"I was living in hell." - Jose Pereira
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Jose Angel Pereira Ruimwyk, a bestselling author, international speaker, executive coach, and podcast host, who survived nearly five years of wrongful imprisonment as part of the Citgo 6. He is a leading voice on resilience, leadership, and hostage diplomacy worldwide.In this episode, Jose shares his incredible journey from being a successful CEO to becoming a political prisoner for five years. Jose discusses the challenges he faced during his captivity, including solitary confinement and suicidal thoughts, and how the support of his family and friends helped him survive. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, resilience, and having a support system in overcoming life's challenges. Jose's story is one of hope, redemption, and the belief that nothing is impossible.
Your host, Janet Sandberg, offers support for mind, body, and soul. Through Reiki, channelled Soul Conversations, and trauma-informed coaching, she helps you discover who you are, why you’re here, what’s holding you back, and how to move forward with confidence and clarity. With a deep commitment to mental health and her own lived experience in grief, resilience, and personal growth, Janet creates a safe, compassionate space for insight, healing, and transformation that is available to everyone, regardless of location.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast
01:09 Jose's Journey from Venezuela to the U.S.
03:23 Becoming CEO and Ethical Dilemmas
06:42 The Hostage Situation: A Life Turned Upside Down
10:34 The Importance of Support and Hope
14:35 Survival Strategies in Captivity
21:24 The Long Road to Freedom
26:52 Finding Purpose and Resilience
30:54 Conclusion: The Power of Belief and Hope
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In Crisis?
Canada:
Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988
In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec
If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.
If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.
USA:
Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Call 911 in life-threatening situations.
Keywords: Phoenix Wisdom, resilience, hope, survival, mental health, support, Venezuela, hostage, mindset, personal growth, Citgo 6, solitary confinement, political prisoner, suicidal ideation, suicide prevention, neuroplasticity