Michael Rosen is one of Britain's most popular poets - his poetry is loved by children all round the world, either through Michael's brilliant performances of them on YouTube and in primary schools, or because they are classics, like 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'. Michael is also an old friend of Gyles's and a great storyteller, and this episode is slightly longer than our usual because it's full of such great stories. Michael takes Gyles from his childhood in Pinner, where he grew up up in a family full of jokes, mysterious Yiddish expressions and poetry, to his university days and how he narrowly avoided becoming a doctor, to the loss of his son, Eddie and his experience of being seriously ill with Covid. This episode is rich, entertaining, moving and fascinating - thank you to Michael for his time, energy and amazing stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices