Evil Genius with Russell Kane

BBC Sounds

4.0 (261)
HISTORY
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

It’s good, bad, ugly - and very very funny. Changing the way we see heroes and villains in history.

2 DAYS AGO

J. Edgar Hoover

John Edgar Hoover was an American icon who revolutionised crime-fighting and transformed the FBI into the powerhouse it is today. But do his problematic views, enormous vanity and controlling approach make him evil… or genius? Laura Smyth, Josh Jones and Johnny Cochrane expose the king of the FBI. Producer: Sasha Bobak Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

37 min
NOV 6

Anne Boleyn

Was Anne Boleyn a cold-hearted killer or a badass feminist? What saucy activity did she allegedly import from France? And was this iconic queen the ultimate gay icon? Rachel Parris, Daliso Chaponda and Stephen Bailey join Russell to debate her life. Producer: Sasha Bobak Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

40 min
OCT 30

Rasputin

How did an illiterate peasant from Siberia find himself dining with an Emperor? Did Rasputin really have magical healing powers or was he a cunning fraud? And what exactly earned him his shocking nickname? Producer: Sasha Bobak Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

41 min
APR 4

George Harrison

Daliso Chaponda, Catherine Bohart and Rachel Parris explore the enigma of the Quiet Beatle. Deeply spiritual hippie or deeply selfish hippiecrite? Producer: Beth O’Dea Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

47 min
MAR 28

Princess Margaret

Geoff Norcott, Felicity Ward and Sophie Duker debate - wearing a crown, or going down? Taking in Geoff's hatred of dressing gowns, how it's a difficult time to be an ugly Ryan, and who the panel would allow to tap cigarette ash into their palm. Producer Sally Heaven Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

48 min
MAR 21

Karl Lagerfeld

Kerry Godliman, Darren Harriott and Helen Bauer spill the tea on the Chanel fashion guru. He might have been the greatest designer of his generation but was he the greatest human? Producer: Beth O’Dea Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

46 min
MAR 14

Ronald Reagan

Grainne Maguire, Athena Kugblenu and Robin Morgan decide, Reagan? Or wrong 'un? Plus, could we replace a leader with an actual puppet, like Ed the Duck? And other important questions. Producer Sally Heaven Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

44 min
MAR 7

Marie Antoinette

Rachel Parris, Daliso Chaponda and Catherine Bohart on the original drama queen. Was the Last Queen of France just a spoiled child with huge hair who didn't know any better? Producer: Beth O’Dea Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

45 min

See All (104)

4

out of 5

261 Ratings

Comedy that makes me think

Sep 8

Mrs.Phares

This is honestly one of my favorite podcasts. Just like any kind of comedy, this isn’t a show that would suit just anyone’s taste. The host isn’t a historian; he’s a comedian. The panel is guided through a discussion on a historical figure with a handful of salient points along the way. At the end, panelists vote whether the person’s contributions make him or her more evil or genius. It is clearly intended to be brief. For an in-depth biography, one would look for a history podcast. For a laugh, one would look for a comedy podcast. I really enjoy this one!
A Lighthearted Thought-Game

Jul 7

The Nameless Twin

Throughout, the panel manages to keep the podcast entertaining and funny. But at the same time they’re taking a serious look at the people behind the celebrities we think we know. Then, they’re forced to boil down the subjects into a strictly binary “Evil or Genius?” Making us question if the violent misogynist is a great funny guy or if the 20th century’s paragon of peaceful resistance is a narcissistic beast… So it’s really up to you to decide: Is this podcast Evil or Genius?
This American thinks this is just the best

Jun 27

Lilbittyfiddler

I watched the Lagerfeld movie on Hulu then listened to their podcast. It was so delightful, so fun and actually very informative. I can’t wait to listen to the other episodes!!! Much love from the other side of the pond!
.the

06/14/2023

Mikehillslasveg

.o