Mariana van Zeller has built her career by venturing into some of the world's most dangerous black markets and criminal underworlds. A Peabody Award–winning journalist and the fearless host of National Geographic's acclaimed series Trafficked, she has been focused on uncovering the human stories behind global illicit trades.

In this episode, Mariana shares harrowing accounts from the field—moments when risk and danger were ever-present—and how she balances personal safety with the pursuit of truth. She also opens up about her unique storytelling approach: building trust with sources, capturing nuance in high-stakes environments, and making sense of complex systems that shape our world in hidden ways.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to shine a light on stories few dare to tell, this conversation offers a candid look into the courage, empathy, and relentless curiosity that define Mariana's work.

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