Mad Genius with Ariel Kashanchi

Follow Mad Genius with Ariel Kashanchi
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Can intelligence cure depression? Armed with an IQ of 160, comedian and writer Ariel Kashanchi hopes so. Every week Ariel brings you into her dark and sometimes funny world examining how she got to this place and how the mind can be manipulated.

Ariel Kashanchi


    • May 15, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 58 EPISODES

    5 from 29 ratings Listeners of Mad Genius with Ariel Kashanchi that love the show mention: thank you ariel, depression, brave, alone, honest, relatable, funny, great, love.


    Ivy Insights

    The Mad Genius with Ariel Kashanchi is an incredibly raw and honest podcast that delves into the complexities of mental health, specifically anxiety and depression. As a longtime follower of Ariel on Instagram, I have always admired her comedic talent and her ability to be brutally honest about her own struggles. This podcast provides a platform for her to dive even deeper into her psyche, giving listeners a glimpse into the inner workings of her mind. It's refreshing to have someone like Ariel who is not afraid to show vulnerability and can relate to those of us who live with similar challenges.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Ariel's ability to combine pathos with comedy. She has a remarkable talent for turning potentially depressing topics into hilarious anecdotes, making you laugh instead of cry. Her storytelling skills are impeccable as she recounts memories from her childhood in such vivid detail that it elicits audible gasps from the audience. It takes bravery to open yourself up in such a way, and Ariel does it flawlessly. The blend of humor and honesty creates a powerful listening experience that is both relatable and thought-provoking.

    If there were any drawbacks to this podcast, it would be that at times Ariel goes off on tangents or loses focus on the main topic. However, I personally appreciate this style as I am not a linear thinker myself. For some listeners who prefer a more structured narrative, these diversions may prove distracting. Nonetheless, they are still enjoyable because Ariel's wit shines through even in these moments.

    In conclusion, The Mad Genius with Ariel Kashanchi is an exceptional podcast that offers an intimate look into the world of mental health in a refreshingly honest way. Through her bravery and comedic prowess, Ariel creates an atmosphere where listeners can feel understood and less alone in their own struggles. This podcast serves as an important step towards destigmatizing depression and other mental illnesses by shedding light on their nuances from someone who experiences them firsthand. I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen, as it provides great storytelling and insightful moments that can inspire new insights into oneself. Ariel's talent as a tragically beautiful, intelligent, and creative person shines through in every episode, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health or simply looking for a relatable and humorous podcast.



    Search for episodes from Mad Genius with Ariel Kashanchi with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Mad Genius with Ariel Kashanchi

    Catface Regrets, Road Rage Poop, and the Rise of the Octopus Overlords

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 16:57


    In this wildly unhinged episode of Mad Genius, comedian Ariel Kashanchi dives headfirst into the internet's most bizarre headlines. First up: Australian TikToker Jolene Dawson spent $8,000 on cosmetic procedures to look like a cat—only to end up with painful complications and a mountain of regret . Next, Ariel unpacks the viral road rage incident involving 44-year-old Christina Solometo, who was caught on camera defecating on another driver's car during a traffic dispute in Pennsylvania  Then, we explore the eerie possibility that octopuses could become Earth's dominant species if humans go extinct, thanks to their remarkable intelligence and adaptability . Finally, Ariel discusses the controversial case of Melissa Nelson, a dental assistant who was fired for being "too attractive," a decision upheld by the Iowa Supreme Court . From feline transformations to cephalopod supremacy, this episode is a rollercoaster of the absurd. Tune in for laughs, gasps, and the kind of stories that make you question reality.

    High School High: THC Gummies, Horseback Walmart Bandits & a McGriddle 911 Call

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 16:18


    On this episode of Mad Genius, comedian and host Ariel Kashanchi recounts what happened when she took her cat on a walk (spoiler: the cat had notes), and dives into the absurdity of recent headlines: a substitute teacher handing out THC gummies to a classroom of teens, four cowboys who decided Walmart was their new rodeo arena, and a 911 operator who casually ordered a McGriddle while someone was reporting a crime. Expect jokes, judgment, and just enough chaos to make you question reality.

    Emotional Support Tigers, Pyro Landlords & Dating Disasters – Ariel Spills All

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 14:00


    In this wild ride of an episode, Mad Genius host and comedian Ariel Kashanchi shares her most hilarious and cringe-worthy dating blunders — including one guy who may or may not have owned emotional support tigers. Ariel dives into the unbelievable story of a landlord who torched his own building, a doctor who tried to turn a hike into a homicide, and more true crime-y, WTF moments you won't believe are real. Whether you're into twisted tales, dark humor, or just need to feel better about your own love life, this episode delivers. Hit play, laugh hard, and remember: your worst date could've involved a tiger.

    Far-Right Matchmaking, Police Chief Scandals, and Navigating Narcissism

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 13:45


    In this episode of the Mad Genius podcast, comedian Ariel Kashanchi delves into three compelling topics:​ Far-Right Matchmaking Conference: Ariel explores the recent Natal Conference in Austin, Texas, where far-right influencers hosted a $10,000-per-person matchmaking event aimed at promoting increased birth rates. The conference featured controversial speakers and sparked debates over its eugenics-aligned ideologies.  New Jersey Police Chief Scandal: She discusses the shocking allegations against North Bergen Police Chief Robert Farley, accused of spiking colleagues' coffee with Viagra, defecating on floors, and other disturbing behaviors that have led to legal actions and public outcry.  Encountering a Narcissist in Mental Health Programs: Ariel shares her personal experiences dealing with an individual exhibiting narcissistic traits within her mental health program, offering insights into the challenges of navigating relationships with narcissistic personalities.​ Join Ariel as she combines humor and critical analysis to unpack these stories, shedding light on the intersections of politics, law enforcement, and mental health.

    Bumble Fumbles, Monster Under the Bed & Catfished by Enrique Iglesias?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 15:48


    In this wildly unhinged episode of Mad Genius, comedian and chaos connoisseur Ariel Kashanchi dives into the absurd and hilarious stories taking over the internet. From her disastrous Bumble dates (why are they always DJs?) to a kid who legit found a monster under his bed—yes, really—Ariel breaks it all down with her signature wit. Also on the docket:

    Bumble Fails & a White Woman Who Identifies as Black – WTF?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 16:38


    In this episode of Mad Genius, comedian Ariel Kashanchi spills the tea on her wildest Bumble dates—think ghosting, weird flexes, and dudes who should've stayed in the drafts. Then, things get even weirder when she dives into the story of a white German woman who identifies as Black and is planning to move to Africa. Yep, you read that right. Tune in for unfiltered takes, dark humor, and the kind of commentary you won't hear anywhere else.

    Swipe Right on Chaos: Dating Apps, Fyre Fest 2, and Crimes of Passion

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 12:56


    Comedian Ariel Kashanchi is back on the dating apps, and she's spilling the tea on the wild world of modern romance. But that's not all—this episode of Mad Genius dives into the insanity of Fyre Fest 2 (yes, it's happening), the Tiffany's thief who swallowed stolen earrings mid-heist, and a truly disturbing Texas couple who took “kink” way too far. Buckle up for a hilarious, unfiltered ride through the week's most outrageous headlines. #ComedyPodcast #ArielKashanchi #DatingFails #TrueCrime #FyreFest2 #WeirdNews

    "With Love, Meghan" Review, Oscars Tea, Casey Anthony's Rebrand & Ariel's Mid-Speed Chase

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 16:36


    This week on The Mad Genius Podcast, Ariel Kashanchi dives into the wildest pop culture and true crime stories making headlines. First up, she reviews Meghan Markle's new show "With Love, Meghan"—is it a heartfelt comeback or another PR play? Then, she spills all the juicy details from an Oscars viewing party—who showed up, who showed out, and who should've stayed home. Things take a darker turn as Ariel unpacks Casey Anthony's shocking rebrand as a legal advocate (yes, you read that right) and the disturbing reports of officers at a juvenile detention center organizing gladiator-style fights. Plus, she shares the story of that one time she was in a mid-speed chase (because high-speed was just too mainstream). And finally, Call Me By Your Scandal? Armie Hammer is back—this time with a new podcast. Is it redemption or just more damage control? Tune in for Ariel's unfiltered takes, sharp wit, and no-holds-barred commentary on the madness of the week.

    Mental Health Updates, TikTok Insanity & The Mayor Who Faked His Own Hit

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 15:28


    Host and comedian Ariel Kashanchi is back with a hilarious and unfiltered update on her mental health journey, plus a deep dive into the internet's latest absurdities. From bizarre TikTok trends to the Brazilian mayor who staged his own assassination attempt, Ariel breaks down the week's wildest headlines. Ever heard of people renting chickens to deal with the egg shortage? Yeah, that's a thing now. Plus, she covers the nightmare flight where passengers sat next to a corpse and Elon Musk's DOGE-inspired email to federal employees. Tune in for laughs, chaos, and a dose of genius-level ridiculousness!

    Valentine's Day Disaster, Shark Selfies Gone Wrong & LSD for Anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 14:26


    In this wild episode of The Mad Genius Podcast, comedian Ariel Kashanchi spills the tea on her Valentine's Day disaster—because nothing says romance like chaos! Plus, a woman loses her hands trying to take a selfie with a shark (spoiler: bad idea), Florida monkeys test positive for herpes (why is it always Florida?), and a nursing home spices things up with a male stripper for its residents. Oh, and science is finally catching up with what hippies knew all along—LSD might actually help treat anxiety. Buckle up for an episode packed with absurd news, unfiltered takes, and plenty of laughs!

    Ariel's Mental Health Journey, a $50K Psychic Scam, and Kid Rock's Meltdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 13:51


    In this episode of Mad Genius, host Ariel Kashanchi gets real about her mental health journey, sharing her experience at an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and the insights she gained. She also dives into the bizarre story of a woman who paid a psychic $50,000 to make someone fall in love with her—spoiler: it didn't work. Plus, the internet is clowning Kid Rock for storming off stage when the audience wouldn't clap along to his song. Tune in for wild stories, unfiltered takes, and hilarious commentary on the latest absurdities. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

    Ribs, Priests, and Mental Health: Ariel's Wild Ride

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 8:45


    In this jaw-dropping episode of Mad Genius with Ariel Kashanchi, Ariel dives into the bizarre and the personal. She unpacks the shocking story of an influencer allegedly having her ribs removed for the aesthetic, the unsettling tale of a priest caught flossing his teeth with a teenage girl's hair (yes, you read that right), and gets real about her own journey—sharing candidly about entering a mental health treatment program. It's raw, it's ridiculous, it's real. If you love dark humor, unfiltered takes, and stories that make you question reality, this episode's for you. Hit play, and prepare to laugh, cringe, and maybe even feel a little inspired.

    Cat Portraits, Gen Z vs AI, and the Intrigue of Mata Hari

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 19:49


    In this hilarious and thought-provoking episode of Mad Genius, comedian Ariel Kashanchi dives into a whirlwind of topics that are equal parts funny and fascinating. Ariel shares the story behind taking a portrait with her cat and the unexpected chaos that ensued. She then tackles the growing concern of Gen Z workers facing job competition from AI, with her signature comedic spin. Finally, Ariel takes us on a journey through history, recounting the captivating and controversial life of Mata Hari—the dancer, courtesan, and accused spy who remains a symbol of intrigue and seduction. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a touch of mystery!

    Picking up Old Ladies in Parks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 22:24


    Ariel talks about the tender moment she had with an old lady at a park, Snoop performing at the Inauguration, Elvis in the the military, and other things

    California Wildfires and Armie Hammer's Comeback

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 18:59


    Ariel talks about the devastation and general sadness in California around the fires and Armie Hammer's comeback among other things. 

    Meghan Markle and Mexican Cartels

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 18:25


    Ariel talks about why Meghan Markle can't catch a break and a Mexican town that loves their cartel Christmas.

    Ghosted by a Man Named

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2024 21:29


    Pasted from AI   In this episode of Mad Genius, host Ariel Kashanchi opens up about her experience of being ghosted by a man she knew was not right for her. Despite knowing that he was full of red flags and had previously ghosted her, Ariel admits to allowing him back into her life due to her own emotional struggles. She reflects on the need for validation and compliments, even if they are insincere, during difficult times. Ariel also discusses her intuition for identifying people who are ultimately not good for her, including her initial impressions of Meghan Markle and Justin Timberlake. Key Takeaways: Despite knowing that someone is not right for us, we may still seek validation and compliments from them during difficult times. High energy men often prioritize putting on a show and monitoring reactions rather than getting to know the person they are interested in. Ariel reflects on her initial impressions of Meghan Markle and Justin Timberlake, highlighting her intuition for identifying people who may not be genuine. Notable Quotes: "It's nice to have somebody compliment you and tell you they love you, even if it's completely insincere." - Ariel Kashanchi "High energy men are so deeply insecure that they do not want you to get to know the serpent inside them." - Ariel Kashanchi "I always thought Justin Timberlake was okay looking, but he had that popular guy in school vibe who thinks he's hot." - Ariel Kashanchi

    The Rise of Breast Implant Personalities: A Critical Examination

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 14:06


    In this episode of Mad Genius, host Ariel Kashanti shares her thoughts on toxic positivity and the phenomenon of "breast implant personalities." She discusses her own experiences with seizures and anxiety, as well as her observations of women who undergo breast implant surgery and how it can sometimes change their personalities. Ariel also touches on Paris Hilton's recent documentary and the use of a baby voice as a means of self-presentation.      

    Another Day, Another Seizure

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2024 16:20


    Ariel gets into the gory backstory of her latest seizure. 

    Stand Tall

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2023 18:00


    Ariel talks about entitled people with bad posture, Jew haters, and her worst performance.    DM me      

    Goodness Greta

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 13:20


    Ariel shares her thoughts on a range of topics in this episode of "Mad Genius." She discusses the rise of anti-Semitism and the strange profile of people who hate Jews, including many LGBTQ individuals and unattractive women. Ariel also reflects on her disappointing experiences with dating and the challenges of finding a compatible partner. She delves into the world of online dating apps and the difficulties of making meaningful connections. Additionally, Ariel expresses her disdain for Greta Thunberg and her activism, as well as her frustration with the current state of entitlement and victimhood culture. She concludes by discussing her struggles with depression and the impact of negative self-talk.

    Charlatans Everywhere

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2023 26:47


    Ariel talks about the rise of antisemitism and her attempts at dating.      DM me      

    Water Signs on Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2023 16:37


    Ariel chats about the unimportance of zodiac signs and people who exploit Alcoholics Anonymous.     DM me       

    What Happened To Woke?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 12:56


    In this short episode, Ariel talks about the meaning of the word woke and its devolution. Once upon a time, woke had a positive connotation and now we use it as an insult.      DM me

    Rainfall That Identifies As A Hurricane

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2023 22:37


    Ariel talks about Los Angeles culture and the hurricane that was actually moderate rainfall.  DM me

    The Psycho Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 24:00


    In this episode, we meet the Psycho Family, Ariel's fictional relatives who live up to their name. Ariel also chats about some of her psycho dating experiences and receiving Spravato, a ketamine derivative for treating depression.      DM me here

    The Evolution of Slut Shaming

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2023 15:41


    Ariel reflects on the evolution of slut shaming, distrusting people with excessive botox and filler,  She then shares her distrust of people who have excessive Botox and filler, and grown adults acting cutesy among other gripes.    DM me  

    no on heartbreak

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2023 19:38


    Ariel talks about heartbreak and how people react to it, challenging the traditional notion of wallowing in misery. She blames love songs for perpetuating this idea and reflects on past relationships, realizing that they weren't as deep or tragic as she once thought. She also shares her experiences with dating apps and the polyamory epidemic and much more.        DM me here

    The Pick Me Girl Problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2023 29:30


    Ariel talks about about "pick me girls" and their evolution, Greta Thunberg and precocious children, abuse as an asset, dating app profiles, charlatan of the moment Karlee Russell, wokeness vs progressiveness and some personal updates.    DM me

    What Goes Into Dating A Celebrity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 34:38


    Ariel Kashanchi touches on Jonah Hill's leaked texts, unethical therapists, and why we should all look up to Meghan Markle. She also gets into her preference for not knowing about a partner's dating history and boring people telling banal stories.     DM me

    The Audacity of Mediocrity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 17:24


    Ariel talks about her mental health, dating, and her recent diagnosis of focal seizures. She shares her thoughts on the dating landscape, the influence of romantic comedies, and life with seizures. Ariel also reflects on the inspiration she finds in mediocrity and how we should all dare to be mediocre.   Follow/DM Ariel at https://www.instagram.com/arielsnotamermaid/

    Conspiracy Date

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2022 28:27


    After a year of no dating, Ariel went on her first date with a Kabbalah-teaching conspiracy theorist narcissist. There won't be a second date, but you can hear all about that and some mental health epiphanies.

    New Brain, Still Insane

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 33:45


    I got a craniotomy over the holidays and this is what my recovery looks like. I do get a little emotional so please be kind.

    I Now Understand Free Britney

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2021 34:50


    I finally understand why so many people are obsessed with freeing Britney Spears. Britney was never the simpleton the public or her family thought she was. She was playing the long game along. And so are many of us.

    Oversharing Is Caring

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 38:59


    Dealing with depression is a lifelong battle and I share mine for a multitude of reasons. Personally, it's cathartic to verbalize my thoughts and process them. Knowing how lonely this condition is and how comforting it feels to have other people who understand it, I'd like to use this pain to help others heal. In this episode, I talk about the rollercoaster I've been on and how I'm dealing with having brain surgery this month (not well).  I hope this is helpful for anyone who feels this way and if you have any feedback or suggestions, DM me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/arielsnotamermaid/

    Repressed Memories Come To A Boiling Point

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 45:22


    Still recovering from my head injury and more on the memories I was able to repress for most of my life. 

    When It Gets Dark

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2021 49:27


    Sharing some of the things I'm struggling with right now and Part 2 of my story from the last pod. 

    You're Not Alone

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2021 49:34


    I was recently on the Was I In A Cult Podcast and realized that I'm not alone in a lot of the painful things I've experienced. So this is my story in detail. Part 1

    Morbid Curiosity Is Gross

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2021 30:17


    We're talking about morbid curiosity and the gross people who produce it and my latest diagnosis, brain AV malformation. Fun for everyone!

    The Most Traumatic Event Of My Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2021 31:11


    A week ago I lost consciousness in my apartment. This is the story. 

    You're my king

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2021 33:55


    Ariel talks about the Britney testimony, the great Erika Jayne, and getting hit on during therapy. 

    Ketamine Touchup

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2021 26:30


    Ariel just had a ketamine infusion today and she is sharing her wisdom from the other side. 

    How To Talk To Your Friends Who Are Going Through Some Sh*t

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2021 30:02


    Ariel talks about how her friends responded to her getting dumped and how you can talk to your friend when they're dealing with something without making it worse. Also I accidentally attended a sex party. 

    Bamboozled Again But This Time It's Different

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2021 19:52


    Got my heart broken yesterday but I'm actually handling it well so thank you ketamine and TMS. 

    Ketamine, TMS & My New Brain

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2021 32:34


    Ariel talks about her Ketamine infusions and TMS therapy and how they changed her brain forever.    https://www.instagram.com/arielsnotamermaid/

    Getting My Brain Right with Dana Moon

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2021 78:41


    Ariel talks to comedian Dana Moon about starting TMS therapy and Ketamine infusions. They discuss the link between being funny and experiencing trauma, trying to find peace of mind, and using social media to share it.  Dana Moon can be found at https://www.instagram.com/danamoonme/ For more updates follow Ariel at https://www.instagram.com/arielsnotamermaid/

    Mysteries Solved - kind of

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2020 24:41


    Ariel explores the inner workings of the Menendez Brother trial, her unknown birthday, and grown women with baby voices.

    Charlatan Psychic, New Words for a New Time and Teenage Bully Revenge

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2020 38:23


    Ariel talks about the terrible psychic reading she just got, her made up vocabulary, the time she got revenge on a bully, and braving a Persian market mid pandemic. 

    Work In Progress

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2020 29:02


    The world is on fire so lets dive in and explore the flames. 

    Beyonce Predictions and Quarantine Mania

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2020 26:18


    Ariel makes her post Covid predictions and other musings from having too much time alone. 

    BONUS: Tiger King Recap, Episodes 1 & 2 with Jodi Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2020 41:53


    Ariel is joined by fellow feline and comedian Jodi Miller to recap the first two episodes of Tiger King, the bizarre docu series that's everyone's bingeing these days. 

    Claim Mad Genius with Ariel Kashanchi

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel