Good if you want to hear history rewritten with the words “micro aggression”, “colonialism”, and “cultural appropriation” by a moderator and panelists that represent one extreme viewpoint. Otherwise, not so much…

This is honestly one of my favorite podcasts. Just like any kind of comedy, this isn’t a show that would suit just anyone’s taste. The host isn’t a historian; he’s a comedian. The panel is guided through a discussion on a historical figure with a handful of salient points along the way. At the end, panelists vote whether the person’s contributions make him or her more evil or genius. It is clearly intended to be brief. For an in-depth biography, one would look for a history podcast. For a laugh, one would look for a comedy podcast. I really enjoy this one!

Throughout, the panel manages to keep the podcast entertaining and funny. But at the same time they’re taking a serious look at the people behind the celebrities we think we know. Then, they’re forced to boil down the subjects into a strictly binary “Evil or Genius?” Making us question if the violent misogynist is a great funny guy or if the 20th century’s paragon of peaceful resistance is a narcissistic beast… So it’s really up to you to decide: Is this podcast Evil or Genius?

I watched the Lagerfeld movie on Hulu then listened to their podcast. It was so delightful, so fun and actually very informative. I can’t wait to listen to the other episodes!!! Much love from the other side of the pond!

This is intensely difficult to listen to with all of the nonsense. Trying so hard, it isn’t funny.

No ideological diversity and they engage in presentism. Don’t waste your time unless you like echo chambers.

.o

Sara Barron ruined you Warhol episode. She is not representative of American comedy.

It is a really fun listen. Nonetheless, it is more comedy than history. Still one of my favorite comedy podcasts.

Hey Russell, love the podcast. Very entertaining and educational too. Are you coming up with more? 2 suggestions for future subjects to scrutinize: Miles Davis and Marlon Brando. I know they’d make for great shows!

Love it

I totally enjoy this podcast. If you’re looking for history or biography maybe you should listen to Dan Snow’s History Hit. If you want humor with a little biography, then this is your podcast!!

If being ignorant and disrespectful and not being able to play music yourself is edgy, these c**** have the it factor

The concept has a lot of potential but the host is an emotional vacuum, in the sense he mines his lower income childhood for pathos but no actual tragedy, despite the fact that he bangs on every single bloody week about his lower class childhood. Show not tell, Russell. I can’t tell if he’s exploiting said childhood for Tory purposes or Comedy or ???, but it’s not useful or funny sadly. I think the podcast idea could be better utilized with another host

Show is hilarious. People need to relax and have a laugh.

At the very least, when reviewing people of a different time, you should base your information with those time frames in mind.

I enjoy the concept, but the informational void is simply too large for jokes to fill. I suggest that there be at least 30 minutes of study on the episode’s subject before the discussion is to be had. Obviously, take any and all conclusions with a grain of salt and regard this more so as entertainment than education. Also, what is wrong with the audio?

I guess they are funny where they are from.

Funny, informative, and full of that Russell Kane wit. Love this pod.

This podcast is awsome and I have enjoyed it a ton I hope that you make more episodes

Hilarious and brilliant banter about the duality of figures usually glamorized in pop culture. No one is perfect, including Mother Theresa. Definitely inspires a trip down the research rabbit hole and some hearty chuckles. If you are easily offended, listen to something else. P.s. Also can you please make a T-Shirt with Mother Theresa picking out bin babies? I will forever be in your debt.

Nonsense.

I thought this concept would be interesting - and it has the potential to be - however after downloading & listening to several episodes, I discovered that this is a total waste of time and very offensive. The episode on Frank Sinatra devolved into sheer juvinile blather. Taking a poll about which participant had experience with abortions was the lowest! If I wanted to listen to that, I guess I'd take myself off to a back room of a pub after everyone has had too much to drink or perhaps to a silly teenager's sleep over. Adolescent to say the least and crude and unfeeling as well. I'm totally over this podcast!

Made me want to vomit listening to JL being called evil after I listened to Richard Pryor given a pass on his screw ups. I think over half of them really have the teeniest bit of knowledge of the history and culture that the Beatles and JL and PM particularly played a huge part in. The panel= ignoramuses. I guess they can take their snobbery and take credit where no credit is due for those that helped bring their world forward

I like the concept, but the execution is lacking. It might be interesting to have a panel that actually knows something about the subject. Instead, they’re asked for their opinions based on the information the host is feeding them.

It’s fun. I wouldn’t call this a history channel but it’s fairly informative without going so deep that it gets boring. It’s just 3 people’s opinion and you can agree/disagree or even reserve your own judgement for later when you are bothered enough to look up the subject. I do prefer the shows where the panel has some prior knowledge of the person being discussed. I also prefer the comedians. So if you are reading this Russell Kane please have hilarious well informed guests every time.

Listened to three episodes (Picasso, Nina Simone, and Mother Theresa). The commentators haven’t done their research and don’t even attempt to think critically and challenge their own belief systems. Every opinion is an attempt to be politically correct. The host signals to the panelists how they should vote at times, and discourages differing opinions. The program is absent of jokes, however I could tell when they were making attempts as the other panelists acted as a sitcom laugh track. Utter garbage.

Really good and I really enjoy this

Blabbermouths giggling

Wish there was more detail then the banter. But definitely a good find for some people that may not know about history and want to learn more.

Listened to the Lennon episode. They give their opinions but then say things like “I don’t know who wrote what or who was singing.” So how can you offer an opinion? They talk about his flaws and say he’s a terrible person then proceed to say “if you don’t leave a good review I’ll find you and hurt you.” Pretty bad podcast

Someone at the BBC is taking the piss !!

Painful to listen to judgmental twits expound on folks who have done a life

Love the premise of the show. Was hoping it to be akin to RTE podcast Speaking ill of the Dead which is tremendous. Unfortunately it’s mindless drivel presented by C-listers who barely have enough gray matter to sustain life itself. Should be a 5 Live show.

How do these people pass as comedians? Cringe worthy and so unfunny I feel bad for him

They are actually stupid

Was listening to a BBC podcast and this was suggested (as other shows from BBC). Mind you the cover art of the show intrigued me as it looked like a cover of a novel from decades ago. Downloaded the Enid Blyton episode because hello it’s a flashback to one of my favorite childhood book authors, now my view on Ms Blyton has completely changed due to this podcast. Great show! My fear is I’ll be binge listening to all and will run out of episodes to listen too soon.

Honestly, Russell Kane takes a great concept and allows his moron guests to puke over and suffocate. Post-Ben Elton mockney crap-fest of self-regarding jibber jabber in complete ignorance. Kill me now. Actually I’ll just unsubscribe.

Perfect combination of fascinating facts and humor. Love it.