Advertise on podcast: The Two Russells

What happens when you've built an incredible career, worked on some of the world's most iconic property developments and achieved everything you thought you wanted… but something still feels missing? This week, The Two Russells welcome Caroline Donaghue, who spent 23 years in international luxury property marketing, helping to launch landmark developments including The Shard, Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons projects. After 18 years with one agency, countless international projects and a relentless schedule of long working days and travel, Caroline began questioning what success really looked like. From living on a Chelsea houseboat to completely reinventing her life in Mexico, her journey eventually led her into coaching. Now working as The Chelsea Embodiment Coach, Caroline helps women reconnect with themselves, explore their ambitions and navigate the sometimes complicated relationship between career success, personal fulfillment and relationships. In a fascinating and refreshingly open conversation, Russell Quirk and Russell Jervis explore the role of coaching, the British attitude towards seeking help, the impact of ego and mindset, and why professional success can sometimes create unexpected challenges at home. They also discuss the warning signs of pushing yourself too hard, the importance of slowing down, and how coaching can help us uncover answers we may already have within ourselves. From multi-million-pound property launches to redefining what it means to thrive, this is a conversation about success, self-discovery and having the courage to change direction.

Peter Rollings - ‘The Legend’ From gutting 200 trout at Chelsea Farmers Market and delivering them to restaurants on a moped, to becoming one of the first 21 employees at Foxtons - and ultimately its MD - Peter Rollings has quite a story to tell. Peter joins the Two Russells to look back at the extraordinary early days of Foxtons: 9am–9pm working, 0% commission, relentless hiring, Friday night meetings in Park Lane and an intensity and energy that created one of the most distinctive cultures in estate agency. He talks about growing with the business, eventually overseeing a powerhouse operation, why differentiation is key, and what happened when a brand that people either loved or hated began to lose some of its mojo. There’s life after Foxtons too including Marsh & Parsons, investing, mentoring, board roles and some fascinating new ventures involving AI. Peter may have officially “retired” at 54, but clearly hasn’t slowed down. A proper estate agency legend, some fantastic stories and plenty of lessons for the industry today. Episode 61 is one not to miss.

Pour a glass of wine. Make a coffee. Get comfortable. The Two Russells are back. Episode 60 sees Russell and Russell joined by Anthony Payne, Managing Director of LonRes, for a brilliant conversation about property, people and the rather unconventional route that took Anthony to the heart of the prime Central London market. He left school at 16. He wanted a job at Cecil Gee because he fancied the staff discount. His dad told him that if he was going to use his “big mouth” to sell something, he might as well sell something valuable. So he chose property. From earning £50 a week making calls in a Golders Green estate agency, and being fired from his first job in fairly extraordinary circumstances – to walking past Beauchamp Estates in Chelsea in 1985, falling in love with the place and talking his way into a job, Anthony has some fantastic stories to tell. We also get under the skin of LonRes: why membership is carefully controlled, the checks agents must pass, how its technology transformed a paper-based process, and why collaboration and access to the right information remain so important to its B2B network. Today LonRes has a team of around 45, but Anthony’s focus remains firmly on giving agents the tools and flexibility they need to deliver an exceptional service to their clients. And away from property? He talks beautifully about his 18-month-old daughter, who he describes simply as “pure joy”. Anthony is charming, articulate, incredibly well connected and knows his industry inside out. This is a lovely one to settle into.

Episode 59 with Hayley Andrews, Hard Hats to Heels Hayley Andrews has never done things the conventional way. From selling duty-free cigarettes as a child and collecting qualifications in everything from football coaching to beauty therapy, to becoming one of the UK’s most respected property entrepreneurs, her journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Hayley shares how years of battling a male-dominated industry—including not being taken seriously, verbal abuse, physical assault and even being locked inside a property—became the catalyst for creating Hard Hats to Heels. Today, the community hosts 26 events every month across the UK, is preparing to go global, and is connecting thousands of people across the property industry. And despite the name, the mission has never been about excluding men—it’s about creating better opportunities, stronger relationships and a more inclusive industry. We also talk entrepreneurship, listed buildings, construction, industry awards, family influences, and why Hayley believes backing yourself is the biggest investment you’ll ever make. This is a conversation about resilience, ambition and building something far bigger than a business.

What does it take to become one of the UK’s leading communication and motivational speakers for estate agency when you’ve never actually worked as an estate agent? In Episode 58 of The Two Russells Podcast, Russell Quirk and Russell Jervis are joined by Tony Morris, founder of Agency Titans and Tony Morris International, for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about mindset, communication, leadership and what really drives success. Tony’s journey is anything but conventional. From selling gas and electricity in a call centre, to software sales, to selling encyclopaedias door-to-door in Sydney while travelling the world, every chapter taught him something about persuasion, resilience and human behaviour. Those lessons eventually led him to launch his own training business in 2006, helping agency owners unlock performance they never believed possible. The conversation explores the psychology behind commanding fees rather than simply charging them, the power of language, why terminology matters, and how great leaders get the very best out of their people. Tony explains why he gets such a buzz from helping others achieve breakthroughs and why speaking live remains one of his greatest passions. Away from business, Tony also opens up about his personal journey. He reflects on his upbringing, being bullied at school, the devastating loss of his father just as his business was taking off and shortly before his wedding, and his recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder. It’s an honest and refreshingly open conversation that shows the person behind the coach. Whether you’re an estate agent, business owner or simply fascinated by what makes people perform at their best, this episode is packed with practical insights and powerful stories. 🎙️ Watch the full episode now. 📅 If you’d like to experience Tony’s coaching first-hand, his Optimised Agency Workshop takes place on 21st July and is designed specifically for ambitious estate agency owners looking to take their businesses to the next level.

At 12 years old, Felix Bravo watched his family’s world change overnight. The cars were sold. The house was downsized. Holidays disappeared. Christmas presents were bought with borrowed money. Fast forward to today and, before turning 30, Felix has built businesses, experienced failure, supported his family through difficult times and become Managing Director of eXp International. In this episode, Felix shares the lessons he’s learned from loss, resilience, entrepreneurship and why failure is often the greatest teacher of all. A genuinely inspiring conversation with someone who has lived more than most people do in a lifetime.

The Two Russells, recorded live at the Property Investor Show, ExCeL London. Russell Quirk and Russell Jervis are joined by John Howard, a property investor with hundreds of millions of pounds in past deals. They cover: What success actually looks like Then vs now.. how deals have changed The maths behind his investments Trust, family, and bringing his daughter into the business What drives him From son of a greengrocer to serious scale. No over complication just straight forward talk

The Two Russells lands with one of the most recognisable characters in the industry Simon Whale of Kerfuffle. Expect energy, honesty, and a fair bit of chaos. Simon’s journey is anything but conventional. From nine years at university (yes, really) and launching Indulgence Plc organising student trips across Europe… to being handed a job by his dad, then promptly getting sacked by him. Fourteen years at Reapit, acquiring RAN, and ultimately building Kerfuffle which is a marketplace connecting estate agents and suppliers. Simon has carved out a reputation for doing things his own way. But this episode goes far deeper. From his larger-than-life personality (and signature pink entrances), to a shocking liver cancer diagnosis delivered by text, a moment that changed everything. We talk health, resilience, family, and what really matters when life throws the unexpected at you. There’s humour, there’s perspective, and there’s plenty of classic Simon Whale along the way, including The Whale’s Den and stories you won’t see coming. Unfiltered. Unconventional. Unmissable.

EPISODE 53 – Silvia Eldawi Founder of Propologi The Queen of Property Podcasts joins R&R for a candid, compelling and refreshingly honest conversation. Silvia opens up on: •⁠ ⁠Sacrificing family life for career success •⁠ ⁠Whether women are forced to choose between ambition and motherhood •⁠ ⁠Being fired from her own PropTech startup •⁠ ⁠Why “no one is coming to save you” •⁠ ⁠Dubai’s property market, tourism & whether the pavements really are paved with gold •⁠ ⁠How she built Golden Nuggets into one of property’s most respected podcast brands Raw, intelligent and full of insight. This is Silvia at her most open.

When it comes to getting the best guests first, the Russells are the epitome of ‘It’s who you know…’ in grabbing big names. Not many (actually none) though, can boast a current The Apprentice star who happens to also be an estate agent. Kieran McCartney Jones. What is filling with Lord Sugar really like? Has Kieran been unfairly targeted in the media for his ‘sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll’ past? Or does he encourage the attention? How has family trauma influenced who he is?. Watch to see this unique episode.

Buying a £5 book online is seamless. Buying a home, one of life’s biggest decisions, often feels chaotic, slow and stacked against the buyer. In Episode 52 of The Two Russells Podcast, Russell Quirk and Russell Jervis are joined by Graham Patterson, Co-Founder of Jitty, the AI-driven property platform aiming to rebuild the homebuying experience from the ground up. After careers designing intuitive digital products at Deliveroo, Graham and his co-founders all bought homes at the same stage of life and shared the same realisation: The system felt broken. Multiple portals to check daily. Endless map searching for schools and lifestyle needs. Unclear transactional processes. No trusted guidance on brokers or conveyancers. And a sense that nobody in the process was truly on the buyer’s side. So, they built Jitty! Not as another portal, but as a property search engine, helping buyers understand homes properly before they even book a viewing. In this episode, Graham shares: • Why property search hasn’t evolved with the internet • How AI can bring clarity and control back to buyers • The reality of raising early-stage funding (including 80 investor conversations) • Support from REA and Google’s AI fund • The pressure, and personal resilience, behind startup life • Advice for anyone considering an entrepreneurial leap Plus, a lighter moment as Graham reveals how he switches off from startup intensity and receives an unexpected musical request from the Russells.

From Ceefax Leads… to Instagram Introductions Over half a century of podcast studio sessions for Russell and Russell… and the guests keep delivering. This week, Russell Quirk and Russell Jervis are joined by Steve Eakins, Key Partner Director at Lumon, the currency specialist trusted by agents, buyers and investors navigating international property transactions. Often saved in phones as “Steve Currency” or “Steve Money”, Steve works at the point where property and global finance collide, helping clients move funds smoothly when relocating, investing overseas, or returning to the UK. With 17 years at Lumon (a 25-year-old business now 200+ strong), Steve shares remarkable insight into the scale of modern property movement: • £25 million transferred daily • £10 billion moved last year alone • Europe’s strongest demand across Spain, Portugal and France • A growing trend of Brits leaving the UK while Americans increasingly move in And crucially, how real transaction data gives a clearer picture of whether the widely reported “millionaires leaving Britain” narrative truly reflects what’s happening on the ground. The conversation explores why currency brokers are now introduced at valuation stage, how better exchange rates and service can secure transactions, and why agents are referring clients earlier than ever. But this episode goes far beyond numbers. Steve talks openly about: • Building a career while navigating dyslexia • Starting out selling Chupa Chups with nothing but a van and an A–Z • Working for free to prove himself at Lumon • The realities of servicing a truly global client base across time zones From first-time overseas buyers transferring £220,000 to multi-million-pound transactions, this is a fascinating look at the hidden engine behind international property deals, and what global money flows reveal about where people are really moving. Insightful, practical, and packed with real-world stories.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual abuse, coercive control and suicide attempts. For our landmark 50th episode of The Two Russells, we revisit one of the most courageous and unforgettable stories ever shared on the podcast. Annalese Walmsley returns. In Episode 27, she revealed that she had been sexually abused by her father for nine years — and the extraordinary consequences of breaking that silence. This time, she reflects on what happened next. From the anxiety the night before it aired… To the overwhelming response from listeners across the property industry and far beyond… To discovering that sharing her truth may have helped save a life. On the Two Russells platform, a space built for honest conversation within the property world, Annalese chose to speak. Not for headlines, not for sympathy, but for truth. And that truth travelled further than any of us could have imagined. She speaks openly about motherhood, custody battles, grief, resilience, counselling, and the moment the weight finally lifted when silence no longer controlled her. This isn’t sensationalised. It isn’t edited for comfort. It’s raw. It’s human. It’s real. This is not just a follow-up. It’s a testament to the power of speaking out and what can happen when an industry platform becomes something bigger than business. If you or someone you know needs support: NSPCC – https://www.nspcc.org.uk Childline – https://www.childline.org.uk Refuge – https://refuge.org.uk

After a relentlessly busy January at Proper PR and Rayner Personnel, we’re back with a powerful international perspective on property and one of our most compelling guests yet. Joining us from Ireland (via Teams) is Regina Mangan, founder of Liberty Blue. In this episode, Regina opens up about: • Why Ireland has no property chains and how that changes everything • A red-hot seller’s market with 57,000 transactions closed last year • Bidding wars, fast conversions, and what the UK can learn from a smaller but highly efficient market • A rental sector in crisis due to chronic lack of supply • The reality of heavy regulation in Ireland and why it actually works Regina’s personal journey is just as gripping. From growing up on a farm to setting up Ireland’s first specialist lettings company at just 24, she shares the reality of making losses for seven years, juggling multiple side jobs, and why failure was never an option. We also talk about: • The bank manager moment you won’t forget • The influence of her mother and the rule of “always keep the front door painted” • Transaction times, fee structures, and why 70% of their clients are first-time buyers • The importance of networking and community in building a resilient agency Plus, Regina gives us a preview of The Real Estate Agency Summit, taking place on 11 June at Theatre Royal, Waterford. A conference designed to go far beyond compliance and into real growth, leadership, and marketing. If you’re in property, agency, PR, recruitment or just love a proper hustle story this episode is essential listening.

We are joined by the force of nature that is Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham & Reeves. From a business that began in the 1960s with two feuding brothers in neighbouring offices… to a global network spanning London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Qatar, South Africa, Israel and beyond. Marc gives us the real story behind one of the industry’s most enduring brands. We get into his early property flips, why he’s a self-confessed “control freak in the best way”, the thousand emails a day he reads (yes, including the info@ inbox), and what he thinks is coming for the market in 2026. Plus: sales vs lettings, travelling the world, AI in property, and a few predictions that might surprise you. A fast, funny, high-energy episode. Don’t miss it.