The TLS Podcast In Transit
Dec 4, 2025
Camille Ralphs, TLS poetry editor and poet, shares her raw and revealing experiences traveling across the U.S. on Greyhound buses during her book tour, discussing the visible struggles of fellow passengers and the often harsh realities of bus travel. Meanwhile, Alev Adil, a writer and reviewer, delves into the cultural significance of train travel as depicted in literature, reviewing Monisha Rajesh's engaging tales from night trains and Andrew Martin's historical insights into seaside tourism. Both guests offer a heartfelt reflection on the transformative power of travel.
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Buses Reveal Hidden America
- Riding Greyhound exposes a side of America often hidden from tourists and advertised images.
- Camille and Joanna Pocock concluded the bus reveals systemic fragility and personal hardship across many passengers.
iPhone Navigation On The Dash
- Camille observed a driver navigating using an iPhone propped on the dash, repeatedly leaning over to fetch it.
- The incident made her fear for safety and highlighted informal, risky practices on some routes.
Vending-Machine Dining
- Atlanta Greyhound station offered only vending-machine meals, so Camille microwaved a chilli dog in a communal microwave.
- The experience underscored poor station amenities and the odd compromises travellers make.
