Best Reagan Russell Podcasts (2025)

1
The Greatest Showman (P.T. Barnum) 35:27

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9m ago35:27

35:27

Roll up, roll up... plenty to see here. P.T. Barnum was, in so many ways, The Greatest Showman. But his success as a circus pioneer came at a great ghastly cost to many. Sara Pascoe, John Tothill and Gbemi Oladipo weigh up those costs to decide whether Barnum was evil or genius. Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina RiggsResearcher: Miriam…

1
Griselda Blanco 29:48

21h ago29:48

29:48

She was the Queen of Cocaine, the master of shootouts and the only ‘man’ Pablo Escobar was ever afraid of. In this episode, Peter Rethinasamy, Laura Smyth and Rachel Fairburn decide if she was a brutal murderer or the ultimate ‘boss bitch’. Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina RiggsResearcher: Miriam O’ByrneSound Editor: Kate MacProductio…

1
Agatha Christie 33:42

8d ago33:42

33:42

Was Agatha Christie a creative legend, who dominated an entire genre and continues to captivate a global audience? Or does her choice of language, titles and storylines reveal a much more sinister, dangerous side to the queen of murder? Fatiha El-Ghorri, Jess Fostekew and Eshaan Akbar decide. Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina RiggsRese…

1
Al Capone 35:18

16d ago35:18

35:18

Was Al Capone a brutal villain who took no prisoners? Or a Robin Hood type figure who seized an opportunity in a tale of rags to riches? Jack Skipper, Maisie Adam and Daliso Chaponda are tasked with finding out whether Al Capone is evil or genius. Additional material: Eve Delaney and Christina RiggsResearcher: Christina RiggsSound Editor: Kate MacP…

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Evil Genius: Returning Soon 1:14

15d ago1:14

1:14

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

1
Evil Animals - Vampire Bats 32:33

23d ago32:33

32:33

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.Res…

1
Evil Animals - Maggots 31:06

22d ago31:06

31:06

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 BeazleySound Recordist: G…

1
Evil Animals - Snakes 30:35

30d ago30:35

30:35

By BBC Sounds

1
Evil Animals - Cats 32:36

1M ago32:36

32:36

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 BeazleySound Recordist: Luke Nagy…

1
Evil Animals - Bottlenose Dolphins 31:42

2M ago31:42

31:42

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 RiggsResearcher: Catherine BeazleyRecording Engineer: Gareth WoodDigital Editor: Jerry Peal…

1
Evil Animals - Hamsters 38:18

2M ago38:18

38:18

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 materi…

1
Welcome to Evil Animals... 2:10

3M ago2:10

2:10

Join comedian Russell Kane for Evil Animals. The feral sibling of Evil Genius. Russell is joined by special guests: comedian Laura Smyth, zoologist Jules Howard, comedian Ola Labib and Principal Curator of Diptera at the Natural History Museum, Erica McAlister. Hosted by Russell KaneAdditional material by: Eve Delaney & Christina RiggsResearcher: C…

1
Jackie Kennedy 43:59

3M ago43:59

43:59

Was Jackie Kennedy a stoic American icon? Or the greatest airbrusher of 20th Century history? Did she use her limited power in inventive ways to leave an impression, or did she wrestle to stay in the spotlight for personal gain? Amy Matthews, Ray Badran and Rajiv Karia are tasked with deciding whether Jackie Kennedy is evil or genius? Additional Ma…

1
Nostradamus 40:32

4M ago40:32

40:32

Did he predict he'd be a subject on Evil Genius? Did he predict anything at all? Nostradamus is put under the microscope in this week's episode. Was he a mystic with an ability to peer into the future? Or a charlatan who used vague and cryptic language to hedge his bets? Richard Herring, Ola Labib and Pierre Novellie join Russell Kane to find out w…

1
Catherine The Great 37:18

4M ago37:18

37:18

Catherine the Great - was she as magnificent as her moniker suggests? Was she a reforming pioneer of a burgeoning empire, or an expansionist who reneged on promises to free the serfs? A radical empowerer of women, or a husband murderer with a proclivity for the equine? Rajiv Karia, Amy Matthews and Ray Badran join Russell Kane in the Russian palace…

1
Florence Nightingale 31:38

4M ago31:38

31:38

Was Florence Nightingale a nursing pioneer, or a terror with a spreadsheet? Could the mother of modern nursing really have been a glorified doctor's receptionist from hell? Did her colonial attitudes towards race, and her perpetuation of the idea of 'women's jobs' hold us back as much as her healthcare revolution took us forward? Richard Herring, O…

1
Marilyn Monroe 34:25

4M ago34:25

34:25

Was Marilyn Monroe a genius who beat the system to become a star? Or was she a career driven narcissist who perpetuated the sexism of old Hollywood? And does she have a case to answer for the toxic beauty standards with still live with today. Hannah Platt, Janine Harouni and Tony Hawks join Russell Kane to ask - if we can't handle her at her most e…

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Father of bodybuilding, Joe Weider 38:37

4M ago38:37

38:37

You might not have heard of Joe Weider, but he was the man who invented modern bodybuilding. Formalised training, published magazines, birthed massive international competitions, and unearthed a megastar in Arnold Schwarzenegger. But was he a genius who built himself up from nothing to bring health and fitness mainstream? Or a charlatan who unleash…

1
Robert Maxwell 41:29

5M ago41:29

41:29

Was Robert Maxwell the defiant outsider who came from nothing to join Britain's elite? Or was he a bullying maniac whose power went unchecked? Was he a pioneer in business and politics who was ahead of his time? Or was he a fraud who nicked his employees pensions? And, did the man whose family tragically died in the holocaust actually commit a war …

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Wicked: Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West) 34:51

5M ago34:51

34:51

Was she a tyrant in a tall hat — or the original girlboss, defying gravity and public opinion? Was she a product of her environment who experienced prejudice, and even if she was, does that allow her to terrorise Oz? Emmanuel Sonubi, Joe Sutherland and Jess Fostekew join the great and powerful Russell Kane to decide if Elphaba Thropp - The Wicked W…

1
Napoleon 40:41

5M ago40:41

40:41

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 battlefi…

1
Christine Keeler 35:38

5M ago35:38

35:38

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…

1
Harper Lee 37:45

6M ago37:45

37:45

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 Gen…

1
OJ Simpson 37:15

6M ago37:15

37:15

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 …

1
Lawrence of Arabia 35:22

10M ago35:22

35:22

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 BobakEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a …

1
Lady Macbeth 32:37

11M ago32:37

32:37

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 BobakEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds…

1
John D. Rockefeller 33:58

11M ago33:58

33:58

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 BobakEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC…

1
Oliver Cromwell 34:34

11M ago34:34

34:34

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 BobakEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios pr…

1
Jim Morrison 34:56

11M ago34:56

34:56

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 BobakEvil Genius is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds…

1
Marlene Dietrich 36:00

11M ago36:00

36:00

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? Produc…

1
Miles Davis 34:57

12M ago34:57

34:57

The 'Prince of Darkness' Miles Davis was a jazz revolutionary with a famously husky voice and a passion for fashion. Musical genius? Yes. Deeply flawed character? Yes. Blew his own trumpet? Big time. Our guests Desiree Burch, Ian Smith and Susie McCabe uncover the darker side of a fascinating life and debate whether he was in fact evil... or genius…

1
Eva Perón 30:22

12M ago30:22

30:22

Former First Lady of Argentina, Eva Perón, was idolised by her nation and is still worshipped to this day. Our guests Kerry Godliman, Glenn Moore and Helen Bauer expose her skeletons in the closet, question the sincerity of her deeds and give their passionate feedback on Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical 'Evita' based on the story of her incredible…

1
Simone de Beauvoir 33:14

12M ago33:14

33:14

Simone de Beauvoir was one of the first thinkers to call the concept of gender 'total bollocks' (not quite her words). Her feminist work was groundbreaking and shocking in equal measure. In this episode, guests Phil Wang, Lindsey Santoro and Katie Norris put on their philosopher hats to examine her fascinating life and answer the big questions: Is …

1
J. Edgar Hoover 36:43

1y ago36:43

36:43

John Edgar Hoover was an American icon who revolutionised crime-fighting and transformed the FBI into the powerhouse it is today. But do his problematic views, enormous vanity and controlling approach make him evil… or genius? Laura Smyth, Josh Jones and Johnny Cochrane expose the king of the FBI. Producer: Sasha BobakEvil Genius with Russell Kane …

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Anne Boleyn 39:33

1y ago39:33

39:33

Was Anne Boleyn a cold-hearted killer or a badass feminist? What saucy activity did she allegedly import from France? And was this iconic queen the ultimate gay icon? Rachel Parris, Daliso Chaponda and Stephen Bailey join Russell to debate her life. Producer: Sasha BobakEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and B…

1
Rasputin 41:04

1y ago41:04

41:04

How did an illiterate peasant from Siberia find himself dining with an Emperor? Did Rasputin really have magical healing powers or was he a cunning fraud? And what exactly earned him his shocking nickname? Producer: Sasha BobakEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds…

1
George Harrison 47:23

1+ y ago47:23

47:23

Daliso Chaponda, Catherine Bohart and Rachel Parris explore the enigma of the Quiet Beatle. Deeply spiritual hippie or deeply selfish hippiecrite?Producer: Beth O’DeaEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC SoundsBy BBC Sounds

1
Princess Margaret 47:46

1+ y ago47:46

47:46

Geoff Norcott, Felicity Ward and Sophie Duker debate - wearing a crown, or going down? Taking in Geoff's hatred of dressing gowns, how it's a difficult time to be an ugly Ryan, and who the panel would allow to tap cigarette ash into their palm. Producer Sally HeavenEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and …

1
Karl Lagerfeld 46:02

1+ y ago46:02

46:02

Kerry Godliman, Darren Harriott and Helen Bauer spill the tea on the Chanel fashion guru. He might have been the greatest designer of his generation but was he the greatest human?Producer: Beth O’DeaEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC SoundsBy BBC Sounds

1
Ronald Reagan 44:03

1+ y ago44:03

44:03

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 HeavenEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC SoundsBy BBC Sounds

1
Marie Antoinette 45:05

1+ y ago45:05

45:05

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’DeaEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC SoundsBy BBC Sounds

1
Homer Simpson 47:01

1+ y ago47:01

47:01

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 HeavenEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds…

1
Jerry Springer 43:00

1+ y ago43:00

43:00

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…

1
IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad 43:49

1+ y ago43:49

43:49

Stevie Martin, Johnny Cochrane and Maisie Adam deconstruct the Swedish furniture king and his eccentric billionaire lifestyle.Producer: Beth O’DeaEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC SoundsBy BBC Sounds

1
The Kray Twins 46:00

2y ago46:00

46:00

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'DeaEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds…

1
Attila the Hun 42:23

2y ago42:23

42:23

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 HeavenEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds…

1
Elizabeth Taylor 37:03

2y ago37:03

37:03

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 SoundsBy BBC Sounds

1
Count Dracula 46:45

2y ago46:45

46:45

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’DeaEvil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds…

1
David Bowie 47:06

2+ y ago47:06

47:06

Kerry Godliman, Esther Manito and Rhys James decide – Starman or laughing gnome? Producer Sally HeavenBy BBC Sounds