Dad Always

Kelly Jean-Philippe

For fathers who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, the world can seem transformed by sorrow, confusion, and an overwhelming and crippling sense of isolation. The grief that follows is unlike any other—a dark, quiet ache that lingers long after the condolences fade - if condolences are even ever given in some cases - reshaping the very definition of fatherhood and self. In the midst of such unimaginable pain, connection, understanding, and empathy become lifelines. This is where the power of community and shared stories takes root, and where a dedicated podcast community for bereaved dads offers both solace and strength. Dad Always is that podcast and community.

  1. OCT 12

    BLAW 2025 - Talking Platitudes with Miscarriage Mumma Support

    Send us a text Four words can slice through a tender moment of grief: “At least it was” (now, fill in the blank). We’ve heard it, we’ve felt the sting, and we wanted to unpack why platitudes show up so easily—especially around miscarriage—and what to say (and not say) when someone you love is hurting. Sophie from Miscarriage Mumma Support joins us again to explore the complex reality of baby loss, the social pressure to “look on the bright side,” and the deeper work of choosing presence over pat answers. We talk about why people reach for platitudes in the first place: discomfort, fear, and the reflex to fix what can’t be fixed. Together, we examine the false hierarchy of loss that pits experiences against each other, and we share how separating spaces—loss, trying after loss, pregnancy after loss—can actually reduce comparison and increase care. You’ll hear concrete language swaps, gentle questions that open a door instead of closing one, and simple ways to show up that don’t require a solution: sitting in silence, remembering dates, checking in after the initial shock fades. This conversation also looks at the “good vibes only” mindset and how it slips into support as quick tips and toxic positivity. We reflect on cultural habits that push activity over acknowledgment—from pep talks to one-size-fits-all “fixes”—and why real healing starts with being witnessed. If you’ve ever struggled with what to say, or if platitudes have left you feeling unseen, this episode offers a compassionate, practical framework: get comfortable being uncomfortable, ask better questions, and let people lead their own stories. If this resonated, share it with someone who wants to support better, subscribe for future conversations, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your voice helps change the way we show up for grief. Related Episodes: E14: The Unspoken Agony of Life after Multiple Miscarriages (ft. Miscarriage Mumma Support - part 4)E18: Doing Right by Grief (ft. Miscarriage Mumma Support)Visit Miscarriage Mumma for more information and resources.  Show Music from Soundstripe: Vinyl Glow by JoachimEast London by Nu Alkemi$tNowhere Left To Turn by Ghost BeatzCaesura by Hale (theme)

    40 min
  2. OCT 9

    BLAW 2025 - Talking Platitudes with Still Parents Podcast

    Send us a text A lot of people want to help—and end up reaching for the worst sentence in the English language: “Everything happens for a reason.” We go straight at the hard stuff with the hosts of the Still Parents podcast, unpacking why platitudes land like a slap, how they fuel self‑doubt for grieving parents, and what real support sounds like when words fall short. Along the way, we share the story behind Still Parents—born in lockdown, built on honest conversation, and now recognized with nominations at the British Podcast Awards—and why that visibility matters for dads who are told to “man up” instead of speak up. Together We Care becomes more than a theme as we compare emotional pain to physical pain, explore the long tail of grief after baby loss, and underline how presence beats quick fixes every time. We talk intent versus impact, faith and friction, and the small unspectacular acts that mean everything: a hot meal, a late‑night answer, a friend who listens without trying to solve. Think of grief like a museum where the bereaved is the tour guide; your job is to follow their lead. No timetables. No reasons. Just respect for a love that didn’t end. If you’ve ever wondered what to say to a grieving parent—or feared saying the wrong thing—this conversation offers practical language, grounded empathy, and permission to choose silence over cliché. Listen, share with someone who needs it, and if this resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what words of care have helped you most? Related Episode: E38: Still Parents - Grief, Identity, & Purpose (ft. Still Parents Podcast)E15: When Faith Falters in the Face of Miscarriage (ft. Chris Cheatham)E16: Cliché-anity: When Consolation Becomes Controversy (ft. Mary) Listen to the Still Parents Podcast here Show Music from Soundstripe: Daybreak by Ghost BeatzPenn Station by Ghost BeatzCollaverating by Sam BarshCaesura by Hale (theme)

    56 min
  3. JUN 15

    E40: Dear Daddy (A Letter From Your Unborn Child - Narrative pt. 3)

    Send us a text Welcome to the Narrative Series, a poetic frame exploring a father's perspective of pregnancy and pregnancy loss. What happens when grief meets love on Father's Day? This poignant episode features a heart-wrenching letter written from the perspective of an unborn child to their father. The raw emotions capture both the devastating loss and the enduring connection that remains after pregnancy loss. "From the very first time you thought of me and loved me, I felt it," the letter begins, immediately immersing us in the profound bond that forms even before birth. Through gentle, innocent language, we experience the child acknowledging their father's pain while offering a unique perspective on their shared connection. The letter beautifully articulates how love transcends physical presence: "You just loved me before you even saw me and that's the best gift ever." For fathers navigating the complex emotions of pregnancy loss, this episode offers a tender framework for understanding grief as an extension of love. The letter doesn't shy away from difficult emotions, acknowledging the pain of missed milestones and Father's Day celebrations. Yet it also provides comfort in the idea that the relationship continues in a different form: "I live in your heart... like a little whisper of our love that was there and will always be there." Have you experienced the invisible bonds that remain after loss? If this message resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need these words of comfort today. Remember that acknowledging grief is a powerful step toward healing, and that love persists even when physical presence cannot. CONTACT info@dadalways.com INSTAGRAM @_dadalways @themiscarriagedads Dad Always is the community you don't know you need. Narrated by: Julius'Camillo Jean-Philippe Script by: Kelly Jean-Philippe Music: First Light by Half Measure From Soundstripe

    5 min
  4. MAR 3

    E39: The Elephant in the Room (Narrative pt. 2)

    Send us a text Welcome to the Narrative Series, a poetic frame exploring the father's perspective of pregnancy and pregnancy loss experience. Often times during a bereavement, the dad's experience of loss is drastically different than that of the mother. A study titled, “Men’s grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss: a systematic review and emerging theoretical model” published in January 2020 found, “… that in comparison to women, men may face different challenges including expectations to support female partners, and a lack of social recognition for their grief and subsequent needs. Men may face double-disenfranchised grief in relation to the pregnancy/neonatal loss experience.” The Journal of Neonatal Nursing (vol 29, Issue 3) published another study June 2023 titled “Father’s Perception of the NICU Experience” which states that: “Research has revealed that more than 50% of NICU fathers experience feelings of inadequate emotional support and a lack of essential information regarding caring for their premature infants. Fathers reported that frequently, healthcare workers tend to approach the mother when discussing prognosis and determining medical decisions, which makes the fathers feel like an observer and not an active participant in their infant's care. These experiences caused the fathers to feel helpless, in the way, and excluded, which can add to the father's distress.”  Overall, these studies only begin to scratch the surface of the multifaceted issues complicating fathers' disenfranchisement in hospital settings and during a bereavements.  If you're a bereaved dad struggling with your loss (miscarriage, stillbirth, any neonatal) and want to discover your strength in grief, send an email to the address or a DM to either of the accounts below.  CONTACT info@dadalways.com INSTAGRAM @_dadalways @themiscarriagedads Dad Always is the community you don't know you need. Narrated by: Kelly Jean-Philippe Music: Every Part Of You by Solitude From: Podcastle.ai

    7 min
  5. 11/05/2024

    E37: Miscarriage, Art, & Advocacy (ft. Chari Pere & Eli Schiff)

    Send us a text Welcome to episode 37! Chari Pere and Eli Schiff, the creative duo behind the groundbreaking Unspoken Series are this week's guests on the Miscarriage Dads podcast. Chari, a cartoonist, and Eli, a voice actor and director, open up about how their personal experiences with miscarriage have driven them to create comics and animations that resonate with those facing similar challenges, ultimately fostering a community of empathy and understanding. Reflecting on the emotional whirlwind of loss and the tough decisions that follow, Chari and Eli share their story of navigating the heartbreaking reality when a seemingly healthy pregnancy took an unexpected turn. They recount the difficulties of managing these emotions while being apart, highlighting the unique struggle of maintaining religious observances amidst such turmoil. Their candid discussion reveals the often-overlooked impact of miscarriage on men, underscoring the need for supportive outlets for fathers who grieve alongside their partners. Tune in as we explore the broader implications of miscarriage and the importance of open communication. The episode delves into society's need to recognize the emotional toll on both partners and the critical role of community support. Chari and Eli also share insights into the evolution of their Cartoonmentary series, discussing future projects that promise to cover a wide range of sensitive topics. Be inspired by their mission to break the silence and provide solace through storytelling for those navigating the often-hidden struggles of reproductive health. Sincerely, Kelly Instagram: @themiscarriagedad @miscarriage_support_for_dads Email: themiscarriagedad@gmail.com Make sure you subscribe! Write us a review! Links: Cartoonmentary Series: https://www.youtube.com/@UnspokenCartoonmentary

    58 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

For fathers who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, the world can seem transformed by sorrow, confusion, and an overwhelming and crippling sense of isolation. The grief that follows is unlike any other—a dark, quiet ache that lingers long after the condolences fade - if condolences are even ever given in some cases - reshaping the very definition of fatherhood and self. In the midst of such unimaginable pain, connection, understanding, and empathy become lifelines. This is where the power of community and shared stories takes root, and where a dedicated podcast community for bereaved dads offers both solace and strength. Dad Always is that podcast and community.