Evil Genius with Russell Kane Al Capone
Oct 29, 2025
Maisie Adam, a lively comedian known for her sharp wit, joins the discussion about Al Capone, examining whether he was a villain or a misunderstood genius. They dive into Capone's rise from a troubled youth in Brooklyn to a powerful figure in Chicago's underworld. Maisie highlights his shrewd business acumen in the bootlegging trade and his PR savvy, including controversial soup kitchens. The panel votes on his legacy, sparking a lively debate about morality and myth, with Maisie ultimately branding him as evil amidst the majority ruling of genius.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Crime As Organised Business
- Al Capone turned organised crime into an efficient, administrative operation that ran like a business empire.
- His mix of logistics, delegation and PR made illegal markets highly profitable and scalable.
Origin Of The Scarface Nickname
- Capone earned the nickname "Scarface" after being slashed in the face by a woman's brother in a nightclub.
- He resented the name and disliked being called Scarface despite its permanence.
Opportunity From Prohibition
- Prohibition created massive illegal demand which Capone exploited through bootlegging and bribery.
- He scaled by controlling supply, corrupting officials and diversifying into gambling and prostitution.