In this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER, Jenni Falconer sits down with actor, comedian and presenter Stephen Mangan to talk about his travel obsessions, from panic buying enough fruit to open a market stall to running 40 miles a week just to stay on top of his snack habit. A devoted Quiet Coach fan who can't understand why anyone would want to hear someone else's phone conversation, Stephen proves he's got strong opinions about train etiquette but absolutely no self control when it comes to blueberries, protein shakes, and post recording gift baskets.

He shares the travel traditions that have become non negotiable in his life, from listening to the entire White Album with his sons on the drive from Knock airport to his family's Irish hometown (no skipping allowed) to his transformation from minimalist packer to someone who now travels with his own pillow, multiple heart monitors, and possibly his own milk supply if he doesn't trust the destination. There's warmth and honesty as he admits he's not really someone who travels to arrive somewhere, he genuinely loves the journey itself, whether that's dreaming about spending weeks walking the Southwest Coast Path or simply settling on a train with a book knowing he's got time to read. It's a funny, surprisingly relatable listen that proves even someone who presents Landscape Artist of the Year still needs to be constantly on the move, even if they can't quite explain why.

This week on Routes from LNER, Jenni Falconer is joined by the brilliant Stephen Mangan, an actor, author and all round storyteller with a lifetime of travel mishaps and memories. From childhood road trips to County Mayo with fifty two cousins waiting at the other end, to ferry crossings, car sickness and cassettes on loop, Stephen paints a vivid picture of holidays that felt like travelling halfway around the world. The tales only get wilder, including sleeping on an anthill in Lisbon, nearly drifting out to sea in Portugal and waking up to a snake or possibly a rope on the roof of his tent in California.

Stephen also reflects on the journeys that shaped his career, from his early theatre years in Nottingham, where he first felt the thrill of being paid to act, to his interrailing adventures and a thirty three hour train across the Rockies that remains one of his favourite trips. He shares how travel opened his world long before mobile phones, why running is his favourite way to explore new places and what it is really like touring the UK for Landscape Artist of the Year.

This is a warm, funny and surprisingly tender episode that celebrates curiosity, independence and the pure wonder of seeing new places from a train window. Stephen’s stories prove that even the toughest travel moments become the ones you never forget.

Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER

In this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER, Jenni Falconer sits down for a calm catch-up with singer-songwriter Ella Eyre to talk about her favourite travel rituals, go-to comfort snacks, and the little luxuries that make touring life bearable. From her love of skincare routines and Yorkshire Tea-dipped jammy dodgers to her trusty travel kettle for those American hotels that never have one, Ella proves she’s got the art of the journey nailed.

She shares the travel moments that shaped her most, from life at boarding school in Somerset to the inspiration she found in Japan’s culture, food, and impeccable knives. There’s plenty of warmth and humour too, as she reveals her obsession with crisps, her deep affection for off-menu podcasts, and why she can’t travel without her own pillow that smells like home.

And in true Quiet Coach style, Ella reflects on the lessons travel has taught her, staying calm when things go wrong, adapting quickly, and always finding light at the end of a delayed connection. It’s a soft, funny, and surprisingly honest listen that proves even global pop stars need a good biscuit, a face mask, and a plan B plug adapter.

From wild childhood holidays with “The Wild Bunch” to performing at the BRIT Awards and waking up in a new country every day, Ella Eyre’s life has always been in motion. In this episode of Routes from LNER, the Brit Award-winning artist chats with Jenni about her early adventures, her love of travel, and the lessons learned along the way.

Ella reflects on going from Brit School musical theatre student to global pop star, the whirlwind of her first hit with Rudimental, and why her latest album, Everything in Time, marks a turning point of independence and creative freedom. She also shares tales of camping in Morocco, songwriting in Jamaica, and the glamorous chaos of performing on Necker Island.

Expect laughter, nostalgia, and a few travel hacks too, including why Ella never boards a train without her microwaveable egg poacher, her French bulldog Iggy, and a solid pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER

In this episode of The Quiet Coach on Routes from LNER, Jenni sits down with presenter, photographer and all-round adventurer Penny Lancaster for a relaxed chat about all things travel, rest and those little rituals that make journeys special. From her love of peace and quiet on board (no phone calls please!) to how she truly unwinds when she’s away from home, Penny shares what travel looks like when she’s off the clock – think massages, saunas and slow swims with no time pressures.

She also takes us to one of her favourite places in the world: Tanzania. Penny paints a picture of dawn safaris with picnic breakfasts, breathtaking wildlife moments and the dream of seeing it all again from a hot air balloon. We hear about the family’s must-pack snacks (British tea and Cadbury’s are non-negotiable), the soundtrack to her getaways, and the simple hacks she swears by – like packing cubes, hanging bags and how to beat jet lag. It’s a conversation full of warmth, great tips and travel inspiration, with plenty of laughs along the way.

Model, talk show host, photographer, and now Special Police Constable, Penny Lancaster has lived a life full of chapters, adventures and meaningful journeys. In this first episode of Season 2 of Routes with Jenni Falconer, Penny joins Jenni to share the trips and places that have shaped her most.

From humble but just as special childhood holidays to Bournemouth and Southend, to the glamour of early work trips to Milan at 17 and a few sun-soaked years living in Bermuda, Penny’s stories span continents and decades.

Travel has always played a central role in her life with Rod Stewart, too. Together, they see holidays as precious opportunities to make memories, whether travelling with their blended family on tour to exploring Scotland and America, or escaping just the two of them to Tanzania, a destination that has completely captured Penny’s heart.

One of Penny’s most cherished trips with Rod was aboard the Orient Express a journey that perfectly combined their love of romance and Rod’s lifelong passion for trains. When the iconic route launched its new line from Paris, where they got engaged, to Portofino, where they married, it was a travel must.

Beyond the glamour and adventure, Penny reflects on how her outlook has evolved. Despite owning homes in sunnier spots, it’s the British countryside that truly feel like home a place to unwind with her dogs and reconnect with what matters most. She is also passionate about making sure she can make positive changes for the future.

And in her fifties, Penny has added yet another chapter: becoming a Special Constable for the City of London Police. Inspired by her time filming Famous and Fighting Crime, she trained post-Covid and has since proudly served at the Queen’s Funeral, King’s Coronation, and London Marathon. It’s a role that has deepened her respect for service and community and one that serves with the upmost commitment. Inspired by the effects of traumatic events as a young girl Penny was determined to take real actions in making the world a safer places specially for women in society.

Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER

Clara welcomes back TikTok sensation and fashion influencer Victor Kunda for a soulful chat filled with sun, sea and sweet treats. From jumping into the ocean for the first time in Croatia to dancing at sunset on a yacht to Tame Impala, Victor shares how travel transforms him and why water, in all its moods, keeps him grounded. We also hear about his secret stash of Nigerian sweets, his aversion to decanting skincare, and the one travel hack that genuinely floored Clara.

If you’ve ever debated hand luggage versus giant suitcases, you’ll feel right at home in this playful back-and-forth. And as the first season of Routes from LNER comes to a close, Clara has arrived at her final stop...but who's that entering the carriage?

Trust us, it’s a journey and a new host worth tuning in for, Season 2 awaits - coming soon!

For our final main episode of Season 1, Clara travels through the vibrant life of Victor Kunda, the TikTok sensation and fashion world favourite whose storytelling flair and comic timing have won hearts across the internet. From his humble beginnings in Eltham to rubbing shoulders (literally) with Rihanna and lighting up the red carpet, Victor shares how performing has always been his escape and expression. Expect tales of uni-era noodles, red carpet run-ins, and a deep dive into his travels, from emotional moments in the favelas of Brazil to the ultimate goal of meeting the cast of Geordie Shore in Newcastle.

This episode is a proper blend of heart, humour and hustle, as Victor opens up about using laughter to process life’s lows, the pressure and power of social media, and how authenticity remains his north star. All aboard for a warm, witty, and wonderfully candid ride.

Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER

Chapter Markers:

02:00 – Childhood, Comedy and Creating Joy. Victor reflects on growing up in Eltham, his early love of performance, and why making people laugh has always been his thing.

06:40 – Finding His Voice (and His Vibe). From school plays to singing siblings, we hear how Victor’s creative spark was always destined to shine.

08:50 – The Art of Performance and Personal Content. Victor shares how acting shapes his approach to social media — and why storytelling is at the heart of it all.

11:00 – Keeping It Real Online. On authenticity, humour and the responsibility of being a digital creator with a serious reach.

13:50 – Holidays, Margate and Making Do. Victor reminisces about humble family holidays and the magic of seaside trips growing up.

15:40 – Dirty December and the Power of Going Home. A deep dive into Nigerian roots, festive chaos, and what Victor really wants from travel.

20:30 – University Life and Lifelong Friendships. From instant noodles to unshakable bonds — Victor talks about lessons learned in Leicester.

23:40 – Viral Moments and That First Big Break. How breadsticks and banter kicked off a career — and the unexpected high of going viral.

26:30 – Fame, Followers and Staying Grounded. What happens when millions of people start watching — and how Victor keeps it human.

29:00 – Walking into Fashion’s Front Row. Victor’s surprise leap into the fashion world, and how it all started with a Snapchat call.

32:40 – Slim Thick Problems and Almost Walking for Off-White. When the trousers don’t fit but the moment still slaps — Victor’s near-catwalk moment in Paris.

34:50 – Brazil, Blackness and the Beauty of Favelas. A powerful reflection on identity, connection, and what Brazil taught Victor about the world.

39:30 – Snogging is a Greeting. Culture shocks, consent and kisses in Rio — a very Victor travel story.

41:20 – The Joy of the Geordie Accent. Why Newcastle’s calling, and how it all links back to Geordie Shore dreams.

43:00 – Final Thoughts and Future Travels. Fashion shoots in the Highlands to big dreams offline — Victor shares what’s next.

This week Clara gets comfy with magician Steven Frayne, better known as Dynamo, for a chat that’s part travel diary, part life philosophy, and all heart. They dive into his love of learning, fuelled by a childhood without a telly and a steady diet of library books and VHS tapes. Dynamo opens up about how reading still grounds him, and how his imagination was sparked by watching films he believed were documentaries. Turns out, not having a telly was the ultimate creative blessing.

From flat Yorkshire puddings to 99p sandwiches, Dynamo keeps it real when it comes to travel snacks and life on the road with Crohn’s. He shares his ultra-minimalist packing skills (hand luggage only, thank you very much), and how his dog is now officially part of the rider — complete with hoodie and all. There’s also a birthday cake made entirely of Yorkshire puddings, because of course there is.

And we couldn’t talk to Dynamo without getting into music. From his lifelong love of Linkin Park and hip-hop to the genius of Doja Cat and Hans Zimmer, his tastes are as eclectic as his tricks. He even made his own beats back in the day for a self-produced magic DVD (called Hip Hop Beats and Magic from Da Streets, no less). Add in a dash of Defiant Ones inspiration, some doggy travel tales, and a gentle reminder to pack light and live even lighter, and you’ve got a real feel-good ride on the Quiet Coach.

This week we're joined by someone who has quite literally made a career out of making the impossible possible — magician, storyteller, and performer Steven Frayne, aka Dynamo.

You probably know him from walking on water, levitating above London, or performing close-up magic for everyone from Prince Charles to Snoop Dogg. But in this episode, Steven opens up in a very different way. He shares the deeply personal journey that took him from a council estate in Bradford to the world stage — and back again.

Clara and Steven cover a lot: the challenges of growing up mixed race in a divided city, his battle with Crohn’s disease, rebuilding his life and identity after a major health scare, and how he’s rediscovered magic not just as performance, but as purpose.

They talk about Bradford’s cultural identity, youth clubs that helped shape his path, first holidays, how his wife came up with the name of his new live show (Up Close and Magical), and why he now performs not to impress, but to connect.

It’s thoughtful, funny, emotional, and full of real insight into what happens when the spotlight fades — and what it takes to step back into it on your own terms.

Whether you’re a long-time Dynamo fan or new to his story, this one’s a special listen.

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TW: This episode includes discussions about mental health and suicidal thoughts. If anything you hear brings something up for you, then please use some of the links below for support and to talk.

Call the Samaritans by calling 116 123 or emailing [email protected]

Check out CALM at  https://www.thecalmzone.net

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Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER

Chapter Markers:

02:00 – Back to Bradford. Steven reflects on what his hometown means to him today and how it shaped his resilience.

05:00 – Early Influences & First Breaks. From youth clubs and the Prince’s Trust to performing in Covent Garden and sofa surfing in London.

09:00 – From Streets to Soho. Steven’s early gigs in Soho, his unique style, and the beginnings of his career in nightclubs.

13:00 – Identity, Race & Belonging. A raw conversation about Steven’s cultural identity, growing up mixed race in Bradford, and hiding his heritage.

18:00 – Facing Illness & Rebuilding. The impact of Crohn’s disease, mental health struggles, and stepping away from Dynamo to focus on Steven.

21:00 – The Magic of Others. How everyday people and inspiring stories now shape Steven’s approach to magic and storytelling.

27:00 – Performing with Purpose. Why Steven’s work today is rooted in meaning, community, and connection — not ego.

31:00 – Magic, Escapism & Intimacy. On performing live again, the immersive nature of Up Close and Magical, and creating shared moments.

36:00 – Travel, First Holidays & Unexpected Inspiration. Steven’s first holiday, his early musical influences, and a life-changing school trip to Llandudno.

41:00 – Favourite Destinations & Dream Locations. From Glastonbury cottages to magical moments in San Miguel and New Orleans.

45:00 – Late Nights, Magic Studios & After-Parties. Behind the scenes at Dynamo’s studio, and midnight creativity.

47:30 – Looking Ahead. Clara wraps up with a final reflection on purpose, resilience, and the magic still to come.