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
18 snips
Sep 26, 2023 • 38min
Chuck Feeney: All duty
Chuck Feeney, a billionaire who gave away most of his money to charity, is the guest. The podcast discusses his remarkable journey from rags to riches, his frugal lifestyle, his ventures in the duty-free industry, and his philanthropy efforts that have impacted an entire country.
8 snips
Sep 19, 2023 • 42min
Adam Neumann: The cult of WeWork
Adam Neumann, founder of WeWork and former CEO who reimagined the millennial workplace, talks about how he talked investors out of billions of dollars, the rise and fall of WeWork, and the impact of COVID-19 on his business model.
Sep 12, 2023 • 40min
Sir Philip Green: King of the high street
Explore how Sir Philip Green went from a respected retail mogul to the unacceptable face of capitalism. Hear about his early life, his first million, and his controversial business practices. Discover his extravagant lifestyle, the collapse of BHS, and his controversial dividends. The podcast reveals the decline of a retail giant and examines his philanthropy, power, and legacy.
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.
