Investigative Journalist & Documentary Filmmaker; Host of National Geographic's "Trafficked"; Peabody & DuPont Award Winner

Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Mariana Van Zeller Biography

Mariana van Zeller is a Portuguese-American investigative journalist and filmmaker recognized for her in-depth reporting on global black markets, organized crime, and underground economies. Van Zeller began her journalism career in Portugal before earning a master's degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, and French, she has reported from six continents, gaining access to regions often inaccessible to mainstream media.

Van Zeller is known as the host and executive producer of National Geographic's documentary series "Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller," which explored the inner workings of global black markets, including drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, human trafficking, and contract killings. The series received multiple Emmy nominations and wins, as well as a Peabody Award nomination. Van Zeller also hosted Travel Channel's "Breaking Borders," where she traveled to conflict zones alongside chef Michael Voltaggio.

Her documentary "The OxyContin Express" earned a Peabody Award, a Television Academy Honor, and an Emmy nomination for its investigation into prescription drug abuse and pill trafficking. Van Zeller's report "Death by Fentanyl" was honored with a DuPont Award for its examination of the opioid crisis, while "Rape on the Reservation" earned her the Livingston Award for Young Journalists. She also produced "Chasing El Chapo," documenting the pursuit of a notorious drug lord in Sinaloa. Van Zeller has appeared on PBS, CNN, ABC, Channel 4 in the UK, and CBC, and is a Gracie Award winner for Best Reporter/Correspondent.

Van Zeller is recognized as an authority on black and gray markets, often referred to as "the hidden third" of the global economy. She launched "The Hidden Third" podcast, a weekly series featuring conversations with individuals involved in underground economies and those working to disrupt them. Van Zeller also founded The Hidden Third, an independent media company dedicated to reporting on the world's hidden economies. Her journalism continues to shed light on the human stories behind complex and often misunderstood global systems.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 06/15/2026.

Mariana Van Zeller Speaking Topics

  • The Economics of Black Markets

    Almost half of the world's economy is dominated by black and gray markets. And yet we know very little about them. Investigative reporter Mariana Van Zeller has reported on it all

    • drugs, guns, scams, organ trafficking, human smuggling, and more. Having spent the last 20 years gaining unprecedented access into these often secretive worlds, Mariana shares with audiences why they exist, how they operate, and what she has learned from them.

  • Approaching the World's Biggest Problems with Humanity

    In telling stories about some of the world's most prolific scammers, Mariana Van Zeller has to ignore stereotypes and stigmas in order to find the humanity in each of her subjects. She has traveled the globe to shed light on the issues impacting our world today.

    In this conversation, Mariana shares the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and working to build bridges with people from all walks of life to solve the world's biggest problems.

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Mariana Van Zeller Videos

Mariana Van Zeller visits Disney Parks for Earth Month

Mariana Van Zeller visits Disney Parks for Earth Month

This Earth Month National Geographic journalist Mariana van Zeller is on a mission to learn how Disney Parks' commitment to sustainability.

Joe Rogan Experience #2092 - Mariana van Zeller

Joe Rogan Experience #2092 - Mariana van Zeller

Mariana van Zeller is the host and executive producer of National Geographic's "Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller."

Mariana van Zeller | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #603

Mariana van Zeller | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #603

Mariana van Zeller is a journalist and correspondent for National Geographic. The 5th season of her show “Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller"

  • How do I book Mariana Van Zeller to speak at my event?

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  • What topics does Mariana Van Zeller speak about?

  • Where does Mariana Van Zeller travel from?

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Mariana Van Zeller is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as The Economics of Black Markets, Approaching the World's Biggest Problems with Humanity and Gender Bias in the Workplace. The estimated speaking fee range to book Mariana Van Zeller for your event is available upon request. Mariana Van Zeller generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Leslie Dodson, Michelle Miller, Mariana Atencio, Steve Liesman and Lyse Doucet. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Mariana Van Zeller for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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