Me & My Old Man
Welcome to ’Me & My Old Man,’ an experience, and now podcast(!) that shares the journey of this project to capture and celebrate the unique life, laughs, insight and reflections of our parents. Think of it like an audiobook, where the child—or children—set the chapters, the parent is the narrator, and the story is about their life: before kids, with kids, and now. The podcast series will feature excerpts from the life stories captured, solo episodes, interviews with storytellers, researchers and experts in life storytelling, psychology, sociology and family relationships. ’Me & My Old Man’ creates a space for parents and children to connect around the conversations we often overlook, to celebrate their lives, to laugh, learn, reflect and explore the experiences that have shaped them, so that we can better understand them—and, in turn, ourselves.
Listen on:
Episodes
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
In this very first episode, I introduce Me & My Old Man—a six-week audio-first experience (and now podcast!) designed to help families connect, celebrate, and preserve the unique life stories of our parents.
I share the deeply personal reason behind this project: losing my dad and realizing there was so much I never got to ask him. It’s a reminder of how precious these conversations are and why it’s so important to make space for the people who matter most.
Join me, Neil, as I reflect on my journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and how Me & My Old Man can help you create moments of connection that last a lifetime.
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
When was the last time you spent an hour talking with your parent?
In this first episode of the entire series, we explore the relationship between father and son, first starting with son Stephen, who paints a picture of his dad and the things he would like to know more about. He talks of happy childhood memories, his Dad’s genial manner, their mutual love of sport, wanting to know more about his dad’s stresses, strains, lessons and reflections as he himself is seeking to gain more perspective on his own place in life.
Hosted by Neil Taylor
Discover more: www.meandmyoldman.co.uk
And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meandmyoldman.stories/
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
John reflects on his childhood in the Scottish countryside, where endless freedom and nature shaped his early years. He shares stories of poached salmon lunches, falling into rivers, uprooting to Yorkshire, embracing a new world of adventure, mischief, and meeting for a Saturday morning fight followed by a cup of tea.
Follow Nora’s work: @nora.visionsDiscover more about capturing family stories: www.meandmyoldman.co.uk
And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meandmyoldman.stories/
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
John explores his rich family history, contrasting the lives of his grandparents—one side from a Scottish fishing village, the other from the coal mines of Northeast England. Through heartfelt stories, he reflects on resilience, family values, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. This is the second of four chapters where John shares his life story.
Learn more about preserving family stories: www.meandmyoldman.co.uk
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
John delves into his journey through university, relationships, and a career in education. He shares lessons from early marriage, the evolving role of a parent, and the importance of independence in raising children. Through reflections on family history and legacy, he hopes to pass down a deeper understanding of where they come from. This is the third of four chapters where John shares his life story.
Explore ways to celebrate your family’s story: www.meandmyoldman.co.uk
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
In this final chapter of John’s story, he reflects on contentment, emotional expression, and the lessons learned from life’s challenges. He explores the impact of family, grief, and humor in relationships, while also sharing thoughts on politics, teaching, and parenting. From his love of skiing and golf to his favorite films and music, this conversation is a heartfelt exploration of connection, resilience, and the moments that shape us.
This is the final Chapter of John’s Life Story.
Explore ways to celebrate your family’s story: www.meandmyoldman.co.uk
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
In this special wrap-up conversation, John, his son Stephen, and host Neil come together to reflect on the stories shared throughout the series. They explore family dynamics, the impact of past generations, and the importance of listening and learning from loved ones.
Having listened back to his Dad’s life story, Stephen dives in with questions of his own like the ‘sliding doors’ moments that shaped his Dad’s life. The discussion also touches on love, marriage, and the power of storytelling in preserving family history.
This episode brings John’s journey full circle, celebrating the connections that define us.
Learn more about capturing family stories: www.meandmyoldman.co.uk
What Dads Say
“Many thanks for the chance to tell my story to S. It is a wonderful medium for sons to get to know their dads, in a way that day-to-day life doesn’t allow.”
“For some time, I have thought about doing a personal memoir for the family. An old school friend wanted to do the same. I don’t know how he got on but he died 2 years ago. You have worked very hard and thoughtfully on this so thank you very much. Actually, I needed a prompt and an outline for anything I might do. You have given me both. I am indebted."
What Sons Say
“I think it’s great what you’re doing. I will treasure the recordings.”
“I haven’t stopped reflecting on yesterday morning. What an amazing 2.5hrs. Thank you so much. You rock and what you’re doing for other people totally rocks too. Simply epic mate. Yesterday’s blown my mind a little. Bits I missed, bits I want to answer better, bits I can’t wait to find out more about. Thank you”