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
Sep 19, 2025 • 2min
Coming soon: More tales of the mega-rich
Film stars, tech bros, shipping magnates and online retail giants... BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng introduce the latest batch of billionaires whose stories they will uncover in their new season, starting 6 October.Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility, before asking the audience to decide if they are good, bad, or just billionaires.To contact the team, email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 4min
Encore - Film Stories: George Lucas and Peter Jackson
George Lucas created Star Wars and Peter Jackson directed the Lord of the Rings films, two of the movie world’s most epic adventures.
Ahead of a new season of Good Bad Billionaire, presented by Zing Tsjeng and BBC business editor Simon Jack, here’s another chance to hear how these two film directors went from zero to a billion, in episodes originally released in 2023 and 2024.Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics and success.
This season we want to hear YOUR thoughts about our billionaires. And we’ll be heading back to the movies…
To contact the team, email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire
9 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 11min
The dead billionaires: What do you think?
Dive into the fascinating legacies of legendary billionaires like John D. Rockefeller and Henry Ford. The discussion uncovers their complicated impacts on society, blending philanthropy with controversy. Listeners share personal reflections, revealing diverse opinions on figures like Hetty Green and her unconventional strategies during crises. The podcast also tackles the tricky relationship between wealth and economic inequality, prompting listeners to reflect on the moral implications of billionaire success. A riveting exploration of fortune and responsibility!
Aug 4, 2025 • 48min
Hetty Green: The 'witch' of Wall Street
Explore the intriguing life of Hetty Green, America’s richest woman, known as the 'Witch of Wall Street.' Delve into her extreme frugality and remarkable investment strategies during a time when women had little financial power. Uncover her battles with family trusts and a notorious will forgery trial that put her reputation on the line. Learn how she navigated the male-dominated finance world, made her fortune through value investing, and faced personal challenges with a complex relationship with wealth. Hetty's story is a captivating blend of ambition and adversity.
20 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 44min
Sam Walton: Walmart’s founder
Discover the remarkable journey of Sam Walton, the visionary behind Walmart, as he revolutionized retail with discount megastores. Explore his unique strategies, like surprise visits to stores and his risk-taking innovations during Walmart's early growth. Dive into the mixed legacy of Walmart, examining its impact on small-town economies and the ethical implications of corporate practices. Enjoy a humorous tale of Walton’s quirky Wall Street moment—tropical shirt included—while unpacking the vast influence of supermarkets on modern society.
15 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 45min
Howard Hughes: Eccentric aviator
Explore the fascinating life of Howard Hughes, a billionaire who mastered filmmaking and aviation while wrestling with obsession and paranoia. From his extraordinary upbringing to taking charge of his father's company at 19, Hughes's life is a whirlwind of ambition, love, and chaos. Discover his rise as a charismatic mogul, his controversial wartime dealings, and his eventual retreat into reclusiveness. Delve into the complexities of his legacy, marked by both groundbreaking achievements and eccentric behavior.
17 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 52min
Henry Ford: Putting the world on wheels
Henry Ford revolutionized transportation with the affordable Model T, reshaping American society. He introduced the assembly line, enhanced production efficiency, and pioneered the five-day workweek. However, his legacy is complex; he raised wages but opposed unions and propagated antisemitic views. The podcast dives into his early struggles, landmark legal battles, and the contradictions of his character, exploring how he influenced modern culture while facing criticism for his beliefs. Listeners are invited to reflect on his impact and look forward to more tales of billionaires.
62 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 47min
John D Rockefeller: The first billionaire
Dive into the life of John D. Rockefeller, the first billionaire who revolutionized the oil industry while shaping corporate America. Discover how his ruthless tactics fueled a monopoly yet triggered antitrust laws. Unravel the contradictions of a man viewed by some as a 'robber baron' and by others as a generous philanthropist, giving away over $500 million. Explore how Rockefeller's legacy resonates in today's corporations and the ongoing debate: can vast wealth justify immense power?
Jun 23, 2025 • 2min
Coming soon: Good Bad Dead Billionaire
Dive into the legacies of legendary billionaires like John D. Rockefeller and Henry Ford. Discover how their innovative ideas shaped modern industry and finance. Explore the contrasts in their personas—are they to be celebrated or scrutinized? The podcast invites listeners to weigh in on the moral implications of their vast fortunes. Time travel through business history as these iconic figures influence today’s economic landscape, proving that their impact persists, even from beyond the grave.
37 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 40min
Eike Batista: Golden grifter
In this intriguing dive, listeners explore the meteoric rise and dramatic fall of Eike Batista, Brazil’s once-wealthiest man. From a gold tycoon to a notorious grifter, Batista's life was marked by extravagant lifestyle choices and high-stakes business ventures. The hosts discuss his ambitious attempts to revolutionize Brazil's mining industry and the corruption that led to his infamous legal troubles. They weigh his celebrated contributions against his controversial legacy, prompting debates on the true nature of wealth and influence.
