Dads Don't Cry

In this deeply moving episode of Dads Don’t Cry, Peter sits down with Kim to honour the life and loss of her daughter, Penelope—a bright, unapologetically herself child who filled every room with her spirit. Kim tenderly introduces us to Penelope, sharing who she was beyond the tragedy, before recounting the sudden phone call in September 2025 that shattered her world. What began as an ordinary moment became the unthinkable truth no parent is ever prepared to face: Penelope was gone.

Together, Peter and Kim walk through the raw terrain of grief, returning home to a world that keeps moving while yours has stopped, the isolation of carrying invisible trauma, and the shock of learning that Penelope’s death was caused by an undiagnosed intestinal malrotation and volvulus.

Four months on, Kim reflects on how her family is surviving the unimaginable, how grief reshapes everything, and how love, memory, and hope quietly coexist with pain.

This episode is a gentle, honest space for tears, remembrance, and the reminder that even in the darkest moments, no parent has to grieve alone.

In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, host Peter is joined by Conor, Jack’s dad, who shares the story of a journey that began with an unexpected and  smooth pregnancy, before taking a devastating turn.
Conor also reflects on how this loss intersected with earlier grief in his life, having lost his sister to stillbirth at just 13 years old, and, eight years ago, his sister-in-law, experiences that shaped how he understood loss long before becoming a father himself.
Conor recounts the sudden medical emergency that led to the heartbreaking loss of his son, Jack, and the surreal, bittersweet experience of Jack’s birth. He speaks powerfully about the overwhelming support from family, the precious moments they were able to share, and how tools like the cuddle cot allowed them to cherish time with Jack and begin building his legacy.
The conversation explores what it was like bringing Jack home, how grief reshaped Conor’s outlook on life, and the challenges men often face when navigating loss. Conor opens up about seeking therapy, leaning on support networks, and dealing with anger and emotional outbursts that ultimately strengthened his relationship through shared grief.
Peter and Conor also discuss the profound impact of a subsequent miscarriage, highlighting how compounded loss can reopen wounds while deepening understanding of grief. The episode closes with Conor explaining how sharing Jack’s story has brought comfort, connection, and a sense of hope, both for himself and for others walking a similar path.
An honest conversation about fatherhood, cumulative grief, love, and the importance of giving dads space to grieve.

In this deeply moving episode of Dads Don’t Cry, Pat, Liam’s dad, shares the story of love, loss, and lasting connection that began with the excitement of expecting their third child and was forever changed by a devastating diagnosis. Pat speaks tenderly about Liam’s peaceful passing, the raw days that followed, and the challenge of learning how to live with grief.

The conversation explores how finding support for the first time helped Pat feel less alone, and how shared understanding within bereavement groups eventually led him to support other parents in their own journeys. Pat reflects on imagining who Liam might have become, the ache of lost possibilities, and the comfort found in treasured keepsakes and family traditions that keep Liam’s memory close.

Pat also shares how Liam’s life shaped his older brothers, revisited grief through later revelations, and ultimately made him a more empathetic, open-hearted person. With honesty and warmth, he speaks about the importance of sharing his story, and allowing space for fathers to grieve. A heartfelt episode about carrying love forward, even in the face of unimaginable loss.

In this emotional episode of Dads Don’t Cry, Craig shares the story of his son Luca, a deeply loved third child who changed their family forever.

What began with hope and excitement became a journey shaped by love, courage, and unimaginable heartbreak. Craig reflects on the precious moments spent with Luca, the joy of family visits, and the quiet memories that now mean everything.

He opens up about grief as a father, the dreams that never came to be, the weight of the “what ifs,” and what it means to love your child when time is heartbreakingly short.

Through family, community, sport, and remembrance, Luca’s presence continues to shape Craig’s life.

A gentle, honest reminder that love never leaves - and that no matter how short the time, the bond between a father and his son is forever. 🤍

The song that see's out this episode is called "Safe with the Stars", written by a friend of Craigs for Luca.

“Be strong.”
“Hold it together.”
“Don’t cry.”

For many fathers, grief is something they’re expected to carry in silence.

In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, I’m joined by bereavement therapist Peter Hanlon for a raw and compassionate conversation about loss, fatherhood, and what happens when pain can’t be fixed.

We explore how dads truly cope with grief, how to support grieving children with honesty, how relationships are impacted after the loss of a child, why community matters, and why healing doesn’t mean forgetting or moving on.

If you’re grieving, feeling numb, or simply trying to get through the day, this episode is for you.

Peter closes out the episode with a piece he wrote for the Little Lifetime Foundation Christmas Remembrance Mass.

The piano piece at the very end of the episode was created in Aodhla’s memory by friend and listener Elizabeth Henry.