American formerly held hostage in Syria speaks in Sarasota

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Sam Goodwin had almost completed a quest to visit all 193 countries on the planet when he was arrested by Syrian police and thrown in a political prison.

He shared his story about his capture, time in captivity and release at a Rotary Club of Sarasota event, speaking to a crowd impressed by his survival.

Originally from St. Louis, Goodwin had been to 180 countries when he flew to Syria in 2019. Before he could explore the country, he was accused to espionage and held for 62 days, many spent in solitary confinement. His only meals in prison consisted only of boiled potatoes and bread.

Rotary Club members and guests lined up to have him sign copies of his book recounting both his experience and the story of his family advocating for his release. He is one of the only Americans to ever be released by the Assad regime before its collapse in 2024.

Goodwin came to the Suncoast to host a talk at the Urbanite Theater, which is currently showing a two-woman play about hostages.

While he said he would not want to relive this experience, he warned the crowd not to fear the unknown while still prioritizing safety.

“Safety first, always,” he said. “Though some of the countries we’re supposed to fear...the people were the most kind, welcoming, and proud of their country.”

Now a full-time speaker, Goodwin said his primary goal is to remind Americans of hope.

“We can’t always choose our exact path in life,” he said. “But we can always choose the way in which we walk it.”

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