Kidnapped in Somalia, Rescued by SEAL Team Six | Jessica’s Buchanan’s Story of Hope

"What happens after you survive the unthinkable? For Jessica Buchanan, surviving survival became the hardest—and most transformative—journey of all."

In this deeply powerful and emotionally resonant episode, Stacey sits down with Jessica Buchanan, humanitarian, educator, and New York Times bestselling author, to unpack her harrowing story of being kidnapped by Somali pirates and held hostage for 93 days. But this conversation is about so much more than captivity—it's about what comes next. Jessica opens up about the aftermath of her rescue by SEAL Team Six, the struggle of reclaiming her identity, and the journey toward healing and purpose. She shares insights from her upcoming book Surviving Survival, discusses the nuances of trauma and resilience, and introduces us to the powerful stories she's amplifying through her publishing company, SoulSpeak Press. With raw vulnerability and hard-earned wisdom, Jessica reminds us that pain is never wasted—and that we all have the ability to create a meaningful life after devastation.

What You’ll Learn:

• The psychological toll and moral complexity of surviving a kidnapping
• How Jessica reframed “options” vs. “choices” in the midst of trauma
• Why surviving the aftermath of trauma can be harder than the trauma itself
• How writing and storytelling became tools for healing
• What it truly means to "survive survival"
• How SoulSpeak Press is giving a platform to stories of grit and resilience
• Insights on trauma, motherhood, identity, and rebuilding from rubble
  

Jessica Buchanan is a teacher, humanitarian, speaker, and survivor. In 2011, while working on education and demining efforts in Somalia, she was kidnapped by pirates and held for 93 days before being rescued by SEAL Team Six. Her memoir Impossible Odds, co-authored with her husband and Anthony Flacco, became a New York Times bestseller. Jessica is also the founder of SoulSpeak Press, a boutique publishing company that empowers women to share their survival stories. Her newest book, Surviving Survival, explores the journey of healing after trauma and will be released on October 27th.

Connect with Jess:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Impossible Odds by Jessica Buchanan Paperback
• Kindle 
• Hardcover 
• Her New Book -

  How to Survive Survival: A Guide to Turning Life's Hardest Moments into Meaningful Contribution for the World

• On Kindle

If Jessica’s story moved you, inspired you, or gave you a new perspective, please consider subscribing to the show, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps amplify stories of resilience, healing, and hope. Follow us on social media for more episodes and behind-the-scenes content!

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