Podcast · Kids & Family

Dad Still Standing

by Liam Preston and Matt Dearsley · English · Kids & Family

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 provid

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 47 min
Latest: 11 Aug 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

11 Aug 2026 · 52 min

Having Difficult Conversations

Across five seasons of Dad Still Standing, much of Matt and Liam’s advice for resolving issues in any relationship - whether with a partner, family member, friend or colleague - has come down to one thing: have a conversation. But what they haven’t talked about is how to have those difficult conversations. In this episode, Matt and Liam put that right. They spell out the practical tips and advice that can help when raising a sensitive subject, navigating strong emotions and saying what needs to be said. They discuss how to prepare, how to listen properly, what to avoid and how to keep a…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S5 · E2 · 1 Jul 2026 · 39 min
Compassion Fatigue
In this episode, Matt and Liam talk about compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is the emotional, physical, and psychological exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to the suffering and trauma of others. We explore what this can look like when you are trying to support other people through grief, but also what happens when you are the person who needs support and those around you begin to feel overwhelmed. We also talk about how compassion fatigue can show up in relationships, especially when both you and your partner are grieving, struggling, or trying to carry each other through…
S5 · E1 · 22 May 2026 · 43 min
To Heal or Not To Heal
We’re back for Season 5 of Dad Still Standing, and we’re excited, raring to go, and so pleased to be bringing you our first ever video episode on Spotify and Youtube. In this opening episode, To Heal or Not to Heal, we talk about one of the questions that often sits quietly in the background after loss: how quickly are you supposed to heal? Is it okay if you feel ready to move forward sooner than people expect? Is it okay if years later you still feel like you’re carrying the weight of it every day? And what happens when family, friends, work, or the world around you seem to have their own…
S4 · E12 · 21 Dec 2025 · 41 min
Christmas time… Mistlewoe and whine!
It’s (almost) Chrrriiiiiistmas!! The dads are here for another festive edition of the podcast. Trying to cover the highs and the lows, the merriment and the sorrow. But overall delving deep into the reminders of a time of year that stirs many emotions for people. If you get past the first 15 minutes of the dads having a bitch and a moan about the elf on a shelf and the past twelve months, there’s some handy tips and advice for getting through the festive season. Matt and Liam also chat about how to show up for others at Christmas even if you don’t feel up to it, and also how to build the…
S4 · E11 · 29 Nov 2025 · 50 min
Spotlight on Loss with Andy Parsons
This episode we chat to Andy Parsons, who apart from being a top bloke also happens to be married to British #NationalTreasure Becky Adlington. In the episode Matt, Liam and Andy discuss all things baby loss including how the couple grieved after suffering multiple miscarriages; Andy's own journey with grief and being a spokesperson as a bereaved father; and how sport gave him a moment to himself. We touch on the role of counselling and how it provides a space to be open about your own challenges and also as a couple. We go deep on the complexities of miscarriage and the connotations that…
S4 · E10 · 17 Oct 2025 · 40 min
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…
S4 · E9 · 24 Sep 2025 · 46 min
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…
S4 · E8 · 13 Jun 2025 · 55 min
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,…
S4 · E7 · 6 Jun 2025 · 50 min
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…
S4 · E6 · 21 Mar 2025 · 38 min
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…
S4 · E5 · 3 Mar 2025 · 47 min
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…
S4 · E4 · 31 Jan 2025 · 43 min
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…
S4 · E3 · 22 Dec 2024 · 39 min
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…
S4 · E2 · 17 Dec 2024 · 40 min
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…
S4 · E1 · 25 Oct 2024 · 50 min
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…
14 Jun 2024 · 1 hr 9 min
Sad Dads Club
In the season three finale coinciding with Father's Day, Matt and Liam are joined by the incredible bereaved parents behind the Sad Dads Club . Chris, Rob and Jay dialling in from the USA share the story of their losses and the impactful work they are doing to support fathers across America (and the world) with their grief. The dads give their advice ahead of Father's Day, and Matt and Liam also do a little round-up of the season, sharing their favourite highlights. As always it's been a blast this season and we're looking forward to the next one already. Thanks so much to all of our…
26 Apr 2024 · 47 min
The Guilt of Happiness
In this episode, the dads delve into the complex emotions that come with feeling happiness after experiencing a profound loss. Many of us grapple with guilt when moments of joy peek through our grief - wondering if it's okay to feel happy and questioning what it means about our mourning. We explore not only the personal dimension of this guilt but also how perceptions—both our own and those of people around us—shape these feelings. Matt and Liam discuss the sources of this guilt, whether it is internal expectations or external pressures, and how to understand the emotional landscape that…
8 Mar 2024 · 48 min
Pregnancy Announcements
In this episode of the Dad Still Standing podcast, hosts Matt and Liam delve into the emotionally complex topic of pregnancy announcements and their impact on individuals who have experienced baby loss. They share their personal perspectives and reactions to such announcements, reflecting on their own experiences of grief and loss. The conversation explores the broader implications of sharing pregnancy news on social media, the mixed emotions it can evoke, and how individuals navigate these feelings while still engaging with their community and support networks. This episode offers insights…
23 Feb 2024 · 43 min
Supportive Partners
In this episode of Dad Still Standing, the dads explore the crucial roles of giving and receiving support within a partnership after the loss of a child. They have contributions from four listeners, each with their own insights into what it truly means to be a supportive partner during the most challenging times. Through their personal journies, the dads discuss the actions and gestures that have made a difference in their partners' lives, reflecting on the importance of being a steadfast source of comfort and understanding. They candidly reveal the lessons learned from their attempts to…
8 Feb 2024 · 56 min
Complexities of Grief
This episode starts with a strong focus and direction but loses it within the first three minutes - maybe less than that. However, the dads do talk about the complexities of grief; why you shouldn't avoid groups and social settings; tips on how to deal with the longer-term effects of loss; the challenges of rebuilding yourself mentally and much much more. 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…
22 Dec 2023 · 54 min
Feliz NaviDads
As another year comes to an end, the dads reflect on what Christmas is all about and what the New Year could bring for us all. As promised, Liam and Matt have taken the best of the questions sent in from listeners and have answered them in their candid style. The episode is packed full of laughs, advice, and reflections on how the past twelve months have been for the pair and also the podcast. If you're feeling overwhelmed this Christmas or just want to offload, feel free to drop the dads a DM on the social channels. Thinking of getting Liam and Matt a gift this year, then look no further…
1 Dec 2023 · 40 min
Healing and Justice: Legal Action After Baby Loss
This episode focuses on medical negligence and legal action and the fraught conversations among families about whether to sue or not. The dads - with absolutely zero expertise in this - are thankfully joined by Guy Forster from the Irwin Mitchell legal firm. Guy is a partner there and heads up their Medical Negligence team. The episode dispels some of the myths about legal action as well as covers the threshold for taking on or winning claims; what the process looks like; and the emotional impact of doing so on families. Interestingly we also explore not just the financial implications of…
28 Oct 2023 · 44 min
Spotlight on loss with James Green
The dads are joined by Sky Sports broadcaster, presenter, journalist, Gooner, and all-round top bloke James Green for this episode of the podcast. On the show, James shares his own experiences of loss with Matt & Liam, and while you would hope that the dads managed to structure this important topic in some kind of sensible way - they just go off down various rabbit holes and somehow try to pull it all together at the end to make it sound profesh. The three of them talk about loss, mental health, being public with their grief, the impact of the podcast and having a voice on baby loss, and how…
14 Oct 2023 · 48 min
Escaping the Rut
In this episode, the dads get real about the emotional ups and downs that come with losing a baby. And the sometimes never-ending rut that feels impossible to escape. They explain that grief isn't just about feeling sad; it's a mix of emotions that can make you feel physically tired or mentally stuck. The dads then offer some practical advice for getting through the hardest days. They stress the importance of acknowledging how you're feeling instead of bottling it up, and share tips on finding professionals like counsellors who can help specifically with the loss of a baby. They also touch…
6 Sep 2023 · 1 hr 3 min
Impact on Careers
In this thought-provoking episode of 'Dad Still Standing,' the dads delve deep into a seldom-discussed aspect of grief—the profound impact on your career. From the immediate aftermath of loss to long-term job performance, they explore the challenges and adjustments grieving fathers and mothers face in the workplace. Whether you're struggling with colleague dynamics, contemplating career changes, or seeking a better work-life balance during this painful time, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice. Enlisting the support of their listeners, Matt and Liam are joined by…
29 Jul 2023 · 41 min
Regrets
The dads are back with an episode requested by one of their listeners, all about regrets following baby loss. It's hard to go through what we all have without thinking back to decisions we made or things we wished we'd done differently. For this episode, Liam & Matt try and recognise some of the classic regrets people will face and also delve a little into a few of their own. As ever, the podcast is here to be supportive and a toolkit following a loss. So, the dads have spent some time thinking about when those regrets do become all-encompassing - how you can find your way out. Pretty early…
27 May 2023 · 47 min
Social Media
It can be a force for good, it can bring you to your knees; and that’s just with a swipe of your finger. Browsing, posting, commenting or liking content on social media after loss can bring up the full range of emotions. In this episode the dads discuss the pros and cons of social media. From it being a tool to build a community and find an empathetic ear; to the triggering and emotional onslaught of seeing baby related posts. They also share advice on how to handle those difficult emotional reactions to posts and discuss their own experiences with social media - the positive, the negative,…
27 Mar 2023 · 46 min
Multiple Losses
“Surely it won’t happen again?!” Sadly, however, the reality is that for many couples it will, and multiple losses will go on to dominate their journey with grief. In this week’s episode the dads discuss the devastating world that is losing more than one baby and how to cope in that moment, and navigate a relationship through what follows. Matt guests on his own podcast 🤣 (yeah we don’t know how that happened either) to discuss his losses and the reality of losing more than one child and how it can define you. If you have one spare minute and want to help the dads, please could you leave a…
28 Feb 2023 · 51 min
Pregnancy After Loss
They're back...Season Three...And what a way to kick it off. An episode Matt & Liam have been wanting to do for some time finally lands, and this week it is all about pregnancy after loss. Navigating this part of the baby loss journey is incredibly complex. Whether you're successful, suffer further losses, or for some not being able to conceive again - the pregnancy after loss world is emotional and fraught with danger. In the episode, the dads discuss how to approach the subject of trying again with your partner; how to actually try again (don't worry no tips); the emotions and anxieties of…
20 Dec 2022 · 57 min
'Tis the End of Season Special
As we draw a close on 2022 and Season Two of the Dad Still Standing podcast, Matt & Liam reflect on what has been a crazy year for the pod. It wouldn't be an end-of-season show without inviting some special guests along for the sleigh ride (apologies in advance the show is littered with puns). So, the dads are joined by four previous guests who have appeared on the show this year. The dads hope you enjoy catching up with old friends as much as they did and hearing how their baby loss journeys have progressed in 2022. As ever take care this Holiday Season and look after yourselves. Wishing…

About Dad Still Standing

Dad Still Standing is a English kids & family podcast from Liam Preston and Matt Dearsley. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Liam Preston and Matt Dearsley
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 47 min
Latest episode: 11 Aug 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1567448910
Rights: Liam Preston and Matt Dearsley

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