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 Producer: Paul Smith Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals with Ru...
Oct 15, 2025•31 min
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 Executive Producer: Paul Smith Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals ...
Oct 08, 2025•31 min
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: Paul Smith Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals with Russell ...
Oct 01, 2025•33 min
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 Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Prod...
Sep 24, 2025•32 min
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 Riggs Researcher: Catherine Beazley Sound Recordist: Luke Nagy Digital Editor: Jerry Peal Executive Producer: Paul ...
Sep 17, 2025•38 min
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 Digital Editor: Jerry Peal Executive Producer: Paul Smith Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls &am...
Aug 13, 2025•2 min
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 Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls Executive Producer: Paul Smith The Produ...
Jul 30, 2025•44 min
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. Additional Material: Eve Delaney Researcher: Christina Riggs Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordin...
Jul 23, 2025•41 min
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: Eve Delaney Researcher: Christina Riggs Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholl...
Jul 16, 2025•37 min
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 they head to the frontline and find out. Additional Material: Eve Delaney Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne...
Jul 09, 2025•32 min
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?. Additional Material: Eve Delaney Researcher: Christina Riggs Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordi...
Jul 02, 2025•34 min
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 steroid use, and ripped people off on his way to making his fortunes? Jess Fostekew, Joe Sutherland ...
Jun 25, 2025•39 min
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 Hannah Platt join Russell Kane in the boardroom of Evil Genius to find out. Additional Material: Eve Del...
Jun 18, 2025•41 min
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 Material: Eve Delaney Researcher: Christina Riggs Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Sara...
Jun 11, 2025•35 min
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 Material: Eve Delaney Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Sarah...
Jun 04, 2025•41 min
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 Material: Eve Delaney Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Sarah...
May 28, 2025•36 min
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 Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls Executive P...
May 21, 2025•38 min
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 Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls Executive Producer: Paul Smith The Pr...
May 14, 2025•37 min
Evil Genius is back soon with more good, bad, ugly - and very, very funny. Hear it first on BBC Sounds.
Apr 09, 2025•59 sec
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 Sounds.
Jan 15, 2025•35 min
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.
Jan 08, 2025•33 min
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.
Jan 01, 2025•34 min
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.
Dec 25, 2024•35 min
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
Dec 18, 2024•35 min
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 BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
Dec 11, 2024•36 min
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 Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
Dec 04, 2024•35 min
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 Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
Nov 27, 2024•30 min
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 ugly people deeper thinkers? Why did Russell get fake tan on his new born baby? Was Simone de Beauvoi...
Nov 20, 2024•33 min
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.
Nov 13, 2024•37 min
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
Nov 06, 2024•40 min
