Dads Don't Cry

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.