Conor Woodman: Investigative Journalist, Author, and Filmmaker Extraordinaire

Conor Woodman is a renowned investigative journalist, author, and filmmaker known for his fearless reporting and compelling storytelling. From exposing scams in major cities to tracing global trade routes and uncovering organized crime, Conor Woodman’s work resonates on both screen and in print. His career spans television, radio, books, and documentaries, making him a versatile voice in investigative journalism. People searching for “Conor Woodman” often want to know about his age, family, net worth, and biography, all of which highlight a life dedicated to exploring the hidden stories of our world.

Early Life and Background of Conor Woodman

Conor Thomas Patrick Woodman was born on 21 March 1974, making him 52 years old in 2026. He was born in Galway, Ireland, but spent part of his childhood in Birmingham, England. Conor’s early exposure to diverse cultures and environments played a pivotal role in shaping his curiosity and sense of adventure. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in storytelling, observation, and understanding human behavior, which later became the foundation for his career in investigative journalism.

He studied at the University of Manchester, where he pursued studies that honed his analytical and communication skills. Before fully immersing himself in media, Conor worked as a financial analyst, giving him a strong understanding of economics and global trade—knowledge he later applied in his investigative projects and books.

Career Beginnings: From Analyst to Investigator

Conor Woodman’s career transitioned from finance to media with a desire to tell stories that matter. He began writing articles for newspapers and magazines, focusing on global issues and the hidden aspects of society. His early work revealed a talent for uncovering complex systems and explaining them in ways that audiences could understand and relate to.

His investigative style combines on-the-ground reporting, immersive storytelling, and hands-on experience, often putting him in situations that many journalists avoid. This approach has earned him respect for both the depth and accessibility of his work.

Television Career: Conor Woodman on Screen

Around the World in 80 Trades

One of Conor Woodman’s most notable television projects was “Around the World in 80 Trades”, a Channel 4 series based on his book. In this series, Conor traveled to different countries, exchanging goods and services to make a profit while learning about the local economy, culture, and challenges. The show highlighted his ability to blend adventure with economic and social insights, captivating audiences worldwide.

Scam City

Another high-profile show hosted by Conor Woodman was “Scam City”, which aired on National Geographic. In this investigative series, he exposed common scams targeting tourists in global cities, from pickpocketing rings to online frauds. The show demonstrated his fearless investigative approach and ability to bring hidden threats to public attention.

Hunting Doorstep Conmen and Other Investigations

Conor Woodman’s investigative work extended to programs like “Hunting Doorstep Conmen” for ITV, where he confronted fraudsters and educated viewers on protecting themselves. He also explored historical and contemporary mysteries, such as in “Hunting Nazi Treasure”, uncovering looted art and valuables from World War II.

Filmmaking and Documentary Work

In addition to television, Conor Woodman is an accomplished filmmaker. He directed and produced “True Appaloosa”, a documentary exploring cultural and historical stories, which aired on the BBC and premiered at international film festivals. His filmmaking style mirrors his investigative approach: immersive, insightful, and designed to engage audiences both emotionally and intellectually.

Conor’s documentary work allows him to tackle topics that might not fit traditional news formats, blending cinematic storytelling with journalistic rigor.

Writing Career: Books by Conor Woodman

Conor Woodman is also a prolific author, known for both non-fiction and fiction works. His books often explore global trade, crime, and social issues, combining investigative reporting with narrative storytelling.

Non-Fiction Works

1. Around the World in 80 Trades – chronicles his experiences trading goods across countries, blending adventure and economics.

2. Unfair Trade – examines global trade inequalities and was long-listed for the Orwell Prize.

3. Sharks: Investigating the Criminal Heart of the Global City – exposes organized crime in major urban centers.

4. Meth Road – explores the methamphetamine trade from production to consumption, shedding light on a global criminal industry.

Fiction Works

Conor has also co-authored fiction novels with Billy Billingham, including:

• Call to Kill

• Survive to Fight

These works showcase his ability to craft tension and intrigue, drawing on his real-world investigative experiences to inform gripping stories.

Conor Woodman on Radio and Speaking Engagements

Conor Woodman frequently contributes to BBC radio programs such as From Our Own Correspondent and Costing the Earth. His appearances provide insight into global issues, crime, and trade, all informed by his firsthand reporting.

He is also a sought-after public speaker, sharing his investigative experiences, storytelling techniques, and insights into global commerce and crime at festivals, universities, and industry events.

Personal Life: Family and Relationships

Conor Woodman tends to keep his personal life private, but some details are public:

• Family: He comes from an Irish background and has occasionally shared insights about his upbringing in Ireland and England, though he generally maintains privacy around his immediate family.

• Marital Status: Conor was married to English actress and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge. They later separated and filed for divorce in 2017.

His personal experiences often influence his professional work, particularly his empathy and understanding of people from diverse backgrounds.

Conor Woodman Age and Background Summary

As mentioned earlier, Conor Woodman was born on 21 March 1974, which makes him 52 years old in 2026. His Irish roots, combined with upbringing in England, have given him a unique perspective on culture, commerce, and human behavior. This background informs his investigative work and storytelling.

Conor Woodman Net Worth

While Conor Woodman has not publicly disclosed exact figures, estimates place his net worth in the range of $1 million to $5 million. His wealth comes from multiple streams:

• Television hosting and production

• Book sales, including international publications

• Speaking engagements and consulting

• Documentary and filmmaking projects

His diversified career has not only earned him financial success but also significant influence in journalism and media.

Conor Woodman Wikipedia Overview

On Wikipedia, Conor Woodman is described as:

“An Irish investigative journalist, author, and television presenter known for his global investigative reporting, documentary work, and literary contributions.”

His Wikipedia page highlights:

• Date of birth and age

• Major TV programs, including Around the World in 80 Trades and Scam City

• Books and other publications

• Career achievements in journalism and filmmaking

This entry serves as a useful reference for anyone looking to understand his career trajectory and contributions.

Investigative Style and Impact

Conor Woodman is recognized for his hands-on, immersive approach to journalism. Unlike reporters who rely solely on interviews or secondary research, he often enters the environments he covers, whether traveling across continents, exploring black markets, or confronting scams and frauds directly.

This style allows him to:

• Produce content that is both engaging and informative

• Build credibility and trust with audiences

• Reveal hidden layers of complex social and economic issues

His work often educates the public about risks, inequalities, and opportunities in global trade, tourism, and crime prevention.

Influence on Journalism, Media, and Culture

Conor Woodman has influenced modern investigative journalism by:

1. Bringing investigative reporting to mainstream audiences through TV and books

2. Blending storytelling with hard data, making complex topics understandable and relatable

3. Highlighting underreported issues, from scams to global trade imbalances

4. Encouraging ethical consumer awareness, particularly through shows like Scam City

His work demonstrates how journalism can be both thrilling and socially valuable, inspiring upcoming reporters and storytellers.

Lessons from Conor Woodman’s Career

Aspiring journalists and storytellers can learn several lessons from Conor Woodman’s career:

• Courage matters: Investigating dangerous or sensitive topics requires bravery.

• Immersive reporting adds depth: Experiencing a story firsthand allows for more authentic and compelling content.

• Diversify skills: Writing, filmmaking, and broadcasting can amplify reach and impact.

• Research and preparation are key: His financial background gives him an analytical edge in understanding global systems.

• Storytelling drives engagement: Even factual reporting benefits from narrative structure and human-focused storytelling.

Conclusion

Conor Woodman is much more than an investigative journalist. He is an author, filmmaker, and media personality whose fearless approach has uncovered scams, exposed crime networks, and explored global trade and cultural dynamics. From his Irish roots and upbringing in England to a diversified career spanning television, books, and documentaries, Conor Woodman has proven that thorough research, immersive investigation, and compelling storytelling can create content that resonates worldwide.

For anyone searching “Conor Woodman”, whether it’s to learn about his age, family, net worth, or biography, the story is clear: Conor Woodman represents the power of curiosity, courage, and storytelling in uncovering the hidden truths of our world.