
Melissa Fortunato
FBI agent and crisis/hostage negotiator with a background in psychology and undercover work; focuses on empathy, listening, and team diversity in high-stakes negotiations.
Top 3 podcasts with Melissa Fortunato
Ranked by the Snipd community

42 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 2h 16min
The FBI Negotiation Masterclass - How to Read Minds, Build Trust, and Stay Calm
In this masterclass, guests Joe Navarro, a former FBI special agent and body language expert; Gary Noesner, a retired chief of the FBI's Crisis Negotiation Unit; and Melissa Fortunato, an FBI crisis negotiator, share their insights on high-stakes negotiations. Joe emphasizes the power of benign curiosity and small nonverbal cues. Gary highlights the importance of likability and genuine curiosity in communication. Melissa discusses how diversity fosters trust and effective negotiation tactics, showcasing how these principles apply both in crisis situations and everyday interactions.

May 7, 2025 • 41min
The Secret Strategy FBI Negotiators Use — And You Can Too (with Melissa Fortunato)
In this engaging conversation, Melissa Fortunato, a seasoned FBI agent with 23 years of experience, shares her insights from undercover work and crisis negotiations. She discusses how understanding psychology enhances communication in high-pressure situations. The importance of empathy and diverse negotiation strategies shines through as she recounts a tense standoff. Listeners learn that the power of listening and asking questions can foster connection, making it essential for successful negotiations at any level.

Dec 13, 2024 • 42min
FBI Agent Melissa Fortunato: Stop Overthinking and Just Start Asking
Melissa Fortunato, an accomplished FBI agent with 23 years of experience in negotiations and undercover operations, shares her gripping stories and insights. She emphasizes the importance of starting conversations without overthinking and adapting questions on the fly. The discussion reveals how empathy and trust are crucial for building cooperative relationships. Fortunato also highlights her unconventional undercover strategies and the benefits of diverse perspectives in negotiations, reminding listeners that effective listening can transform tough conversations.


