“An estimated 30-35% of the global economy are black and gray markets.”
That’s the world our next guest, Mariana van Zeller, has spent years investigating.
From online scam centers to black-market oil, the Peabody Award-winning journalist has built a career going where few reporters can.
"Trafficked" — her hit Nat Geo series — regularly breaks records at the Emmys.
In this conversation, we dive into:
00:00: Introduction
01:18: The "hidden third" of the global economy
02:15: Growing up in Portugal and the path to journalism
03:50: Fighting her way into Columbia University
05:56: Covering 9/11 and finding her calling
09:20: Reporting from Syria and entering the world of black markets
14:34: How "Trafficked" is made
17:09: Navigating danger and censorship
22:23: Dream story
23:17: Her toughest story and most dangerous assignment
34:08: Why her sources agree to be interviewed, even if it could implicate them
36:47: What actually reduces crime
40:17: Why "Trafficked" ended despite its huge popularity — and what's next, including "The Hidden Third" podcast
44:55: Audience question: How to distinguish a good story from a great one
46:01: Rapid-fire round
🚀 Season 2 of Behind the Business is here, featuring the leaders of brands including Airbnb, Rivian, NYSE, Canva, Samsung, Poppi, Peloton, Revolve, Lucid Motors, PHLUR, The Points Guy and Away. New episodes Thursdays.
👇🏼 SUBSCRIBE + FOLLOW:
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/YTBTB
- Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3IFGuIA
- Spotify: https://bit.ly/SpotiBTB
- Amazon Music: http://bit.ly/4pPZZPp
🎙️About Behind the Business
Behind the Business is a Webby Award-winning, thoughtfully produced video podcast grounded in the belief that business is in fact personal. This is not a fawning interview show. We pair deep research with thorough interviews — asking the real questions and avoiding fluff, while keeping it fun! What’s the toughest day you’ve ever had at work? How do you mentally prep for a big event? Or what’s a pinch-me moment you’ll never forget? In each episode, guests get into it all. Each episode also connects guests with young founders/ CEOs who send in a question. New episodes every Thursday.
About Michelle Toh
Michelle is an award-winning international journalist, most recently a longtime reporter at CNN. She's covered top stories in global business, including the chip and trade wars, world-leading IPOs, the corporate response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe's energy crisis and China's property problems. Previously, she was with FORTUNE. She has reported for The New York Times, TIME and South China Morning Post.
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bymichelletohTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebusinessshow
#investigativejournalism #blackmarket #shadoweconomy #womeninmedia #journalism #documentary #career #careergrowth #careerstory #independentjournalism #independentmedia #founder #founderstory #founderjourney #founders
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
