

Evil Genius with Russell Kane
BBC Sounds
It’s good, bad, ugly - and very very funny. Changing the way we see heroes and villains in history.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 14, 2024 • 44min
Ronald Reagan
Grainne Maguire, Athena Kugblenu and Robin Morgan decide, Reagan? Or wrong 'un? Plus, could we replace a leader with an actual puppet, like Ed the Duck? And other important questions.Producer Sally Heaven
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Mar 7, 2024 • 45min
Marie Antoinette
Rachel Parris, Daliso Chaponda and Catherine Bohart on the original drama queen. Was the Last Queen of France just a spoiled child with huge hair who didn't know any better?
Producer: Beth O’Dea
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Feb 29, 2024 • 47min
Homer Simpson
Sophie Duker, Felicity Ward and Geoff Norcott decide whether the yellow patriarch is Duff Beer or just duff. Also, what do Geoff Norcott and Homer have in common, and what would a Gen Z Homer sound like?Producer Sally Heaven
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Feb 22, 2024 • 43min
Jerry Springer
Desiree Burch, Josh Jones and Sara Barron - will their final thought on the chat show host be evil? Or genius? Plus, why does Desiree have Jerry Springer dolls? And what did Jeremy Kyle say about Josh's shirt?Producer Sally Heaven.Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Feb 15, 2024 • 44min
IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad
Ingvar Kamprad, the eccentric billionaire and founder of IKEA, is dissected with humor and insight by Stevie Martin, Johnny Cochrane, and Maisie Adam. They dive into Kamprad's revolutionary flat-pack furniture model, the struggles of DIY assembly, and his controversial legacy. They discuss his frugality and philanthropy, while reflecting on personal anecdotes tied to IKEA's cultural impact. The conversation takes a turn to the darker side, addressing allegations about his past and how these complexities shape his enduring influence in the furniture world.

Feb 8, 2024 • 46min
The Kray Twins
Helen Bauer, Darren Harriott and Kerry Godliman take on the infamous gangster double act. Ronnie and Reggie ruled the East End of London in the 1960s and became genuine criminal celebrities.
Producer Beth O'Dea
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Feb 1, 2024 • 42min
Attila the Hun
Robin Morgan, Gráinne Maguire and Athena Kugblenu ask: you OK, hun? Was Attila all that bad? Is a spike up the bum really the worst way to go, which is the best Hun gadget, and why is Gráinne such a fangirl?Producer Sally Heaven
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Jan 25, 2024 • 37min
Elizabeth Taylor
Desiree Burch, Sara Barron and Josh Jones provide more laughs than Liz had husbands. That's seven, by the way. Or eight if you count Richard Burton twice.Producer Sally Heaven.Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Jan 18, 2024 • 47min
Count Dracula
Maisie Adam, Stevie Martin and Johnny Cochrane prise open the coffin to assess the undead legend in the cold light of day. Superhero powers, seductive charm and also looks great in a cape. Genius, surely?
Producer: Beth O’Dea
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Apr 6, 2023 • 47min
David Bowie
Kerry Godliman, Esther Manito and Rhys James decide – Starman or laughing gnome?Producer Sally Heaven