Mondays with Milly

In this special episode, Phill visits Milly in the UK and invites Milly’s great-granddaughter, Amy, to have a chat about the family connection to the RAF and the building of the Titanic. On one of sixteen year-old Amy’s weekly visits to her “GG” (Great Grandma) the was fascinated to discover some family photos and documents relating to the family tree and some important historical events.

Milly turned another year over this month and to celebrate I gave her a call and we caught up. And with perfect timing, MwM clocked up 125,000 listens on her actual birthday. Happy 94th birthday, Milly.

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).

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!

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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...

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. 

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!

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

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.