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BBC World Service · Business

Good Bad Billionaire

How did the richest people on the planet make their billions? New episodes include: Sir Paul McCartney, Roger Federer, MrBeast, Luana Lopes Lara, Beyoncé, Cristiano Ronaldo and Steven Spielberg. Make up your minds whether you think they are good, bad or just another billionaire. In each episode, 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 Elon Musk, Kim Kardashian, Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey. New season: From singing superstar Beyoncé, to footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo, Simon and Zing will rate their wealth, power, legacy and associated controversies, putting them to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard. Then they hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? 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 tennis ace Roger Federer turned sporting prowess into amazing business opportunities? Or how Mr Beast and Khaby Lame became some of the wealthiest people on the planet by posting on YouTube and TikTok? 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 Amazon, 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 to be read out, please say that in your email or message, or mark it confidential. Email [email protected] 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

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Denise Coates: Ultimate gambler

14 Nov 2023
46m
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This podcast episode discusses the rise and success of Bet365, a gambling company founded by Denise Coates. It explores her journey from running a chain of betting shops to establishing an online gambling giant, highlighting key decisions, challenges, and the impact on the local community and industry as a whole. The e...

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Michael Jordan: Most valuable player

07 Nov 2023
52m
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This podcast episode examines the life and career of Michael Jordan, exploring his exceptional basketball achievements, lucrative business ventures, and his rise from humble beginnings to global stardom. It delves into controversies surrounding his behavior on and off the court, his gambling, and his transformation int...

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Kim Kardashian: Breaking the internet

31 Oct 2023
49m
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The podcast explores the fascinating journey of Kim Kardashian, from her privileged upbringing and early business ventures to her rise to fame and wealth through reality television and her subsequent transformation into a successful businesswoman and billionaire. It delves into various themes such as the Kardashians' f...

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Bernard Arnault: The wolf in cashmere

24 Oct 2023
43m
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This podcast episode delves into the life and business ventures of Bernard Arnault, the chairman of LVMH, focusing on his rags-to-riches story, business acumen, and strategic acquisitions that led to the growth and dominance of LVMH in the luxury goods industry.

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Viktor Bout: Merchant of death

17 Oct 2023
36m
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This podcast episode explores the life and notorious activities of Viktor Bout, an infamous arms dealer nicknamed "Merchant of Death." It discusses his rise from humble origins to becoming one of the world's most wanted criminals, his involvement in conflicts worldwide, and his eventual arrest and imprisonment. The pod...

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George Lucas: Box office billions

10 Oct 2023
39m
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This podcast episode tells the story of George Lucas, from his early influences and filmmaking endeavors to his rise as a billionaire and his impact on the film industry. It explores his early passion for science fiction, racing cars, and his unique vision as a filmmaker, which culminated in the creation of the Star Wa...

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Oprah Winfrey: Queen of all media

03 Oct 2023
38m
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This podcast episode delves into Oprah Winfrey's extraordinary journey from poverty and abuse to becoming a media mogul, charting her path from talk show host to billionaire entrepreneur and exploring her impact on culture, business, and philanthropy, revealing the factors behind her resilience, success, and immense in...

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Chuck Feeney: All duty

26 Sep 2023
37m
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This podcast episode tells the extraordinary story of Chuck Feeney, a billionaire who secretly donated his fortune to various causes through his foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies. Despite his immense wealth, Feeney remained humble and discreet, earning the nickname "the James Bond of philanthropy." Eventually, his se...

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Adam Neumann: The cult of WeWork

19 Sep 2023
42m
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This podcast episode tells the story of WeWork, a company that revolutionized the office space industry before collapsing due to a failed public offering. Adam Neumann, the eccentric CEO, drove the company's growth with his audacious vision, but his unconventional business practices and inflated financial projections l...

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Sir Philip Green: King of the high street

12 Sep 2023
40m
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This podcast episode delves into the life and career of Sir Philip Green, a controversial British businessman who built a vast retail empire but faced numerous scandals and controversies. Green's lavish spending and questionable business practices, including asset-stripping and avoiding responsibility for his company's...

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Rihanna: Turning beauty into billions

05 Sep 2023
35m
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This podcast episode delves into the extraordinary life and career of Rihanna, exploring her transformation from a talented singer into a savvy businesswoman who became the youngest self-made billionaire in the U.S. The discussion traces her journey from her humble beginnings in Barbados to her rise to global stardom a...

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Jeff Bezos: Get big fast

29 Aug 2023
36m
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This podcast episode traces the remarkable journey of Jeff Bezos, from his early years as an entrepreneur to founding Amazon, the e-commerce giant that transformed the way people shop. Bezos' unwavering vision, strategic decisions, and relentless pursuit of growth laid the foundation for Amazon's success. However, his ...

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Introducing... Good Bad Billionaire

22 Aug 2023
2m
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This podcast episode dives into world of billionaires, exploring the motivations, influence, and impact they hold on society. Hosts Zing Tsjeng and Simon Jack investigate the stories of notable billionaires, including Jeff Bezos, Rihanna, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates, aiming to unveil the inner workings of the billion...

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