

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.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, before asking you whether they are good, bad, or just another billionaire.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

Mar 5, 2024 • 50min
Bernie Ecclestone: Fast money
Explore the rise and fall of Bernie Ecclestone in Formula One, from humble beginnings to billionaire status. Delve into his lavish lifestyle, legal troubles, and power struggles in the sport. Uncover his controversial legacy and questionable philanthropy, leaving fans and critics divided.

Feb 27, 2024 • 51min
Gina Rinehart: The other Iron Lady
Explore Gina Rinehart's controversial rise to wealth through mining, legal battles, and family feuds. From inheriting her father's mining empire to suing her own children, her story is filled with drama, power struggles, and immense wealth accumulation.

5 snips
Feb 20, 2024 • 38min
Charles Koch: Dark money’s slick operator
Oilman and right-wing political network creator Charles Koch's family battles and dark money network are investigated. The podcast explores his rise to power, political wranglings, diverse industries, controversies, and legacy in shaping US politics.

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.


