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
8 snips
Sep 5, 2023 • 35min
Rihanna: Turning beauty into billions
Robyn Rihanna Fenty, from a modest childhood in the Caribbean to being the richest person from Barbados in all of history. Explore Rihanna's rise as a billionaire, her success in the beauty and fashion industry with Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, her controversial image as a 'bad girl', and her philanthropy and charitable efforts. Discover Rihanna's cultural influence and real-world power as a pop star.
8 snips
Aug 29, 2023 • 37min
Jeff Bezos: Get big fast
Jeff Bezos, Founder of Amazon, is explored in this podcast that uncovers how billionaires made their money. The hosts discuss Bezos' rise to wealth, his leadership style, extravagant lifestyle, and the impact of billionaires on the world. They also highlight Amazon's expansion, Bezos' recognition, and tax minimization.
Aug 22, 2023 • 2min
Introducing... Good Bad Billionaire
The podcast explores the journeys of billionaires and evaluates their impact. They mention notable billionaires like Rihanna, Jeff Bezos, and Sir Philip Green. The chapter concludes with a teaser for the upcoming episodes, starting with Jeff Bezos, the world's first centibillionaire.
