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Vince McMahon made stars out of wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, John Cena and Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson. He turned professional wrestling into a $6.8 billion industry with his company World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Vince capitalised on cross-promotion and the spectacle of what he called "sports entertainment" to reach huge audiences before he stepped into the ring himself playing the character Mr. McMahon: a ruthless, bullying, sexually aggressive boss who popularised the catchphrase "You're fired" long before Donald Trump. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng tell the story of the man who gave wrestling its own Super Bowl - the annual WrestleMania - but then resigned from his own company amid allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast exploring 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, before inviting you to make up your own mind: are they good, bad or just another billionaire?
The climate crisis is spiraling, Trump's back in the White House, and the headlines keep getting worse. It's easy to feel powerless. But what if the first step toward saving the planet is something you learned in primary school? In this episode of The Bunker, Zing Tsjeng sits down with Mike Berners-Lee, author of A Climate of Truth, who argues that radical honesty about what's happening, who's responsible, and what must change might just be our most powerful tool against the looming polycrisis. We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to https://Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit. Buy A Climate of Truth: Why We Need It and How To Get It through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. https://bookshop.org/'s fees help support independent bookshops too. www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Minecraft is the most successful computer game ever. It's sold 300 million copies, built an active community of fans and there's now even a Minecraft movie. So how did one man - Markus Persson - create it all by himself, before selling it for billions?BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng find out how a high school dropout, obsessed with Lego and gaming, became a computer game hero. The Swedish programmer, known by the nickname as Notch, built a virtual 3D world where, with the help of a pickaxe, players could harness their creativity to build almost anything, one block at a time. Persson founded the video game development company Mojang Studios, before selling it to Microsoft, but then came a spectacular downfall.Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast exploring 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, before inviting you to make up your own mind: are they good, bad or just another billionaire?
By reinventing reality TV, John de Mol changed television history and made a billion dollars. He's the father of Big Brother and the man behind The Voice, Deal or No Deal and Fear Factor. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng explain how the Dutch TV producer became a media tycoon, after using his showbiz connections to break into pirate radio, then TV. He went on to found one of the biggest production companies in the world: Endemol.Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast exploring 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, before inviting you to make up your own mind: are they good, bad or just another billionaire?
A blocked vacuum cleaner led to a billion-dollar idea for British inventor Sir James Dyson. After studying art, then reinventing the wheelbarrow, Dyson struck gold with his iconic bagless vacuum, but only after years of effort.BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng take us back to the entrepreneur's youth in post-War Norfolk and discover a childhood marked by tragedy. From his years as a jobless inventor, frustrated by existing technology, Dyson's story is one of innovation, ambition and risk, with legal battles once leaving him on the verge of bankruptcy. But the engineer's determination and obsession with perfection paid off, with his company now worth billions. The Dyson name has become synonymous not only with vacuum cleaners, but also fans, heaters, hand dryers and hairdryers. He's even started his own engineering university. Simon and Zing look back at Dyson's success story and find out how he made his fortune, before deciding if they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast exploring 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, before inviting you to make up your own mind: are they good, bad or just another billionaire?
Martha Stewart revolutionised home entertaining with her recipes, home decor and TV shows, becoming one of the world's most successful women in business. Known as the ultimate homemaker and the "original lifestyle influencer", she's also the USA's first ever self-made female billionaire. But while the entrepreneur made her fortune as a domestic goddess, Martha Stewart is no trad wife. It took more than crafts and cookbooks to make her fortune. And then it all came crashing down. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng chart the lifestyle mogul's career, from her influence over millions of American homes, to her time in prison, and her ultimate comeback – as a star of social media and the subject of a Netflix documentary, all with Snoop Dogg at her side. Then they decide if they think she's Good, Bad, or Just Another Billionaire.Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast exploring 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 before inviting you to make up your own mind: are they Good, Bad or Just Another Billionaire?
Gen Z's reported pivot to the right has come as a shock for many – but should we have seen it coming? Trend forecaster Sean Monahan joins Zing Tsjeng in The Bunker to unpack what's behind this generational shift. What sparked Gen Z's political awakening – and what impact will their political evolution have on our future? • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to https://indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit. https://www.patreon.com/c/bunkercast Written and presented by Zing Tsjeng. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We read the papers so you don't have to. Today: The Telegraph is naturally obsessed with an aristocratic family feud over an £85m ancestral estate. The Times does an incredibly deep dive into the history of handshakes. Plus – There's a story about fish in The Guardian so we've reeled in our resident aquatic guru Coco Khan to school us. Miranda Sawyer is joined by A list Paper Cuts talent including Zing Tsjeng, Ava Santina, Jacob Hawley, Jonn Elledge, Milo Edwards and so many more. Use code PAPERCUTS to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/papercuts Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and access to our exclusive live streams here: back.papercutsshow.com Follow Paper Cuts: • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/papercutsshow.bsky.social • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshow • Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow Illustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Simon Williams. Production. Liam Tait. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
When Charles "Chuck" Feeney first appeared on the world's rich lists in the 1980s, he had built a billion-dollar business selling duty free goods to tourists. But he'd also given most of his money to charity. As Good Bad Billionaire takes a short break until March, Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng revisit the story of the billionaire who wasn't. Feeney's journey takes us from Depression-era New Jersey, through the high life of the Jet Age, and ultimately to $8 billion worth of donations given to causes across the planet. The epic tale of "the James Bond of philanthropy" takes in the Korean War, the 20th Century tourist boom and the Irish peace process. First broadcast 26 September 2023.
We read the papers so you don't have to. Today: Pics from the BAFTAs are all over the front pages, but Miranda only has eyes for Wallace and Gromit's red carpet debut. The Times wonders what will happen when Boomers pass down their wealth and Zing breaks down why Millennials and Gen Z shouldn't get too excited. Plus – Friend of the show Anniki Sommerville mourns the death of ‘kept women' in the Daily Mail as Jacob reveals he wouldn't mind being kept. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Zing Tsjeng and comedian Jacob Hawley. Use code PAPERCUTS to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/papercuts Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and access to our exclusive live streams here: back.papercutsshow.com Follow Paper Cuts: • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/papercutsshow.bsky.social • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshow • Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow Illustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Simon Williams. Production. Liam Tait. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Billionaires are often praised as disruptive innovators, philanthropists, or brilliant problem solvers – but they're also a clear sign of growing inequality. So, are they ever truly a force for good? Today in The Bunker, Zing Tsjeng is joined by Carl Rhodes, Dean of the UTS Business School at the University of Technology Sydney and author of Stinking Rich, to answer the question: is there such a thing as a good billionaire? Buy Stinking Rich: The Four Myths of the Good Billionaire through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit. www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Zing Tsjeng. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Instagram | Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A year after first being declared a billionaire, Taylor Swift's rarely been out of the headlines or the charts. The pop superstar's Eras tour finally came to an end, and she's been continuing to break records. Good Bad Billionaire will be back with a new season in March, but until then, here's a quick update on what Taylor's been up to and another chance to hear a classic episode from the archives. Zing Tsjeng and Simon Jack uncover the huge public feuds and private legal battles that made the most famous woman in the world. She can change the economy, but is Taylor Swift good, bad, or just another billionaire?First published on 13th February 2024.
This week on The News Quiz, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Nish Kumar, Sara Barron, Glenn Moore and Zing Tsjeng to unpack the week's new stories. The panel look into Donald Trump's unconditional discharge and his looming inauguration, as well as Keir Starmer's unleashing of AI, and Tulip Siddiq's resignation.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Cody Dahler, Christina Riggs, Mike Shephard and Ben Pope. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4 An Eco-Audio certified Production.
What do Airbnb, Facebook, Spotify, and LinkedIn all have in common? Peter Thiel. They made his fortune, but he's since rejected Silicon Valley for being too "woke". He's a contradictory character: a libertarian who made billions from big state surveillance; an intellectual who purports to hate politics, but who's poured millions into political campaigns, including Donald Trump's 2020 bid. Some call him a free-thinking genius, while others say he wants to watch Rome burn. Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng tell the intriguing story of Peter Thiel, the man who ousted Elon Musk from their company PayPal, and who's signed up to be cryogenically frozen. Then they decide if they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
• Get 20% off annual Patreon support for The Bunker in our Black Friday sale. The perfect gift to ask for! Young men turned out in huge numbers for Trump, thanks in part to his ability to tap into the “manosphere”. So what is this online phenomenon? And how has it shaped political views the world over? And what will it mean going forward? Zing Tsjeng speaks to the authors of Clown World: Four Years Inside Andrew Tate's Manosphere, Jamie Tahsin and Matt Shea to discuss that and more. We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit. Support us on Patreon. Written and presented by Zing Tsjeng. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The woman behind the brand that revolutionised the way the world shopped and dressed. Doris Fisher and her husband Don founded The Gap together and made basics cool – their pocket t-shirt was worn by both Mick Jagger at Live Aid and Marty McFly in Back to the Future, while Sharon Stone donned a $25 Gap black turtleneck for the Oscars. Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng follow Doris Fisher and The Gap's rollercoaster story, from its birth in the summer of love selling Levi's jeans, to crashing out of fashion, then rising to dominate the 1990s. Then they decide if they think Doris Fisher's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
• Get 20% off a year's Patreon support for The Bunker in our Black Friday sale. The perfect gift to ask for! Elon Musk is the new head of DOGE – the Department of Government Efficiency – alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, because two people doing one job is very efficient. But despite its fancy name, which bolsters its status immensely, is this idea actually anything new? And will this pitch to run the US government like a business work this time out? Zing Tsjeng speaks to Andrew Rudalevige, professor of government at Bowdoin College, about the Tesla boss's big ideas and whether they will work whatsoever. • “There are a couple of different aims. One is to give Musk something to do and keep him out of trouble – without having to give him a real job in government.” • “I think he wants a bigger state in the things he can control and a smaller state on things that don't affect him. Everyone thinks government spending that isn't on them is wasteful.” • “You have things that are done in government because private companies will not do them.” We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit. www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Zing Tsjeng. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Carlos Slim Helú's financial might has led some people to nickname his native Mexico ‘Slimlandia'. He dominates the country's businesses, from telecoms to construction. But how did a man whose hero happens to be the Mongol warlord Genghis Khan get to be the richest person in the world? Many have blamed his monopolist business empire for Mexico's slow economic development. Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng tell the story of a baseball fan who's calm in a crisis, rushing in to invest while others rush out. Then they decide if they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
We read the papers so you don't have to. Today: Miranda has questions about Musk's new job in Trump's administration. Athena dives into The Guardian's reviews of Gladiator 2 and Paddington but ends up just wanting to talk about Denzel Washington. Plus, The Times has a harrowing tale about moths that Zing finds all too relatable. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Zing Tsjeng and comedian Athena Kogblenu. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and access to our exclusive live stream on the 21st of September: back.papercutsshow.com Follow Paper Cuts: • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/papercutsshow.bsky.social • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshow • Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow Illustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Production. Liam Tait. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Roman Abramovich was known as the "stealth oligarch" before he stepped into the limelight as Chelsea football club's sugar daddy owner. The man loves a yacht: his largest cost $427m, and has bullet-proof windows and an escape submarine. Abramovich made his fortune from post-Soviet privatisation, aided by a man known as the “Godfather of the Kremlin”, Boris Berezovsky, and close ties to Vladimir Putin in the early years of his presidency. But with recent reports of a suspected poisoning and sanctions against him in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, Abramovich's luck might be changing. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng track Abramovich's meteoric rise from being a hard-up orphan to making billions from oil and aluminium. Then they decide if they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
From Obama's effortless cool aura to Zelenskyy's stoic defiance, charm and charisma have shown themselves to be game-changers in politics. Often dismissed as superficial, these qualities can shift public opinion, steer policy, and even swing elections. Today on The Bunker, Zing Tsjeng speaks with Julia Sonnevend, author of Charm: How Magnetic Personalities Shape Global Politics, to explore the power of charm global politics. Buy Charm: How Magnetic Personalities Shape Global Politics through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit. Support us on Patreon. Written and presented by Zing Tsjeng. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio producer: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Instagram | Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mukesh Ambani caught the world's attention when he forked out $600m on his son's wedding, including a performance by Rihanna – but how did he become Asia's richest person? Mukesh grew his father's polyester trading company, Reliance Industries, into a conglomerate. But when he died without a will, Mukesh had to fight his brother for control of the family business. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng follow Mukesh Ambani's story from living in a Mumbai slum to building the world's most expensive private residence - featuring an ice cream parlour and an artificial snow room - then decide if they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
Metal man and football fan Patrice Motsepe rose out of post-apartheid South Africa to become the country's first black billionaire. Under apartheid, Patrice had to get a special permit to study at an ‘whites-only' university - the same that Nelson Mandela attended in the 1940s - becoming a lawyer before following the gold into the mines. When the racist regime finally crumbled, he benefited from Black Economic Empowerment initiatives that turbo-charged his wealth. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng track Patrice's rise from asking to do the worst job in the mines to owning them. Then they decide if they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
Jack Ma is the king of ecommerce in China. Nicknamed 'Daddy Ma', the former school teacher even appeared alongside martial arts legend Jet Li in a kung fu movie. But how did a scrawny, belligerent child, who was the only person who failed to get hired at his local KFC, become the chairman and CEO of online mega-platform Alibaba? BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng explain how a crazy trip to America, where Jack had to flee from a conman, ended up introducing him to the internet, which would make him his fortune. Then they decide if they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
The story of how Yvon Chouinard, a reluctant billionaire who only wanted to climb and surf, harnessed his passions to create outdoor apparel brand Patagonia - before giving it all away to fight climate change. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng discover how the self-proclaimed "existential dirtbag" went from jumping freight trains and eating cat food to leading the charge for businesses to commit to environmental causes. Simon and Zing track the life of a man who claims that calling himself a businessman is as difficult for him as it for others to admit to being an alcoholic or a lawyer. Then they decide if they think Yvon Chouinard is good, bad, or just another billionaire.
Whitney Wolfe Herd, the “queen of the swipes”, launched a female-led dating app after a public scandal around her sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit against Tinder. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng follow her story from a popular student with a flair for marketing, to carving her own path in the male-dominated tech world. Owning the ‘girlboss' image, she took her company Bumble public aged just 31 with her baby "on her hip", making her the youngest self-made female billionaire. But she wouldn't stay one for long. Simon and Zing explore her story before deciding if they think she's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
Industrialist Aliko Dangote is known as a mild-mannered cement tycoon who often drives himself to business meetings. How did he become the world's richest black person? Dangote rapidly dominated Nigeria's cement, sugar, flour and fertiliser markets. He says his mission is to make Nigeria's economy self-reliant, without requiring Western investment or imports. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng look back on Dangote's life - from a childhood selling sweets in the playground to becoming a watchword for success in Nigeria. Then they decide if they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
This week Matt Deegan is joined by Ollie Peart backstage at The British Podcast Awards. We hear from friend of the podcast Marianna Spring on what it takes to be a great podcast host, Rob Auton on the challenges of daily podcasts and The News Agents on yet another win and how changes in production team have impacted the podcast.PLUS! We hear from Stuart Last of Audio Always after they secured the Listeners Choice Award for Help I Sexted My Boss. Stuart reflects on what's changed in the last 12 years with a growing focus on visualised podcasts, and also how community is key.That and MORE. Here are all of the podcasts from the people we spoke to.The Rob Auton Daily PodcastPress Play, Turn OnWhy Do You Hate Me (Marianna Spring)The News AgentsHelp I Sexted My BossHow Was It For You(00:00) Intro(00:37) The News Agents(03:40) Zing Tsjeng from Good Bad Billionnaire(07:24) Marianna Spring(13:00) Stuart Morgan - Audio Always(18:15) Marcus Brigstocke(23:10) Rob Auton(25:22) Press Play, Turn On(27:28) Goodbye Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How is freshly minted billionaire Sam Altman shaping our future through his company OpenAI and ChatGPT? He made his fortune by investing in huge tech start-ups like Reddit and Airbnb, before turning his attention to artificial intelligence - being fired and re-hired by his own company in the process. Altman believes that OpenAI, with him in charge, can make the world a better place. Yet he's also preparing for the apocalypse, just in case AI turns on its creators and attacks humanity. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng tell the story of Sam Altman - the first openly gay billionaire on the podcast so far - before deciding whether they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
How did an unassuming software engineer become one of the richest people on the planet? This is the story of how Zhang Yiming transformed social media by creating TikTok, and how the Chinese tech company ByteDance became a multi-billion dollar business. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng explore Yiming's various successes with different apps before he hit the jackpot with TikTok. Then they decide whether they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw built a pharmaceutical empire after failing to get a job brewing beer. She also overcame gender bias to become India's first self-made female billionaire. Her company Biocon is now Asia's biggest insulin producer. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng follow her story, from a childhood living on a brewery compound in Bangalore to adventures in Australia and Ireland. How did Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw go from extracting enzymes from papaya fruit to mass-manufacturing medicines and being named among Time magazine's most influential people in the world? She calls herself an accidental entrepreneur; Simon and Zing decide whether they think she's good, bad or just another billionaire.
George Soros escaped Nazi occupation in Hungary, before becoming one of the most successful investors in history. After making his name on Wall Street and setting up the hedge fund Quantum, he also become known as “the man who broke the Bank of England” after making a billion dollars in a day by “betting against” the pound. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng track the incredible life of one of the world's most polarising billionaires, and find out how the philanthropist became the target of countless conspiracy theories. According to Soros himself, he's “a little good, a little bad”. Ultimately, Simon and Zing decide whether they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
As Russia's huge wave of strikes across Ukraine results in yet more deaths, Zelensky has vowed to respond. Joining us in the studio to discuss what this response could look like is former VICE editor in chief, Zing Tsjeng, and political journalist, Terry Stiastny. Plus: can the latest talks between the US and China help ease global tensions? And why have fears of overtourism backfired in Greece? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jerry Seinfeld has a life-long obsession with jokes, but his smash hit sitcom turned the New York stand-up into the richest comedian of all time. Seinfeld was the most watched programme in America when it ended in in 1998, but it's what came next that made the real Jerry Seinfeld mega rich – streaming and syndication. Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng find out how transcendental meditation, a top Hollywood agent, the unexpected death of a parent and an “inability to act” all helped drive his spectacular success, before deciding if they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
How did Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson become one of only four filmmakers worth a billion dollars, and one of just three billionaires from New Zealand? BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng find out how a childhood obsession with movies led to a booming film industry in Jackson's homeland. From Bad Taste to King Kong and The Hobbit, he went from shooting home movies and directing low budget horror films to running a major special effects house and creating some of cinema's biggest hits. Simon and Zing look back at the life of a Wellywood legend, before deciding if they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) was barely known during her lifetime but an exhibition of her work at the Guggenheim Museum in 2018 shattered attendance records. it was called Paintings for the Future, and the giant abstract work astounded visitors who had not heard of her before. Joining journalist Zing Tsjeng in studio to discuss her life is Jennifer Higgie who wrote in her book, The Other Side: A Journey into Women, Art and The Spirit World, "For Hilma af Klint, the very air throbbed with unseen energies. The question was - how to interpret them? How to give them shape?" The artist often used seances for inspiration. If curious about where creativity begins, this is a story you may want bto hear. Zing Tsjeng is a former editor-in-chief of Vice UK and presenter of Good Bad Billionaire. She is author of the Forgotten Women series of books.The producer for BBC Studios in Bristol is Miles WardeFuture programmes include Anneka Rice on Jane Morris, wife of William Morris; Jo Brand on blues singer, Bessie Smith; and Conn Iggulden on the emperor Nero.
How a communist mime artist became the billionaire boss of a luxury fashion house. Miuccia Prada changed her name, then made it famous with one of the runway's biggest brands. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng explain how the Italian fashion designer turned her grandfather's shop into a fashion powerhouse. Alongside her husband, she's run her empire from Milan for over four decades, becoming known affectionately known as ‘the master of ugly'. Simon and Zing look back on her life before deciding if they think she's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
The great Miriam Margolyes chooses Charles Dickens, author of Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol."He's the man in my life. He's tugged me into his world and never let me go. He writes better prose than anyone who's ever lived. He's told the most interesting stories, invented 2000 of the best characters, and because he was a wicked man." Miriam Margolyes is author of Oh Miriam! Helping the award-winning actor and chat show terror explore the wicked life of Charles Dickens is Professor Kathryn Hughes, author of Victorians Undone: Tales of the Flesh in the Age of Decorum. Programme includes archive of Simon Callow and Armando Iannucci.Future episodes include Reginald D Hunter on Eugene V Debs, five times socialist candidate for the US presidency; Dr Hannah Critchlow on Colin Blakemore; director Julien Temple on Christopher Marlowe, and Zing Tsjeng on Hilma af Klint, a Swedish painter who was virtually unknown throughout the twentieth century. Her recent Paintings for the Future show at the Guggenheim was the most visited in their history. Also Conn Iggulden on the Emperor Nero, and comedian Jo Brand picks the American blues singer Bessie Smith.PLUS!AN Wilson on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe; Anneka Rice on the largely forgotten wife of William Morris; and Ekow Eshun on Britain's first openly gay footballer, Justin FashanuThe presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer for BBC studios is Miles Warde who launched the series over twenty years ago in Bristol.
By founding Google, tech titan Sergey Brin helped shape the internet. He also got very, very rich, as his company Alphabet became one of the biggest in the world. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng tell the story of the billionaire who partied on planes after escaping prejudice in Russia. Sergey Brin and his best friend Larry Page became two of history's biggest tech giants by building the planet's most popular search engine. How did their technology startup become one of the world's biggest companies? Simon and Zing find out, before deciding if they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
This weekend blend is a bumper back of brilliant guest and dodgy cover from Ben Tulloh. Get it in your earholes ASAP! There's (probably) some fairly strong language in this podcast, so it might not be suitable for all ages. If you want to email the Daily Grind you can email us: shaun@radiox.co.uk. Or you can text us (for you standard network rate) on 83936 (start the message with GRIND).If you like the episode please leave a review and subscribe to get the Daily Grind in your feed everyday at 5pm.
Bong Bong Bong, that's the sound of Big Ben rolling into the studio and making Shaun's job looking like a piece of Madeira cake. Shaun back tomorrow with It's Been a Week. There's (probably) some fairly strong language in this podcast, so it might not be suitable for all ages. If you want to email the Daily Grind you can email us: shaun@radiox.co.uk. Or you can text us (for you standard network rate) on 83936 (start the message with GRIND).If you like the episode please leave a review and subscribe to get the Daily Grind in your feed everyday at 5pm.
Golfing superstardom made him incredibly rich. Personal disasters nearly took it all away. How did Tiger Woods go from a child golfing prodigy to the world's highest paid athlete for a whole decade? BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng explain how one of the greatest golfers of all time broke barriers in his sport, winning 15 major golf championships and 82 PGA Tour events. He's an inductee into the World Golf Hall of Fame, won the Masters five times, the PGA Championship four times and both the Open and the US Open three times, as well as helping the US win the Ryder Cup. High-profile sponsorship deals and business ventures made him a billionaire, but then came affairs, car crashes and scandal. Simon and Zing track the spectacular rise of this global sporting superstar, then decide if they think he's good, bad, or just another billionaire.
There are now even more billionaires. How did the super-rich become so rich? Good, Bad Billionaire is coming back with season 2 to find out. New episodes released on Mondays from 29 July.We'll discover more about the lives of the people on the planet who have the most money, then Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng will decide if they think they are good, bad, or just another billionaire. Learn how the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Peter Jackson, Doris Fisher and George Soros came to join the billionaires' club. Explore 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 the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich bought 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, hear about some of the biggest names behind the technology shaping our world – the founders of TikTok, Google, ChatGPT, Alibaba and Bumble. It's a global journey through huge amounts of cash - on our list are billionaires in the US, the UK, Italy, Mexico, China, New Zealand, India, South Africa Nigeria, and elsewhere around the world. Join Simon Jack, business editor for BBC News, and journalist, author and podcaster Zing Tsjeng as Good, Bad Billionaire unravels tales of fortune, power, ambition and moral responsibility, and invites you to make up your own mind: are they good, bad, or just another billionaire?
We read the papers so you don't have to. Today: Half Time! Labour could shorten prison sentences to deal with capacity issues and The Telegraph is apoplectic. Fight for your right to party. Why can nobody throw a proper messy house party any more, ask an anxious Times. Plus – Birds of a feather. A journo goes on a ‘pigeon safari' for the i and discovers some disturbing facts about the rats of the sky. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Zing Tsjeng and stand up comic Harry Stachini. Come and see us LIVE at the Cheerful Earful podcast festival on 12 Oct. Tickets here. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: back.papercutsshow.com Follow Paper Cuts: • Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshow Illustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Production: Liam Tait. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production. Podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We read the papers so you don't have to. Today: They think it's all over. . . Even The Telegraph is projecting a humiliating loss for the Tories. Dancing in the daylight. The Independent tells us about the middle aged ravers clubbing in the afternoon. Plus – What's wrong with being confident? The Guardian and Daily Mail have conflicting views on how to believe in yourself, babez. Alex Von Tunzelmann is joined by journalist Zing Tsjeng and comedian Ian Smith. Come and see us LIVE at the Cheerful Earful podcast festival on 12 Oct. Tickets here. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: back.papercutsshow.com Follow Paper Cuts: • Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshow Illustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Alex Von Tunzelmann. Audio production: Simon Williams. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Regular contributor Zing Tsjeng pops in to give us her thoughts on male body standards, the film Before Sunrise and the phrase 'Rodent Handsome.'There's (probably) some fairly strong language in this podcast, so it might not be suitable for all ages. If you want to email the Daily Grind you can email us: shaun@radiox.co.uk. Or you can text us (for you standard network rate) on 83936 (start the message with GRIND).If you like the episode please leave a review and subscribe to get the Daily Grind in your feed everyday at 5pm.
We read the papers so you don't have to. Today: Tory minister puts his foot in it. Johnny Mercer MP exhibits the WORST train etiquette – and there are pictures. Officially three months “boysober”. Meet the people going cold turkey on boys. Plus – The ones that got away! The Guardian investigates the Reality TV couples that are still going strong. Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by journalist and host of the Good Bad Billionaire podcast Zing Tsjeng and comedy writer Fergus Craig. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: back.papercutsshow.com Follow Paper Cuts: • Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshow Illustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Audio production: Simon Williams. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We read the papers so you don't have to. Today: Culture War-drobe. Common Sense minister Esther McVey sparks row over rainbow laywards. Freak in the (Excel) sheets. Should you have a spreadsheet for your love life? Plus – Past their sell-by date? The Telegraph investigates the OAPs taking over the food market with their artisanal treats. Rob Hutton is joined by journalist and host of the Good Bad Billionaire podcast Zing Tsjeng and comedy writer Jason Hazeley. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: back.papercutsshow.com Follow Paper Cuts: • Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshow Illustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Rob Hutton. Audio production: Simon Williams. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
If you dare to dive into the comments section on just about any post about fast fashion or fast everything, you are guaranteed to see more than one person saying "there's no ethical consumption under capitalism." This episode is part one in a recurring series examining and debunking the most common “excuses” and justifications we see for supporting, maybe even protecting(?) fast fashion and fast everything. And this week we are getting started with a real banger: “there's no ethical consumption under capitalism.” We will explore the following questions:What is the origin of "there's no ethical consumption under capitalism?" Who said it first?What was intended meaning of this statement and how does it differ from how it is most frequently used now?Why do people use this phrase so often?How should we interact with people who use it?How can we make more ethical choices in a system that is inherently unethical?On our journey to answer these questions, we'll get to talk about feminist tees (again), visit an island nation in the Indian Ocean with a once-robust apparel production industry, buy some new underwear, and unpack how K-cups are a great example of individuals having an impact.Additional reading:"'Feminist' T-Shirt Backed By Women's Group Made In Sweatshop: Report," Eleanor Goldberg, Huff Post.Where does "there is no such thing as ethical consumption under capitalism" come from?, Reddit thread."This feminist t-shirt isn't actually made in a sweatshop," Zing Tsjeng, Dazed."This is what development looks like," Maya Forstater.Episode 200 is coming soon! April 18th at 8pm Eastern.Behind the SeamsIf you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it's a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.worldDid you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorseFind this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.comClotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:High Energy Vintage is a fun and funky vintage shop located in Somerville, MA, just a few minutes away from downtown Boston. They offer a highly curated selection of bright and colorful clothing and accessories from the 1940s-1990s for people of all genders. Husband-and-wife duo Wiley & Jessamy handpick each piece for quality and style, with a focus on pieces that transcend trends and will find a home in your closet for many years to come! In addition to clothing, the shop also features a large selection of vintage vinyl and old school video games. Find them on instagram @ highenergyvintage, online at highenergyvintage.com, and at markets in and around Boston.The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.comSt. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you'll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim.Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtown Las Vegas. Not only do we sell in Las Vegas, but we are also located throughout resale markets in San Francisco as well as at a curated boutique called Lux and Ivy located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jessica, the founder & owner of Vagabond Vintage DTLV, recently opened the first IRL location located in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas on August 5th. The shop has a strong emphasis on 60s & 70s garments, single stitch tee shirts & dreamy loungewear. Follow them on instagram, @vagabondvintage.dtlv and keep an eye out for their website coming fall of 2022.Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Do you have used records you want to sell? Country Feedback wants to buy them! Find us on Instagram @countryfeedbackvintageandvinyl or head downeast and visit our brick and mortar. All are welcome at this inclusive and family-friendly record shop in the country!Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground is a "velvet jungle" full of vintage and second-hand clothes, plants, a vegan cafe and lots of rad products from other small sustainable businesses. Our mission is to create a brand and community dedicated to promoting self-expression, as well as educating and inspiring a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle both for the people and the planet.Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at
We read the papers so you don't have to. Today: Bot in the name of love! Sex columnist Kate Lister's tested out an A.I. boyfriend – and it ended in heartbreak . How to get away with a second family. Mail writer has an affair with ‘perfect man', but things are not as they seem… Plus – A Real Game Changer. The papers think Scrabble has gone woke and they do NOT like it. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist and host of Good Bad Billionaire podcast Zing Tsjeng and comedian Gráinne Maguire. Help us to grow Paper Cuts! Send this link to THREE mates and tell them why we're your favourite podcast: papercutsshow.co.uk Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: back.papercutsshow.com Follow Paper Cuts: • Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshow Illustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Simon Williams. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices