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
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.
Nov 14, 2023 • 46min
Denise Coates: Ultimate gambler
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.
Nov 7, 2023 • 53min
Michael Jordan: Most valuable player
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.
12 snips
Oct 31, 2023 • 50min
Kim Kardashian: Breaking the internet
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.
Oct 24, 2023 • 43min
Bernard Arnault: The wolf in cashmere
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.
10 snips
Oct 17, 2023 • 36min
Viktor Bout: Merchant of death
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.
Oct 10, 2023 • 40min
George Lucas: Box office billions
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.
17 snips
Oct 3, 2023 • 38min
Oprah Winfrey: Queen of all media
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.
