In this episode of Saint Louis In Tune, hosts Arnold Stricker and Mark Langston interview Mickey Bergman, an expert in high-stakes prisoner and hostage negotiations. Bergman, the CEO of Global Reach and former Chief Intergovernmental Mediator for the Richardson Center for Global Engagement, discusses the complexities of international diplomacy, emotional intelligence, and the personal toll of his work. He also shares stories from his book, co-authored with Ellis Henican, titled In the Shadows: True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad.

Bergman highlights the importance of urgency in negotiations and the psychological dimensions of dealing with nations like Israel, North Korea, and Russia. This episode delves into the emotional and strategic intricacies involved in freeing prisoners and hostages from some of the most difficult geopolitical situations. By interweaving personal stories with practical insights, Bergman illustrates how empathy and awareness can lead to successful outcomes even in dire circumstances.

[00:00] Introduction to Hostage Negotiations

[01:00] Welcome to Saint Louis In Tune

[01:18] Meet Mickey Bergman

[02:40] The Work of Global Reach

[03:42] A Life-Changing Decision

[07:17] The Art of Negotiation

[09:27] Emotional Intelligence in Negotiations

[15:50] Collective Trauma and International Relations

[21:33] Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Event

• Tickets to Mickey Bergman
• In the Shadows by Mickey Bergman | Hachette Book Group
• Global Reach
• Mickey Bergman at Global Reach
• St. Louis Jewish Book Festival Events & Schedule | St. Louis JCC

Links referenced in this episode:

jccstl.com

This is Season 7! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

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