Mariana van Zeller

Date: 2023-02-08 | Duration: 3h 0m

Episode Overview

Mariana van Zeller dives into the gritty world of investigative journalism, sharing vivid stories from her work uncovering complex global issues. She discusses her early reporting on American guns ending up in cartel hands, emphasizing the nuanced reality that her work is not about gun control but about tracing illicit networks. Van Zeller also reflects on the evolution of firearms technology, including 3D-printed guns and carbon fiber barrels, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in keeping up with innovation. The conversation shifts to the transformative potential of psychedelics, particularly LSD and MDMA, where van Zeller recounts powerful interviews with users and chemists who describe these substances as life-changing tools for therapy and healing. She contrasts this with the darker side of addiction and the opioid crisis, sharing harrowing experiences investigating pharmaceutical corruption and the devastating human cost of widespread pill abuse. Van Zeller further explores underground fight clubs and the brutal realities of bare-knuckle fighting, revealing the risks fighters take and the culture surrounding these often-illegal events. She also touches on the illegal wildlife trade, recounting her time in the Congo with endangered gorillas and chimps, exposing the demand for exotic animals among the wealthy and the complex conservation challenges involved. Throughout, van Zeller’s stories illuminate the human side of crime and survival in some of the world’s most dangerous and misunderstood environments.

About Mariana van Zeller

Mariana van Zeller is a distinguished Portuguese journalist and TV correspondent for National Geographic Channel, renowned for her fearless exploration of complex social issues. She garnered critical acclaim for her Peabody Award-winning documentary "The OxyContin Express," which delved into the devastating impact of the opioid crisis in America, showcasing her commitment to uncovering hidden truths. Known for her immersive reporting style, Mariana engages audiences by bringing to light the stories behind global crises, making her a prominent figure in contemporary journalism. Her ability to navigate dangerous environments and tackle taboo subjects makes her a captivating voice in the media landscape.

Key Moments

– Investigative Journalism
– Illegal Firearms
– Psychedelic Therapy
– Opioid Crisis
– Drug Cartels
– Wildlife Trafficking
– Mixed Martial Arts
– Gambling Addiction
– Organ Trafficking
– Black Markets
– Human Trafficking
– Environmental Conservation
– Cybercrime
– Addiction Treatment
– Underground Fight Clubs
– Child Soldiers
– Illegal Mining
– Mental Health
– Criminal Justice
– Corruption
0:00:22 – Introduction to boots on the ground journalism
0:03:30 – Season one story on guns and cartels
0:08:13 – Illegal carbon fiber barrels in America
0:12:19 – Episode on LSD and psychedelics
0:15:54 – Bomb-sniffing crew and therapy sessions
0:20:09 – Discussion with Alex Berenson on pharmaceuticals
0:23:39 – American Pain documentary overview
0:27:42 – Pharmaceutical companies' role in opioid crisis
0:34:57 – Upcoming episode on MDMA
0:40:37 – Book 'Hidden Wars' by John Norris
0:48:07 – Illegal trafficking of gorillas and chimpanzees
0:50:11 – Interview with Joe Exotic and Doc Antle
0:53:48 – Tourism as conservation success example
0:57:51 – Silverback gorilla interaction
1:05:58 – Sanctuaries for chimpanzees and apes
1:12:01 – Challenges in investigative access
1:14:05 – Explanation of dirty bombs
1:17:53 – Largest undercover operations in US history
1:26:21 – Niger Delta oil swamps and king's palace
1:31:49 – Hazards of artisanal oil mining
1:39:29 – Episode on underground fight clubs
1:42:27 – Underground MMA fight scene description
1:48:59 – Bare knuckle fighting career insights
1:51:30 – CTE and bull riding story
1:55:32 – Brain damage and APOE4 gene discussion
2:00:18 – Long-term effects of brain injuries
2:04:35 – Fighter's rise and downfall narrative
2:08:03 – Bare knuckle fighting challenges
2:14:12 – Skills gap in bare knuckle fighters
2:20:06 – Fight fixing and betting controversies
2:23:09 – Betting regulations in UFC and boxing
2:25:06 – Underground poker games raid
2:31:34 – Gambling addiction among teens
2:47:18 – Interview with Colombian cocaine commander
2:50:30 – Dangerous lawless regions and cartel violence
2:55:21 – Understanding criminals to prevent crime

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Joe Rogan Podcast, check it out! Starting point is 00:00:22 like real boots on the ground investigative journalism. Starting point is 00:00:38 And then you took a backpack with the stuff and traveled with the... Starting point is 00:00:53 Season three is coming out. Starting point is 00:01:06 whether it's drugs, guns, fight clubs, Starting point is 00:01:28 I think the first story I did on guns in America was about 12, 15 years ago, where I was able Starting point is 00:01:46 Of course. Starting point is 00:02:08 Isn't that funny? Starting point is 00:02:26 You know, come on. Starting point is 00:02:33 Look at me. Starting point is 00:02:43 Backpage. Starting point is 00:03:30 And and then, yeah. So then we decided to do this for the first season, actually, of Traffic to Story on Guns and how American guns are winding up in the hands of the cartel Starting point is 00:04:17 And I'm trying to take away people's rights to own a gun, which is absolutely not the case. Starting point is 00:05:00 And it's scary. Starting point is 00:05:29 It doesn't mean that it has to be 3D printed. Starting point is 00:06:09 Yeah. And he's a strong believer in, he said he wanted this, his company to be sort of the Starting point is 00:06:40 There's the liberator. Starting point is 00:06:52 It's evolved a lot. Starting point is 00:07:03 But yeah, but if you want to see some of the new ones and what they're making, yeah. Starting point is 00:07:34 Because I've seen carbon fiber barrels for hunting rifles. Starting point is 00:08:13 And they're illegal, actually, in America. Starting point is 00:08:59 And it is more often than not because of a lack of opportunities that they end up involved in a life of crime. And I think, you know, there is the idea that no matter how far I travel to the Starting point is 00:09:57 He was a—I can't remember what he was by day, but he showed up wearing a swastika. Starting point is 00:10:48 And it's the danger of the internet, rig...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1938?

Mariana van Zeller was the guest on JRE #1938. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1938?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1938 with Mariana van Zeller, topics include Investigative Journalism, Illegal Firearms, Psychedelic Therapy, and Opioid Crisis.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1938?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1938 with Mariana van Zeller is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.