Good Bad Billionaire
BBC World Service
How did the richest people on the planet make their billions? Find out with the Good Bad Billionaire podcast - now with a chance for you to have your say. Make up your minds whether you think they are good, bad or just another billionaire.Latest episodes: Luciano Benetton and Elon Musk.In each episode of Good Bad Billionaire, BBC Business Editor Simon Jack and journalist and author Zing Tsjeng analyse the lives of the super-rich, and try to understand what motivates billionaires like Kim Kardashian and Oprah Winfrey. From acting-giant turned politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, to Spanx-founder Sara Blakely, Simon and Zing rate their wealth, power, philanthropy and associated controversies, putting them to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard. Then they hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires?Get in touch by email and let us know what you think! The contact details are at the end of these show notes.Ever wondered how Taylor Swift went from country singer to money-spinner? How Amazon boss Jeff Bezos came to launch one of the biggest corporations of the internet age? And how six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan made his fortune with Nike? Trawl through the archives to find out how Selena Gomez went from a child Disney star to a mega-magnate of makeup, and how Martha Stewart, the “original lifestyle influencer”, became one of the most successful women in business.We explore the life of British inventor Sir James Dyson, and learn about some of the big names behind Snapchat, Minecraft, Marvel, ChatGPT, Google and Alibaba, which shape the world we live in today.In a special season, we have also told the stories of the pioneers who helped build the United States of America: the world’s first billionaire John D Rockefeller, motor magnate Henry Ford, the aviator and filmmaker Howard Hughes, Walmart founder Sam Walton, and Hetty Green - once dubbed “The Witch of Wall Street”.It's not just how billionaires made their money; it's what they did with it next.So, what do you think? Make up your own mind. Are they good, bad, or just another billionaire? Let us know your thoughts, and we may include your comments and suggestions in a future episode. If you do not wish for your comments, first name or location of comment to be read out, please say that in your email or message, or mark it confidential.Email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or drop us a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176.To find out more about the show and read our privacy notice, visit www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 19, 2026 • 48min
David Geffen: The Hollywood power broker
Dive into the compelling rise of David Geffen, from a Brooklyn childhood to Hollywood's elite. Discover how he ignited the careers of musical legends and co-founded DreamWorks with Spielberg. Uncover tales of wealth, personal struggles, and a staggering art collection. Geffen's philanthropic journey highlights his $1.2 billion-plus donations and insights into the ethics of wealth. Explore his legacy in entertainment, controversies, and the impact he left on culture.
13 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 42min
Sara Blakely: Shaping the world with Spanx
Discover the inspiring journey of Sara Blakely, from failing the LSAT to revolutionizing hosiery by creating Spanx. Hear about her eureka moment cutting tights and the bold steps she took to pitch to Neiman Marcus. The endorsement from Oprah catapulted her brand into iconic status. Delve into her unique marketing instincts, global expansion, and the challenges of body image debates. Explore her philanthropic efforts and her recent business ventures, culminating in a playful scoring of her legacy.
28 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 41min
Guy Laliberté: Cirque du Soleil’s clown turned CEO
Discover the fascinating journey of Guy Laliberté, from busking in Quebec to founding a billion-dollar empire with Cirque du Soleil. Hear about his early struggles, breakthrough performances in Hollywood, and transformative Las Vegas residencies. Delve into his unique partnership with Disney and his unconventional decision to resist an IPO. Explore his high-stakes gambling habits, extravagant lifestyle, and philanthropic efforts through the One Drop foundation. The story is packed with ambition, risk, and the colorful life of a true showman.
73 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 55min
Elon Musk: Money, memes and Mars
Explore Elon Musk's fascinating journey from a bullied child in apartheid South Africa to the first person to reach half a trillion dollars. Discover the drama behind PayPal, his venture into electric cars with Tesla, and the hurdles faced at SpaceX. Delve into Musk's tumultuous public persona, including controversial tweets and his chaotic acquisition of Twitter. Finally, assess his complex legacy in revolutionizing electric vehicles and space travel, and engage with the playful verdicts on his impact.
Dec 1, 2025 • 41min
Luciano Benetton: Famous fashion to cultural controversy
Luciano Benetton's journey from postwar poverty to fashion giant is captivating. Discover how a yellow sweater sparked his entrepreneurial spirit and the controversies behind his provocative ad campaigns. The discussion dives into his childhood under Mussolini, strategic moves in Formula One, and the celebrity allure of the brand. Facing backlash for addressing complex social issues and a shifting fashion landscape, the hosts explore Benetton’s legacy and ponder whether he is ultimately a good, bad, or just another billionaire.
13 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 42min
Tyler Perry: Homeless to Hollywood entrepreneur
Explore Tyler Perry's incredible journey from homelessness to Hollywood success. Learn how his childhood struggles fueled his determination and faith. Discover the evolution of his iconic Madea character and his savvy business strategies that reshaped Black entertainment. Hear about his bold negotiations with Lionsgate and how he built the first major Black-owned film studio in the U.S. Amidst criticism and controversy, Perry's philanthropy and impact on Georgia's film industry are remarkable. A tale of resilience, ownership, and breaking barriers!
36 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 45min
Lakshmi Mittal: King of steel
Discover the transformative journey of Lakshmi Mittal, who went from a Kolkata apprentice to a global steel titan. Explore his innovative use of mini-mill technology that revolutionized steel production and set the stage for aggressive global acquisitions. Dive into the family dynamics that prompted his split and expansion into international markets. Uncover the politics, philanthropic efforts, and lavish lifestyle that come with great wealth. Finally, consider the complexities of Mittal's legacy and his status as a billionaire.
17 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 49min
Michael O’Leary: Ryanair’s cost-cutting king
Discover the audacious rise of Ryanair under Michael O'Leary's leadership! From his early hustles to transforming a struggling airline into a €28 billion giant, his strategies will astonish you. Explore O'Leary's radical cost-cutting tactics, groundbreaking turnaround methods, and public stunts that kept him in the headlines. Learn about his encounters with labor disputes, the impact of EU liberalization, and how O'Leary's provocative branding reshaped Europe's travel scene. Ultimately, is he a visionary or just controversial?
13 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 39min
Diane Hendricks: Building a fortune
Diane Hendricks transformed from a teenage mother on a Wisconsin dairy farm to America's richest self-made woman. She co-founded ABC Supply with her late husband, identifying gaps in the roofing supply market. Their daring expansion turned the company into a national giant. Diane's leadership during the 2008 financial crisis showcased her resilience. Additionally, her investments in Beloit highlight her commitment to local regeneration, while her political influence raises questions about billionaires' roles in society.
9 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 44min
John Fredriksen: Tanker king
Explore the wild life of John Fredriksen, the shipping magnate who once ran the world’s largest fleet of oil tankers. Discover his rise from a shipbroker to a billionaire through risky oil trades and daring deals in war zones. Hear about his infamous past, including a jail stint and the transformation prompted by an environmental disaster. Learn how he leveraged industry crises to expand his empire and why his investments in safety and double-hulled tankers became game-changers in the business. A riveting tale of ambition, controversy, and resilience!
