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About Shaun

Hi, and welcome to my site. I’m an author, magazine writer, and producer. 

My instincts always lead me to crime and politics, although I somehow managed to spend twenty years in the investigations unit at ESPN. Four books also let me join the NASCAR tour; delve into the history of Vince McMahon for a New York Times best-selling unauthorized biography; chronicle America’s history with steroids; and turn into a cold case cop to investigate the decades-old death of Sonny Liston, the infamous heavyweight champion of the word.

Shaun Assael | Photo credit: Amy K. Nelson Media Downloads

I’ve been lucky to win numerous awards for my magazine work, including from the National Association of Black Journalists (for science writing), the Associated Press Sports Editors (for investigative reporting), and the New York Press Club.

These days, I’m podcasting and producing, as well as writing. You can see Pariah, the film that I executive produced for Showtime, on demand. And a three-part podcast about the life of Wilt Chamberlain will be appearing on Amazon’s Wondery + in the fall of 2023.

Also, watch out for my next book, a true crime partnership with Dick Harpootlian, the South Carolina state senator and attorney for Alex Murdaugh.

If you stop by my historic home in Wilmington, North Carolina, you’ll probably see with me with a laptop on the porch swing. The only moss that grows around here is the Spanish stuff in our front yard.

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WINNER: Best Magazine Writing

WINNER: Best Magazine Writing

I'm thrilled to make my debut in Smithsonian Magazine with this strange but true thriller about the swashbuckling 18th Century naturalist Andre Michaux. A pioneer of the New World, Michaux made hundreds of discoveries on his travels through the Appalachian Mountains...

Cranky Yankee Blogger
The Fast-Talking Billionaire

The Fast-Talking Billionaire

It’s not surprising that Greg Lindberg has his eyes on longevity. Accused of pilfering $2 billion from policyholders at his insurance companies, the 53-year-old faces being in jail until he’s 90. But that hasn’t dimmed his enthusiasm for his latest venture: Living forever through fasting.

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Interviews

The Botanist Is A Plant Podcast

Looking for a good 18th Century spy story? The wonderful folks at BYU’s Constant Wonder podcast (@cw_byu) gave me a half-hour to weave together the story of the legendary French naturalist Andre Michaux, who would have beaten Lewis & Clark to the Pacific if not for some amazing political intrigue involving Thomas Jefferson and a who’s who of quarrelsome Founding Fathers.

The podcast is adapted from my story in the new issue of Smithsonian Magazine.

Listen to “The botanist is a plant” here.

News & Updates
A Bull Story

Back in the day, Penthouse sent me to Las Vegas to interview Bodacious, the meanest rodeo bull who ever lived. I found him on display in a Home Depot parking lot. What could go wrong?

The Fast-Talking Billionaire

It’s not surprising that Greg Lindberg has his eyes on longevity. Accused of pilfering $2 billion from policyholders at his insurance companies, the 53-year-old faces being in jail until he’s 90. But that hasn’t dimmed his enthusiasm for his latest venture: Living forever through fasting.

The Botanist Is A Plant Podcast

Looking for a good 18th Century spy story? This podcast is based on my story in the July/August issue of Smithsonian Magazine.

Coronation Day: Macy’s Meets Oasis

May 6 — I’m in London this rainy morning. And watching the coronation is a little like watching the Macy’s Day Parade, if it was hosted by the Church of England. No one is lip syncing Frozen. But it still feels over the top. William & Harry are the Liam and Noel Galligher of Buckingham Palace — with William as Noel doing both parts…