Phill Cristofaro

Mondays with Milly

Science EN ↓ 85 episodes

Mondays with Milly is a podcast about the past as told by someone who was there. 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.

Author

Phill Cristofaro

Category

Science

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Oct 14, 2025

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Episodes

S10 Ep17: The Greats: Milly & Amy 14.10.2025

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.

S10 Ep16: Happy 94th Birthday Milly (and 125K listens!) 23.02.2025

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.

S10 Ep15: Discussing D-Day - the day that changed the world 06.06.2024

June 6th, 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion: the largest amphibious assault in history. Milly and I discuss the day itself and what it means; Milly shares her insights and recollections of the event which changed the world and cost so much.

S10 Ep14: From Geneva with Love 17.08.2023

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 k...

S10 Ep13: Coronation #3: Milly's Third 12.05.2023

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 21.04.2023

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&#39...

S10 Ep11: Happy 92nd Birthday Milly! 02.02.2023

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...

S10 Ep10: Irene 11.10.2022

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 26.09.2022

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) 21.08.2022

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.&nb...

S10 Ep7: Hardship Now and Then 07.07.2022

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...

S10 Ep6: Much Ado about the Platinum Jubilee 05.06.2022

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 23.05.2022

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 01.05.2022

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 11.04.2022

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 14.03.2022

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...

S10 Ep1: We're Back! Milly Answers the Call 26.02.2022

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....

91 reasons to celebrate... 02.02.2022

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 24.12.2021

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 sto...

S9 Ep11: The Voice behind the Voice 28.11.2021

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. 

S9 Ep10: Feeling "Frowsy", Fashion and Faux pas 21.11.2021

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 14.11.2021

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...

S9 Ep8: Facebook Reaction Show Pt 2 07.11.2021

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 31.10.2021

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 Fa...

S9 Ep6: Ghostly Encounters in Blackpool 24.10.2021

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 Monday...

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