Routes

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.

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Chapter 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 & Representation in Storytelling: Taking on the role of Barrington Walker and tackling taboos in the Black community.

50:00 - The Power of Representation & Audience Reactions: Emotional responses from fans and the importance of telling diverse stories.

51:20 - What’s Next for Lennie James: Exciting future projects and personal passions, including an upcoming film.

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.

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.

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Chapter 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: Maisie’s Appraisal tour continues—get your tickets now!

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!

In this week's episode Clara gets to sit down with one of her all-time favs, the legendary Melanie Brown—Mel B (aka Scary Spice). This is an unforgettable conversation, including what she really thinks of being called “Scary,” the story behind her iconic leopard print, and her reflections on the legacy of “girl power.”

Mel shares her journey from growing up in Leeds to being at the forefront of the “girl power” movement, selling 100 million records worldwide as part of the Spice Girls—the best-selling female group of all time. She talks about childhood camping holidays in Wales, her adventures traveling the world, and the destinations she holds closest to her heart.

In her trademark honest style, Mel opens up about surviving an abusive relationship, the effects she still feels seven years on, and how she is healing and rebuilding her life. She also shares what it’s like moving back to rural Yorkshire, her enduring love for Leeds and its people, and how finding peace in the countryside has helped her reconnect with herself.

Trigger warning: Contains discussion about domestic abuse.

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Chapter Markers:

00:21 - Meet Melanie Brown (Mel B)

00:34 - Mel B's Journey with the Spice Girls

05:50 - Life in Leeds and Family Ties

10:03 - Overcoming Abuse and Finding Strength

18:01 - Childhood Memories and Family Holidays

20:31 - Travel Adventures and Personal Growth

23:33 - Embracing Natural Hair and Identity

25:22 - Challenges of the Bear Hunt

28:07 - Finding Peace in Nature

32:02 - Future Goals and Passions

35:05 - Music and Acting Aspirations

39:07 - Reflecting on the 'Scary' Nickname

42:23 - Conclusion and Upcoming Projects

On this week's 'The Quiet Coach' Clara is back with musician Rebecca Taylor, also known as Self Esteem, to delve into the intricacies of her travel habits, inspirations, and personal reflections.

From comfort snacks and music to childhood memories and self-discovery, Rebecca offers an intimate look into her life on the road. Discover her go-to travel hacks, the music that moves her, and the significance of her upcoming album, 'A Complicated Woman'.

Plus, get a sneak peek of her new single, 'Focus is Power'. Whether it's winding down with low-stakes pop culture or navigating life as a 'complicated woman', this episode is packed with heartfelt insights and lively conversations.

In this episode of Routes from LNER Clara sits down with the endlessly talented Rebecca Taylor—better known as Self Esteem. From her early days in the Sheffield music scene to headlining festivals, Rebecca spills all about her journey through the music industry, the highs and lows of fame, and her ever-evolving creative process.

Rebecca gets real about her goals for 2025, her acting ambitions, and the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into festival costumes and stage designs.

She shares funny and heartfelt travel stories—from childhood holidays on the Yorkshire coast to her love for hotel entertainers—they all shaped her love for comfort and familiarity amidst the whirlwind of her career. Rebecca also talks about the challenges of being a working-class woman in music and how she’s kept her feet firmly on the ground while keeping her drive and ambition.

From hilarious anecdotes to thoughtful insights, this episode is a deep dive into the mind of an artist who’s always pushing boundaries. Honesty, humour, and inspiration—you won’t want to miss it!

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

Chapter Markers:

00:57 - Introducing Rebecca Taylor AKA Self-Esteem

01:55 - Rebecca's 2025 Goals and Ambitions

04:20 - Journey to Retford and Early Memories

08:26 - Creative Beginnings in Sheffield

10:46 - Holiday Memories and Reflections

14:39 - The Rise of Self-Esteem

16:07 - Facing Public Opinion for the First Time

16:37 - Navigating New Opportunities and Challenges

17:11 - Finding Calm Amidst the Chaos

18:11 - Balancing Social Anxiety and Public Life

19:31 - Touring and the Importance of Routine

23:38 - Creating a New Album

28:06 - Acting and Future Aspirations

30:46 - Prioritising Self-Care and Personal Growth

33:22 - Upcoming Projects

Step aboard the Quiet Coach for an intimate and mellow journey through the mind of the legendary Craig David! In this episode, Clara explores Craig’s secrets to finding calm amidst the chaos. From meditation hacks to his favourite quiet travel rituals, Craig shares how he stays centred—even while his music career takes him around the globe. Listen in as he reveals his love for incense, light meditation soundscapes, and the simple joy of taking a peaceful stroll.

But it’s not all about tranquility! In true Craig David fashion, he dishes on his ultimate travel snacks, nostalgic R&B tracks, and genius travel hacks (hint: bring your own feast!).

Clara and Craig also reminisce about special fan stories, from heartfelt wedding performances to chocolate-making adventures in Notting Hill.

This episode promises a mix of laughter, reflection, and Craig’s infectious positivity.

In this episode, Clara’s travel companion is the legendary and multi-talented Craig David.

The Singer, DJ, Songwriter & Producer has had an incredible career and journey from Southampton's Holyrood Estate to becoming an early pioneer of the UK garage scene and crossing the pond to his infamous Miami penthouse.

Craig shares some surreal highlights throughout his career from hearing his album playing in a remote rainforest shop in Costa Rica to seeing Stevie Wonder singing along to “Walking Away” at a concert he was performing at. Whilst living in Miami, he was renowned for transforming the party scene with his iconic TS5 house parties, but he always remembers his routes and remains grateful to his mum and family, who he said sacrificed so he didn’t go without, including picking him up at 2am from his DJ gigs when he first started out and introducing him to Ibiza!

As he gears up for his 25th-anniversary tour, he opens up about his deep connection to home, "25" his lucky number and also the number of his childhood home, and what inspired him to make that life-changing decision to return to the UK.

Warning: This episode may inspire nostalgia, a love for UK garage, and an irresistible urge to revisit Craig’s iconic hits.

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

Chapter Markers:

01:20 - Southampton Beginnings. Craig reminisces about growing up in the Holyrood Estate, discovering music, and finding his passion in the local community.

05:40 - Early Influences and Family Sacrifices. The support of Craig’s family, especially his mother, played a pivotal role in his journey. Hear about their adventures and the lessons they shared.

12:20 - Becoming a Star at 16. Craig reflects on the whirlwind success of Born to Do It, the challenges of fame, and his first major travels.

20:00 - Meeting Legends. From performing for Stevie Wonder to discovering Michael Jackson loved his music, Craig shares jaw-dropping encounters with cultural icons.

30:20 - A Miami Escape. Why Craig moved to Miami, the life lessons he learned there, and why he ultimately decided to return home to the UK.

39:20 - The Viral Comeback. Craig’s legendary freestyle on 1Xtra and how it reignited his career, leading to collaborations with Big Narstie and the No. 1 album Follow My Intuition.

42:20 - Commitment Tour & SOS. Learn about Craig’s upcoming arena tour, the 25th anniversary celebration of Born to Do It, and the heartfelt story behind his new single, “SOS.”

47:20 - Final Reflections. Craig shares wisdom on embracing success, staying grounded, and the joy of reconnecting with his roots.

On this Quiet Coach episode, Clara chats with DJ and producer Arielle Free about her travel essentials, from chill-out playlists to unexpected snacks like pickles in a bag. Arielle shares her go-to packing tips, skincare hacks for long trips, and the music and books that keep her grounded while on the move.

Whether you’re after practical travel advice or just a good laugh, this episode offers a relaxed and fun take on life in transit. Perfect for your next train ride with LNER!