Why America has more billionaires than ever (From the archives)

About this episode

<p><em>This episode originally aired on July 10, 2025.&nbsp;</em><br /><br />Americans have a long history of obsession with the ultrarich, from Carnegie and Rockefeller to Bezos and Musk. And today, the gap between the rich and the poor&nbsp;is bigger than ever as the billionaire class has ascended to new heights. In his book, <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-haves-and-have-yachts/id6741071687" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Haves and Have-Yachts</em></a>, <em>New Yorker</em> staff writer Evan Osnos explores the extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy and their outsize influence on politics. He sat down with <em>Apple News In Conversation</em> host Shumita Basu to talk about this unique moment &mdash;&nbsp;when billionaires are both resented and envied by the public &mdash;&nbsp;and what it means for the rest of us.</p>