David Hillier is a freelance writer and journalist
For 12+ years I’ve been writing for outlets like The Guardian, BBC, The Times and VICE. I'm fluent in many subjects – food trade, tech, trousers – but best known for covering drugs and mental health.
I'm now founder and editor of WHAT ARE YOU ON, a small Substack-led publication and podcast covering drug culture. I was previously Content Lead at Pill Report, helping it become Instagram’s biggest drugs information account – so big Meta tried to shut us down.
I’ve been interviewed by the likes of BBC News, World Service, Radio 1 and CNN for my expertise. I've hosted conference panels, given charities talks, guested on many podcasts and raised funds for drugs organisations and grassroots harm reduction heroes. I was once voted 'Festival Journalist Of The Year' – primarily for my work covering drugs.
In the pre-AI economy, I was a copywriter and content gun for hire. I’ve worked with many startups, charities and multinational brands like Virgin and Adidas.
Please find a selection of previous work and testimonials.
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Especially if you know your Marquis from your 4-methylmethcathinone.
We cover drugs + drug culture with a nuanced, UK-leaning lens that is unmatched. We've collaborated with some of the most pioneering drug organisations this addled isle has produced, like Drug Science, The Loop and Cranstoun.