Picture an American journalist who turned the chaotic saga of a startup into a page-turning tale—meet Reeves Wiedeman! A contributing editor at New York magazine, Wiedeman has carved a niche with his sharp, engaging storytelling. His debut book, Billion Dollar Loser, chronicles the meteoric rise and spectacular crash of WeWork, earning praise for its vivid narrative and biting wit.
With a knack for blending humor and insight, Wiedeman’s work spans sports, culture, and business, appearing in outlets like The New Yorker and The New York Times Magazine. Let’s dive into the life of this storyteller who’s making waves in modern journalism.
The Making of Reeves Wiedeman
Hailing from Kansas City, Reeves Wiedeman’s roots are as American as a backyard barbecue. While details of his early life are sparse, his career kicked off with a stint as a fact-checker at The New Yorker, where he honed his eye for detail. By 2016, he joined New York magazine as a features writer, tackling everything from quirky cultural trends to hard-hitting business exposés. His Midwestern sensibility and relentless curiosity shaped a voice that’s both relatable and razor-sharp.
Wiedeman’s journalism career reflects his versatility. Early gigs at Grantland and Men’s Journal let him flex his narrative muscles, covering sports and subcultures with a storyteller’s flair. This foundation set the stage for his leap into long-form nonfiction, where he’d soon make his mark.
Reeves Wiedeman’s Unforgettable Stories
Wiedeman’s breakout came with Billion Dollar Loser: The Epic Rise and Spectacular Fall of Adam Neumann and WeWork (2020), a gripping account of WeWork’s rollercoaster journey. The book dives into founder Adam Neumann’s audacious vision and reckless ambition, painting a portrait of startup excess. Critics lauded its “mordantly funny” tone and meticulous reporting, with Fortune calling it “the Bad Blood of 2020.”
Beyond his book, Wiedeman’s magazine work shines. His New York feature “The Haunting of a Dream House” inspired the Netflix series The Watcher, blending true-crime intrigue with suburban dread. Articles like “The End of the NFL’s Concussion Crisis” and “Alec and Hilaria Baldwin Against the World” showcase his range, tackling sports controversies and celebrity scandals with equal finesse. His style—crisp, witty, and packed with jaw-dropping details—turns complex topics into compulsive reads.
Wiedeman’s themes often explore ambition, hubris, and the absurdities of modern life. Whether he’s dissecting a tech titan’s downfall or a bizarre cultural phenomenon, his work feels like a conversation with a clever friend who’s done all the homework.
Why Reeves Wiedeman Matters
In an era of fleeting headlines, Wiedeman’s storytelling stands out for its depth and humanity. Billion Dollar Loser doesn’t just expose WeWork’s flaws; it critiques the venture-capital frenzy of the 2010s, offering a lens on unchecked capitalism. His journalism, from sports to true crime, captures the zeitgeist, making readers rethink the world around them.
Wiedeman’s impact extends beyond print. His work on The Watcher shows how his narratives resonate in pop culture, while his Substack and editorial union role at New York magazine highlight his commitment to the craft. For aspiring writers, he’s proof that curiosity and clarity can turn niche stories into universal ones.
- Born: Kansas City, USA
- Key Work: Billion Dollar Loser (2020)
- Notable Outlets: New York, The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine
- Fun Fact: His WeWork book inspired a wave of startup postmortems.
Ready to get hooked? Snag Billion Dollar Loser or dive into Wiedeman’s New York articles for a masterclass in modern journalism!