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. Looking Back, Looking Forward

    OCT 17

    Looking Back, Looking Forward

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

    40 min
  2. Grief in Darker Months

    SEP 24

    Grief in Darker Months

    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 dadstillstandingpodcast@gmail.com.

    46 min
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
See All (51)

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
    51
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Liam Preston and Matt Dearsley
  • Show Website
    Dad Still Standing

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