Evil Genius with Russell Kane
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a comedic history podcast that reexamines famous figures from the past, challenging traditional views of heroes and villains. Host Russell Kane brings his signature humor to explore the good, bad, and ugly sides of historical characters. The show aims to change how we perceive these figures, blending entertainment with historical insight.
Episodes
Series 13: Catherine de' Medici
Catherine de' Medici, the legendary queen of France, was known across Europe for her murderous ways. The so-called ‘serpent queen’ rarely saw her husband’s anaconda - but she did carve a role for herself as the OG momager; Catherine de' Medici walked so Kris Jenner could run. Russell Kane and guests Kate Cheka, Ian Smith and Kazeem Jamal talk poison, throuples, and medieval IVF. Additional materia
Series 13: Princess Diana
Diana Spencer is one of the most famous women who ever lived. But behind closed doors, was the people’s princess really anything more just a pouting poser? Russell Kane is joined by Stephen Bailey, Hasan Al Habib and Lindsey Kane to discuss whether the doe-eyed drama queen was a royal pain - or the queen of hearts. Additional material: Christina Riggs and Katie Sayer
Researcher: Christina Riggs
Re
Series 13: Chuck Berry
Russell Kane turns his attention to the father of rock’n’roll, and along with guests Rajiv Karia, Ola Labib and Horatio Gould, must decide whether to Chuck the music maestro back into the past, or Berry his misdeeds and remember the music alone. You Never Can Tell - but should you sometimes ask for some ID? Was Chuck Berry more Johnny B Goode, or Johnny B Bad? Evil… or genius? Additional material:
Series 13: Marquis de Sade
Sadism is literally named after the Marquis de Sade - so no surprise, Russell Kane and guests Kate Cheka, Ian Smith and Kazeem Jamal get tied up in knots when it comes to debating the man behind the myth. The original scholar of shagging, or the OG incel? Marquis de Sade - or Marquis de Sad Loser? Additional material: Christina Riggs and Katie Sayer
Researcher: Christina Riggs
Recording Engineer:
Series 13: Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti may be the most famous opera singer who ever lived - but his antics off-stage strike a less than gorgeous note for Russell Kane and guests Ed Night, Alexandra Haddow, and Maia Tassallini. The opera icon certainly knew how to use his Magic Flute. But is that really enough to say he should be banished to history? Should the diva who sang Nessun Dorma really be Nessun Dormant? Ft. T
Series 13: Stephen Hawking
Russell Kane gets physical with Dan Tiernan, Ola Labib and Rajiv Karia as they try to work out whether Stephen Hawking was evil, or a genius. His breakthroughs in quantum physics changed our understanding of the universe - but his contribution to files, both scientific and other, have the panel in a bit of a black hole. Additional material: Lorna Reader and Katie Sayer
Researcher: Lorna Reader
Rec
Series 13: Jilly Cooper
Russell Kane is bullied by Bella Hull, Rosie Holt and Katie Norris, with occasional discussion of Jilly Cooper. Was the sexed-up scribe evil, or a genius? Is it weird to throw an orgy with your brother? Will Russell leave the studio alive? All this and more. Additional material: Christina Riggs and Katie Sayer
Researcher: Christina Riggs
Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher
Sound Editor: Kate Mac
Produ
Series 13: The Humans are Taking Over
Russell Kane returns to reassess history's heroes and villains - and this series, those heroes and villains include Jilly Cooper, Stephen Hawking, Pavarotti, the Marquis de Sade, L Ron Hubbard, Sean Connery, Catherine de Medici, Chuck Berry and Princess Diana... Comedians across the series include Bella Hull, Rosie Holt, Katie Norris, Dan Tiernan, Horatio Gould, Ola Labib, Rajiv Karia, Kate Cheka,
Evil Animals, Series 3: Meerkats
Joining comedian Russell Kane to decide whether Meerkats are evil or genius are Merit Researcher at the Natural History Museum, Dr. Natalie Cooper and and comedian Susie McCabe.Written by: Eve Delaney & Ruth Huskisson
Additional material by: Catherine Beazley & Angela Channell
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood
Digital Editor: Jerry Peal
Production Coordinator: Liz
Evil Animals, Series 3: Ants
Russell Kane asks whether Ants – aka Ant-ony Hopkins - are Conga Line Creeps or Mini-muscle heads. With entomologist Dr. Karim Vahed of Bug Life and comedian Glenn Moore.Written by: Eve Delaney & Ruth Huskisson
Additional material by: Catherine Beazley & Angela Channell
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood
Digital Editor: Jerry Peal
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy
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Evil Animals, Series 3: Chimpanzees
Joining comedian Russell Kane to decide whether Chimpanzees are evil or genius are the zoologist and author Jules Howard and comedian Esther Manito.Written by: Eve Delaney & Ruth Huskisson
Additional material by: Catherine Beazley & Angela Channell
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood
Digital Editor: Jerry Peal
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy
Executive Producer: Pau
Evil Animals, Series 3: Orcas
Russell Kane deep dives Orcas. Marine Menace Masterminds or Deep Sea Superstars? Helping him decide whether Orcas are evil or genius are zoologist Billy Heaney and comedian Lucy Porter.Written by: Eve Delaney & Ruth Huskisson
Additional material by: Catherine Beazley & Angela Channell
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood
Digital Editor: Jerry Peal
Production Coordinat
Evil Animals, Series 3: Rats
Russell Kane dishes the dirt on our favourite rodent – the rat. Joining him to decide whether Rats are evil or genius are the Natural History Museum’s Merit Researcher Natalie Cooper and comedian Susie McCabe.Written by: Eve Delaney & Ruth Huskisson
Additional material by: Catherine Beazley & Angela Channell
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood
Digital Editor: Jerry P
Evil Animals, Series 3: Tortoises
Comedian Russell Kane dishes the dirt on Tortoises. Helping him decide whether Tortoises – aka Shellena Gomez - are evil or genius are zoologist and author Jules Howard and comedian Peter Rethinasamy.Written by: Eve Delaney & Ruth Huskisson
Additional material by: Catherine Beazley & Angela Channell
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood
Digital Editor: Jerry Peal
Produ
Evil Animals, Series 3: Vultures
Comedian Russell Kane spills the beans on Vultures (not literally).Helping Russell decide whether Vultures are evil or genius are zoologist and author Lucy Cooke and comedian, writer and actress Desiree Burch.Written by: Eve Delaney & Ruth Huskisson
Additional material by: Catherine Beazley & Angela Channell
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood
Digital Editor: Jerry P
Evil Animals, Series 3: Wasps
Comedian Russell Kane dishes the dirt on Wasps. Are Wasps malicious menaces or misunderstood marvels?Helping Russell decide whether Wasps are evil or genius are Professor of Behavioural Ecology at UCL, Seirian Sumner and comedian Lindsey Santoro.Written by: Eve Delaney & Ruth Huskisson
Additional material by: Catherine Beazley & Angela Channell
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist
Evil Animals, Series 3: Koalas
Russell Kane is back with the feral sibling of Evil Genius. We're spilling the beans on Koalas. Are they Adorable Aussie icons or shit-eating nightmares?
Helping Russell decide whether Koalas are evil or genius are comedian Felicity Ward and zoologist Lucy Cooke.Written by: Eve Delaney & Ruth Huskisson
Additional material by: Angela Channell & Catherine Beazley
Researcher: Catherine Beazle
Series 12: Ronnie Biggs
He’s one of the most famous criminals in British history, but was railway enthusiast Ronnie Biggs really just a petty crook who fell on his feet? From his 36 years on the run, to his brief stint as a punk icon, Louise Young, Limahl Germain and Peter Rethinasamy must decide whether the man who put the ‘Great’ into ‘Great Train Robbery’ was evil, or genius.Additional material: Miriam O’Byrne, Angela
Series 12: Joan of Arc
A teenage nerd with anger management issues, Joan of Arc has been immortalised as a figure of resistance across the generations. But was the Maid of Orleans really just a pick-me girl with a dodgy haircut? Ola Labib, Edd Hedges and Lily Phillips must decide whether Joan of Arc was a virgin martyr, or a virgin loser.Additional material: Christina Riggs, Angela Channell and Katie Sayer
Researcher: C
Series 12: Mozart
He’s the most famous composer there’s ever been; a child prodigy who produced more than 600 works in his short life. But was the ‘miracle of Vienna’ really anything more than just a manchild with a scat fetish? Kate Cheka, Stephen Bailey and Steve Bugeja must decide whether the ‘boy genius’ was actually more ‘boy evil’, via water sports and magic flutes.Additional material: Miriam O’Byrne and Kati
Series 12: Helen of Troy
She’s the face that launched a thousand ships - but is Helen of Troy anything more than just a pick-me girl with an army of cucks? Lily Phillips, Ola Labib and Edd Hedges consider bestiality, incest, and Power Rangers, to try and assess whether the hottest woman in history leaves them cold.Additional material: Miriam O’Byrne, Angela Channell and Katie Sayer
Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne
Recording Eng
Series 12: William Shakespeare
He’s the most famous writer of all time; but before his reign of terror over the GCSE syllabus, William ‘Shag-speare’ was an upcoming playwright with humble beginnings in Stratford-upon-Avon. But was he more evil, or genius? Did he put the ‘knob’ into Two Noble Kinsmen, or just the ‘mid’ into Midsummer Night’s Dream? It’s up to Stephen Bailey, Kate Cheka and Steve Bugeja to decide whether the Bard
Series 12: Nancy Reagan
A socialite in shoulder pads or the real power behind the throne? It’s up to Limahl Germain, Louise Young and Peter Rethinasamy to decide if Nancy Reagan was a typical tradwife or a Machiavellian manipulator, via goths, psychics, and bananas in the bedroomAdditional material: Miriam O’Byrne, Angela Channell and Katie Sayer
Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne
Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher
Sound Editor: Ka
Series 12: F. Scott Fitzgerald
The poster boy for yearning, F. Scott Fitzgerald came to epitomise the American dream. But is the author of The Great Gatsby really so great after all? Pierre Novellie, Rachel Fairburn and Slim dive between the covers and find some red flags in the roaring twenties.Additional material: Miriam O’Byrne and Katie Sayer
Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne
Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher
Sound Editor: Kate Mac
Series 12: Brigitte Bardot
The original pin-up, Brigitte Bardot enchanted audiences in France and around the world. But in later life, was her concern with rights - both “animal” and “far” - at odds with her liberated image? Via Playboy, farting on trains, and optimistically flashing an areola, Lindsey Santoro, Hasan Al Habib, and Alexandra Haddow must decide - was Brigitte Bardot evil, or a genius?Additional material: Chri
Series 12: Colonel Sanders
To fast food fans, he’s a deity. To chickens, he’s public enemy number one. But there’s more to Colonel Sanders than just that secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. Josh Jones, Laura Smyth and chef Ruby Bhogal take a deep dive into the Colonel’s life - and find gunfights, court cases, and an unexpected detour into gynaecology. Was Colonel Sanders evil or a genius?Additional material: Christina Rigg
Series 12: Lord Lucan
It’s one of the most famous missing persons cases of all time, and has baffled detectives for over 50 years. So will Russell Kane and co fare any better at getting to the truth about Lord Lucan? Rachel Fairburn, Pierre Novellie and Slim help in the hunt for the missing aristocrat, via luxuriant moustaches, northern tea and soggy biscuit.Additional material: Miriam O’Byrne and Katie Sayer
Researche
Series 12: Nancy Mitford
Satirist, socialite, and Bright Young Thing Nancy Mitford led a life that was almost as scandalous as the contents of one of her novels. But was she just an art-deco Kardashian with a talent for typing and a complicated family? Or did her way with words disguise a deeper ruthlessness within? Laura Smyth, Josh Jones, and Sunday Times Fiction Editor Laura Hackett are tasked with diving between the c
Series 12: Ozzy Osbourne
The Godfather of heavy metal, a legendary reality star and Birmingham’s favourite son - Ozzy Osbourne certainly has the makings of a genius. But was there something darker lurking beneath the leather trench coat? Lindsey Santoro, Hasan Al Habib, and Alexandra Haddow are tasked with examining whether the Prince of Darkness lives up to his name.Additional material: Christina Riggs, Ruth Husko and Ka
Evil Animals, Series 2: Sea Otters
Join comedian Russell Kane as he and his guests deep dive those fluffy marine mammals – sea otters. They may look cute and cuddly, but with their strong teeth and powerful bite, there’s more to them than meets the eye.Helping Russell decide whether sea otters are evil or genius are comedian, writer and actress Laura Smyth and Dr. Natalie Cooper, Merit Researcher at the Natural History Museum.Addit
Evil Animals, Series 2: Spiders
Join comedian Russell Kane as he and his guests spill the beans on spiders. Consistently ranked amongst the most creepy and crawly, we ask are spiders abusive arachnids or kooky cuties?Helping Russell decide whether spiders are evil or genius are top comedian Josh Jones and leading entomologist & England Manager for Buglife, Dr. Karim Vahed.Additional material by: Eve Delaney, Ruth Huskisson &
Evil Animals, Series 2: Herring Gulls
Join comedian Russell Kane as he and his guests deep dive our seaside favourite – the Herring Gull. Is this bird a Flapping Felon or a proper paid-up member of the Coastal Carb Clean-up Crew?Helping Russell decide whether Herring Gulls are evil or genius are comedian Jordan Gray and scientist Holly Dominique.Additional material by: Eve Delaney, Ruth Huskisson & Christina Riggs
Researcher: Cath
Evil Animals, Series 2: Sharks
Join comedian Russell Kane as he and his guests spill the beans on sharks. Is this apex predator a Fin-credible Hulk or deep-sea demon?
Helping Russell decide whether sharks are evil or genius are comedian Susie McCabe and zoologist Billy Heaney.Additional material by: Eve Delaney, Ruth Huskisson & Christina Riggs
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood
Digital Editor: Jerry
Evil Animals, Series 2: Mosquitoes
Comedian Russell Kane lifts the lid on mosquitoes and asks... are they buzz kills or buzz buddies?Helping Russell decide whether mosquitoes are evil or genius are Dr. Erica McAlister – Principal Curator of Diptera at the Natural History Museum and comedian Desiree Burch.Additional material by: Eve Delaney, Ruth Huskisson & Christina RiggsResearcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Gareth Wo
Evil Animals, Series 2: Penguins
Join comedian Russell Kane as he digs the dirt on penguins. Are penguins whimsical waddlers or cold-hearted sex pests?
Helping Russell decide whether penguins are evil or genius are comedian Felicity Ward and zoologist Lucy Cooke.Additional material by: Eve Delaney, Ruth Huskisson & Christina Riggs
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood
Digital Editor: Jerry Peal
Production
Evil Animals, Series 2: Dogs
Comedian Russell Kane gets to the bottom of dogs (no, not that bottom). Are dogs – aka Hairy Styles – the Goodest Bois or Barkitects of Chaos?Helping Russell decide whether dogs are cute marvels or four-legged psychopaths are comedian Lucy Porter and zoologist Jules Howard.Additional material by: Eve Delaney, Ruth Huskisson & Christina Riggs
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Garet
Series 11: Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan was undeniably a star and cultural icon. But beneath his rock hard brand lies scandal, abuse and shocking values. Sara Pascoe, Gbemi Oladipo and John Tothill must weigh up the evidence before deciding: evil or genius.Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina Riggs
Researcher: Christina Riggs
Sound Editor: Kate Mac
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy
Executive Producer: Paul SmithThe
Series 11: Mata Hari
Mata Hari’s life was full of reinventions, deception and drama. But was she a smart woman, making the best of a sticky situation? Or was she a traitorous enchantress who manipulated her way to the top? Daliso Chaponda, Maisie Adam and Jack Skipper are forced to vote: evil or genius.Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina Riggs
Researcher: Christina Riggs
Sound Editor: Kate Mac
Production Co
Series 11: Richard Wagner
Undoubtedly a pioneer in his field, Wagner made music that continues to inspire composers today. But his personal views make it difficult to separate the art from the artist. Unfortunately for our panellists - Peter Rethinasamy, Laura Smyth and Rachel Fairburn - they have no choice but to decide: evil or genius.Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina Riggs
Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne
Sound E
Series 11: Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon was a pioneer in his field, whose deeply moving art sold for millions. But his private life reveals a coldness that will make it difficult for Jess Fostekew, Fatiha El-Ghorri and Eshaan Akbar to decide: evil or genius?Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina Riggs
Researcher: Christina Riggs
Sound Editor: Kate Mac
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy
Executive Producer: Paul Smith
Series 11: Mary Tudor
‘Bloody Mary’ is most famous for burning hundreds of people at the stake for their religious beliefs. Sounding pretty evil so far. But she defied all of the odds against her to become queen, fight for what she believed in, and overcome a toxic childhood. Ria Lina, Pierre Novellie and Catherine Bohart must weigh up whether she was more evil or genius.Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina R
Series 11: Serge Gainsbourg
Was Serge Gainsbourg a cultural French icon, who pushed the boundaries of music and inspired generations of musicians? Or did he push his ‘artistic license’ into a frankly freaky place? Catherine Bohart, Ria Lina and Pierre Novellie debate his legacy in order to decide whether he was evil or genius.Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina Riggs
Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne
Sound Editor: Kate M
Series 11: Peter Stringfellow
Peter Stringfellow birthed modern nightclubs and we have a lot of partying to thank him for. But do his questionable values, exploitation and personal hiccups make him more evil than genius? Josh Jones, Rachel Fairburn and Chantel Nash are live in Sheffield to find out.Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina Riggs
Researcher: Christina Riggs
Sound Editor: Kate Mac
Production Coordinator: Li
Series 11: Kim Philby
Was Kim Philby the ultimate mastermind, who had governments eating out of the palm of his hand and could charm his way out of the hottest waters? Or do the deaths and suffering that occurred in his ideological quest put him on our blacklist? Glenn Moore, Susie McCabe and Daniel Foxx are here to find out as they debate: evil or genius.Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina Riggs
Researcher:
Series 11: The Greatest Showman (P.T. Barnum)
Roll up, roll up... plenty to see here. P.T. Barnum was, in so many ways, The Greatest Showman. But his success as a circus pioneer came at a great ghastly cost to many. Sara Pascoe, John Tothill and Gbemi Oladipo weigh up those costs to decide whether Barnum was evil or genius.Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina Riggs
Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne
Sound Editor: Kate Mac
Production Coordin
Series 11: Griselda Blanco
She was the Queen of Cocaine, the master of shootouts and the only ‘man’ Pablo Escobar was ever afraid of. In this episode, Peter Rethinasamy, Laura Smyth and Rachel Fairburn decide if she was a brutal murderer or the ultimate ‘boss bitch’.Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina Riggs
Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne
Sound Editor: Kate Mac
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy
Executive Producer: Pau
Series 11: Agatha Christie
Was Agatha Christie a creative legend, who dominated an entire genre and continues to captivate a global audience? Or does her choice of language, titles and storylines reveal a much more sinister, dangerous side to the queen of murder? Fatiha El-Ghorri, Jess Fostekew and Eshaan Akbar decide.Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina Riggs
Researcher: Christina Riggs
Sound Editor: Kate Mac
Pro
Series 11: Al Capone
Was Al Capone a brutal villain who took no prisoners? Or a Robin Hood type figure who seized an opportunity in a tale of rags to riches? Jack Skipper, Maisie Adam and Daliso Chaponda are tasked with finding out whether Al Capone is evil or genius.Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina Riggs
Researcher: Christina Riggs
Sound Editor: Kate Mac
Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy
Executive Produ
Evil Animals, Series 1: Vampire Bats
Vampire Bats: should we give these misunderstood goth pigeons another shot? Or ghost them for good?Join comedian Russell Kane, zoological correspondent Jules Howard and comedian Rachel Fairburn, as they check out the amazing world of vampire bats - deciding whether they're evil or genius.Additional material by: Eve Delaney and Christina Riggs.
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Gareth
Evil Animals, Series 1: Maggots
Maggots: should we love these sweet, misunderstood baby flies? Or dread these gruesome creepies?Join comedian Russell Kane, entomologist Erica McAlister and comedian Ola Labib as they check out the remarkable world of maggots.Additional material by: Eve Delaney, Christina Riggs and Catherine Beazley.
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood
Digital Editor: Jerry Peal
Executive Pr
Evil Animals, Series 1: Snakes
Snakes. Are they slithering wronguns or super sleek legends?Join comedian Russell Kane, zoologist Yussef Rafik and comedian Felicity Ward as they deep-dive snakes, looking specifically at the viper to decide if they are Evil or Genius.Additional material by: Eve Delaney, Christina Riggs and Catherine Beazley.Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Luke Nagy
Digital Editor: Jerry Peal
Execut
Evil Animals, Series 1: Cats
Domestic cats. They divide opinion. But are they really just gorgeous fluffballs or the devil incarnate?Join comedian Russell Kane, zoologist, vet & author Jess French and comedian Jess Fostekew as they deep-dive cats.Additional material by: Eve Delaney, Christina Riggs and Catherine Beazley.
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Luke Nagy
Digital Editor: Jerry Peal
Executive Producer
Evil Animals, Series 1: Bottlenose Dolphins
Bottlenose Dolphins. Smiley acrobatic boffins or nature’s smug psychopaths? Evil or Genius?Join comedian Russell Kane, zoologist Billy Heaney and comedian Lindsey Santoro as they deep-dive Bottlenose Dolphins.Additional material by: Eve Delaney & Christina Riggs
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Recording Engineer: Gareth Wood
Digital Editor: Jerry Peal
Executive Producer: Paul Smith
Production Co
Evil Animals, Series 1: Hamsters
Join comedian Russell Kane as he gets to the bottom of hamsters (not that bottom). Are they cute little chaos merchants or agents of psychological warfare and cannibalism?Helping Russell decide whether hamsters are misunderstood marvels or pint-sized monsters are comedian Laura Smyth and zoologist and hamster expert Jules Howard.Additional material by: Eve Delaney & Christina RiggsResearcher:
Evil Animals, Series 1: Trailer
Join comedian Russell Kane for Evil Animals. The feral sibling of Evil Genius.Russell is joined by special guests: comedian Laura Smyth, zoologist Jules Howard, comedian Ola Labib and Principal Curator of Diptera at the Natural History Museum, Erica McAlister.Hosted by Russell Kane
Additional material by: Eve Delaney & Christina Riggs
Researcher: Catherine Beazley
Sound Recordist: Luke Nagy
Di
Series 10: Jackie Kennedy
Was Jackie Kennedy a stoic American icon? Or the greatest airbrusher of 20th Century history? Did she use her limited power in inventive ways to leave an impression, or did she wrestle to stay in the spotlight for personal gain? Amy Matthews, Ray Badran and Rajiv Karia are tasked with deciding whether Jackie Kennedy is evil or genius?Additional Material: Eve Delaney
Researcher: Christina Riggs
Sou
Series 10: Nostradamus
Did he predict he'd be a subject on Evil Genius? Did he predict anything at all? Nostradamus is put under the microscope in this week's episode. Was he a mystic with an ability to peer into the future? Or a charlatan who used vague and cryptic language to hedge his bets? Richard Herring, Ola Labib and Pierre Novellie join Russell Kane to find out whether Michel De Nostredame was evil or genius.Add
Series 10: Catherine The Great
Catherine the Great - was she as magnificent as her moniker suggests? Was she a reforming pioneer of a burgeoning empire, or an expansionist who reneged on promises to free the serfs? A radical empowerer of women, or a husband murderer with a proclivity for the equine? Rajiv Karia, Amy Matthews and Ray Badran join Russell Kane in the Russian palace of Evil Genius to find out.Additional Material: E
Series 10: Florence Nightingale
Was Florence Nightingale a nursing pioneer, or a terror with a spreadsheet? Could the mother of modern nursing really have been a glorified doctor's receptionist from hell? Did her colonial attitudes towards race, and her perpetuation of the idea of 'women's jobs' hold us back as much as her healthcare revolution took us forward? Richard Herring, Ola Labib and Pierre Novellie join Russell Kane as
Series 10: Marilyn Monroe
Was Marilyn Monroe a genius who beat the system to become a star? Or was she a career driven narcissist who perpetuated the sexism of old Hollywood? And does she have a case to answer for the toxic beauty standards with still live with today. Hannah Platt, Janine Harouni and Tony Hawks join Russell Kane to ask - if we can't handle her at her most evil, then do we deserve her at her most genius?.Ad
Series 10: Father of Bodybuilding, Joe Weider
You might not have heard of Joe Weider, but he was the man who invented modern bodybuilding. Formalised training, published magazines, birthed massive international competitions, and unearthed a megastar in Arnold Schwarzenegger. But was he a genius who built himself up from nothing to bring health and fitness mainstream? Or a charlatan who unleashed toxic masculinity on the world, who encouraged
Series 10: Robert Maxwell
Was Robert Maxwell the defiant outsider who came from nothing to join Britain's elite? Or was he a bullying maniac whose power went unchecked? Was he a pioneer in business and politics who was ahead of his time? Or was he a fraud who nicked his employees pensions? And, did the man whose family tragically died in the holocaust actually commit a war crime himself?
Tony Hawks, Janine Harouni and Hann
Series 10: Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West)
Was she a tyrant in a tall hat — or the original girlboss, defying gravity and public opinion? Was she a product of her environment who experienced prejudice, and even if she was, does that allow her to terrorise Oz? Emmanuel Sonubi, Joe Sutherland and Jess Fostekew join the great and powerful Russell Kane to decide if Elphaba Thropp - The Wicked Witch of the West - is evil or genius.Additional Ma
Series 10: Napoleon
Napoleon Bonaparte. Was he a tiny tyrant who ruled with an iron first? Or a military mastermind who revolutionised warfare forever? Russell Kane reads from Napoleon's romantic fiction, tells of his battlefield exploits, and even shocking party trick that left women in tears.
Celya AB, Glenn Moore and Johnny Cochrane join Russell Kane on the battlefield - who will win? Evil, or Genius?Additional Ma
Series 10: Christine Keeler
Christine Keeler - was she the genius who used what she had to bring down the government? Or did she play fast and loose with national security. Russell Kane is joined by Sara Barron, Rachel Fairburn and Michael Odewale to delve into the life of the woman at the centre of the Profumo affair. A story of sex, violence, espionage and cold war tensions. It's what Evil Genius is all about.Additional Ma
Series 10: Harper Lee
Was Harper Lee a literary genius who helped spark the civil rights movement in America? Was she a selfish recluse who put her own interest above anyone else’s? And, in one of her last acts, did she tarnish her own legacy by betraying her most beloved character? Celya AB, Glenn Moore and Johnny Cochrane join Russell Kane in the courtroom of Evil Genius to find out.Additional Material: Eve Delaney
R
Series 10: OJ Simpson
Was OJ Simpson an inspiring American rags-to-riches story, or a fame-hungry abuser?
Michael Odewale, Sara Barron and Rachel Fairburn take a sip of ‘The Juice’.
Was he a murderer who got away with it all? Was a victim of systemic racism in the US justice system? Our guests dig into his life, and debate the legacy of Orenthal James Simpson.Additional Material: Eve Delaney
Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne
Series 9: Lawrence of Arabia
Did Lawrence of Arabia beautifully befriend the Arabs in WWI or savagely betray them? Should the king of guerrilla warfare be held accountable? What were his most surprising eccentricities? Our guests Susie McCabe, Desiree Burch and Ian Smith get stuck into the life of Thomas Edward Lawrence.Producer: Sasha Bobak
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sou
Series 9: Lady Macbeth
Was Lady Macbeth a cold-hearted killer or a grieving mother? Did she manipulate her husband or help him achieve his goals? Or was she simply in a very toxic relationship? Laura Smyth, Josh Jones and Johnny Cochrane decide... evil or genius.Producer: Sasha Bobak
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
Series 9: John D. Rockefeller
Money makes the world go round... but does it make heroes or villains? Our guests Phil Wang, Lindsey Santoro and Katie Norris examine the life of the world's first-ever billionaire, weigh in on his ruthless tactics, and reflect on his motivations.Producer: Sasha Bobak
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
Series 9: Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell is a highly controversial figure, not least because he banned Christmas (fun sponge alert). Our guests Kerry Godliman, Helen Bauer and Glenn Moore evaluate his powerful reign, argue over his policies, and realise the trouble they’d have run into under his regime.Producer: Sasha Bobak
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
Series 9: Jim Morrison
Jim Morrison was a rock icon, a tortured poet and a leather-trouser addict. His outrageous performances on stage and dangerous behaviour behind closed doors cause quite the stir for guests Rachel Parris, Daliso Chaponda and Stephen Bailey.Producer: Sasha Bobak
Evil Genius is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds
Series 9: Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich was undoubtedly an icon - with an impressive string of films, lovers and mic-drop quotes. Her work in the Second World War was inspiring but her relationship with her husband and daughter reveal a much darker side to the life of the dazzling movie star. Amy Gledhill, Ria Lina and Alasdair Beckett-King decide - diva or devil?Producer: Sasha Bobak
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a
Series 9: Miles Davis
The 'Prince of Darkness' Miles Davis was a jazz revolutionary with a famously husky voice and a passion for fashion. Musical genius? Yes. Deeply flawed character? Yes. Blew his own trumpet? Big time. Our guests Desiree Burch, Ian Smith and Susie McCabe uncover the darker side of a fascinating life and debate whether he was in fact evil... or genius.Producer: Sasha Bobak
Evil Genius with Russell Ka
Series 9: Eva Perón
Former First Lady of Argentina, Eva Perón, was idolised by her nation and is still worshipped to this day. Our guests Kerry Godliman, Glenn Moore and Helen Bauer expose her skeletons in the closet, question the sincerity of her deeds and give their passionate feedback on Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical 'Evita' based on the story of her incredible life.Producer: Sasha Bobak
Evil Genius with Russe
Series 9: Simone de Beauvoir
Simone de Beauvoir was one of the first thinkers to call the concept of gender 'total bollocks' (not quite her words). Her feminist work was groundbreaking and shocking in equal measure.In this episode, guests Phil Wang, Lindsey Santoro and Katie Norris put on their philosopher hats to examine her fascinating life and answer the big questions: Is polyamory like sharing your favourite spoon? Are ug
Series 9: 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 BB
Series 9: 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
Series 9: 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
Series 8: 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
