Evil Genius with Russell Kane
History
About
It’s good, bad, ugly - and very very funny. Changing the way we see heroes and villains in history.
Episodes
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
This episode of Evil Genius with Russell Kane discusses F. Scott Fitzgerald and his iconic novel, The Great Gatsby. The hosts, along with Pierre Novellie and Rachel Fairburn, examine the author's life and work.
- Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Bardot's life and public image are discussed, focusing on her early career as a pin-up and her later-life activism. The episode examines whether her actions aligned with her liberated image.
- Colonel Sanders
This episode of Evil Genius with Russell Kane delves into the life of Colonel Sanders. Guests Josh Jones, Laura Smyth, and Ruby Bhogal discuss his history, including gunfights, court cases, and a detour into gynecology.
- Lord Lucan
This episode of Evil Genius with Russell Kane delves into the enduring mystery of Lord Lucan's disappearance, a case that has remained unsolved for over 50 years. Russell Kane, joined by Rachel Fairburn, Pierre Novellie, and Slim, explores…
- Nancy Mitford
This episode delves into the life of Nancy Mitford, examining whether she was an evil genius or a socialite with a talent for writing. Guests Laura Smyth, Josh Jones, and Laura Hackett discuss her life and novels.
- Ozzy Osbourne
This episode of Evil Genius with Russell Kane discusses Ozzy Osbourne. Comedians Lindsey Santoro, Hasan Al Habib, and Alexandra Haddow examine whether Ozzy Osbourne lives up to his "Prince of Darkness" moniker.
- Evil Genius: Returning Soon
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is returning soon with new episodes. The show explores the good, bad, and ugly sides of various figures and can be heard first on BBC Sounds.
- Evil Animals - Sea Otters
Comedian Russell Kane, Laura Smyth, and Dr. Natalie Cooper discuss whether sea otters should be considered evil or genius, focusing on their physical traits and behavior. The episode is part of the Evil Animals series produced by BBC Studi…
- Evil Animals - Spiders
Comedian Russell Kane is joined by Josh Jones and Dr. Karim Vahed to discuss whether spiders should be considered evil or genius. The episode explores the reputation of spiders as creepy-crawlies.
- Evil Animals - Herring Gulls
Comedian Russell Kane, guest Jordan Gray, and scientist Holly Dominique examine whether the Herring Gull is a nuisance or a beneficial part of the coastal ecosystem. The episode was produced by BBC Studios for BBC Sounds.
- Evil Animals - Sharks
Comedian Russell Kane is joined by comedian Susie McCabe and zoologist Billy Heaney to evaluate whether sharks are evil or genius. This episode of Evil Genius with Russell Kane explores the nature of the apex predator.
- Evil Animals - Mosquitoes
Russell Kane explores whether mosquitoes are evil or genius, joined by entomologist Dr. Erica McAlister and comedian Desiree Burch. This BBC Studios production examines the nature of these insects.
- Evil Animals - Penguins
Comedian Russell Kane is joined by Felicity Ward and Lucy Cooke to examine whether penguins are evil or genius. The episode explores penguin behavior and character.
- Evil Animals - Dogs
Russell Kane, Lucy Porter, and Jules Howard discuss the nature of dogs, debating whether they are inherently good or animal antagonists. This episode of Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.
- Evil Animals: Returning Soon
Evil Animals is returning to the Evil Genius with Russell Kane feed. Upcoming episodes will feature animals including dogs, penguins, and sharks.
- Hulk Hogan
Host Russell Kane and guests Sara Pascoe, Gbemi Oladipo, and John Tothill examine the life and legacy of Hulk Hogan. The panel weighs evidence of his cultural impact against allegations of scandal and misconduct to determine if he is an ev…
- Mata Hari
In this episode of Evil Genius with Russell Kane, guests Daliso Chaponda, Maisie Adam, and Jack Skipper debate whether the historical figure Mata Hari should be considered evil or a genius.
- Richard Wagner
Panelists Peter Rethinasamy, Laura Smyth, and Rachel Fairburn discuss whether composer Richard Wagner should be considered evil or a genius given his controversial personal views and musical legacy.
- Francis Bacon
Russell Kane, Jess Fostekew, Fatiha El-Ghorri, and Eshaan Akbar evaluate the life and work of artist Francis Bacon to determine if he should be considered evil or a genius.
- Mary Tudor
Ria Lina, Pierre Novellie, and Catherine Bohart join Russell Kane to explore the life of Mary Tudor. They discuss whether she should be remembered more for her reputation as 'Bloody Mary' or her achievements as queen.
- Serge Gainsbourg
Catherine Bohart, Ria Lina, and Pierre Novellie debate the legacy of Serge Gainsbourg to determine if he was an evil or genius figure. This discussion explores his impact on music and whether his actions went beyond acceptable artistic lic…
- Peter Stringfellow
Russell Kane, Josh Jones, Rachel Fairburn, and Chantel Nash discuss whether nightclub entrepreneur Peter Stringfellow was more evil or genius. The panel examines his impact on nightlife alongside his personal life and values.
- Kim Philby
Russell Kane and guests Glenn Moore, Susie McCabe, and Daniel Foxx examine the life of Kim Philby to debate whether he was a genius mastermind or an evil figure responsible for significant suffering.
- The Greatest Showman (P.T. Barnum)
Sara Pascoe, John Tothill, and Gbemi Oladipo join Russell Kane to analyze the life and legacy of P.T. Barnum. They discuss his success as a circus pioneer and the ethical costs associated with his showmanship to determine if he was evil or…
- Griselda Blanco
Russell Kane, Peter Rethinasamy, Laura Smyth, and Rachel Fairburn examine the life and legacy of Griselda Blanco, the notorious drug kingpin. They debate whether she should be defined by her brutality or her status as a formidable boss.
- Agatha Christie
Russell Kane and guests Fatiha El-Ghorri, Jess Fostekew, and Eshaan Akbar examine the legacy of Agatha Christie. They discuss whether her work represents a creative peak in crime fiction or displays problematic elements.
- Al Capone
Jack Skipper, Maisie Adam, and Daliso Chaponda debate whether Al Capone was a villainous criminal or a Robin Hood figure in this episode of Evil Genius with Russell Kane. They examine his legacy to determine if he should be considered evil…
- Evil Genius: Returning Soon
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is returning soon with new episodes. The show explores the good, bad, and ugly sides of various figures and can be heard on BBC Sounds.
- Evil Animals - Vampire Bats
Comedian Russell Kane, zoological correspondent Jules Howard, and comedian Rachel Fairburn explore whether vampire bats should be considered evil or genius. The team examines the behavior and reputation of these animals to decide if they a…
- Evil Animals - Maggots
Comedian Russell Kane, entomologist Erica McAlister, and comedian Ola Labib discuss the biology and reputation of maggots. This episode of Evil Genius with Russell Kane explores whether these larvae should be considered helpful or harmful.
- Evil Animals - Snakes
Comedian Russell Kane, zoologist Yussef Rafik, and comedian Felicity Ward analyze whether snakes, specifically vipers, should be classified as evil or genius.
- Evil Animals - Cats
Host Russell Kane, zoologist Jess French, and comedian Jess Fostekew examine the nature of domestic cats to determine if they are gentle pets or malevolent creatures. This episode is part of the Evil Animals series produced by BBC Studios.
- Evil Animals - Bottlenose Dolphins
Russell Kane, Billy Heaney, and Lindsey Santoro examine the behavior of bottlenose dolphins to determine if they should be classified as evil or geniuses. This episode is part of the Evil Genius with Russell Kane series.
- Evil Animals - Hamsters
Comedian Russell Kane is joined by comedian Laura Smyth and zoologist Jules Howard to discuss whether hamsters are misunderstood pets or agents of chaos. The team examines the behavior of these animals to determine if they are marvels or m…
- Welcome to Evil Animals...
Russell Kane is joined by comedian Laura Smyth, zoologist Jules Howard, comedian Ola Labib, and entomologist Erica McAlister to discuss animals in this spin-off of Evil Genius. This is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.
- Jackie Kennedy
Russell Kane and guests Amy Matthews, Ray Badran, and Rajiv Karia examine the life of Jackie Kennedy. They discuss whether she was a stoic American icon or someone who carefully curated her public image for personal gain.
- Nostradamus
Host Russell Kane and guests Richard Herring, Ola Labib, and Pierre Novellie examine the life and legacy of Nostradamus to determine if he was a mystic or a charlatan. They debate whether his predictions were genuine insight or vague langu…
- Catherine The Great
Russell Kane, Rajiv Karia, Amy Matthews, and Ray Badran explore the historical legacy of Catherine the Great. They discuss her reputation as both an empire reformer and an expansionist, as well as the myths surrounding her personal life.
- Florence Nightingale
Russell Kane, Richard Herring, Ola Labib, and Pierre Novellie examine the legacy of Florence Nightingale, questioning whether her impact on nursing was as positive as history suggests. The episode explores her attitudes toward race and gen…
- Marilyn Monroe
Russell Kane and guests Hannah Platt, Janine Harouni, and Tony Hawks discuss whether Marilyn Monroe was a master of her career or a contributor to toxic beauty standards. They debate her legacy and impact on Hollywood.
- Father of bodybuilding, Joe Weider
Russell Kane and guests Jess Fostekew, Joe Sutherland, and Emmanuel Sonubi analyze the life and legacy of Joe Weider, the man credited with inventing modern bodybuilding and discovering Arnold Schwarzenegger. They debate whether he was a g…
- Robert Maxwell
Russell Kane and guests Tony Hawks, Janine Harouni, and Hannah Platt examine the life and legacy of media mogul Robert Maxwell. They discuss his business career, political influence, and the controversies surrounding his personal history.
- Wicked: Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West)
Russell Kane is joined by Emmanuel Sonubi, Joe Sutherland, and Jess Fostekew to debate whether Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, should be considered evil or a genius. The discussion explores if her actions were a product of her envir…
- Napoleon
Russell Kane and guests Celya AB, Glenn Moore, and Johnny Cochrane examine the life and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte. The group discusses his military career and personal life to debate whether he was an evil tyrant or a military genius.
- Christine Keeler
Russell Kane and guests Sara Barron, Rachel Fairburn, and Michael Odewale examine the life of Christine Keeler and her role in the Profumo affair. The episode explores themes of national security, espionage, and the Cold War era.
- Harper Lee
Russell Kane and guests Celya AB, Glenn Moore, and Johnny Cochrane examine the life and legacy of author Harper Lee in the courtroom of Evil Genius. The discussion explores her impact on the civil rights movement, her persona, and the rele…
- OJ Simpson
Michael Odewale, Sara Barron, and Rachel Fairburn examine the life and legacy of OJ Simpson. They discuss his journey from rags-to-riches to the controversies surrounding his trial and public perception.
- Evil Genius: Returning Soon
A new season of the podcast Evil Genius with Russell Kane is returning soon. Episodes will be available on BBC Sounds.
- Lawrence of Arabia
Russell Kane and guests Susie McCabe, Desiree Burch, and Ian Smith examine the life and legacy of T.E. Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia. They discuss his actions during WWI, his role in guerrilla warfare, and his personal eccentriciti…
- Lady Macbeth
Russell Kane, Laura Smyth, Josh Jones, and Johnny Cochrane discuss whether Lady Macbeth was a cold-hearted killer, a grieving mother, or someone in a toxic relationship. They evaluate the character's actions to determine if she was evil or…