Dads Don't Cry

Peter Shelley
  • 5.0 (1)
  • 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. 3d ago

    Louis

    In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, host Peter is joined by Ciaran, who shares the heartbreaking story of his son Louis and his own experiences of grief. Ciaran talks about the journey to becoming a parent, including fertility challenges and the sudden losses that he had already experienced, before the joy of pregnancy eventually turned into an unexpected crisis when Louis was born prematurely. He takes us through the hours and days in NICU as Louis fought for his life, before Ciaran and his fiancée were faced with the unimaginable decision to say goodbye to their son. The conversation explores the weight of grief, the reactions and responses of those around us after child loss, and the ways people try to support parents through something that can never truly be fixed. Ciaran also speaks about welcoming a rainbow baby, the hope and anxiety that can exist alongside new parenthood, and the lasting impact of losing Louis. He shares how counselling helped him process his grief. A raw and honest conversation about Louis, the love of a Dad for his son, and learning to carry grief while continuing to live, parent and remember.

    Louis

  2. Oct 2

    Hunter

    In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, host Peter is joined by Dylan, who shares the heartbreaking story of losing his own dad, followed closely by the loss of his first son, Hunter. Dylan talks openly about the anticipation and excitement surrounding Hunter’s arrival, before receiving the unimaginable news that his baby’s heartbeat had stopped at 40 weeks and 1 day. He shares the experience of his partner giving birth to Hunter while grieving, bringing him home, and finding ways to honour his son by sharing his story and keeping his memory alive. The conversation also explores the complex emotions that can come with a subsequent pregnancy, the different ways parents experience and process grief, and the importance of creating a shared space where loss can be acknowledged and remembered. Dylan also talks about his campaign to raise awareness around baby loss through the Late Late Toy Show, helping to bring conversations about grief and child loss into the wider public conversation. A raw and honest conversation about losing a father, losing a son, and finding ways to carry both losses forward.

    Hunter

  3. Jul 26

    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

  4. Jul 13

    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

  5. Jun 22

    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

  6. Jun 15

    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

  7. Jun 8

    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

  8. May 25

    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"
See All (30)

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
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Peter Shelley
  • Show Website
    Dads Don't Cry

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