Lainy Russell

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Lainy’s Lounge

Join Lainy Russell every Sunday for Lainy's Lounge as she chats to a variety of guests who come from all walks of life, with great stories and musical talent

Join Lainy Russell every Sunday for Lainy's Lounge as she chats to a variety of guests who come from all walks of life, with great stories and musical talent

Lainy Russell is the presenter of Lainy’s Lounge, Wey Valley Radio’s Sunday evening show at 6pm. Known for her warm interviewing style and her ability to draw out powerful, human stories, Lainy has become a trusted voice for listeners who love real conversations, uplifting journeys, and great music.

Her path into radio began in December 2019, when she appeared as a guest on the Magazine Show to talk about the teenage brain and parenting adolescents. Shortly after, Brian Player invited her to BBC Surrey for an interview, which led to her becoming a regular monthly guest on the Sunday evening Magazine Show, hosted by a married presenting duo.

With a professional background in sensitive issues, safeguarding, and understanding human behaviour, Lainy was soon asked to step up to the mic as a guest presenter. She began recording interviews with people whose stories required empathy, sensitivity, and emotional intelligence, something she’s become known for.

In May 2021, she was invited to co-host the Magazine Show alongside one of the original presenters, joined by award-winning broadcaster Brian Player. The trio reimagined the programme as Our Lives and Music, shifting the focus to guests’ personal stories and the music that shaped them. During this time, Lainy was interviewing people weekly, gaining experience in outside broadcasting at events such as the Classic Car Show, community events, and regularly joining Brian for his live Tuesday evening show. She also became a familiar face on the station’s live video broadcasts, interviewing well known names including Right Said Fred, Suzi Quatro, Kiki Dee and Don Most (Ralph Malph from Happy Days).

Just a few months after joining Wey Valley Radio, Lainy was offered her own show on Sunday evenings that soon became known as Lainy’s Lounge.

Today, Lainy’s Lounge is one of the station’s standout programmes for spotlighting guests from all walks of life. Whether they’re sharing stories of resilience, courage, creativity or transformation, Lainy brings a thoughtful, human touch to every conversation. The show also features a wide range of musical guests, introducing listeners to new artists as well as reconnecting them with the icons of their youth.

A festival lover at heart, Lainy was the regular radio presence at the Boars Bridge Festival until its final year in 2024. She also joined the crew at Weyfest in its last season and interviewed artists at The Green Man Festival in Wales.

Lainy’s radio journey was unexpected, it was not something she sought out, but it soon became a big part of her life and she loves working with the team and meeting so many amazing people.

Chris Stone, Alan Webster Brown, Lainy Russell and David Simmons

Chris Stone, Alan Webster Brown, Lainy Russell and David Simmons

Brian Player, Alan Webster Brown, Lainy Russell and Barbara Parry in the Wey Valley Radio studios in Alton Assembly Rooms

Brian Player, Alan Webster Brown, Lainy Russell and Barbara Parry in the Wey Valley Radio studios in Alton Assembly Rooms

Lainy Russell

Lainy Russell on a team visit to the BBC Radio Surrey studios

Lainy Russell on a team visit to the BBC Radio Surrey studios

Alan Webster Brown, Brian Player and Lainy Russell at the Wey Valley Radio studios in Alton Assembly Rooms

Alan Webster Brown, Brian Player and Lainy Russell at the Wey Valley Radio studios in Alton Assembly Rooms

Chris Stone and Lainy Russell

Chris Stone and Lainy Russell

Lainy Russell

Brian Player, Alan Webster Brown and Lainy Russell in the Wey Valley Radio studios in the Alton Assembly Rooms

Brian Player, Alan Webster Brown and Lainy Russell in the Wey Valley Radio studios in the Alton Assembly Rooms

Lainy Russell

Lainy Russell on a team visit to the BBC Radio Surrey studios

Lainy Russell on a team visit to the BBC Radio Surrey studios

Presenter