Good Bad Billionaire

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

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

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.

Denise Coates: Founder of Bet365, the world's highest paid woman in gambling, shares her journey from accountant to billionaire. The podcast explores her low-key lifestyle, impact as a taxpayer, and challenges in researching her. It discusses Bet365's transition from physical to online betting, their focus on safer gambling, and Coates' preference for privacy. The hosts give contrasting viewpoints on Coates and tease the next episode on Bill Gates.

Explore Michael Jordan's rise from a talented basketball player to the world's first athlete billionaire. Hear about his lucrative Nike deal, family controversies, and winning formula. Discover how he transformed into a brand and overcame challenges to become one of the richest athletes in history.

Learn how Kim Kardashian went from a leaked sex tape to becoming a billionaire business mogul. Follow her journey from selling clothes on eBay to her multi-million dollar weddings and public feuds. Discover how she leveraged her fame and social media dominance to create a fortune and become one of the most recognizable billionaires in the world. Explore the controversy surrounding her image and the impact she has had on beauty ideals and self-image for young women.

French entrepreneur Bernard Arnault, head of luxury brand conglomerate LVMH, is profiled in this podcast. Topics include his rise to become one of the richest people in the world, boardroom dramas, hostile acquisitions, and his fortune of over $200 billion. The podcast explores Arnault's passions, achievements, and his unique management style. It also discusses LVMH's success in the fashion industry, as well as Arnault's real estate ventures and expansion of his company through acquisitions. The episode also explores Arnault's ruthlessness and his approach to grooming successors.

Viktor Bout, an arms dealer who built his empire selling arms to anyone who wanted them and earned a billion in the process. The podcast explores his controversial career, moral ambiguity, and associations with warlords and dictators. It discusses his arrest and imprisonment, philanthropic claims, and legacy of destruction in the arms trade.

George Lucas, cult filmmaker turned master of a cinematic galaxy, is discussed in this podcast. Topics covered include his childhood influences, learning from failure, personal and financial struggles, his rescue by Steve Jobs, selling out and selling up, the correlation between wealth and success, and his legacy and impact in the entertainment industry.

From a poor young girl in potato sacks to the queen of all media, Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng explore Oprah Winfrey's rise to success and discuss her challenging upbringing. They also delve into her early success in film and TV, her decision to create her own studio, and her multi-purpose strategy in the 90s. The podcast reflects on Oprah's impact and legacy, with differing opinions on her lasting power.