Sarah Montague interviews Mickey Bergman, a seasoned hostage negotiator. They discuss the role of negotiators in securing the release of kidnapped Americans and the challenges they face dealing with criminals, political actors, or governments abroad.

Mickey Bergman, a political prisoner and hostage advocate, shares his insights as the CEO of Global Reach and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee. He discusses the complex realm of fringe diplomacy, specifically the ongoing negotiations for American detainees in Russia amid rising tensions. Mickey recounts his personal experiences and the emotional weight of these negotiations. He also highlights cases like Trevor Reed and the intertwined fates of Brittany Griner and Paul Whelan, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas and urgent calls for justice in international diplomacy.

In this engaging discussion, hostage negotiator Mickey Bergman shares his journey and experiences in securing the release of wrongly-detained Americans. He breaks down the dynamics of hostage situations, revealing how motivations behind kidnappings are often misunderstood. Bergman delves into the complexities of international negotiations, highlighting the roles of politics and personal stories in high-stakes diplomacy. He also addresses the delicate negotiations between Hamas and Israel, showcasing the challenges and triumphs in bringing hostages home.