Mondays with Milly
By Phill Cristofaro
Through a series of interviews, "Milly" - AKA Doreen from Manchester - talks about her life from the Great Depression era and World War 2 to the present day. Now in her nineties, Milly is a natural story-teller with a razor-sharp memory. Her recount of a life spanning some of history's defining moments provides a unique insight into how people lived, coped, survived and endured times of great adversity.
Recorded during the Covid19 era, these online interviews have relevance during uncertain times.
Mondays with MillyApr 11, 2021
S10 Ep14: From Geneva with Love
Greetings loyal listeners!
It's been a while since our last episode but here is our catch-up from Kirsten's recent visit home via Geneva for a flying visit to the World Health Organisation. Niamh performs a beautiful rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "Songbird" (requested by a few of you via the MwM Facebook page). Thanks go to "Piano Matt" Heinrich for his work on the keys. Enjoy!
S10 Ep13: Coronation #3: Milly's Third
How does the coronation of King Charles III compare with those of Elizabeth in 1953 and George in 1937?
What better way to find out than ask someone who was there for all three, right? In this episode, Milly gives us a great insight into coronation ceremonies past and present and speaks passionately about royalty, family and legacy.
S10 Ep12: Celebrating 100,000+ Listens of MwM
It's been a while between episodes but Milly is back and this week we're celebrating the milestone of passing the 100,000 listens mark of MwM. We get Milly's reaction to your thoughts and messages of support, as well as discuss the upcoming coronation of King Charles. Milly is excited about witnessing her second coronation ceremony and has some interesting insights. Thanks to Niamh's year 12 music teacher, Ash Griffin, who provided the beautiful guitar accompaniment for "Bedouin Song" (originally by Lior).
S10 Ep11: Happy 92nd Birthday Milly!
Happy 92nd birthday, Milly!
After a long and frustrating illness, Milly is back doing what Milly does best. This week we cover quite a list of topics: the loss of Sam (aged 102), Kirstens visit from late last year, Christmas, cruises and the thing that Milly loves more than anything - the arrival of family. This year Milly will be hosting a visit from Niamh and after more than three years I’ll be seeing her in August. And I can’t wait!
S10 Ep10: Irene
Welcome to this week's episode of the MwM podcast.
Today we reflect on the life and loss of Milly's beautiful sister-in-law, Irene, with whom she shared a special bond.
Join us on the MwM Facebook page for extra content.
S10 Ep9: QE2
Today we reflect...
Queen Elizabeth II's death marks a significant in history so in this episode we spend some time reflecting on the way the country said its goodbyes. Milly has had an eventful stint in hospital and tells us what that was like. This week Niamh sings Renee Geyer's, "Heading in the Right Direction". Shout-out to her music exam accompanyist, Mitch, who joins us on piano.
S10 Ep8: Random Acts of Kindness (and some Hair Raising Adventures)
In this episode of MwM, I catch up with Milly and her eldest son, Paul, who's visiting from Scotland. The love, warmth and natural humour between mother and son shines through in this light-hearted conversation. We talk about Milly's latest digital project, kindness and some hair-raising driving adventures.
And thanks to Piano Matt for yet another beautiful piece for us to collaborate on.
S10 Ep7: Hardship Now and Then
Things are pretty tough in 2022 - the rising cost of living crisis, the war in Ukraine and geo-political tensions. In this episode I ask Milly to ponder those times in her life where she can draw comparisons to the present day situation and in true Milly-style she offers some gems and the odd dose of perspective.
Milly and I thank you all for sticking with our passion project podcast and if you're new to Mondays with Milly, check out S1 Ep1 to find out where Milly's story begins.
Join the conversation via the MwM Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/368558144406079
S10 Ep6: Much Ado about the Platinum Jubilee
This weekend Britain and parts of the Commonwealth celebrated Queen Elizabeth's 70 year reign - and Milly's been there for every bit of it. In this episode Milly ponders the mood of the country and gives us an insight into how so many people in Britain have marked the event and made lasting memories of their own. And it's only fitting that Niamh sings our rendition of Land of Hope and Glory.
S10 Ep5: Treasures in the Loft
When Kirsten finally went home to visit Milly recently they made up for time lost to lockdowns and managed some high quality time together. In this episode they reflect on what it all meant to both of them, including some interesting discoveries from the loft.
S10 Ep4: Ten Pound Poms and Telephone Calls
In this episode we hear the second part of Milly's and my conversation with Superfan, John.
John's shared experience is explored further as we delve into the politics of the late 1940s, emigrating, home births and the arrival of telephones. Piano Matt joins us in this week's song and does an incredible job on the keys. Thank you for your ongoing support, Matt. It's greatly appreciated.
S10 Ep3: Superfan #1
Welcome to our new episode of MwM.
In this episode I invited a good friend of mine, John, to join us for a chat. John is a Superfan of the podcast and was visiting me back in January when his questions about Milly prompted me to say, "Well, why don't you ask her yourself?".
John's parents shared similar stories with him growing up. This is part one of our conversation...
S10 Ep2: A Big Day in Blackpool
On any given Sunday, Milly heads off to church followed by tea and biscuits.
But today was special. Milly was invited to visit The Doll's House in Carshalton Road, Blackpool (S9 Ep6) - known better for its modern day title: "Serendipity". The Harvey family welcomed Milly and Kirsten with open arms and Milly got to see the house she loved - 57 years on.
Check out what happened (photos of the visit have been posted to the Mondays with Milly Facebook page).
S10 Ep1: We're Back! Milly Answers the Call
Milly and Phill are back by popular demand. And on that same theme, so is Kirsten - who is on her way back to the UK for the first time in three years. Milly can't wait. In this new season we'll talk all things past, present and future.
Thanks to all the loyal listeners who've shared questions, comments and sent messages of support for our podcast. MwM will continue on a semi-regular basis. Please join us on the MwM Facebook page and if you have a spare minute or two a review of the podcast is greatly appreciated.
91 reasons to celebrate...
Welcome to this special bonus episode of MwM. In this one we're celebrating a number of milestones...
Closing in on 50,000 listens across 66 countries, Milly has been having an absolute ball talking to media in Australia and the UK over the past month. And today she turns 91.
Happy 91st birthday, Milly!
S9 Ep12: The Finale
After more than 65 episodes and almost as many songs, this episode is our last.
What parting gift do you give to an amazing woman who has everything she needs and wants and whose longevity spans 10 decades? The answer is simple: you give her messages of love, support and gratitude. And that's what this episode is all about.
Thank you Milly - for your warmth, your honesty and your gift of story telling. There are more than a few valuable lessons contained within and you've given your family a powerful legacy for generations to come. You've also provided me with a tremendous resource for the classroom.
Thank you to anyone who's cared to listen - if only for a passing moment. We hope Milly's stories made you pause and ponder.
And thank you to my wonderful and talented daughter, Niamh, whose willingness to pick up songs spanning eras and genres made me shake my head many times. As you get older you'll come to fully appreciate the power of what you've done for others, Niamh. The love and bond between you and Milly will endure.
And if you're new to the podcast and wonder what all the fuss is about - I recommend S1, Ep1: Meet Milly from Moss Side, Manchester.
Phill Cristofaro - December 25th, 2021
S9 Ep11: The Voice behind the Voice
It's time to unmask The Voice behind the voice. Niamh joins us at the end of a very busy day doing what she loves most. You'll feel the love and affection between Milly and her granddaughter Down Under. We also discuss some of the things making news locally in the UK.
S9 Ep10: Feeling "Frowsy", Fashion and Faux pas
Following on from episodes three and four in this series, we finish off with some cracking yarns about alcohol, high (home-made) fashion and the odd faux pas.
Please enjoy and don't forget to write a review.
S9 Ep9: Fox, Milly and the Friendly Ghost of Carshalton Road
Milly's in for a surprise when she takes my call this week...
I've managed to track down the current owner of 47 Carshalton Road, Blackpool: the subject of recent episodes pertaining to a friendly ghost who goes by the name of "Nanny". Fox Harvey has generously agreed to join me and he and Milly hit it off. You'll feel the warm glow from two people who share one thing in common: they've both been owners of what was, and is, a very special home. If 47 Carshalton Road could talk it would tell some interesting tales.
Please enjoy this episode of MwM.
S9 Ep8: Facebook Reaction Show Pt 2
The second part of Milly's reaction to comments on Facebook about the Carshalton Road house. Milly takes it all in and you can hear the delight in her voice. It didn't take long to track down the current owner of The Doll's House - many thanks to Fox Harvey for the kind offer of photos for Milly to check out how the house looks in the present day.
S9 Ep7: Facebook Reaction Show
Milly doesn't do Facebook but you'll hear her reaction to the many comments on Facebook about the "Doll's House" - home of Nanny and a long list of families who've come and gone from the house at 47 Carshalton Road, Blackpool.
Here's a link to our post on the History of Blackpool Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackpoolhistory/permalink/1824899174362081/
Join us on the MwM Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/368558144406079
If you like what you hear, please write us a review or share MwM with your friends and family.
S9 Ep6: Ghostly Encounters in Blackpool
What's "The Doll's House"? Who's "Nanny"? And what keeps moving the plates around at number 7 Devonshire Road? All these questions and more will be answered in this paranormal episode of MwM. Another big thank you to Piano Matt who kindly offered his considerable talents to what we think is a hauntingly beautiful song.
Check out photos of The Doll's House and 7 Devonshire Road via the Mondays with Milly Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/368558144406079
S9 Ep5: From Twin-Tubs to iPads - Gizmos & Gadgets over the Journey
In episode #5 Kirsten joins me to talk about technology through the ages. From Milly's first "Twin-Tub" washing machine to her iPad, there's a story behind each and every weird and wonderful time-saving tool.
This week's music includes a special guest: Matt "The Manouver" Heinrich joins us on the ivories and brings a touch of polish and colour. Matt is a good friend of the MwM podcast. Thanks Matt. Let's see if we can talk him into doing an encore.
S9 Ep4: The Chaser feat. Milly
Round 2 of the Milly Quiz looks more like an episode of The Chaser. Milly reflects on some key moments and adds some new insights into some pivotal moments from seasons one through eight.
Can you outwit Milly? There's only one way to find out...
S9 Ep3: It's Quiz Time!
With nine seasons of Milly's story documented, it's time to test your knowledge and pit your memory against Milly's steel trap of detail. A series of questions related to the entire podcast will examine some of the more minute details of the MwM podcast. We can only wish you luck.
S9 Ep2: Bark Three Times for Emergency Assistance
Welcome to S9 Ep2 of Mondays with Milly.
In this episode Milly gives us an idea of the trials and tribulations of living with low vision and what friends, their dogs and a bit of technology can do to help.
S9 Ep1: Friends
Welcome to Season #9 of Mondays with Milly and thanks for coming along for the ride.
In the first episode of this season I ask Milly about her friends. Milly makes friends easily and they're a very important part of her life and story. Please enjoy.
S8 Bonus: Tales from the Van to the Kennel
In the second part of this bonus episode, Paul delves deeper into the mind and psyche of Paul's trusty police dog, Zac. Since his retirement, Paul spends his time supporting dog owners and various dog charities in the UK and abroad.
You can find out more about Paul's business, Wolfspeak here: https://www.wolfspeak.co.uk
S8 Bonus: PC Paul - A Road Less Travelled
Welcome to the Mondays with Milly podcast.
In celebration of our 5000th listen spanning 29 countries, Milly and I chat with Paul about joining the constabulary with a single goal in mind: the "dead end" job of becoming a police dog handler.
S8 Ep7: Potato Cakes, Property and the Strathmore 5000
In this episode Milly and I try and work out how there can be a property boom amongst the chaos of Covid 19. Milly talks potato cakes and reflects on the difficult decision of whether or not to move to Australia. One thing is as certain as it is vivid: the Strathmore 5000 should be on everyone's bucket list.
S8 Ep6: My Beautiful Balloon
What do you give someone who's lived a full life and wants for nothing?
In this episode Milly recounts the wonderful experience that can only come with a wicker basket and a lot of hot air. Milly takes us ballooning and we're not sure she ever made it down.
S8 Ep5: With Three Minutes to Spare
Milly's last trip to Australia happened when she was 84. She'd done the trip before but this time 20,000kms took more of a toll than usual. Milly also has the odd brush with authority and manages to talk her way out of trouble.
S8 Ep4: 39 Years...
Across Milly's 90 years she had at least one child at home for 39 of them, such was the age gap between Paul, Christopher and Kirsten. And there's one common theme across all 39 of those years. We chat further with Paul and Chris about life with Milly.
S8 Ep3: Meet Milly's Boys - Paul & Christopher
In seasons three and four you'll remember Milly talking about her boys and her reflections on becoming a parent. Now it's Paul and Chris' turn to give us their take.
What was Milly like as a mum and what was it like growing up?
You'll find their points-of-view similar...and different.
Find out why in this episode of MwM.
S8 Ep2: Tom (Pt 2)
In episode #2 we learn more about Milly's life living with Tom. Both have their health challenges and but find ways to complement each other's strengths and weaknesses. When Milly loses Tom she loses more than just a house mate, she loses one of her oldest and dearest friends.
S8 Ep1: Tom (Pt 1)
In S8 we explore Milly's 80s. It was in 2013 that one of Milly's oldest and dearest friends - and JC's bestie - moved in with Milly after both of them had lived alone for a number of years. In this episode, Milly introduces us to Tom: gentleman, staunch Labour supporter and fixer of all things.
And happy 17th birthday to Niamh who sings "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap.
S7 Ep7: Knocking on Heaven's Door
In this final episode of S7, Milly and Kirsten discuss Milly's near-death experience (another one) - and the intervention of her family in helping her to bounce back.
Milly also talks about the impact the iPad has had in improving her quality of life in lockdown and with low vision.
Niamh was unable to perform this week's song due to illness so we've reprised one from an earlier episode.
S7 Ep6: Backpacking with Milly (and Kirsten)
Episode 6 of this season is a special one. Kirsten joins the conversation to discuss how her 14 month backpacking trip changed her and her relationships with family.
If you like this podcast, please leave us a review.
S7 Ep5: A Year to Remember
In episode seven, Milly remembers with the love and fondness a wonderful year: the 12 months she got to spend with her Australian grandchildren. Milly's enduring relationship with all of her grandchildren is built upon human connection and Milly's unconditional love. You'll feel it in droves in this episode.
Please enjoy...
S7 Ep4: Chris in Command, The Dog Whisperer and 007
In episode four Milly gets to visit Christopher at work and Paul is off to Kilmany in Scotland to train dogs - lots of them! And Milly is the sort of grandma who's happy to play a foil to Alex's best 007 impersonation but a few things can go missing in the process - all for very good reasons, of course.
Join the Mondays with Milly Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/368558144406079
S7 Ep3: Kirsten Comes Home
S7 Ep2: Losing JC
In the 2000s there was another pandemic wreaking havoc on the world: it was called SARS. Milly and JC were on their way through Singapore when JC contracted the virus and it had a devastating impact on the family.
S7 Ep1: A New Millennium - Bugs, 9-11 and Babies
Where were you when the clock ticked over to a new millennium?
Milly and JC were having a quiet celebration with their old friends, Bob and Barbara. The opening of the Millennium Dome seemed a bit much for the Queen but Milly remembers the hysteria surrounding the so-called, 'Millennium Bug'. Milly has a trip to Australia to spend time with her new grandson and it's while she's there that 9-11 shocks the world into a new reality.
Please enjoy this new season of Mondays with Milly.
S6 Ep7: The Wedding of the Decade
In this final episode of series #7 we talk dogs, houses and weddings. And not just any wedding - this one was special for a number of reasons. Kirsten gets married and is able to celebrate the event twice on opposite ends of the globe. Milly is thrilled and things settle down once again.
Please join us in the next series as we move into the naughties.
S6 Ep6: A 70th Birthday to Remember
In episode 6, we hear about the fall of the Iron Curtain. A huge event for the world but life in St Annes-on-Sea goes on as normal. Chris has a chance to command HMS Lancaster and there's a bravery award for Paul. JC is in for one very pleasant surprise.
S6 Ep5: There and Back Again - Welcome to Terra Australis
With the emigration of Kirsten to Australia the frequent flyer miles piled up as Milly and JC became adept at long haul travel. Australia becomes a second home while Christopher and his family make the move back to St Annes-on-Sea.
Welcome to our new listeners from South Korea and Argentina.
Don't forget to join the Mondays with Milly Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/368558144406079
S6 Ep4: Home and Away
Between late 1992 and for all of 1993 Kirsten is away and communication is a complicated thing. Expensive phone calls are a regular expense. Eventually Kirsten comes home - but not for long - and Milly is faced with a bitter-sweet reality.
S6 Ep3: The "Bride's Ale" and an Odyssey from New York to Nepal
In episode three, Milly waves goodbye to the last of her three children who finally leaves the nest for work and bigger things. JC has found a new hobby - home brewing - and it's no picnic. In fact, there's evil in some of those bottles. Kirsten is off on the trip of a lifetime and won't be home for 14 months.
A warm welcome and greetings to our new listeners from Argentina.
Oh, and happy birthday, "Colonel".
S6 Ep2: Vale Prince Phillip - a Colourful Life and a Lasting Legacy
I wonder what would've been like to have had the Duke of Edinburgh on the podcast talking to Milly about love, life and perspective...
This week marks the passing of yet another member what Tom Brokaw refers to as the Greatest Generation. Milly was lucky enough to have met Prince Phillip - yet another panel in the tapestry of Milly's rich and wonderful life.
Milly talks about the Duke and some more about Chris' time in the Gulf.
Please join the MwM Facebook page to check our more Milly-related content: https://www.facebook.com/groups/368558144406079
S6 Ep1: Boats, Ships and Zac the Police Wonder Dog
Welcome to the 1990s.
In season 6 we'll explore the happenings and happenstance surrounding this eventful time. In episode #1, Milly tells us about making ball dresses for Kirsten, Chris' experience of the first Gulf War and Paul's first police dog, Zac.
Please enjoy this episode of Mondays with Milly.