Routes

• The Quiet Coach: Shoes off, socks off, music on with Lennie James

  In this episode we're joined by the brilliant Lennie James—actor, writer, and all-around legend, to talk about his love for travel, the must-have items in his suitcase, and the music that helps him unwind.Lennie kicks off with his number one travel rule: shoes off, socks off, music on. He shares why headphones are strictly for public spaces and why Jacob Banks is currently the soundtrack to his travels.We also get into the places that have left a mark on him, including New Zealand, where he says his soul finds true peace. And if he ever pulls a Dave Chappelle and disappears? Don’t come looking—he’ll be in Piha.Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper chat without diving into snacks and travel hacks. From the lengths he’ll go to for a good hot pepper sauce to the fine art of packing (roll, don’t fold!), Lennie proves he’s got this travel game locked down. Plus, his tip for surviving airport madness? Get a lounge pass—you never know who you might meet. (Like, say… Smokey Robinson, who not only recognised him but was already a fan!)

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• 🧟‍♂️ Lennie James: Acting, Adventure & Finding Home

  This week Clara is joined by BAFTA-winning actor and all-around legend Lennie James. You’ve seen him as Morgan Jones in The Walking Dead, DCI Tony Gates in Line of Duty, and even heard his voice in Mufasa: The Lion King. Now, he’s here to take us on a journey through his life, career, and the places that shaped him.From his Nottingham roots to growing up in London, Lennie reflects on his past, reconnecting with his birthplace, and the moments that shaped him.He shares stories of childhood adventures in Great Yarmouth, the unexpected path that led him to acting, and his first big purchases—a leather jacket and a saxophone. His career has taken him around the world, from Dominica to Budapest, with The Walking Dead changing everything. Recognition has come in unusual places, including a Vatican guard who mistook him for a trespasser before realising who he was.Lennie also opens up about his powerful role in Mr. Loverman, the overwhelming audience reaction, and why telling bold, challenging stories matters. With his next project, Mayor of Kingstown, on the way, he’s still pushing boundaries and seeking new adventures.Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNERChapter Markers:1:00 - Lennie’s Career Highlights: Discussing his well-known roles in Line of Duty, The Walking Dead, and Mr. Loverman.2:00 - Creative Fulfilment & Life After The Walking Dead: Lennie talks about embracing new challenges and career transitions.2:40 - Journey to Nottingham: Lennie reflects on his birthplace, reconnecting with his roots, and his desire to know more about Nottingham.4:00 - Family History & Windrush Generation: How Lennie’s mother moved from Trinidad to England and the family's transition to London.5:00 - Growing Up & Early Memories: Lennie shares childhood stories, including his lack of memory of Nottingham and early life experiences in London.8:00 - Great Yarmouth & The Police Officer Connection: A chance childhood encounter with a police officer leads to lifelong friendships and summers spent in Great Yarmouth.10:00 - Life in a Children's Home & Finding Stability: Lennie talks about growing up in care and how it shaped his life.13:40 - Becoming an Ambassador for Barnardo’s: His motivation for working with Barnardo’s and advocating for children in care.16:00 - Entering Acting & Early Career: How Lennie transitioned from writing to acting, his time at drama school, and his first acting job.23:00 - First Paycheck Splurge: Lennie’s first big purchase: a leather jacket and a saxophone.25:00 - Travel Essentials & Packing Tips: Hot pepper sauce, skin lotion, and the art of efficient packing.27:00 - Filming in Dominica & Family Life: Early filming experiences and the impact of bringing his newborn daughter to the Caribbean.34:40 - Being Recognised in Unexpected Places: A Vatican guard recognises Lennie while he’s lost in a restricted corridor.38:00 - The Impact of The Walking Dead: Navigating fan culture, conventions, and the unique experience of being part of such a global phenomenon.44:20 - Mayor of Kingstown & New Roles: How Lennie landed a role in Mayor of Kingstown and his excitement for new projects.47:00 - Mr. Loverman &

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• The Quiet Coach: Travelling Smart but always low key with Maisie Adam

  Join us in The Quiet Coach with comedian Maisie Adam as she chats with Clara Amfo about travel, music, and the art of finding peace on the move. Maisie shares her love for the quiet coach, her biggest travel pet peeves, and the small joys that make train journeys special.She talks about the playlists that set the mood for her trips, from energising pre-show tracks to calming tunes for the journey home. Maisie also reflects on a memorable round-the-world adventure with her brother, where she gained new perspectives on independence and curiosity.Along the way, there are candid insights into the quirks of British train travel, the comfort of familiar snacks, and the sense of freedom that comes with hitting the tracks solo.

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• 🤣 Maisie Adam: Comedy, Football & Life on the Road

  In this episode of Routes from LNER, Clara Amfo sits down with award-winning comedian and football fan Maisie Adam for a hilarious chat about life on tour, childhood holidays, and navigating the comedy world.Maisie talks about growing up in Harrogate, visiting Leeds for gigs and nights out, and her family’s annual Blackpool trips, where spotting Blackpool Tower and Playing on the pier was a childhood thrill. She shares her deep love for Leeds United, how she rediscovered football through the women’s game, and what it’s like to meet her sporting heroes—cue an iconic encounter with Leah Williamson.On the comedy front, Maisie reveals the reality of tour life, from taking endless photos of hotel room doors so she can remember her room number to watching Family Guy and Naked Attraction in Premier Inns. She debunks the myth that comedians create new jokes every night and explains why Edinburgh Waverley Station gives her anxiety every August. Plus, she spills on her dream Strictly routine (hint: Billy Elliot vibes), her hiking and Aperol spritz holidays, and that time she played a Vuvuzela with Sir Trevor McDonald.From Yorkshire Dales hikes to Jamaica beach days, this episode is packed with laughs and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the UK’s funniest stand-ups.Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNERChapter Markers:01:20 – Maisie’s Yorkshire roots: growing up in Harrogate, school days, and nights out in Leeds.3:00 – Childhood friendships: lifelong mates, nights at the darts, and transitioning into adulthood.4:20 – Maisie’s accidental career in cross-country running (but her true love is football).6:00 – Comedy origins: learning storytelling from her family and studying the greats like Lee Evans & Victoria Wood.10:00 – A big family Christmas (and why Maisie’s mum is the ultimate storyteller).11:20 – Holidays past & present: childhood summers in Blackpool, chasing the illuminations, and growing up with family traditions.15:00 – Game time! Maisie & Clara play National Treasure Top Trumps (with hilarious debates over Sir Trevor McDonald vs. Dame Julie Walters).21:00 – Football fandom: growing up as a Leeds fan, falling out of love with the men’s game, and finding joy in women’s football.27:00 – Starstruck moments: Maisie meets her football heroes and (tries) to play it cool.29:00 – The reality of touring: hotel room doors, Naked Attraction marathons, and train life.33:40 – Best & worst train stations: Why Leeds is a dream and why Edinburgh Waverley gives comedians nightmares.39:00 – Holidays as a comedian: from wild party trips in Zante to cozy cottage getaways.42:00 – Comedy secrets revealed: Do comedians do the same material every night? (Clara’s mind is blown! 🤯)46:00 – Maisie’s favourite places to perform and the challenges of doing a hometown show.48:40 – A surprise audience moment: Maisie’s grandma’s carers steal the show!49:40 – Wrapping up:...

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• The Quiet Coach: Hot Yoga, HP Sauce & High-Flying Adventures with Mel B

  This week, we’re diving into the travel habits of the one and only Mel B! From intense hot yoga sessions to meditation and reiki healing, find out how she unwinds on the road.Mel also shares her expert packing tips—honed from years of non-stop travel with the Spice Girls—and reveals her surprisingly organised approach to life on the go. Get the inside scoop on her airport adventures, people-watching quirks, and those last-minute dashes to catch flights.Plus, she lets us in on her go-to travel snacks and the one item she never leaves home without: HP Brown Sauce.And, of course, no trip down memory lane with Mel would be complete without music! She reflects on performing at the Mandela Charity Fundraiser in South Africa and the powerful emotions of that unforgettable experience.Ready for the ride? Let’s go!

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