
Evil Genius with Russell Kane
It’s good, bad, ugly - and very very funny. Changing the way we see heroes and villains in history.
Latest episodes

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

Mar 30, 2023 • 37min
Marvin Gaye
Maisie Adam, Ania Magliano and Marlon Davis wonder what was goin' on with the soul singer.

Mar 23, 2023 • 37min
Cleopatra
Kerry Godliman, Esther Manito and Rhys James debate - was the Egyptian a pain in the asp?

Mar 16, 2023 • 42min
Christopher Columbus
Sara Barron, Helen Bauer and Darren Harriott on the man who's credited with finding North America. But never actually got there. And firmly believed the world to be breast-shaped.
Producer: Beth O’Dea
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Mar 9, 2023 • 44min
Johnny Cash
Thanyia Moore, Pierre Novellie and Lauren Pattison ask if the country star did in fact walk the line.
Producer Beth O'Dea
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds