Episodes

  • 110: Andreas Schörling

    110: Andreas Schörling
    Sep 2 2025
    Leon learns more about the diverse career of transport leader Andreas Schörling, Senior Managing Director of Flixbus UK. Andreas, who lead the launch of Flixbus in the UK in 2021, discusses the company's ambitious plan to challenge National Express' monopolisation and build the largest intercity coach network in the UK. The episode also touches on the evolving perception of coach travel, the transformative impact of AI on the transport industry and Andreas' take on work-life harmony.

    www.leondaniels.co.uk
    www.passengertransport.co.uk
    flixbus.co.uk
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • 109: Nigel Holness

    109: Nigel Holness
    Aug 5 2025
    In this episode of Lunch with Leon, rail veteran Nigel Holness reflects on his 40-year career, from his early days as a signalling consultant on the London Underground to his current role as a leading transport consultant, advising on major global projects. Leon and Nigel discuss TfL's evolution, their experiences of the 7/7 London bombings, 2012 Olympics, and the establishment of the Elizabeth line. Nigel also shares his perspective on the challenges of systems integration and battery operation in rail.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • 108: Anna Earl

    108: Anna Earl
    Jul 22 2025
    Leon speaks with nutritionist Anna Earl about the challenges that transport workers face maintaining nutrition, hydration, and wellbeing. Anna shares her advice for workers on how to overcome these challenges and develop a healthier lifestyle.
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • 107: Richard Smith

    107: Richard Smith
    Jul 10 2025
    In the latest episode of Lunch with Leon, Leon talks with Richard Smith, Managing Director of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) about the key issues facing the road freight industry, including the challenges of transitioning HGVs to Net Zero, the deteriorating condition of road infrastructure and the broader implications of AI. There's also plenty of good career advice from these two transport leaders throughout the podcast!

    https://www.rha.uk.net/
    https://www.passengertransport.co.uk/
    https://www.leondaniels.co.uk/
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • 106: Ben Plowden

    106: Ben Plowden
    Jun 10 2025
    In the latest episode of Lunch with Leon, Leon speaks with Ben Plowden, the new Chief Executive of the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT). This lively conversation covers various hot topics in the transport industry - the potential softening of the green agenda, rail nationalisation and rail fare debates, the importance of regional connectivity and how to address car dependency. Leon also picks Ben's brains on the anticipated Integrated National Transport Strategy, and finds out more about CBT's Better Transport Week, taking place from 16th - 22nd June.

    https://www.passengertransport.co.uk/
    https://bettertransport.org.uk/
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • 105: David Astill

    105: David Astill
    May 20 2025
    Leon Daniels talks to David Astill, the new chairman of of ALBUM, the Association of Local Bus Managers (and Managing Director of Nottingham City Transport), just after their successful annual conference in Nottingham. David shares some of his highlights from the conference, as well as discussing the impact of local elections on transport policy, the importance of local ownership and management in the bus industry and ALBUM's future under his stewardship, and with Alex Perry as policy advisor.
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • 104: Bill Hiron

    104: Bill Hiron
    May 6 2025
    Ahead of the organisation's conference on 12-14th May, Leon is joined by former ALBUM chair Bill Hiron MBE to discuss his extensive career in the bus industry, from his days at Thamesway and First Group to owning Stevensons of Essex. The conversation also explores the evolution of London's bus tendering system, Bill's view on the Buses Bill, and his seven-year chairmanship of The Association of Local Bus Managers (ALBUM), that supports the UK's municipally owned and independent SME bus sector. Plus, the pair celebrate the joy of The Bus Archive in Droitwich.
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • 103: Sophie Bancroft

    103: Sophie Bancroft
    Apr 8 2025
    Leon speaks with Sophie Bancroft, HR Director at Network Rail, about her career so far - including various previous roles at Transport for London. The discussion also explores attitudes to rail reform, Sophie's love of the Metropolitan Line and running transport during the London 2012 Olympics - including the tactical use of fake road works! Listen out for nods to several other great transport industry leaders, some fun stories from throughout Sophie and Leon’s careers and a celebration of the London Transport Museum.

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins