Ben, TfL Buses and the Challenge

Ben, TfL Buses and the Challenge

In this episode, Kerrie welcomes father and son duo Tom Clowes and Ben Clowes to discuss Ben's remarkable journey: his personal challenge to ride every single London TfL bus route (excluding night and school-only routes). At just 16, Ben has already completed 302 out of 589 routes, documenting his progress with careful planning, spreadsheets, and a physical map. The life message is do things that make you feel good and encouraging kids to explore. Key Discussion Points * Introducing Ben: Ben Clowes, 16, student at Kingston College studying Travel and Tourism and passionate about exploring London by bus 00:00:44. * The Challenge: Ride every regular London bus route, at least two stops per bus, excluding night and school buses 01:30. * Inspiration: Inspired by transport YouTuber Geoff Marshall 02:47. * Progress So Far: Over halfway through, with over 300 bus routes completed in two years 00:04:01. * Favourite Routes & Surprises: Highlights include the tiny H2 route and discovering how TfL buses go beyond London's borders 13:15 * Planning & Logistics: Sophisticated tracking with spreadsheets and maps; trips range from short opportunistic rides to all-day adventures 08:27. * Balancing Safety & Independence: Discussion on parental concerns and strategies for staying safe while exploring London 09:18. * Time Management: How Ben fits his bus challenge around college and other commitments 11:13. * Cost of the Challenge: Travels are mostly free thanks to a Zip card for under-18s, with occasional minimal costs 19:12. * Community & Joys of the Journey: Making friends with bus drivers, the joy of seeing London overland, and fun family/friend involvement 15:32. Notable Quotes * "It makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I'm doing progress and I'm having fun doing it." – Ben Clowes 06:55 * "The best way to see London, in my opinion, is by bus." – Ben Clowes 16:00 Extras * Super Loop Buses: New express routes that will soon be added, extending Ben's challenge even further 22:22. * What's Next: Ben considers challenges abroad or in the travel industry after completing the TfL buses 15:10. Connect and Share * Want to share your own unique life challenge? Reach out at jennylee.co.uk [https://jennylee.co.uk/]. * Follow Ben's journey as he nears his goal—perhaps a future meeting with his inspirer Geoff Marshall?

Ben, TfL Buses and the Challenge

In this episode, Kerrie welcomes father and son duo Tom Clowes and Ben Clowes to discuss Ben's remarkable journey: his personal challenge to ride every single London TfL bus route (excluding night and school-only routes). At just 16, Ben has already completed 302 out of 589 routes, documenting his progress with careful planning, spreadsheets, and a physical map. Key Discussion Points * Introducing Ben: Ben Clowes, 16, student at Kingston College studying Travel and Tourism and passionate about exploring London by bus (00:44). * The Challenge: Ride every regular London bus route, at least two stops per bus, excluding night and school buses (01:30). * Inspiration: Inspired by transport YouTuber Geoff Marshall (02:47). * Progress So Far: Over halfway through, with over 300 bus routes completed in two years (04:01). * Favourite Routes & Surprises: Highlights include the tiny H2 route and discovering how TfL buses go beyond London's borders (13:15). * Planning & Logistics: Sophisticated tracking with spreadsheets and maps; trips range from short opportunistic rides to all-day adventures (08:27). * Balancing Safety & Independence: Discussion on parental concerns and strategies for staying safe while exploring London (09:18). * Time Management: How Ben fits his bus challenge around college and other commitments (11:13). * Cost of the Challenge: Travels are mostly free thanks to a Zip card for under-18s, with occasional minimal costs (19:12). * Community & Joys of the Journey: Making friends with bus drivers, the joy of seeing London overland, and fun family/friend involvement (15:32). Notable Quotes * "It makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I'm doing progress and I'm having fun doing it." – Ben Clowes (06:55) * "The best way to see London, in my opinion, is by bus." – Ben Clowes (16:00) * Super Loop Buses: New express routes that will soon be added, extending Ben's challenge even further (22:22). * What's Next: Ben considers challenges abroad or in the travel industry after completing the TfL buses (5:10). Thank you for listening to "Kerrie: That's Life…Or Is It?" Stay curious and keep exploring!

Alcoholism, Friends and Faith

In this episode, Kerrie is joined by longtime friends Lindy and Adam to discuss the intertwined journeys of alcoholism, faith, and enduring friendship. Adam shares his candid experiences as a recovering alcoholic, while Lindy offers perspective as a supportive friend and fellow Jehovah's Witness. The episode also dives into how faith—in particular, becoming Jehovah's Witnesses—provided both Lindy and Adam with a renewed sense of hope, structure, and community. Through their shared experiences, the trio illustrates the transformative power of connection, whether through spiritual discovery or unwavering friendship. Their open dialogue emphasizes the importance of empathy, resilience, and belonging, offering listeners both practical insight and inspiration for navigating life's challenges. Throughout, Kerrie seamlessly guides the conversation, encouraging vulnerability and highlighting the strong bonds that sustain us even through life's darkest moments. Together, they explore: * The ups and downs of their party days and when things began to change (06:06) * Adam's realization and "rock bottom" that led him to seek help (05:06) * The challenges and complexities of recovery and support (12:54) * The role of spirituality and their shared journey to becoming Jehovah's Witnesses (15:08; 20:20) * Loss, change, and the unexpected consequences of transformation—including losing friends but strengthening the bond between them (22:24) Notable Discussion Points * Recognizing Addiction: Adam opens up about his path from "extreme drinking events" to acknowledging he had a problem with alcohol, and ultimately attending his first AA meeting (03:29; 05:06). * Support Systems: Lindy describes providing support, structure, and empathy, showing what friendship looks like during recovery (13:07). * Social and Genetic Factors: Exploration of the genetic and chemical components of addiction and the societal lens on drinking (15:13; 17:30). Key Quotes * "If you want to find help, anything's possible... and if you've got a really good friend to help you, even better." – Adam (27:03) * "If you want to find out what life is about, take the time and examine the Bible... when you understand that, it gives you hope." – Lindy (27:38)

Dancing, SUMO and being Father Christmas

John Pugh and Paul McGee, aka The SUMO Guy, join Kerrie for this show to explore the zest of life and the trigger behind the movement Shut Up and Move On, which has led Paul to be one of the UK's leading speakers and bestseller on self-help and resilience. Spirituality, adversity and honesty have solidified this friendship, from Paul's illness with ME and a church play to the life enjoyed today. Laced with laughter and a dash of football. www.thesumoguy.com [https://www.thesumoguy.com/]

Normalising Pressure, Emotions and Breaking Patterns

The Show welcomes back Emily De'ath and guest Polly Burns to explore why we tend to put ourselves under pressure when we can make the choice not to. However we know that's easier said than done. This show provides routes to breaking those patterns. Maybe that's not 'just life.'