsley
  • Show Website
    Dad Still Standing

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