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    Business

    Good Bad Billionaire

    How did the richest people on the planet make their billions? New episodes include: Khaby Lame, MrBeast, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sheryl Sandberg and Gautam Adani.

    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 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

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    Copyright: © (C) BBC 2024

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    Latest Episodes:
    Sir Mo Ibrahim: The mobile phone mogul Nov 02, 2026
    Show notes

    Sir Mo Ibrahim quit his job in telecoms and built a global consultancy from the dining room of his home in London. His next move was to help connect a continent.

    Journalist Zing Tsjeng and BBC business editor Simon Jack follow Mo’s journey, from a young engineer fascinated by a taxi driver’s radio, to a billionaire businessman who built one of Africa’s biggest mobile phone networks. So why did this reluctant entrepreneur then set up a prize which rewards African leaders who govern well and leave office when they’re supposed to?

    Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? Here’s how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire.


    Jack Dorsey: Twitter squared Oct 26, 2026
    Show notes

    Jack Dorsey founded a social media behemoth, but made more cash from card payments. He built Twitter, but was removed as CEO, before going on to found fintech firm Square.

    BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng uncover Dorsey’s unusual billionaire biography. He was a kid with a speech impediment who created a website that changed the way the world communicated. Despite being a brilliant coder, he nearly left the tech industry twice. He first retrained as a massage therapist, and then as a dressmaker.

    Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? Here's how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire.


    Khaby Lame: The King of TikTok Oct 19, 2026
    Show notes

    The pandemic hit and Khaby Lame lost his factory job. Less than three years later, he was the world’s most-followed person on TikTok.

    Khaby Lame has turned his silent online persona and trademark shrug into a global comedy empire. In early 2026, a deal for his company valued his fortune at billions. So how did the so-called king of TikTok get to wear his crown?

    Journalist Zing Tseng and BBC business editor Simon Jack chart Khaby’s journey from social housing to social media megastar. But was the multi-billion-dollar deal to create an AI digital version of Khaby ever worth the paper it was written on?

    Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? Here's how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire.


    Gautam Adani: The multiple mogul Oct 12, 2026
    Show notes

    Gautam Adani’s businesses span almost every part of life in India. From energy to food, ports to mining, and drinks to weapons, the Adani group has widespread influence over millions of people day to day. From his early career as a diamond trader, Gautam built a reputation as always looking for the next opportunity. But as well as a huge pyramid of business interests, he also has cultural and political power, leading to a close relationship with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Simon and Zing chart Adani’s journey from 1960s Gujarat to opening his first port in the middle of nowhere, to owning 10 private jets as one of the richest billionaires on the planet.

    Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? Here's how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire.


    Nelson Peltz: Junk bond activist Oct 05, 2026
    Show notes

    Nelson Peltz made his money via some contentious methods - junk bonds, corporate raids, leveraged buyouts and activist investing - but he is most famous because his daughter Nicola married a Beckham.

    BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng follow Peltz’s career from dropping out of school to become a ski bum, to making a billion investing in some of the some of the world’s most famous brands, including Snapple, Heinz, Procter & Gamble, Cadbury, Tiffany & Co, and PepsiCo. They discover a man who doesn’t like to be told what to do, and who is always up for a (proxy) battle.

    Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? Here's how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire.


    Prince Alwaleed bin Talal: The billionaire royal Sep 28, 2026
    Show notes

    Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is a billionaire Saudi prince who insists he’s self-made. He champions women's rights, yet is a member of one of the world’s most traditional ruling families. He built his fortune betting on western giants like Citicorp and Apple, but is a prominent member of the House of Saud. Journalist Zing Tseng and BBC business editor Simon Jack trace Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's journey to becoming one of the world's shrewdest investors. Along the way, they explore the deals that built his fortune, the questions that have followed it, and the extraordinary moment he found himself imprisoned by his own government. Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? Here's how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire.


    Sheryl Sandberg: Chief operator Sep 21, 2026
    Show notes

    As COO of Facebook, then Meta, Sheryl Sandberg is a rarity among billionaires. She made her money as an employee rather than as a founder, creator, or company owner.

    BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng follow Sandberg’s career, from running aerobics classes in her teens to overseeing one of the world’s biggest corporations. She spent time in government before taking a role at startup called Google, before positioning herself as a spokesperson for female leadership with her book Lean In. Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? Here's how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire.


    Lord Sugar: From entrepreneur to Apprentice Sep 14, 2026
    Show notes

    It's a classic British rags-to-riches story: Alan Michael Sugar went from selling car aerials from the back of his minivan to becoming one of the most recognisable faces of UK business. First with his consumer electrics company Amstrad, then as the frontman of the UK version of The Apprentice.

    Journalist Zing Tseng and BBC Business Editor Simon Jack explore Lord Sugar's many entrepreneurial avenues: from consumer electronics to football; politics to property; and of course, TV fame. As one listener asks: “Does his blunt, old-school style represent authentic entrepreneurship or outdated arrogance?”

    Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? Here's how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire.


    The Batista brothers: Meat and money Aug 03, 2026
    Show notes

    From a small Brazilian butcher’s shop to the world’s largest meat empire, Wesley and Joesley Batista built a global powerhouse feeding millions every day. Journalist Zing Tsjeng and BBC business editor Simon Jack trace the Batista brothers' rise from teenage entrepreneurs learning the family trade to billionaires dominating the global food supply. But behind their staggering growth lies another story - a sprawling corruption scandal involving bribery, insider trading allegations, and secret recordings that rocked Brazil’s political establishment. Despite jail time, massive fines, and global scrutiny, the Batista brothers staged an extraordinary comeback, rebuilding their business and joining the billionaire ranks. Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? Here's how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire.


    Tao Huabi: Crispy chilli godmother Jul 27, 2026
    Show notes

    Tao Huabi grew up in childhood poverty in the province of Guizhou in southwestern China, but would one day become a household name in her home country. Her Lao Gan Ma brand, famous for its crispy chilli oil, is a staple in China and fast becoming one globally.

    BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng track the remarkable story of how an illiterate widow fought to survive single motherhood and become one of the most iconic figures of female entrepreneurship in China today.

    Hear how Tao Huabi’s own recipe became a crowd favourite at her humble food stall and turned into a billion-dollar business. What does it look like to grow a business without listing, borrowing or large-scale advertising?

    Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? Here's how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire.


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