Episode 18 with Richard O'Neil

Joining the Dots Podcast with Richard O’Neill MBE on Storytelling, Skills & Resilience

Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop interview Richard O’Neill MBE – Author, master storyteller, founder of Lumberjunkers, visiting professor at Durham, campaigner for men’s health.

🔑 Episode Highlights:

• Storytelling as the heart of communication: Richard shares how his Romany upbringing shaped his love of oral storytelling and literacy. He argues that storytelling develops oracy, confidence, and resilience—vital human “soft” skills often overlooked in education and business.

• Woodwork + Word work = Learning through making: His Lumberjunkers project combines woodworking with storytelling. Children build physical items (like shelves or mirrors), developing pride, persistence, teamwork, and creativity. It’s particularly impactful for girls and students who don’t always shine in traditional classrooms.

• Storytelling in business and digital age: Richard explains how storytelling makes data and business pitches more relatable and memorable, as well as how it helps children critically evaluate narratives in our information-rich, tech-driven world—an important element of digital citizenship.

• Useful tech vs. gadgets: All three agree technology should serve a clear purpose rather than being used for its own sake. Human connection and practical skills remain key in an increasingly digital society.

• Broadening the curriculum: Discussion about how narrowing education to core subjects sidelines creativity, arts, and practical skills—areas that foster resilience, innovation, and career pathways in creative industries.

• Mental health & initiative: Richard recounts how he founded National Men’s Health Week, stressing the importance of taking initiative and showing children they can lead change in their communities.

• Hybrid learning & flexibility: Richard draws parallels with nomadic communities who’ve embraced hybrid learning for decades, suggesting schools could learn from this model to support experiential education.

🎯 3 things Richard would put in Room 101:

1. Paperwork/data nobody ever looks at.

2. Overly rigid systems that restrict teacher and student agency.

3. “Useless” tech that serves no real learning purpose.

✨ Memorable Quote:

“Storytelling isn’t just a skill; it’s the beating heart of human connection. Stories build resilience, empathy, and pride—and help us make sense of our world.”