Evil Genius with Russell Kane

Join comedians Rachel Fairburn and Laura Smyth as they dive into the life of Griselda Blanco, the feared ‘Queen of Cocaine.’ They explore her notorious rise in the drug trade, engaging in humorous debates about whether she was a ruthless murderer or the ultimate ‘boss bitch.’ With personal anecdotes, they discuss her early life, violent feuds, and complex legacy. Delve into the moral quandaries surrounding her acts of violence and the unique challenges she faced as a woman in a man’s world. A captivating balance of laughter and serious reflection!

Comedians Jess Fostekew and Eshaan Akbar dive into the complex legacy of Agatha Christie, exploring her status as a literary icon and the darker implications of her writing. They discuss Christie's self-education and the creation of enduring characters like Hercule Poirot. The duo critically reflects on her controversial use of racial stereotypes and the mechanical nature of her plots versus character depth. Ultimately, they grapple with the question of whether Christie is a genius or perpetuates harmful themes, concluding with a thought-provoking verdict.

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.

Evil Genius is back soon with more good, bad, ugly - and very, very funny. Hear it first on BBC Sounds.

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 Wood Digital Editor: Jerry Peal Executive Producer: Paul Smith Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Producer: Simon NichollsEvil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Sounds.

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 NichollsEvil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Sounds.

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 NichollsEvil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Sounds.

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 NichollsEvil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Sounds.

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 NichollsEvil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Sounds.

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: Catherine BeazleySound Recordist: Luke NagyDigital Editor: Jerry PealExecutive Producer: Paul SmithProduction Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls & Liz TuohyProducer: Simon NichollsEvil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Sounds.