Episode 32 Dare to Speak Interview - The Father Wound: Why a Father's Presence Matters with Laura McCoy

Episode 32 - Dare to Speak Interview - The Father Wound: Why a Father's Presence Matters – with Laura McCoy **EPISODE DESCRIPTION** What happens when a parent is physically absent, emotionally unavailable, or simply unable to connect with their child? In this deeply thoughtful episode of Dare to Speak – Difficult Conversations That Change Everything, I sit down with Laura McCoy, founder of Daddy Don't Go, to explore the lifelong impact of fatherlessness, divorce, and the conversations that have the power to heal generations. Drawing on both personal experience and professional insight, Laura shares how growing up without an emotionally present father shaped her life, the difficult choices she made, and the healing conversation that transformed her relationship with her dad in the final years of his life. Together, we explore why children need more than gifts and grand days out. They need to feel seen. They need curiosity, stories, presence and connection. In this episode we discuss: • Why a father's emotional presence matters just as much as physical presence • The hidden grief children carry after separation and divorce • The difference between being present and being truly connected • Why children often long for ordinary moments more than extraordinary experiences • The emotional impact of moving between two homes • How parents can protect children by speaking respectfully about one another • The importance of helping boys understand and express their emotions • Rebuilding relationships with parents later in life • The courage it takes to have the conversations that have been avoided for decades • Why understanding our childhood helps us move forward rather than remain trapped by it One of the most moving moments comes when Laura describes sitting down with her father and finally asking the question she had carried since childhood: "How could you leave us?" His answer changed everything. This episode is not about blaming parents. It is about understanding people. It is about recognising that imperfect people often love deeply while carrying wounds of their own. Most importantly, it is about discovering that healing remains possible, even when life has not unfolded as we hoped. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, adult child of divorce, family professional or simply someone who wants stronger relationships, this conversation offers compassion, wisdom and practical insights that will stay with you long after the episode ends. Connect with Laura McCoy Laura McCoy is the founder of Daddy Don't Go, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of fathers in children's lives and supporting healthier family relationships. Email: laura@daddydontgo.net If this episode resonates with you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this conversation. Because difficult conversations really can change everything. Thank you for listening. If you would like to comment or share a difficult conversation topic for a future podcast, please message me.🫶✨️ **Connect with Eve Stanway** If this episode has resonated with you, the conversation does not have to stop here. Website: www.evestanway.co.uk Email: [eve@evestanway.co.uk](mailto:eve@evestanway.co.uk) Instagram: @evestanway Facebook: Eve Stanway LinkedIn: Eve Stanway YouTube: @evestanway TikTok: @evestanway Substack: Eve Stanway If you are navigating separation and want to approach it with clarity rather than conflict, visit www.evestanway.co.uk *Dare to Speak: Difficult Conversations That Change Everything is hosted by Eve Stanway, Difficult Conversations Expert and creator of the Listen, Speak, Lead Framework.* *Eve is the author of Dare to Speak: Navigate Difficult Conversations with Confidence and Clarity, available at* www.evestanway.co.uk *Coming September 2026: Dare to Listen: The Hidden Years, Difficult Conversations with Young Adults in Your Life.*