Podcasts
SpyCast
Ep 655
SpyCast 10.15.24
Ep 655 | 10.15.24

The FBI Hostage Negotiator - with Chris Voss

Show Notes

Summary

Chris Voss (X; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the art of negotiation. Chris formerly served as the FBI lead international hostage negotiator. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

  • The very basics of negotiation, including the phrase “Never split the difference”
  • The art of Tactical Empathy 
  • Case studies from Chris’ career, including the Dos Palmas kidnappings
  • Techniques in ethical interrogation

Reflections

  • Pressure makes diamonds
  • Human nature & understanding “the other side”

And much, much more …

Episode Notes

This week, Andrew was joined by Chris Voss, master in the complicated yet critical art of negotiation. Chris’ decades-long career in the FBI sent him around the globe and positioned him directly across the table from some of the world’s most dangerous criminals and terrorists. During his tenure as the FBI’s lead international hostage negotiator, Chris honed his craft, developing unique methods of communication focused on “tactical empathy.” Since then, Chris founded and continues to serve as the CEO of The Black Swan Group. Tune in for a master class on negotiation, including insights from Chris’ fascinating intelligence career and beyond. 

And… 

Part of Chris’ training was done at the world-famous Scotland Yard – No, not Andrew’s backyard. Scotland Yard, actually located in England, is the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service, a force responsible for the safety of all of Greater London's 32 boroughs. Scotland Yard’s most famous (fictional) detective is perhaps Inspector Lestrade, a frequent collaborator of one Sherlock Holmes. 

Quotes of the Week

“Never take advice from somebody that you wouldn’t trade places with. Never take directions from somebody who hasn’t been where you’re going … I’m coachable, but I know who to be coached by.” – Chris Voss. 

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

*Beginner Resources*

DEEPER DIVE

Books

  • American Mother, C. McCann and D. Foley (Etruscan Press, 2024)
  • The Siege, B. Macintyre (Crown, 2024)
  • Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It, C. Voss & T. Raz (Harper Business, 2016)

Articles

Video

Primary Sources 

*Wildcard Resource*

SpyCast
Podcast Info
HOST(S):
Andrew Hammond
Erin Dietrick
Andrew Hammond, Ph.D. is Historian & Curator at the International Spy Museum, home of the world's preeminent collection of intelligence-related artifacts. Previous chapters have included seven years in the RAF, Public Humanities at the 9/11 Museum in NYC, Fellowships here, there, and everywhere, and academia. He is author of the forthcoming book: "Struggles for Freedom": Afghanistan & US Foreign Policy Since 1979. He loves bialys.
Erin Dietrick is the Programs & Podcast Assistant at the International Spy Museum. Erin is a Cleveland native and graduate of the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, where she studied history. She also holds an MA in Museum Studies from the George Washington University. Erin is passionate about storytelling, inspiring critical thinking, and inciting joy through museum programming. She has a special place in her heart for music history and named her orange cat Ringo after Ringo Starr.
Schedule: Tuesdays, 7am EST (weekly)
Credits: SPY: Mike Mincey and Memphis Vaughn III, Co-Producers; Emily Rens and Emily Coletta, Graphics; Afua Anokwa and Ariel Samuel, Social Media; Erin Dietrick, Researcher, Scheduler, Editor, Co-Producer, Social Media; Andrew Hammond, Writer, Editor-in-Chief, Executive Producer. CYBERWIRE: Elliott Peltzman, Sound Design; Elliott Peltzman and Tré Hester, mixing; Jen Eiben, Co-producer, Social Media; SpyCast opening music: Wayne Jones, “Cypher” (2018).
Creator: International Spy Museum
SpyCast