Episode #2: Can Billionaires Really Be “Self-Made?”

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The mythology behind rugged individualism—the idea of a person achieving financial success on their own steam—is an essential aspect of the way our country views itself. The very idea of being “self-made” is a subset of the American exceptionalism ideal.

But can a billionaire really be self-made? Do any of the super-rich do it alone?

In this episode of The Journeyman Unfiltered, Marlon Weems explores the billionaire phenomenon and the price we all pay for the extraordinary wealth of a select few.

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In this episode:

From The Journeyman:

• The Fiction of the Self-Made Billionaire

• The Plutocracy Always Wins

Referenced in this episode:

• Variety.com: ‘Money Always Matters’: The Kardashians Tell All About Their New Reality TV Reign

• Forbes: At 21, Kylie Jenner Becomes The Youngest Self-Made Billionaire Ever

• Business Insider: The socialite daughter of Putin's spokesman complains US sanctions are 'unfair' but thinks they won't make a difference

• Newsweek: Hedge-Fund Manager John Paulson's Greatest Trade Ever

• Forbes: Walton Family Profile

• Macrotrends.net: Walmart (WMT) Gross Profits 2010-2022

• Federal Social Safety Net Programs: Millions of Full-Time Workers Rely on Federal Health Care and Food Assistance Programs

• Gravity Payment’s Dan Price on self-made billionaires