Podcast · Comedy

Evil Genius with Russell Kane

by BBC Radio 4 · English · Comedy

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

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 36 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 34 min

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: Lorna Reader and Katie Sayer Researcher: Lorna Reader Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

30 Sep 2026 · 45 min
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: Dom Boucher Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie Sayer. Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC…
23 Sep 2026 · 40 min
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. Timothee Chalamet and the Geordie Shore Reunion. Additional material: Christina Riggs and Katie Sayer Researcher: Christina Riggs Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production…
16 Sep 2026 · 39 min
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 Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie Sayer. Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios…
9 Sep 2026 · 40 min
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 Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie Sayer. Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.
1 Sep 2026 · 1 min
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, Kazeem Jamal, Ian Smith, Hasan Al Habib, Stephen Bailey - and Russell's real life wife, Lindsey Kane. Hosted by Russell Kane Researchers: Miriam O'Byrne, Christina Riggs, Lorna Reader Sound…
26 Aug 2026 · 33 min
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 Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.
19 Aug 2026 · 33 min
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 Executive Producer: Paul Smith Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.
12 Aug 2026 · 34 min
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: Paul Smith Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.
5 Aug 2026 · 33 min
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 Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.
29 Jul 2026 · 34 min
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 Peal Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.
22 Jul 2026 · 33 min
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 Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.
15 Jul 2026 · 33 min
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 Peal Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.
8 Jul 2026 · 36 min
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: Gareth Wood Digital Editor: Jerry Peal Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.
1 Jul 2026 · 32 min
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 Beazley Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood Digital Editor: Jerry Peal Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios…
17 Jun 2026 · 38 min
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 Channell and Katie Sayer Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie…
10 Jun 2026 · 39 min
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: Christina Riggs Recording Engineer: Gareth Wood Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie Sayer. Evil Genius with Russell Kane is…
3 Jun 2026 · 38 min
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 Katie Sayer Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie Sayer. Evil Genius…
27 May 2026 · 2 min
Evil Animals, Series 3: The Critters Are Back!
Evil Animals is back with a whole new menagerie of beasts. Comedian Russell Kane and his panel will debate whether Koalas, Wasps, Tortoises, Vultures, Orcas, Meerkats, Ants, Rats and Chimpanzees are evil or genius. Across the series, Russell will be joined by leading experts including: zoology correspondent Jules Howard, zoologist Lucy Cooke, Professor of Behavioural Ecology Seirian Sumner, Merit Researcher at the Natural History Museum Natalie Cooper, zoologist Billy Heaney and top entomologist Professor Karim Vahed. Comedian guests include: Lindsey Santoro, Peter Rethinasamy, Lucy Porter,…
27 May 2026 · 38 min
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 Engineer: Gareth Wood Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie Sayer. Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production…
20 May 2026 · 41 min
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 of Avon was a bisexual icon, or a bit of a bastard. Additional material: Christina Riggs and Katie Sayer Researcher: Christina Riggs Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher Sound Editor: Kate Mac…
13 May 2026 · 38 min
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 bedroom Additional material: Miriam O’Byrne, Angela Channell and Katie Sayer Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie Sayer. Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Sounds.
6 May 2026 · 38 min
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 Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie Sayer. Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Sounds.
29 Apr 2026 · 37 min
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: Christina Riggs and Katie Sayer Researcher: Christina Riggs Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was…
22 Apr 2026 · 35 min
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 Riggs, Ruth Husko and Katie Sayer Researcher: Christina Riggs Recording Engineer: Dan Nagy Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie…
15 Apr 2026 · 38 min
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 Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie Sayer. Evil Genius with Russell Kane…
8 Apr 2026 · 38 min
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 covers to decide - was Nancy Mitford: Evil, or Genius? Additional material: Christina Riggs and Katie Sayer Researcher: Christina Riggs Recording Engineer: Dan Nagy Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production…
1 Apr 2026 · 36 min
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 Katie Sayer Researcher: Christina Riggs Recording Engineer: Dom Boucher Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith The producer was Katie Sayer. Evil…
18 Mar 2026 · 33 min
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. Additional material by: Eve Delaney, Ruth Huskisson & Christina Riggs Researcher: Catherine Beazley Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood Digital Editor: Jerry Peal Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive…
11 Mar 2026 · 32 min
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 & Christina Riggs Researcher: Catherine Beazley Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood Digital Editor: Jerry Peal Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith Producer: Simon Nicholls Evil…

About Evil Genius with Russell Kane

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

Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a English comedy podcast from BBC Radio 4. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: BBC Radio 4
Language: English
Category: Comedy
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 36 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1356142765
Rights: (C) BBC 2026

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