Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership

The Stories We Tell Featuring Graham Gremore Every story has the power to shape how we see ourselves and each other. In this episode of Forged in Fire , Robert Garrett and guest co-host Itai Bailey sit down with Graham Gremore , Editor-in-Chief of Queerty, to explore how journalism, media, and authentic storytelling influence LGBTQ+ leadership. Together they discuss: How leading a newsroom differs from leading in the spotlight Why representation in media still matters, even during periods of backlash The evolution of journalism in the age of podcasts, social media, and short-form content Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding the confidence to lead authentically Why the most important stories aren't always the ones with the biggest audience Throughout the conversation, Graham reflects on his journey from freelance writer to editor-in-chief, sharing lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the responsibility that comes with telling stories that help people feel seen. Because leadership isn't always about being the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes it's about deciding whose voice gets heard.

Behind every Pride celebration is a team of leaders working year-round to build community, create safe spaces, and ensure LGBTQ+ voices are seen and heard. In this special Pride Month episode of Forged in Fire , we sit down with Kenya Hutton of the Center for Black Equity, the organization behind DC Black Pride, and Jessica Laney , President of Pikes Peak Pride. Together, they share what it takes to lead large-scale community organizations, navigate challenges, inspire volunteers, and create meaningful impact for LGBTQ+ communities. From the lessons they've learned as leaders to the moments that remind them why this work matters, this conversation explores leadership at the community level and the power of creating spaces where people can feel seen, valued, and connected. Join us for a discussion about service, resilience, visibility, and what it means to lead with pride.

In this episode of Forged in Fire , we sit down with Major General (Ret.) Tammy Smith, a trailblazing leader whose career was shaped not only by service, but by the courage to lead authentically in moments of profound institutional change. From her early years navigating leadership in a rigid and tradition-bound military, to becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ general officer following the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Tammy shares what it means to lead while carrying both visibility and responsibility. She reflects on “leading from the closet,” the personal cost of compartmentalization, and the pivotal moments that forced her to reconcile identity, values, and service. This conversation explores the evolution from honesty to true authenticity, the weight of being first, and the reality that leadership is not just about outcomes, but about how fully you show up. Tammy also offers insight into inclusive leadership, the power of representation, and why resilience continues to drive both the veteran and LGBTQ+ communities forward. This is a conversation about courage, growth, and the kind of leadership that doesn’t separate identity from service—but integrates it fully.

In this powerful return to Forged in Fire , retired U.S. Space Force Colonel Bree Fram joins the team—this time on the other side of the mic—to reflect on a leadership journey shaped by service, identity, and courage under pressure. From helping build the Space Force from the ground up to navigating deeply personal and institutional challenges, Bree shares what it truly means to lead with authenticity in environments that don’t always make space for it. The conversation explores the tension between tradition and innovation, the responsibility of leaders to challenge broken systems, and the reality that integrity is often tested in quiet, uncomfortable moments—not just bold, visible ones. Bree offers candid insights into advocating for change from both inside and outside institutions, the emotional weight of public service, and why vulnerability is not weakness, but one of leadership’s greatest strengths. Grounded in lived experience, this episode is a call to action for anyone striving to lead with purpose. Whether you’re in uniform, public service, or your local community, Bree reminds us that leadership isn’t about status or noise—it’s about character, connection, and the courage to stand up, again and again, for what’s right.

“We don’t have Democratic potholes or Republican snowplows.” Milwaukee Alderman Peter Burgelis joins Forged in Fire to talk about leadership where it matters most: the neighborhoods we live in. In this episode, Dr. Liz Cavallaro and guest co-host Eduardo Placer explore leadership in local government, public service, and LGBTQ representation in politics through Peter’s experience serving the people of Milwaukee. From knocking on thousands of doors to pointing out potholes on a neighbor’s street, Peter reflects on leading in one of the most immediate and accountable forms of government. Local office, he reminds us, is not about party labels. It is about solving problems and earning trust. Peter also shares how his immigrant roots, his grandmother’s quiet wisdom, and his early career in community lending shaped his belief that leadership is fundamentally about service. He discusses becoming the first openly LGBTQ elected official on the Milwaukee County Board , launching a recognition effort for LGBTQ leaders, and passing legislation ensuring the Intersex Progress Pride flag flies at city and county buildings during Pride Month. Leadership in local government LGBTQ representation in politics Community engagement and public service Milwaukee civic leadership• Why representation and visibility matter Leadership is not forged in grand speeches. It is forged in everyday decisions, shared streets, and the commitment to serve every neighbor. 🎧 Follow Forged in Fire for conversations with leaders shaping their communities through courage, service, and authenticity.

Season Four of Forged in Fire begins by turning the spotlight inward. In this welcome episode, host Liz Cavallaro is joined by rotating co-host Itay Bailey and members of the Forged in Fire volunteer team for a candid, reflective conversation about the leadership culture behind the season. Rather than focusing on titles or credentials, this episode explores the yes moments —the personal, often quiet decisions that lead people to step up, serve, and build something meaningful together. Executive Producer Kirsten Pecua , guest researcher Trinity Downing , and guest relations lead Robert Garrett share why they said yes to this work, how lived experience shapes their leadership, and what it looks like to lead without recognition, authority, or a microphone. Together, they reflect on empathy, trust, patience, burnout, boundaries, and the kind of leadership that happens behind the scenes—especially in uncertain times. This episode sets the tone for Season Four: leadership shaped through challenge, reflection, and lived experience, built by people who believe leadership begins long before a title and often without applause.

Jonathan Lovitz, Senior Vice President of Campaigns and Communications at the Human Rights Campaign, joins Forged in Fire to talk about leadership rooted in service, impact, and inclusion. From shaping national communications and policy efforts to advancing equality for LGBTQ+ and minority-owned businesses, Jon’s career reflects a commitment to leading with purpose rather than position. He shares lessons on self-awareness, adaptability, and creating space for others, and reminds us that strong leadership is built on trust, curiosity, and the courage to protect what matters most.

Tech leader, author, and trans advocate Erica Vogel joins Forged in Fire to talk about authenticity, vulnerability, and how a lifetime of solving problems shaped her leadership. From growing up without the language to describe her identity to leading global change initiatives at a Fortune 25 company, Erica’s journey shows that self-acceptance is both personal work and professional superpower. She shares lessons on storytelling, self-awareness, and the balance between openness and self-protection and reminds us that the key to leading well is to protect your peace.

Former Palm Springs mayor Lisa Middleton has spent her life breaking barriers—from working-class roots to the halls of California politics. In this episode, she joins Bree, Liz, and Eduardo to talk about courage, self-acceptance, and the art of listening as a tool for leadership. Lisa shares what it means to stand firm against hate, to build coalitions across difference, and to leave the next generation with a brighter, braver torch to carry forward. “Our uniqueness isn’t a problem to solve—it’s what makes the world interesting.” -Lisa Middleton

Bria Brown-King’s story is one of courage, authenticity, and calling. As a Black, queer, intersex, and nonbinary leader, Bria turned private pain into public purpose—first by finding language for their identity, and then by finding power in it. From a BuzzFeed video that changed everything to speaking on the steps of the Supreme Court, Bria shares how embracing visibility became both healing and revolutionary. With honesty and humor, they discuss humility vs. over-humility, the importance of building your own table, and what authentic leadership looks like for the next generation. This episode includes co-host Bethany Grace Howe.

JD Schramm’s journey, from a Kansas childhood steeped in faith, through addiction and despair, to becoming one of the country’s foremost voices on authentic communication, is proof that the darkest nights can forge the brightest leaders. JD reveals the personal crucible that shaped his philosophy: surviving a suicide attempt, reclaiming authenticity, and helping others find their voice. JD breaks down his audience-intent-message model, his “four C’s” of competence, confidence, clarity, and connection, and how queer leaders can balance empathy with impact. His call to action is simple but profound— be the torchbearer when the world feels dark.

In this episode, Bree, Liz, and guest host Blake Dremann are joined by Eduardo Placer, who brings a lifetime of performance—from musicals to keynote stages—into a fearless conversation about leadership, discomfort, and storytelling. Eduardo reflects on his family’s refugee history, the lessons of bilingual identity, and the role of discomfort as a crucible for resilience. With humor and candor, Eduardo outlines five pillars of powerful speaking, shares why naps and kindness are part of his resilience practice, and invites us to lean into the messy, beautiful work of leading as an embodied practice: not bad acting or “toxic alpha drag,” but presence, curiosity, and connection. For anyone struggling with nerves, perfectionism, or shame, this conversation is a reminder that discomfort is not the enemy—it’s the fire that forges us. If you're a speaker, visit Eduardo's website for this five-minute, pre-stage power-up. From Eduardo: As someone who’s walked through uncertainty and emerged stronger, I’m excited to share a FREE, quick, five-minute pre-stage power-up that helps transform nerves into embodied presence—because queer leadership is about stepping onto any stage with clarity, connection, and confidence.

In a candid conversation that swings from folk music to family, Kai Hong names the hard parts—culture clash at home, years of silence after coming out, and the slow repair that followed—and the habits that keep her grounded: walks, journaling, Disney days, and deep time with her partner and siblings. She refuses the “therapist behind the chair” label, choosing instead to be a great listener and a better friend, the kind who cheers your weird haircut idea and your bigger life. Her leadership lesson is deceptively simple: curate a space where people don’t have to hide, keep the standards high and the humanity higher, and let inclusive design (right down to the service menu) do quiet, daily work for dignity.

With humor and candor (yes, including gardening victories and “how the meat is made”), Ray reflects on identity—nonbinary pronouns, breaking gender norms—and on the power of digital spaces where people “just get you.” They share hard-won lessons from building Queerty Gamers through COVID, boosting talent like Twitch partners from 17 followers to thousands, and holding the line as censorship pressures rise. The leadership takeaway is simple and tough: protect your energy, invest in people, and build communities resilient enough to outlast the backlash.

Licensed professional counselor Blakely Hunze-Austin joins to explore why purposeful discomfort can be a path to authenticity—and better leadership. Blakely traces a journey from tamped-down identity in the Tennessee church pews to building affirming community in Colorado Springs—and what those different contexts teach about safety, vulnerability, and leadership. We discuss tools for lowering defenses and integrating hard truths, plus the power of consultation among leaders to fight isolation. Blakely’s charge: find your huddle, have the uncomfortable conversations, and “get up and feel brave.” Leadership, she reminds us, is just advanced relationship work. Guest Biography Blakely Hunze-Austin is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Colorado and Tennessee who specializes in sex therapy, eating disorders, OCD, and trauma. She enjoys working with LGBTQIA, kink, and polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous clients. She is a trained psychedelic assisted therapist. She now owns her own private practice and is a clinical director for a treatment center. Blakely volunteers for the Academy for Eating Disorders and is currently pursuing her certified sex therapist designation.

To paraphrase Lynn: Leadership isn’t a role—it’s a thing you do when the challenge is too big to face alone. What happens when a former ballet dancer, West Point professor, and nonbinary academic challenges the way we think about leadership? In this episode, Lynn Vidler discusses the failures of higher education’s leadership pipeline, the transformative power of authenticity, and what it means to lead with empathy in a world shaped by systemic expectations. With humor and insight, Lynn reflects on the harm of abusive leadership, the healing found in self-awareness, and their mission to reshape leadership culture in academia. Notes: Photography website is https://lynnvidler.photography/ Lynn is on Instagram handle at @profefotog They can be reached at lynn@bloomingbranchgroup.com for executive leadership/performance coaching.To schedule a 30-min exploratory coaching session with them: https://scheduler.zoom.us/lynn-vidler/hello-i-am-an-event-card-ifkpb2he

Chris Douglas has worn many labels—veteran, businessman, activist—but the throughline of his story is moral seriousness. Seriously. Listen to find out what that means! In this episode, Chris unpacks what it means to live with integrity in business and life, to come out publicly when silence would be safer, and to keep working toward justice even when the tide turns. His philosophy of "we do what we can" is both a call to arms and a balm for those feeling overwhelmed by today's politics. You’ll walk away challenged, heartened, and renewed.

What does it mean to lead with love on horseback, in life, and through decades of change? Robert Dover’s life is a testament to what happens when queer leadership meets purpose. In this episode, Robert recounts his trailblazing role in Olympic history, the mentors who shaped him, and the community he continues to build through advocacy, storytelling, and care. As he navigates love, sport, and identity, Dover reminds us that the greatest legacies are built with compassion. "You just have to go in with an open heart, coming from a place of love for the sport, for the people in it, and for the animals above all else. That’s how you lead." -Robert Dover

Talk about an unexpected journey! We run quite a bit longer than usual in this one because there was just so much ground to cover. Mercury Stardust's recent fame as the Trans Handy Ma'am, with a unique brand of compassionate education in the Home Repair world, is only the tip of the iceberg. From a career in burlesque through several encounters that radically changed her views of the world, listen in to find out how she developed her unique style.

We're joined by Mason Funk, founder of The Outwords Archive, whose mission captures the wisdom and struggles of LGBTQ+ elders before their stories are lost to time. Mason shares his own path through silence, faith, family, and identity to becoming a documentarian of queer history, preserving voices that have shaped the fight for equality. As the conversation unfolds, Mason offers powerful reflections on resilience, joy, and the vital importance of bridge-building across divides in a time of renewed cultural backlash. This is an episode about memory, courage, and the ongoing work to ensure no voice is left unheard.