#1576 - Mariana van Zeller
NaN minutesEpisode #1576
Mariana van Zeller is an award-winning journalist and documentarian. Her latest project is Trafficked: a National Geographic television series that takes her deep into the most dangerous black markets in the world.
Episodes with Mariana van Zeller
Episode Timestamps
Podcast History and Investigative Journalism
- Conversation about the early days of Joe Rogan's podcast and how guest appearances started
- Discussion about the importance of investigative journalism and real-life reporting
- Exploration of the risks and impact of reporting on black markets and illegal activities
Connecting with People Involved in Illegal Trade
- Emphasis on connecting with individuals in faraway lands involved in black markets
- Insights into the motivations and stories of people engaged in illegal activities
- Reflections on the complexities and implications of drug trade and the individuals affected
Exploring the Underworld Through Journalism
- Discussion on making connections in the underworld as a journalist without revealing sources
- Motivations of sources like ego, impunity, and the opportunity to tell their story
- Highlighting the goal of understanding the humanity behind those involved in criminal activities
Legalization and Impacts of Drug Policies
- Debating the impacts of drug legalization on illegal operations and societal issues
- Examples from California's marijuana business and Oregon's decriminalization
- Discussion on the human cost and disheartening realities of individuals caught in the drug trade
Journalistic Ethics and Humanizing Drug Trade
- Journalist's inner conflict witnessing a woman being inspected knowing the implications for her family and the broader society due to drug trade
- Discussion on the complexity of viewing drug-related issues in black and white terms
- Importance of depicting the human side of individuals involved in drug trades instead of demonizing them
Complexity of Drug Issues and Case for Legalization
- Exploration of the historical context and failed outcomes of the war on drugs
- Argument for the need to shift focus towards treatment and rehabilitation funded by drug profits
- Mention of Ibogaine as a potential solution for addiction and its introspective nature
The Failure of the War on Drugs
- Discussion on the inefficiency and failure of the ongoing war on drugs
- Insights on law enforcement's struggles to combat drug-related issues despite legalization in some areas
- Exploration of the sophisticated methods used by cartels in drug production and distribution
Inside the World of Black Market Drug Production
- Examination of the industrious and creative nature of individuals involved in the black market drug production
- Insights on the dangerous and intricate processes used in creating drugs like meth, cocaine, and fentanyl
- Anecdotes from encounters with individuals involved in illegal drug manufacturing and distribution
ProVigil and Tim Ferriss's Concerns
- Discussion about the effects of ProVigil as a wakefulness-promoting agent
- Tim Ferriss's decision not to include ProVigil in his book due to concerns about misuse
- Brief comparison between ProVigil and Adderall
Steroids, Testosterone Replacement Therapy, and Bodybuilding
- Exploration of testosterone replacement therapy and its impact on athletes
- Anecdote about natural bodybuilders versus steroid users
- Insight into a bodybuilding competition and the extreme measures some competitors take
Discussion on Bodybuilding, Steroids, and Athletics
- Overview of bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman's career and health struggles
- Exploration of the impact of steroids in professional sports, specifically bodybuilding and cycling
- Anecdotes about athletes using performance-enhancing drugs and the controversies surrounding drug testing
Exploring Doping in Sports and Controversial Practices
- Introduction to the topic of doping in sports and its prevalence in various athletic endeavors
- Discussion on the ethical dilemmas and fairness issues related to performance-enhancing substances in professional competitions
- Mention of specific cases and documentaries highlighting the extent of doping scandals in the sports world
Controversy and Doping in Sports
- Discussion about the dangers faced by individuals exposing state-sponsored anti-doping agencies
- Debate on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in competitive sports
- Mention of historical instances where drug use was rampant in early martial arts competitions
Genetic Engineering and Future Ethical Dilemmas
- Exploration of the potential future implications of genetic engineering, including CRISPR technology
- Concerns about the ethical implications of altering human genetics for physical enhancement
- Anecdote about clone horses in polo and the unique traits they inherit
Love for Exploration Passed Down Through Generations
- Discussion about the genetic aspect of love for exploration and travel
- Storytelling about the joy of traveling and exploring unique places like Morocco
- Anecdote about a perceived encounter with a jaguar in the Amazon
Encounters with Predatory Animals and Terrifying Experiences
- Conversation about the inherent fear of big cats and genetic memory
- Narrative about a terrifying experience with a perceived jaguar in the Amazon
- Discussion on encounters with mountain lions and their predatory behavior towards humans and pets
Wildlife Management and Animal Rights in California
- Discussion about wildlife management practices in California
- Debate between protecting wildlife and hunting for conservation purposes
- California's approach of letting the animals manage themselves and the controversy surrounding it
Illegal Tiger Trade and Exotic Medicinal Beliefs
- Exploration of the illegal tiger trade for traditional medicines like tiger wine
- Discussion on the use of various tiger body parts in traditional medicine
- Insight into the cultural beliefs surrounding exotic and rare items in traditional medicine practices
Illegal Wildlife Trade and Its Consequences
- Discussion about the illegal trade of wildlife products such as tiger wine and tatuaba fish bladder
- Exploration of the impact of the illegal trade on endangered species like the vaquitas
- Insights into the documentary 'Sea of Shadows' and the involvement of cartels in the wildlife trade
Illegal Trade in Animal Parts for Medicinal Purposes
- Analysis of the illegal hunting of animals like bears for their parts in the Chinese medicine market
- Explanation of laws in British Columbia related to hunting bears for their gallbladders
- Discussion about the high value placed on animal parts like bear gallbladders and fish bladders in certain cultures
Investigating the Iron River: Gun Trafficking from US to Mexico
- Exploration of the pipeline of guns from the US to Mexico known as the 'Iron River'
- Discussion on the 'Fast and Furious' debacle during the Obama administration where guns were allowed to be sold and smuggled to Mexico for information gathering, leading to criticism
- Revelation of obtaining guns, including AR-15 and AK-47, from law enforcement sources like LAPD and military bases in Southern California
Exposing the Connection: Gun Trafficking and Corruption
- Encounter with an individual in LA involved in gun and drug trade, highlighting the family business aspect and illegal dealings with law enforcement for gun procurement
- Revelation of LAPD's alleged connection to gun trade, including confiscation and resale back to illicit networks
- Insight into the Mexican cartel's perspective on gun trade, corruption, and the challenges in combating the lucrative illegal businesses
Scamming in Jamaica: The Tale of Tweety and the Lead Lists
- Introduction to a female scammer named Tweety working at a resort in Montego Bay
- Discussion about the financial motivations and circumstances driving individuals to engage in scamming activities
- Exploration of the tactics and scenarios used by scammers to deceive victims into monetary transactions
Ethical Considerations and Vulnerabilities in Scamming
- Debate on the ethical implications of exploiting vulnerable individuals through various forms of scams
- Comparison drawn between scamming and other exploitative practices in different industries
- Insight into the complexities of financial disparities and the societal factors contributing to scam perpetuation
Encounter with Mexican Marines and Tense Filming Moments
- Narrative of filming with Sicarios and the imminent threat posed by the Mexican Marines
- Description of the uncomfortable situation and decision-making during the encounter
- Insight into the reputation and influence of Mexican Marines in Mexico
Work Ethic and Dedication in Filmmaking
- Discussion on the satisfaction and completion felt after intense filming endeavors
- Reflection on the extensive preparation and editing process involved in filmmaking
- Appreciation for the meticulous attention to detail and research evident in the documentary production