Good Bad Billionaire
How did the planet's richest people make their billions? From iconic celebrities and secretive CEOs to sporting legends and titans of technology, Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng find out, and then decide whether they think they’re good, bad, or just another billionaire. 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? Good Bad Billionaire is here to analyse the minds, motives and money of some of the world's wealthiest individuals. Simon and Zing explore the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics and success. In Season three, 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 James Dyson, and learn about some of the big names behind Minecraft, Marvel, WWE and the ultimate reality TV show – Big Brother. Join us on a global journey, discovering all we can about some of the richest people on the planet. In the United States, there are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. Trawl through the archives to hear about billionaires in Russia, China, New Zealand, India, Nigeria and the UK. Exploring the lives of Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Rupert Murdoch, El Chapo, Narayana Murthy and Kim Kardashian, this podcast paints a vivid picture of business, entrepreneurship, capitalism and how our world really works. Discover how the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Peter Jackson, Doris Fisher and George Soros came to join the billionaires' club. Learn how Tiger Woods went from a child golfing prodigy to the world’s highest paid athlete, how a communist mime artist became the boss of fashion house Prada and how Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich came to buy an English football club. Find out how Mukesh Ambani became Asia’s richest person, and how Patrice Motsepe became the first black billionaire in a post-apartheid South Africa. Plus, we examine some of the biggest names behind the technology shaping our world – the founders of TikTok, Google, ChatGPT, Alibaba and Bumble. But it's not just how these billionaires made their money; it's what they did with it next. Ultimately, Simon and Zing consider whether they think these people are a force for good, bad, or somewhere in between. Join Simon Jack, the business editor for BBC News, and journalist and author Zing Tsjeng as this podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility, ultimately inviting you to make up your own mind: are they good, bad, or just another billionaire? We’d love to hear your feedback. 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
Latest episodes
Feb 13, 2024 • 54min
Taylor Swift: Swiftonomics
Taylor Swift, a famous woman involved in public feuds and legal battles, talks about her rise to becoming a billionaire, her early career and success, her famous boyfriends and feud with Kanye West, her legal battles and music rights controversy. She also discusses her reaction to the sale of her back catalog and accusations against Scooter Braun. The podcast also explores Taylor's resilience and success, her use of private jets and its carbon footprint, and her philanthropy efforts.
10 snips
Feb 6, 2024 • 55min
Warren Buffett: The oracle of Omaha
Discover how Warren Buffett, the richest investor in history with over $120 billion, built his fortune from childhood ventures to forming his investment philosophy. Explore his early investments, frugal lifestyle, GEICO partnership, and philanthropic endeavors. Delve into Buffett's personal life, financial journey, and debate his legacy among billionaires.
31 snips
Jan 30, 2024 • 53min
NR Narayana Murthy: India's IT innovator
Discover how NR Narayana Murthy became the father of India's IT boom, from his early life and founding of Infosys to their significant IPO and historic listing on Nasdaq. Explore his role in job creation, wealth distribution, and transforming Bangalore into a technology hub. Finally, delve into the evaluation of Murthy as a good billionaire, considering his contributions to India's economy while acknowledging the job losses. Stay tuned for the next episode on Warren Buffet!
5 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 52min
Rupert Murdoch: The Succession prequel
Rupert Murdoch, the origin story of the 92-year-old media magnate. How he inherited an Australian newspaper and turned it into a global media empire. His controversial ownership, scandals, and personal life. Cost-cutting, tabloid tactics, and newspaper market dominance. His expansion and consolidation of power through various acquisitions. The power and legacy of Rupert Murdoch in the media industry and his impact on politics. Exploring the impact and legacy of a powerful billionaire.
Jan 16, 2024 • 51min
El Chapo: Cocaine kingpin
El Chapo, the Mexican drug lord, is followed from his childhood in Sinaloa to his rise in the drug business. The podcast discusses his innovative drug smuggling techniques, his rise to power, and his trial and conviction. It also explores his legacy and judgment as a bad billionaire.
39 snips
Jan 9, 2024 • 53min
Jay-Z: A business, man
Jay-Z, hip-hop's first billionaire, goes from drug dealing to Grammy Awards and builds an empire with his wife Beyonce. They discuss his rise in the music industry, his business ventures, political influence, and philanthropy.
12 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 49min
Michael Bloomberg: Market master
Former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, discusses his journey from being fired on Wall Street to becoming a billionaire. The podcast explores his contradictory personality, the influence of the Bloomberg terminal, allegations of harassment and discrimination against him, his mayoral race, and his failed presidential campaign.
14 snips
Dec 5, 2023 • 40min
Patrick Soon-Shiong: Cures for cash
Why was biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong sued by his brother... and Cher? BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng trace his journey from apartheid South Africa to the upper echelons of LA society.He’s tried to cure cancer, diabetes, and Covid-19, and along the way rubbed shoulders with some of the most powerful people on the planet: Joe Biden, the Pope, and Donald Trump. He's made his fortune selling drugs to sick people, but his results have been described as "controversial", "hype" and even “old wine in a new bottle”.In the podcast that uncovers how the world's wealthiest people made their money and asks if they are good or bad for the planet, Simon and Zing judge a man who made cold hard cash from controversial cures.We’d love to hear your feedback. 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
11 snips
Nov 28, 2023 • 1h 1min
Bill Gates: Software hardman
Microsoft boss Bill Gates spent more than a decade as the richest person in the world, after becoming the youngest self-made billionaire in history.Journalist Zing Tsjeng and BBC business editor Simon Jack follow his journey from venerated, nerdy entrepreneur to ruthless monopolist, then from generous philanthropist to conspiracy theory magnet and divisive public figure.The podcast that uncovers how the world's wealthiest people made their money and asks if they are good or bad for the planet reveals the brilliant technology, the crucial deals, and the legal difficulties along the path to building a software empire.We’d love to hear your feedback. 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
46 snips
Nov 21, 2023 • 59min
Sam Bankman-Fried with Michael Lewis
Michael Lewis, acclaimed author of finance bestsellers like "Liar's Poker" and "Moneyball," joins the discussion to unpack the dramatic saga of FTX and Sam Bankman-Fried. They explore Bankman-Fried's duality as a genius yet morally ambiguous figure, tracing his rapid rise to a $26 billion fortune and subsequent downfall. Topics include the intricate balance of trust and deception in cryptocurrency, the swift collapse triggered by a leak, and the legal fallout following his conviction. Lewis offers insights on how wealth shapes character and societal impact.
