Listeners looking for a true crime story with a dramatic twist will love this podcast. American Hostage is the tragic true podcast story of unlikely events that changed lives forever. When radio reporter Fred Heckman answered a phone call one day, his life changed forever. American Hostage takes a unique look at the story of a local radio reporter and his involvement with a hostage taker.

What starts as a man's demand for an interview on Fred Heckman's radio show turns into something else. A call becomes a dark, life-or-death scenario for Tony Kiritsis's hostage in a few minutes. Whatever Heckman does, says, or thinks could determine the hostage's fate.

The unique thing about this podcast? It's based on a true story and illustrates true events. But it's not told in an interview or reported format. Instead, this eight-part series unfolds like a suspense-filled thriller.

American Hostage takes listeners through a gripping ride with each episode. Audiences will unwind the complicated tale of this 60-hour standoff. They'll learn more about Kiritsis and his motivation. They'll grapple with empathy. They'll sit on the edge of their seats as the true plot thickens. They'll learn that circumstances aren't always what they seem.

Above all, they'll dive into a compelling take on a true story. Fred Heckman learned the hard way never to become the story. Now, listeners can understand what led to the phone call that changed everything.