The STIMPACK Podcast Jeff Frazier

Jeff Frazier interviews Austin Holmes, who played a crucial role in negotiating and securing Jeff's release from kidnapping in Haiti. Austin is described as having the skill set and integrity needed for the job. The conversation covers their initial interactions, the challenges they faced, and the negotiations with the kidnappers. They discuss the importance of trust, the difficulties of communication, and the impact of external factors like the Bois-Caïman gang. Austin also praises Mary, Jeff's wife, for her authenticity, discernment, and ability to see the bigger picture. The conversation highlights the transformation and growth of Mary during the kidnapping ordeal. She initially deferred to the experts but eventually took on the responsibility of making decisions on her own behalf. The negotiation process involved resetting trust and rules multiple times. The team had to navigate the complexity of dealing with different negotiators and decision-makers within the gang. The final accord was reached by consistently holding the gang accountable and refusing to adjust the terms. The live exchange was a tense moment, with concerns about potential points of failure and the need for validation. The conversation also emphasizes the ongoing challenges and issues in Haiti that need to be addressed.
Takeaways
 Austin Holmes played a crucial role in negotiating and securing Jeff Frazier's release from kidnapping in Haiti. Trust was a key factor in the negotiations, and Austin had to work to establish trust with Jeff and his family. Communication was challenging due to the difficult circumstances and the need for secrecy. External factors, such as the presence of the Bois-Caïman gang, added complexity to the situation. Mary, Jeff's wife, was praised for her authenticity, discernment, and ability to see the bigger picture. Mary underwent a transformation during the kidnapping ordeal, taking on the responsibility of making decisions on her own behalf. The negotiation process involved resetting trust and rules multiple times. Dealing with different negotiators and decision-makers within the gang added complexity to the negotiation process. The final accord was reached by consistently holding the gang accountable and refusing to adjust the terms. The live exchange was a tense moment, with concerns about potential points of failure and the need for validation. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges and issues in Haiti that need to be addressed.
Sound Bites
"Austin is one of my freedom fighters on my lifelong freedom fighters team." "We had a problem. His name was Jeff Frazier." "We had to sideline Jeff. So everything became about regaining control and getting the microphone back." "Faithful, resilient, crazy her and Aaron were awesome to work with and she's a pretty remarkable person." "What a transformation, right? I mean, that's a pill right there, right? And the strength and backbone to see that, acknowledge it, and to step up to the plate to be responsible for it." "We paid, they agreed to give you up and they And they're demanding the hundred K again"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Austin Holmes
10:33 The First Payment and Trust Issues
21:26 The Impact of the Bois-Colais Movement
23:33 Mary's Role and Discernment
27:37 Transformation and Taking Responsibility
34:57 Being Aggressive and Consistent in Negotiations
39:50 Reaching an Accord and the Live Exchange
48:59 Addressing the Ongoing Issues in Haiti
51:06 Artificial Intelligence and Automation
51:07 Privacy Concerns in the Digital Age

Summary In this conversation, Mary Frazier joins the podcast to discuss the events leading up to her release from captivity in Haiti. They discuss the challenges of negotiating with the gang, the emotional roller coaster of day 28, and the efforts to secure her release through non-monetary means. They also touch on the involvement of politicians and the media in their efforts. The conversation ends with the discussion of the pivotal moment on day 38 when the gang is willing to negotiate a smaller ransom amount. In this conversation, Jeff and Mary discuss the challenges they faced during the negotiation process for Jeff's release. They talk about the difficulties in finding a location for the exchange and the frustration that came with it. They also mention the involvement of various individuals who supported their cause. Finally, they discuss the moment when Jeff was finally released and the emotions they experienced during that time.
Takeaways
Negotiating with the gang was challenging and required building trust over time. Day 28 was a particularly emotional day as they hoped for Mary's release but were ultimately disappointed. Efforts were made to secure Mary's release through non-monetary means, including leveraging political connections and media attention. The involvement of politicians and the media had a significant impact on the negotiations. The pivotal moment on day 38 when the gang was willing to negotiate a smaller ransom amount. Having someone to talk to and go through the difficult times with can be incredibly helpful. Finding a location for a live exchange can be a challenging and time-consuming process. The involvement of supportive individuals can make a significant difference in a negotiation. The moment of release can be both relieving and overwhelming, with a mix of emotions.
Keywords
 Sound Bites "These gangs are knuckleheads. They don't know anything about the real world." "I remember every phone call I got from a Haitian number, like I wasn't even allowed to answer." "Every person that got out, I was grateful because I was like, okay, every person that gets out, it's gonna make it easier for him to actually leave." "Stephanie, I love you if you're watching." "Just some of the amazing people that were getting involved at these higher levels that really cared and really interested in getting you home." "Let's fast they come up with a deal on a ransom amount and that it's going to be a live exchange."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
02:03 Establishing Trust and Making Agreements
 06:02 The Emotional Roller Coaster of Hope and Disappointment
10:37 Applying Pressure on the Gang through Various Channels
19:44 Holding Firm in Negotiations and Not Giving In
25:43 The Challenges of Negotiation and Location Agreement
29:10 A Breakthrough and a Live Exchange
32:14 The Panic of a Shortage and the Successful Exchange
36:24 Reintegration and the Importance of Patience
43:31 The Role of Support and Communication in the Negotiation Process
46:31 Artificial Intelligence and Automation
46:32 Privacy Concerns in the Digital Age

Summary
In this part of the conversation, Jeff Frazier shares his experience in captivity and the challenges he faced. He talks about the excitement of DJ getting close to being released and the constant harassment from the kidnappers. Jeff discusses the conditions in captivity, including the bright lights and uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. He also mentions his hope for a solution to his ransom and the support he receives from his wife, Mary. Jeff reflects on the importance of perseverance and the realization that he is capable of more than he thought. In the second part of the conversation, Jeff describes the final days of his captivity and his eventual release. He talks about the emotional rollercoaster he experienced, from moments of hope and excitement to fear and despair. Jeff shares how he tried to manage his emotions and maintain a sense of control in a dangerous and unpredictable situation. He also reflects on the impact of his captivity on his physical and mental well-being. Finally, Jeff recounts the moment of his release and the overwhelming emotions he felt upon reuniting with his wife.
Keywords
captivity, release, harassment, conditions, hope, ransom, support, perseverance, captivity, release, emotions, hope, fear, despair, physical well-being, mental well-being, reunion
Takeaways
The excitement of DJ getting close to being released
The constant harassment from the kidnappers
The uncomfortable conditions in captivity
The hope for a solution to the ransom
The support and strength from Jeff's wife, Mary
The realization that he is capable of more than he thought Jeff experienced a range of emotions during his captivity, from hope and excitement to fear and despair.
He tried to manage his emotions and maintain a sense of control in a dangerous and unpredictable situation.
Jeff reflects on the impact of his captivity on his physical and mental well-being.
The moment of his release and reuniting with his wife was overwhelming and filled with emotions.
Sound Bites
"DJ is getting close to being released"
"The lights are always on. So ever since the escape, they find fuel for the generator and they run the generator and the light is always on"
"I just kind of resigned that I was going to be there for awhile, which strangely is a better way to pass the time than hoping every day that maybe today's the day"
"We've crossed enough hurdles. It looks could work."
"You don't want the kidnappers to catch you looking through the people."
"I'm doing exactly what I have to do, which is try to get this money and show them that I'm trying to get this money."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Recap
00:59 Difficult Conditions of Captivity
04:49 Emotional Battle on Day 30
08:33 Lesson from Army Experience
11:47 Recognizing Our True Capability
12:16 DJ's Release and the Loan Shark
20:06 Hope and Despair: Jeff's Emotional Rollercoaster
21:04 Relief: Mary is Okay
37:06 Stephanie's Possible Escape
39:34 The Struggles of Isolation and Harassment
46:55 Finding Courage in the Midst of Despair
51:02 Negotiations and the Search for an Accord
01:05:41 The Tense Moments Before Release
01:11:53 Encounter with a Gang Member
01:16:15 Relief and Freedom at the Marriott Hotel
01:19:25 Reflections on Physical and Emotional State
01:32:07 Artificial Intelligence and Automation
01:32:08 Privacy Concerns in the Digital Age

Summary
Stephanie Dufort shares her experience of being kidnapped in Haiti and the harrowing moments she went through. She discusses how she was targeted because of the color of her skin and considered a rich person. Stephanie talks about the initial moments of the kidnapping, the fear she felt, and the attempts to escape. She also highlights the emotional toll it took on her and her loved ones. Despite the trauma, Stephanie's faith in God grew stronger, and she gained a deeper appreciation for life. Stephanie and Jeff continue their conversation, discussing the details of their captivity and the physical and emotional abuse they endured. They reflect on the fear and uncertainty they felt during their ordeal and the relief they experienced upon their release. Stephanie shares her gratitude for the support and prayers they received and emphasizes the ongoing violence and suffering in Haiti. They conclude by expressing hope for a better future for the country.
 
Keywords
kidnapping, Haiti, targeted, escape, fear, emotional toll, faith, appreciation for life, captivity, abuse, fear, uncertainty, release, gratitude, support, prayers, violence, suffering, Haiti, hope
 
Takeaways Stephanie was kidnapped in Haiti and targeted because of the color of her skin. She experienced fear and trauma during the kidnapping and made attempts to escape. The emotional toll on Stephanie and her loved ones was significant. Her faith in God grew stronger, and she gained a deeper appreciation for life. Stephanie and Jeff recount the details of their captivity and the physical and emotional abuse they endured. They reflect on the fear and uncertainty they felt during their ordeal and the relief they experienced upon their release. Stephanie expresses her gratitude for the support and prayers they received during their captivity. They highlight the ongoing violence and suffering in Haiti and hope for a better future for the country.
Titles Surviving a Kidnapping: Stephanie's Story Escaping Captivity: Stephanie's Journey to Freedom Surviving Captivity: A Story of Abuse and Resilience Gratitude and Hope: Reflecting on the Ordeal in Haiti
Sound Bites "Someone gave me up." "I felt guilty mostly when I got kidnapped." "It's not your fault. It's only the kidnapper's fault." "He's touching me." "I would not have survived." "I was physically freed, but not mentally."
Chapters 00:00Introduction and Welcome
01:27Day One: Stephanie's Kidnapping
05:53Living in Captivity: Conditions and Challenges
09:21Surviving in Difficult Circumstances
12:25The Emotional Toll of Captivity
17:00Torture and Capture
33:43Surviving Captivity
37:32The Horrific Conditions in the Room
37:33Release and Gratitude
41:03Raising Awareness

Summary
In this episode, Jeff recounts his experiences on day 29 of captivity. He describes being recaptured after an escape attempt and being placed in a new cell. Jeff reflects on the guards' reactions and the fear they displayed. He then shares the brutal beating he endured, including being hogtied with cords and the intense pain he felt. Jeff also discusses the psychological impact of the beatings and his realization that his timeline for escape had been reset. He concludes by urging listeners to empathize with the people who are still suffering under the control of the gangs in Haiti.
 
Keywords:
captivity, escape attempt, recapture, fear, beating, hogtied, pain, psychological impact, empathy, Haiti
 
Takeaways Jeff is recaptured after an escape attempt and placed in a new cell The guards display fear and concern for their own safety Jeff endures a brutal beating, including being hogtied with cords The beatings have a psychological impact on Jeff Jeff realizes that his timeline for escape has been reset Jeff urges listeners to empathize with the people suffering under the control of the gangs in Haiti
Titles Resetting the Timeline for Escape Empathy for the Suffering in Haiti
Sound Bites "I, the way that I get out the most successfully is by giving what and what they want." "Something flipped in my brain... I was terrified." "I start by saying, you know, how am I supposed to get it? You know, and his intensity of course just escalates."
 

SummaryDay 28 of the Stimpak podcast continues the story of Jeff Frazier's kidnapping. Negotiations are ongoing, and Chef Rasta is now involved. Jeff's team has an agreement with the kidnappers, but the amount of money is not enough for them. Jeff and Stephanie plan to escape through the window, and they start preparing disguises and bending the bars. The kidnappers are partying and not checking on Jeff and Stephanie, which gives them the opportunity to escape. After successfully escaping through the window, Jeff and Stephanie wait for the right time to leave the compound. They carefully navigate the area, avoiding dogs and waiting for the traffic to die down. They make their way out of the compound and walk slowly to blend in with the locals. However, their plan takes an unexpected turn when they encounter two gangsters. Jeff and Stephanie try to convince them to help, but ultimately, they are sold out to another gang. They are taken back to the compound and placed in a room with other captives.
Keywordskidnapping, negotiations, Chef Rasta, escape plan, disguises, bending bars, escape, compound, gangsters, sold out, captives
Takeaways Negotiations with the kidnappers continue, but the amount of money is not enough for them Jeff and Stephanie plan to escape through the window They start preparing disguises and bending the bars The kidnappers are partying and not checking on Jeff and Stephanie, giving them the opportunity to escape Escaping from a dangerous situation requires careful planning and timing. Even when things seem to be going well, unexpected challenges can arise. Trusting strangers in a dangerous situation can be risky. Hope can be both a source of strength and a vulnerability. The journey to freedom is often filled with setbacks and uncertainty.
Titles Preparing for Escape: Bending Bars and Disguises Negotiations and Escaping: Day 28 of the Kidnapping Trusting Strangers: The Risky Path to Freedom The Perilous Escape: Navigating Danger and Uncertainty
Sound Bites "Negotiations are ongoing, and Chef Rasta is now involved" "Jeff and Stephanie plan to escape through the window" "Preparing disguises and bending the bars" "The only thing I can compare it to is if you've ever done extreme sports or jumped off a cliff. There's a phrase that extreme sports people use, which is send it." "Once you leave the compound, there's no trees at all. So all of a sudden, I just feel incredibly exposed." "We're trying to offer them an immense amount of money. It's small cash for you and I, but a lot for them, life-changing money for them."