Transport for London (TfL) has launched its first podcast series to celebrate the 160th anniversary of London Underground. Hosted by railway historian and broadcaster, Tim Dunn, the four 30-minute podcasts shine a light on the iconic transport network, looking at the architecture and history of stations, innovation in transport and how public transport connects people and places.
In the first three episodes of the ‘Mind the Gap – Tube 160’ podcast series released today, Tim Dunn, who presents ‘Secrets of the London Underground’ on UKTV’s Yesterday channel and UKTV Play, interviews a broad range of people – united by their love of the Tube.
Special guests include Wayne Hemingway, world-renowned designer and co-founder of HemingwayDesign, who designed the uniforms for London Underground frontline staff; the ‘Tube Mapper’ photographer Luke Agbaimoni; Amy Lamé, the co-founder of Duckie and London’s Night Czar; and Geoff Marshall, a popular online video producer who runs a transport-themed YouTube channel and website, as well as many other experts and TfL staff.
The fourth episode, to be released later in December, is a special festive episode in which Tim meets – and journeys with – one of his broadcasting heroes, TV and radio presenter (and fellow self-professed Tube fan) Rylan – from central London towards Rylan’s hometown in Essex.
The ‘Mind the Gap – Tube 160’ podcast series covers four themes:
- Episode One – Architecture
- Episode Two – Innovation
- Episode Three – Connecting People and Places
- Episode Four – Christmas special with Rylan
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “We’ve had a fantastic year paying tribute and celebrating 160 years of the London Underground. This podcast series brings those celebrations to a close with a bang, uncovering the secrets behind its success, from the beautiful architecture of stations to the future of innovative technology and new trains. ‘Mind the Gap’ is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the London Underground’s journey. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project and would encourage everyone to give the podcast a listen.”
TV and radio personality, Rylan, said: “I’m obsessed with the London Underground to the point where I’ve even built my own station at home. So naturally I’m very excited to be on the Mind the Gap podcast and take a trip on the Central line while chatting to Tim.”
A programme of activities throughout 2023 has celebrated the rich 160-year history of London Underground’s role as the lifeblood of the city, including a self-guided treasure hunt across all of the original Metropolitan Railway stations in January, a new Love the Tube 160-year anniversary plague which was unveiled at Baker Street station, and heritage train rides on the Piccadilly line over the summer.
The ‘Mind the Gap’ podcast is released today (Monday 18 December) on all major podcast platforms.
Image credit: TfL
