Mickey Bergman

Mickey Bergman, CEO of Global Reach and longtime international hostage negotiator, explains the emotional intelligence and relationship-building behind securing returns like Paul Whelan, Trevor Reed, and Brittney Griner. He breaks down negotiation tradecraft, assessing tradeable prisoners, timing decisions, NGO roles, and keeping talks separate from wider diplomacy.

Mickey Bergman, a negotiator who frees political prisoners and hostages from hostile regimes, explains how emotional intelligence and personal relationships unlock deals. He recounts using Bill Richardson’s ties to Venezuela and a single meeting with Myanmar’s junta leader to secure releases. He also discusses managing identity in negotiations and the long-term challenges returnees face.

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, an Israeli-American hostage negotiator, and Majid al-Ansari, a senior Qatari mediator, dive into the intricate negotiations that secured hostage releases and brokered a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. Mickey reveals the emotional toll of negotiating amid trauma, while Majid discusses the significance of Qatar's mediating role and how trust was built between opposing sides. They share insights on the delicate balance of political dynamics and the urgent need for collaborative solutions in the region.

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.