Good Bad Billionaire - The Batista brothers: Meat and money

Download The Batista brothers: Meat and money

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.

Published on Monday, 3rd August 2026.

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