Show Notes
In this episode of Dads Don’t Cry, we sit with Linda - mam to the beautiful EmmaRose, whose brief but powerful life forever changed her family’s world. Linda walks us through her journey with raw honesty and quiet strength.
From childhood sweethearts to the wonder of an unexpected pregnancy, she shares the joy, fear, and awe that shaped the early days of her motherhood. A single butterfly becomes a fateful symbol as innocence is lost, and Linda opens up about navigating grief while trying to make impossible, practical decisions.
She recounts the quiet arrival and heartbreaking farewell of EmmaRose and the aching hope to grow their family again. We hear a father’s grief too - the loss of future dreams, the silence, and the pain that often goes unspoken.
Another butterfly appears as a guide toward hope, leading to the arrival of their son, Adam. Linda reflects on how her life shifted from Montessori classrooms to a new way of seeing the world - one shaped by love, loss, and purpose.
This episode is tender, courageous, and a reminder that no one walks through grief 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.