Episode
What Hostage Negotiations Teach Us About Human Behaviour
- Podcast
- Really Good Conversations
- Published
- Sep 2, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 2262
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Summary
"Words can change lives" In this episode of the Really Good Conversations podcast, Amy speaks with Steve York ; a former police negotiator, tactical commander, and now corporate risk advisor and negotiation coach. Steve's career has taken him from life-or-death hostage situations to high-stakes corporate boardrooms. In this conversation he shares what these intense moments have taught him about how people behave under pressure, how power works in a room, and how to influence outcomes through calm, presence and insight - not force. They explore the role of ego, emotion, and self-interest in negotiation, and why understanding what drives people is key to finding resolution. Steve also shares how body language, silence, and listening can all shift the dynamic in your favour. Key Topics Discussed: What prompted Steve to train in hostage negotiations Why self-interest sits at the heart of all negotiation How ego and emotion can derail conversations The power of silence and body language Why "win-win" outcomes are often a myth What hostage situations reveal about everyday human behaviour Practical tactics for handling high-stakes or high-pressure conversations Whether you're negotiating at work, managing conflict at home, or just trying to communicate more effectively, the principles Steve outlines are widely applicable - and surprisingly simple. Find out more about Stev York Website: https://www.steveyork.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-york-64785a237/?originalSubdomain=au Episode Transcript: We touch on gun violence and suicide in this episode, so this is a trigger warning for listeners. Amy Welcome to the Really Good Conversations podcast. Today I am joined by Steve York, a former police negotiator, tactical commander and corporate risk advisor. Steve…