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
64 snips
May 26, 2025 • 48min
LeBron James: King of the court
LeBron James turned down a $10 million offer from Reebok at just 18, showing remarkable foresight. His journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming an NBA legend is inspiring. Beyond basketball, he built a business empire with Nike and strategic investments, including Blaze Pizza. The podcast explores his controversial decision to move to the Miami Heat, the evolution of his public image, and his rise to billionaire status. It also highlights his philanthropic efforts and activism, making him more than just an athlete.
27 snips
May 19, 2025 • 45min
Masayoshi Son: High-tech gambler
Dive into the fascinating life of Masayoshi Son, a high-tech gambler who rose from poverty to build SoftBank, showcasing his bold investment strategies and remarkable comebacks. Discover how he overcame significant health challenges and once lost 96% of his fortune yet remained a billionaire through high-stakes bets on tech giants like Alibaba. From an ambitious teenager crashing corporate headquarters to a visionary navigating the tumultuous tech landscape, his story is a blend of triumph and tenacity.
7 snips
May 12, 2025 • 42min
Strive Masiyiwa: Connecting a continent
Explore the remarkable journey of Strive Masiyiwa, Zimbabwe’s first billionaire, who turned challenges into triumphs amidst political turmoil. Hear about his escape from kidnapping and how he revolutionized telecommunications with Econet Wireless across Africa. Delve into his innovative contributions like EcoCash and the Sasai app, reshaping financial landscapes while navigating corruption. The discussion also touches on his philanthropic efforts and the complex impact of his entrepreneurial spirit on education and economic growth across the continent.
55 snips
May 5, 2025 • 47min
Ike Perlmutter: Marvel’s empire builder
Explore the fascinating rise of Isaac Perlmutter, who took Marvel from the brink of bankruptcy to cinematic greatness. Discover his frugality and bold business strategies that revived the company, particularly in the toy industry. Dive into high-stakes decisions at Mar-a-Lago and the complexities of launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Delve into the duality of his character, where philanthropy meets controversy, and ponder the moral implications of his billionaire status while reflecting on the impact he had on modern filmmaking.
37 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 48min
Selena Gomez: Actress, singer, beauty mogul
Selena Gomez's journey from child star to billionaire beauty mogul is riveting. She faced intense media scrutiny, battled health issues, and transformed her struggles into a mission for mental health advocacy. The podcast highlights her family's immigrant background and the pressures of fame, including her relationships and career challenges. Rare Beauty not only signifies her financial success but also her commitment to philanthropy, as she pledges a portion of proceeds to mental health initiatives. Dive into the complexities of her life and the impact of celebrity culture!
32 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 47min
Orlando Bravo: Tech dealmaker
Orlando Bravo's journey from aspiring tennis pro to the first Puerto Rican billionaire is a fascinating tale of pivoting to finance. A parenting revelation about diapers reshaped his business approach, emphasizing trust and growth. The podcast delves into the profitability of software firms, revealing investment secrets during the SaaS boom. Bravo's philanthropy in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria contrasts with scandals in cyber security and cryptocurrency. His story raises questions about wealth's duality and the ethical complexities of success.
23 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 49min
Vince McMahon: Wrestling's ringmaster
Discover the fascinating journey of Vince McMahon, who transformed wrestling into a $6.8 billion spectacle. From his rise as Mr. McMahon to the creation of WrestleMania, his strategies revolutionized the industry. Dive into the dramatic rivalry with Ted Turner and the implications of wrestling’s dark era, addressing issues like undercompensation and allegations of abuse. The duality of wrestling personas highlights both the theatricality and ethical dilemmas faced by its stars. It’s a deep dive into the morally complex world of sports entertainment.
47 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 46min
Markus Persson: Minecraft maker
Dive into the fascinating journey of Markus Persson, the mastermind behind Minecraft. From a high school dropout obsessed with Lego, he created a 3D world where players unleash creativity. Discover how an indie game transformed into a global phenomenon, leading to a billion-dollar sale to Microsoft. Explore the impact of Minecraft on communication, especially among autistic children, and the complexities of wealth and creativity in Persson's life. It's a compelling story of triumph, challenges, and the legacy of a gaming icon.
5 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 41min
John de Mol: Big Brother’s daddy
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.
40 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 46min
Sir James Dyson: Sucking up the cash
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.'
