Best Maxwell Freud Podcasts (2025)

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Father of bodybuilding, Joe Weider 38:37

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2d 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…

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Deva Woodly on Civil Society and the Politics of Care 1:32:07

9d ago1:32:07

1:32:07

On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins chats with Deva Woodly on her book, Reckoning: Black Lives Matter and the Democratic Necessity of Social Movements (Oxford University Press, 2021), which draw from on-the-ground interviews with leaders in the Black Lives Matter Movement to comment on social movements and their role in demo…

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Robert Maxwell 41:29

9d 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

16d 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…

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Napoleon 40:41

23d 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…

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Christine Keeler 35:38

1M 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…

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Alice Siu on Deliberative Polling and the Future of Democratic Dialogue 1:22:12

1M ago1:22:12

1:22:12

On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins chats with Alice Siu on how deliberative polling fosters informed, respectful public dialogue. They discuss the method’s use in both in-person and on AI-assisted virtual forums, its role in shaping policy, and its potential to reduce polarization. Alice highlights the importance of teachin…

1
Harper Lee 37:45

1M 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…

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OJ Simpson 37:15

1M 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 …

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Hannah Gais on the Far-Right Rallies and Social Media Presence 1:20:34

2M ago1:20:34

1:20:34

On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins chats with Hannah Gais on the far-right rallies and social media presence on platforms like Telegram and X. Hannah explores the events of the Unite the Right rally, the storming of the capital on January 6th, the far-right in the wake of the first and second Trump presidencies, and the dan…

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Evil Genius: Returning Soon 0:59

3M ago0:59

0:59

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

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Eileen Hunt on Mary Shelley's "The Last Man" 1:18:54

3M ago1:18:54

1:18:54

On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins chats with Eileen Hunt on her latest book, The First Last Man: Mary Shelley and the Postapocalyptic Imagination (2024), which focuses primarily on Mary Shelley's 1826 novel, The Last Man, the first major modern pandemic novel. Hunt explains the tragic life events that motivated Mary Shelle…

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Roos Slegers on the Uncanny Valley, Freud, and Cyborg Science Fiction 1:31:59

4M ago1:31:59

1:31:59

On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins chats with Roos Slegers on the uncanny valley, Freud, and cyborg science fiction. They explore the uncanny valley and Freud’s concept of the uncanny, connecting them to ETA Hoffmann’s “The Sandman”, Donna Haraway’s “Cyborg Manifesto”, and contemporary AI debates. While Mori’s uncanny valle…

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Kris Rose on Deliberative Democracy and Meta's Community Forums 1:12:33

5M ago1:12:33

1:12:33

Season 3 is here! On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins interview Kris Rose on deliberative democracy and Meta's community forums. Kris discusses Meta’s efforts to incorporate public input into decision-making through the Oversight Board and Community Forums. The Oversight Board, an independent body with binding authority over…

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Lawrence of Arabia 35:22

5M 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 …

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Lady Macbeth 32:37

6M 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…

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John D. Rockefeller 33:58

6M 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…

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Oliver Cromwell 34:34

6M 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…

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Jim Morrison 34:56

6M 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…

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Marlene Dietrich 36:00

7M 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…

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Miles Davis 34:57

7M 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…

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Eva Perón 30:22

7M 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…

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Simone de Beauvoir 33:14

7M 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 …

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J. Edgar Hoover 36:43

8M 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

8M 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…

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Rasputin 41:04

8M 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…

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It's Hard to be Flawed - Carrie Linden 1:16:48

9M ago1:16:48

1:16:48

Meet Carrie Linden (she/they), the bisexual, disabled Communications Manager at Snowbright Studio, an LGBTQ+ game studio focused on making heartwarming, family-friendly games. Dinositters is available for presale now! Send out your two, teenage, dino siblings to collect food and friends for the hatchlings in your nest and prove that you're the best…

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I-Saw-Penis Parties - Dr. Nersi Nikakhtar, MD 1:13:59

10M ago1:13:59

1:13:59

Meet Dr. Nersi Nikakhtar, MD (he/him), an internist and board game content creator who talks me through the nuances of sex, gender, and Blood on the Clocktower. YouTube Dinositters is available for presale now! Send out your two, teenage, dino siblings to collect food and friends for the hatchlings in your nest and prove that you're the best Dinosi…

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A Riskier Way of Living - Maia Thomas 53:19

10M ago53:19

53:19

Meet Maia Thomas (she/her), a lesbian, trans woman who works in the tabletop industry as a game designer, graphic designer, and illustrator. Instagram Dinositters is available for presale now! Send out your two, teenage, dino siblings to collect food and friends for the hatchlings in your nest and prove that you're the best Dinositter before the pa…

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An episode about living as a trans woman and designing board games - Bez Shahriari 1:50:14

10M ago1:50:14

1:50:14

Meet Bez Bonnie-Beth Shahriari (she/her), a Glaswegian, pansexual, graysexual, trans woman with autism, likely ADHD, and a history of depression. Bez is an author, artist, and game designer who makes the world a little more fun, one game at a time. Website Instagram X Dinositters is available for presale now! Send out your two, teenage, dino siblin…

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Lida Maxwell on Whistleblowers, Queer Love, and Truth-Telling 1:18:29

1y ago1:18:29

1:18:29

A special thanks to our listeners for joining us, and please enjoy the final episode of Season 2. We hope to see you again soon! On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins interviews Lida Maxwell on whistleblowers, queer love, and outsider truth-telling. Lida uses Chelsea Manning, a representative outside truth-teller, as a case st…

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Samantha Cole on How Sex Changed the Internet 1:12:22

1y ago1:12:22

1:12:22

On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins interviews Samantha Cole on her book, How Sex Changed the Internet and the Internet Changed Sex. Their conversation features discussion on the origins of deepfake technology, nonconsensual pornography, the rights of sex workers, concerns regarding sexual content bans, the importance of sex…

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George Harrison 47:23

1y 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

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Princess Margaret 47:46

1y 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 …

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"I'm an Ally" - Jamie Sabriel 1:12:33

1+ y ago1:12:33

1:12:33

Meet Jamie Sabriel (they/them), the queer, nonbinary game designer at Triple Rainbow Games, a moderator for Break My Game and Protospiel Online, and rotating co-host of the board game documentary podcast Building the Game. Website Building the Game Dinositters is available for presale now! Send out your two, teenage, dino siblings to collect food a…

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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

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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

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John Kaufhold on the History of Image Recognition and Deep Learning 1:27:04

1+ y ago1:27:04

1:27:04

On today's episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins interviews John Kaufhold on the history of image recognition and deep learning. With over 30 years of experience in the artificial intelligence and machine learning world, John shares his history starting from his early days in speech recognition in the 90s. He covers the ImageNet Big B…

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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

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Ms. Gay Board Games - Isaac Vega 56:32

1+ y ago56:32

56:32

Meet Isaac Vega (he/him), the gay, Latinx, co-founder of Rose Gauntlet Entertainment and designer of Dead of Winter, Forgotten Waters, and Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn. Twitter Instagram Rose Gauntlet Entertainment Dinositters is available for presale now! Send out your two, teenage, dino siblings to collect food and friends for the hatchlings in…

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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…

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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…

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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

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Salomé Viljoen on Relational Data, Governance, and Privacy 1:23:46

1+ y ago1:23:46

1:23:46

On today's episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins interviews Salomé Viljoen on relational data, governance, and privacy. Salomé shares insights into some of the key positions and debates about legal reforms relating to digital privacy and data governance, particularly the relational nature of digital data. In this conversation, Salomé …

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The Kray Twins 46:00

1+ y 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…

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Queer Enough - Coyote & Crow 49:44

1+ y ago49:44

49:44

Meet Connor Alexander (he/him), the queer, Indigenous publisher of the Coyote & Crow roleplaying game. Website Facebook Twitter Dinositters is available for presale now! Send out your two, teenage, dino siblings to collect food and friends for the hatchlings in your nest and prove that you're the best Dinositter before the parents return. Check out…

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Attila the Hun 42:23

1+ y 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…

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Elizabeth Taylor 37:03

1+ y 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

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Count Dracula 46:45

1+ y 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…

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Eric Schliesser on Playing and the Das Adam Smith Problem 1:58:02

1+ y ago1:58:02

1:58:02

Kristen Collins interviews Eric Schliesser on playing, liberty, and the Das Adam Smith Problem. In their conversation, they discuss the "Das Adam Smith Problem" which addresses the perceived inconsistency between Smith's works, "Wealth of Nations" and "The Theory of Moral Sentiments," as well as other topics including Smith's critique of Stoicism, …