Show Notes
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.
More from Dads Don't Cry
In this episode, host Peter is joined by Nina to share the story of her son Enzo, who passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Nina opens up about the morning she lost Enzo, the shock and guilt that followed, and the six-month wait for answers. She speaks honestly about grieving while living in a hub, navigating pregnancy after loss, and supporting Enzo’s older brother through the heartbreak of losing his little brother. Nina also shares the beautiful ways she keeps Enzo’s memory alive, from his colourful funeral to the special meaning behind his fox symbol and her connection with the Little Duck Foundation. Above all, this is a conversation about Enzo himself, his laugh, his personality, and the love that will always remain. This is Enzo’s story, told by the mum who will never stop carrying him in her heart. #DadsDontCry #SIDS #BabyLoss #ChildLoss
In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, host Peter is joined by Niamh, who shares the story of her brother Stephen and the impact his death has had on her.
In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, host Peter is joined by Ciaran, who shares the heartbreaking story of his son Louis and his own experiences of grief.
In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, host Peter is joined by Dylan, who shares the heartbreaking story of losing his own dad, followed closely by the loss of his first son, Hunter.
The podcast is now airing as a special series on RTÉ Radio 1, with new episodes broadcast every Wednesday at 10:00pm. Missed the live broadcast? You can catch up from around 10:45pm each Wednesday by visiting RTÉ.ie/dadsdontcry or listening on the RTÉ Radio Player. This podcast feed will continue to be home to the original Dads Don't Cry episodes, featuring honest conversations with bereaved parents, healthcare professionals and experts. If you're new here, there's a wealth of episodes waiting for you, and I'll continue to share updates here from time to time - so make sure you hit Follow to be notified. You can also keep up to date on Instagram @dadsdontcrypodcast, and if you'd like to share your thoughts or feedback, I'd love to hear from you at [email protected]. Thank you so much for your continued support. It means the world, and I hope you'll join me for the new series on RTÉ Radio 1.