“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

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