Mad Genius explores the links between comedy, intelligence and mental health with comedian Ariel Kashanchi. Each week Ariel talks to comedian friends, experts, and other artists about the link between creativity and their mental health journeys. This season Ariel is diving in and sharing her experience with Ketamine infusions and TMS to heal her longtime depression and PTSD.
Royal Rumors, Sperm Racers & Smile Police: Ariel's Guide to Peak Absurdity
This week on Mad Genius, comedian Ariel Kashanchi dives headfirst into a cultural fever dream so chaotic it might actually be… inspirational? Ariel kicks things off with her brutally honest (and probably legally concerning) review of Kim Kardashian's new show All's Fair, where everyone is suing everyone and somehow Kim is still the calmest person in the room.
Then it's time for the newest elite sport that absolutely no one asked for: sperm racing—yes, actual scientists are out here timing the Michael Phelps of microscopic swimmers, and Ariel has a LOT of questions.
Meanwhile, Target has apparently decided the key to capitalism is mandatory smiling, and Ariel breaks down the dystopian nightmare of being "paid to beam." She also covers the upcoming nude bowling event, which is either a bold celebration of body positivity or a lawsuit in slippery shoes.
Finally, Ariel unpacks Megan Markle and Prince Harry rolling up to Kris Jenner's 70th birthday bash—an event so star-studded it could cause a solar eclipse—and wonders if this is the first sign of a Kardashian–Montecito merger.
It's weird. It's unhinged. It's informative in the wrong ways.
It's Mad Genius. Tune in. 🎧
28 Oct 2025TRANSCRIPT
Birthday Blasts, Checkout Fistfights & Naked Protests: A Wild Ride with Ariel Kashanchi
In this episode of Mad Genius with Ariel Kashanchi, comedian Ariel Kashanchi takes us on a rollicking tour through three unforgettable stories: the (semi) sober celebration of her birthday that somehow involved cake, karaoke, and existential dread; the absurd showdown at Marshalls when one woman decided it was her turn in the discount line and another woman felt differently (spoiler: fists may have been involved); and a topless protest in Portland that redefined "making a statement" (yes, she was there). Along the way we talk chaos, culture, and why sometimes the only response to crazy is to laugh. Tune in for witty rawness, Persian-roots commentary, and the kind of storytelling you'll want to share with a friend—and maybe think twice before letting anyone ahead of you in the clearance line.
16 Oct 2025TRANSCRIPT
COVID, Dog Parties & Taco Bell Sprints: A Very Ariel Kashanchi Story
In this wild episode of Mad Genius, Ariel Kashanchi takes us through a week she won’t soon forget: experiencing COVID for the first time, going on a cringe-y date with a guy who may or may not be patient zero, and somehow still finding the energy to attend a dog party (yes, that’s a thing). As the cherry on top, she signs up — and survives — a Taco Bell “ultra marathon” (definitions may vary).
Come for the germs, stay for the laughs. Ariel dives into what it’s like to be contagious and socially awkward, how she held her boundaries mid-cough, and the absurdity of chasing tacos while trying not to collapse. You’ll laugh, you’ll groan, and you may never eat a Crunchwrap the same way again.
Trigger / disclaimer: This episode contains talk of illness, dating mishaps, and mild cardiovascular recklessness. Not medical advice — always consult professionals when feeling sick (and maybe skip that ultra marathon).
Inside a recent episode
Royal Rumors, Sperm Racers & Smile Police: Ariel's Guide to Peak Absurdity
Published 14 Nov 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And it's weird that the worst actress on the show gets the most screen time. But, and is it a terrible show? Yes. But I still enjoy watching it because it's like, it's camp. And it's, it's like, it's like watching a reality show. You know what I mean? Like, it's a very much a guilty pleasure. Like, you know, it's garbage. And you know that you're watching somebody who is a terrible actress surrounded by phenomenal actresses. But but the terrible acting is so egregious that but it's like, it's still entertaining. So it's like, It's like eating chocolate. You know what I mean? You know that it's not really good for you, but you still eat it because it feels good in the moment. […]
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