Evil Genius with Russell Kane

Latest Episodes:

Series 10: Napoleon Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

Napoleon Bonaparte. Was he a tiny tyrant who ruled with an iron first? Or a military mastermind who revolutionised warfare forever? Russell Kane reads from Napoleon's romantic fiction, tells of his battlefield exploits, and even shocking party trick that left women in tears. Celya AB, Glenn Moore and Johnny Cochrane join Russell Kane on the battlefield - who will win? Evil, or Genius?

Additional Material: Eve Delaney Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls Executive Producer: Paul Smith

The Producer was Gwyn Rhys Davies. Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Sounds. An EcoAudio certified production.

Series 10: Christine Keeler May 28, 2025

Show notes

Christine Keeler - was she the genius who used what she had to bring down the government? Or did she play fast and loose with national security. Russell Kane is joined by Sara Barron, Rachel Fairburn and Michael Odewale to delve into the life of the woman at the centre of the Profumo affair. A story of sex, violence, espionage and cold war tensions. It's what Evil Genius is all about.

Additional Material: Eve Delaney Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls Executive Producer: Paul Smith

The Producer was Gwyn Rhys Davies. Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Sounds. An EcoAudio certified production.

Series 10: Harper Lee May 21, 2025

Show notes

Was Harper Lee a literary genius who helped spark the civil rights movement in America? Was she a selfish recluse who put her own interest above anyone else’s? And, in one of her last acts, did she tarnish her own legacy by betraying her most beloved character? Celya AB, Glenn Moore and Johnny Cochrane join Russell Kane in the courtroom of Evil Genius to find out.

Additional Material: Eve Delaney Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls Executive Producer: Paul Smith

The Producer was Gwyn Rhys Davies. Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Sounds.

Series 10: OJ Simpson May 14, 2025

Show notes

Was OJ Simpson an inspiring American rags-to-riches story, or a fame-hungry abuser? Michael Odewale, Sara Barron and Rachel Fairburn take a sip of ‘The Juice’. Was he a murderer who got away with it all? Was a victim of systemic racism in the US justice system? Our guests dig into his life, and debate the legacy of Orenthal James Simpson.

Additional Material: Eve Delaney Researcher: Miriam O’Byrne Sound Editor: Kate Mac Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls Executive Producer: Paul Smith

The Producer was Gwyn Rhys Davies. Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Sounds.

Series 9: Lawrence of Arabia Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

Did Lawrence of Arabia beautifully befriend the Arabs in WWI or savagely betray them? Should the king of guerrilla warfare be held accountable? What were his most surprising eccentricities? Our guests Susie McCabe, Desiree Burch and Ian Smith get stuck into the life of Thomas Edward Lawrence.

Producer: Sasha Bobak Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Series 9: Lady Macbeth Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

Was Lady Macbeth a cold-hearted killer or a grieving mother? Did she manipulate her husband or help him achieve his goals? Or was she simply in a very toxic relationship? Laura Smyth, Josh Jones and Johnny Cochrane decide... evil or genius.

Producer: Sasha Bobak Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Series 9: John D. Rockefeller Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

Money makes the world go round... but does it make heroes or villains? Our guests Phil Wang, Lindsey Santoro and Katie Norris examine the life of the world's first-ever billionaire, weigh in on his ruthless tactics, and reflect on his motivations.

Producer: Sasha Bobak Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Series 9: Oliver Cromwell Dec 25, 2024

Show notes

Oliver Cromwell is a highly controversial figure, not least because he banned Christmas (fun sponge alert). Our guests Kerry Godliman, Helen Bauer and Glenn Moore evaluate his powerful reign, argue over his policies, and realise the trouble they’d have run into under his regime.

Producer: Sasha Bobak Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Series 9: Jim Morrison Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

Jim Morrison was a rock icon, a tortured poet and a leather-trouser addict. His outrageous performances on stage and dangerous behaviour behind closed doors cause quite the stir for guests Rachel Parris, Daliso Chaponda and Stephen Bailey.

Producer: Sasha Bobak Evil Genius is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Series 9: Marlene Dietrich Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

Marlene Dietrich was undoubtedly an icon - with an impressive string of films, lovers and mic-drop quotes. Her work in the Second World War was inspiring but her relationship with her husband and daughter reveal a much darker side to the life of the dazzling movie star. Amy Gledhill, Ria Lina and Alasdair Beckett-King decide - diva or devil?

Producer: Sasha Bobak Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.