Good Bad Billionaire

Explore how John de Mol revolutionized reality TV, birthing iconic shows like Big Brother and The Voice. From his early days in pirate radio to founding the powerhouse Endemol, his journey is filled with innovation and controversy. The podcast dives into the societal impacts of reality television, discussing everything from mental health issues for contestants to the ethics of fame. Delve into the legacy of a billionaire who reshaped entertainment and contemplate the moral responsibilities that come with such immense wealth.

Discover how a blocked vacuum cleaner sparked a billion-dollar idea for Sir James Dyson. Delve into his challenging childhood and early career setbacks, which fueled his obsession with innovation. Learn about the revolutionary bagless vacuum and his expansion into other household products. The podcast also addresses the controversies around his business decisions and philanthropic efforts, ultimately debating whether Dyson deserves the title of a 'good billionaire.'

Martha Stewart revolutionised home entertaining with her recipes, home decor and TV shows, becoming one of the world's most successful women in business. Known as the ultimate homemaker and the "original lifestyle influencer", she's also the USA’s first ever self-made female billionaire. But while the entrepreneur made her fortune as a domestic goddess, Martha Stewart is no trad wife. It took more than crafts and cookbooks to make her fortune. And then it all came crashing down. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng are back with a new season of Good Bad Billionaire. In this episode, they're exploring the life of Martha Stewart, charting the lifestyle mogul’s career, from her influence over millions of American homes, to her time in prison, and her ultimate comeback – as a star of social media and the subject of a Netflix documentary, all with Snoop Dogg at her side. Then they decide if they think she’s good, bad, or just another billionaire.Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast exploring 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 inviting you to make up your own mind: are they good, bad or just another billionaire?

Discover the fascinating journey of Chuck Feeney, a billionaire who gave away $8 billion while living modestly. Explore his innovative rise in the duty-free shopping world during the jet age, driven by the post-war tourism boom. Delve into his impactful philanthropy that reshaped higher education in Ireland and numerous global humanitarian efforts. Learn about his commitment to anonymity and how his unique philosophy challenges traditional ideas of wealth and responsibility, making him a true 'silent philanthropist'.

Taylor Swift continues to dominate headlines as her Eras tour breaks records and reshapes the economy, earning her a place among billionaires. The financial phenomenon of 'Swiftonomics' highlights her staggering potential earnings from concerts. Beyond the charts, the discussion dives into her journey from a young songwriter to a music titan, the controversies she faced, and her battle for music ownership. Listeners get a glimpse into her philanthropic efforts, political engagement, and the enduring legacy she builds through her art.

Discover the contradictory world of Peter Thiel, a billionaire with a libertarian mindset who's suspicious of Silicon Valley's 'wokeness.' From ousting Elon Musk at PayPal to his wild ambition for cryogenic freezing, he embodies both genius and chaos. Explore his radical life journey, early tech investments, and the emergence of e-commerce that changed money transfers forever. Delve into his polarizing political involvement, including support for Donald Trump, and the lasting impact of his controversial beliefs on technology and society.

Explore the rise of Doris Fisher, co-founder of The Gap, as she reshaped fashion with iconic basics like the pocket t-shirt. From the Summer of Love to dominating the '90s, hear about the challenges and triumphs of a brand that bridged generations. Discover the rollercoaster of their IPO journey, marked by controversies and strategic shifts. Delve into the complexities of wealth, philanthropy, and labor practices in fashion, while reflecting on Doris's enduring legacy and the broader cultural impact of her entrepreneurial spirit.

Carlos Slim Helú, a telecom titan, transformed Mexico's economic landscape while amassing immense wealth. His strategic investment moves during crises, paired with a frugal lifestyle, reveal his winning business philosophy. The podcast navigates his controversial monopolistic practices and the implications for competition. Listeners will also discover the rivalry between Slim and Bill Gates, alongside the power dynamics of media ownership in democracy. Ultimately, it highlights both his influential role in business and his philanthropic efforts in addressing social inequality.

Discover the enigmatic life of Roman Abramovich, from his humble beginnings as a Soviet orphan to an oligarch partying on a $427 million yacht. Explore how his close ties to Boris Berezovsky and Vladimir Putin fueled his meteoric rise in wealth. Delve into the lavish and tumultuous world of football as he bought Chelsea FC, only to face drastic changes amid the fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war. Unpack the complex legacy of this 'stealth oligarch' as he navigates power, controversy, and philanthropy.

Mukesh Ambani made headlines for his son's $600 million wedding and an extravagant lifestyle. The journey from a humble Mumbai slum to leading Reliance Industries showcases a remarkable transformation. Personal rivalries and power struggles defined his family's path, especially after his father's death. The narrative unfolds the strategic moves that solidified his status as Asia's richest, emphasizing tensions in wealth perception, philanthropy, and economic inequality in India. Can we label him good, bad, or just another billionaire?