How I Survived Russian Torture: Lessons in Resilience from U.S. Army Veteran Who Endured Electrocution at Russian Black Site

U.S. Army Veteran Alex Drueke was in the hands of Russian forces for 105 days, enduring beatings, broken ribs, starvation and electrocution. His is an incredible story of resilience and survival. Drueke sits down with Natasha Zouves, describing his weeks of solitary confinement in a 2’x6’ cell, and his tactics to stay sane: playing his favorite movies in his head and speaking to the ants that would try to steal crumbs of his moldy bread, his only daily meal.

EPISODE TRIGGER WARNING: Suicidal ideation. For immediate mental health support in a crisis, you can call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org

Connect with Host Natasha Zouves.