In this powerful episode, I speak with Jessica Buchanan — kidnapping survivor, teacher, author, editor, and founder of Soul Speak Press — about resilience, trauma, and transforming pain into purpose. Jessica shares her harrowing story of being abducted by Somali pirates, her journey through healing, and how she now helps other women tell the truth of their stories.
In this episode, we cover:
Jessica’s early call to service and what led her to East Africa
The shocking moment her convoy was ambushed and she was taken hostage
What it’s like to live in survival mode and what she learned in captivity
The role of her mother’s spiritual presence during the darkest days
The aftermath: PTSD, loss of agency, and how resilience is cultivated
Jessica’s guiding mantra: Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible
Her life now as an editor and publisher helping women go deeper and speak their truths
Her many lessons in forgiveness, worthiness, grace, and faith
In addition to Jessica’s next anthology (From Deserts to Mountaintops: Out of the Ashes) to be released in January, 2026, her upcoming podcast will be her next major contribution to the world, and I can’t wait. Be on the lookout for “Surviving Survival” — a podcast of interviews with women who’ve turned life’s hardest moments into meaningful contribution for the world
Jessica’s Work:
Founder of Soul Speak Press, a bespoke, nontraditional publishing house for women authors
Host of healing writing workshops and story-editing experiences
Advocate for women who’ve endured the unthinkable and want to create meaning from their stories
Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://www.jessbuchanan.com/
and https://www.soulspeakpress.com/
Instagram: @jessicacbuchanan and @soulspeakpress
Books: Impossible Odds and Deserts to Mountaintops Anthology Series
