Dads Don't Cry

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 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 22: Róisín

In this deeply moving episode of Dads Don’t Cry, host Peter is joined by Lynda, Róisín’s mam and co-founder of Fairy Footprints, to share her powerful story of love, loss, and resilience. Lynda reflects on her early journey into motherhood, including the heartbreak of miscarriage before the joy of welcoming her daughter, Róisín. She paints a vivid picture of Róisín’s bright, spirited personality and the devastating day her life was suddenly cut short. The conversation explores the immediate aftermath of Róisín’s passing, navigating the hospital, facing the unimaginable task of returning home, and telling her son Killian that his sister was gone. Lynda speaks candidly about the rawness of grief, the silence that often surrounds it, and the struggle to find ways to cope. She shares how her family honours Róisín, and the small signs that brought comfort in the darkest moments. Lynda also opens up about subsequent miscarriages, the birth of her daughter Anna, and the difficult but important conversations about Róisín that continue within their family. As her family grew with the arrival of Brody, Lynda reflects on the evolving dynamics of grief, love, and parenting after loss. A key part of her journey has been transforming pain into purpose; creating memory boxes and advocating for better hospital bereavement support through the Fairy Footprints initiative. Throughout the episode, Lynda highlights the importance of supporting grieving siblings, keeping Róisín’s memory alive, and building a lasting legacy that helps other families facing similar heartbreak. The episode closes with a discussion on how others can support Fairy Footprints and contribute to a more compassionate approach to grief and loss.

Episode 21: Robyn-Grace

In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, Peter is joined by Michelle to share the powerful story of her daughter, Robyn-Grace. After early scans revealed serious concerns, Michelle received the devastating diagnosis of a rare and fatal condition. With limited options in Ireland at the time, the difficult decision was made to travel abroad for a medical termination, facing logistical challenges and societal judgment along the way. Michelle reflects on Robyn-Grace’s passing and birth in Liverpool, where she was able to spend precious time with her. She speaks about the complex mix of grief, guilt, and relief that followed, and the difficulty of returning home and coping with loss. The conversation also explores ongoing grief, miscarriages, and the emotional toll of hidden sorrow, alongside Michelle’s advocacy during the Repeal the 8th campaign for greater compassion and choice. The episode closes with her journey toward hope, including a subsequent pregnancy and the birth of her daughter Bonnie Grace, held alongside the lasting presence of grief and a commitment to supporting others.

Episode 20: The Journey Initiative

In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, host Peter sits down with Jane Dalrymple, Clinical Midwife Specialist in Fetal Medicine at the Rotunda Hospital, to explore the compassionate, often unseen work of supporting families through pregnancy loss. Jane shares how listening to parents shaped the creation of the Journey Initiative, a thoughtful approach to bereavement care that prioritises dignity, connection, and meaningful support. From soft memory bunnies and storybooks to sun catchers and memorial gardens, she explains how small, human touches can make an immeasurable difference during unimaginable grief. The conversation highlights the vital importance of clear communication after loss, creating safe spaces for follow-up care, and supporting families through subsequent pregnancies with dedicated resources. Jane also speaks candidly about bridging cultural gaps in grief, guiding siblings through difficult moments, and how her own role as a midwife evolved from “fixing” problems to simply being present with families in their darkest hours. This episode is a reminder of the enduring need for compassionate, person-centred grief support, and the quiet heroes who provide it.