Doug Merlino is an acclaimed American writer and journalist known for his narrative nonfiction that delves into diverse subcultures and illuminates the workings of our world through immersive and intensive reporting.

He has contributed to various prestigious news organizations, including Slate, Wired, Vice, Men’s Journal, Fast Company, and the PBS show Frontline/World. Doug holds master's degrees in journalism and international affairs from U.C. Berkeley.

Originally hailing from Seattle, Doug has spent time living in Budapest, Hungary, and is now based in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City with his wife.