David Wolinsky

Independent oral historian and journalist exploring the intersections of technology, culture, and identity
Don't Die / Stanford
https://nodontdie.com
David Wolinsky is an independent oral historian and journalist exploring the intersections of technology, culture, and identity. A former editor at The Onion and NBC, Wolinsky has conducted over 500 interviews since 2014 through Don't Die, his long-running oral history project that began as a response to the cultural upheaval of Gamergate. This work culminated in his debut book, The Hivemind Swarmed (Beacon Press, 2024), which examines the internets impact on identity, online bad-faith group dynamics, and the human cost of cool jobs like making videogames. Praised for its uncensored conversations and nuanced reflections, the projects archive is preserved by Stanford University as a vital resource on digital culture.Wolinskys oral history practice is rooted in curiosity and a belief in the power of personal storytelling to illuminate broader societal trends. He views oral history not as mere documentation, but as a means of uncovering the how and why behind complex cultural shifts. By surfacing overlooked narratives and drawing unexpected connections, his work reveals how niche subcultures and industries shed light on deeper truths about our shared world.In addition to his independent oral history work, Wolinsky collaborates on documentary and archival research projects, contributing to storytelling that blends historical depth with contemporary relevance. He is also a collaborator on the Oral History Worker Solidarity Project, focusing on issues of fair labor practices, pay transparency, and career sustainability for oral historians who identify as contingent laborers.

Experience

I have over a decade of experience as an independent oral historian and journalist, proudly self-taught from the school of hard knocks. Without formal degrees in either field, I've developed a relaxed, off-script interview style that has enabled me to surface conversations across countless fields YA authors, military veterans, entertainment-industry insiders, Silicon Valley pioneers, creative executives, labor union reps, film historians, literary critics, TV writers, activists, rappers, and more. This approach has become my specialty: uncovering unexpected insights and fostering genuine dialogue. (And if you really need to know about my piece of paper, I got a bachelors in music business from Middle Tennessee State University during the dawning Napster era, which in hindsight sparked an enduring interest in how creative industries resist change, or actively make them worse.)

Services

Oral history interviewing, project design, archival and documentary research, storytelling and narrative development, curriculum creation, public speaking, workshops, writing and editing, historical analysis, creative consulting, connecting digital culture to broader societal and historical contexts, collaboration on digital and cultural history projects.

Languages

Regions Available for Work

Other Regions: Chicago / the internet

Specialty

In 2025, Wolinsky is exploring new directions in his oral history work, building on a decade-long deep dive. His current focus includes the internets founding generation and how their work echoes and challenges Americas founding ideals, as well as the ways the internet and streaming platforms have transformed labor and storytelling in television. Wolinsky remains deeply committed to uncovering overlooked narratives and fostering connections between past and present through his work.

Purpose of Contact

  • I am available to answer questions, or provide mentorship to other oral historians
  • I am available for hire - as an oral historian, consultant, presenter, educator, or related services
  • I am available to collaborate - on research, community projects, artistic endeavors, or other joint undertakings with peers
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