Trading Secrets 257. Chris Voss Returns! Former FBI lead crisis negotiator on reading people, building instant trust, & and turning pressure into power - the negotiation tactics YOU need to know
Oct 13, 2025
01:14:37
This week, Jason is joined by author, entrepreneur, professor, and most notably former member of the FBI, known as the mast negotiator, Chris Voss!
Chris earned that title throughout his time serving as the lead crisis negotiator for the New York City division of the FBI, and then as FBI’s Chief International Hostage and Kidnapping negotiator. In 2008, after spending 24 years and working 150 international hostage cases for the FBI, Chris founded the Black Swan group which serves as a consulting and training agency for both businesses and individuals on negotiating skills. He has also published several NYT bestselling books.
The former FBI hostage negotiator pulls back the curtain on the art and science of high-stakes communication. Chris breaks down his thoughts on President Trump’s negotiation tactics, explains what an “accusation audit” is and why it’s so effective, and shares how he reacts when others use his own techniques against him. He dives into knowing when to walk away, why every interaction should end on a high note, and what to do when you’re being ghosted. Chris also brings his negotiation expertise into everyday life—offering strategies for navigating dating, marriage, and divorce, the power of telling the truth, and why curiosity can be a superpower when dealing with tight-lipped people. He reveals how a kidnapping hostage negotiation unfolds, the cost of a bad deal, why trusting your gut matters, and his best tips for negotiating your salary.
Chris reveals all this and so much more in another episode you can’t afford to miss!
Host: Jason Tartick
Co-Host: David Arduin
Audio: John Gurney
Guest:
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Square:
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Chris earned that title throughout his time serving as the lead crisis negotiator for the New York City division of the FBI, and then as FBI’s Chief International Hostage and Kidnapping negotiator. In 2008, after spending 24 years and working 150 international hostage cases for the FBI, Chris founded the Black Swan group which serves as a consulting and training agency for both businesses and individuals on negotiating skills. He has also published several NYT bestselling books.
The former FBI hostage negotiator pulls back the curtain on the art and science of high-stakes communication. Chris breaks down his thoughts on President Trump’s negotiation tactics, explains what an “accusation audit” is and why it’s so effective, and shares how he reacts when others use his own techniques against him. He dives into knowing when to walk away, why every interaction should end on a high note, and what to do when you’re being ghosted. Chris also brings his negotiation expertise into everyday life—offering strategies for navigating dating, marriage, and divorce, the power of telling the truth, and why curiosity can be a superpower when dealing with tight-lipped people. He reveals how a kidnapping hostage negotiation unfolds, the cost of a bad deal, why trusting your gut matters, and his best tips for negotiating your salary.
Chris reveals all this and so much more in another episode you can’t afford to miss!
Host: Jason Tartick
Co-Host: David Arduin
Audio: John Gurney
Guest:
Stay connected with the Trading Secrets Podcast!
Instagram: @tradingsecretspodcast
Youtube: Trading Secrets
Facebook: Join the Group
All Access: Free 30-Day Trial
Trading Secrets Steals & Deals!
Square:
If you're starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go/tradingsecrets
Momentous:
Momentous Creapure ® Creatine is backed by leading performance experts like Dr Andrew Huberman and Dr Stacy Sims. Sourced exclusively in Germany, Creapure sets the gold standard for creatine, delivering the purest form, creatine monohydrate, that's rigorously washed and never cut with fillers. Go to livemomentous.com, and use promo code TRADINGSECRETS for up to 35% off your first subscription order
Boll & Branch:
Boll & Branch makes upgrading your bed easier than ever with curated Bundles for a sanctuary of comfort. For a limited time get 20% off Bed Bundles, plus free shipping and returns, at BollAndBranch.com/tradingsecrets.