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.

Leadership coach and educator Jon Lovitz joins Forged in Fire to talk about growth, humility, and what it really means to lead over time. From navigating uncertainty to learning when to step back and create space for others, Jon’s perspective challenges traditional ideas of authority and success. He shares lessons on self-awareness, trust, and adaptability, and reminds us that leadership is not about control or titles, but about presence, curiosity, and protecting what matters most. Jon’s journey reinforces that leadership is a practice—and that leading well starts with knowing yourself.

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.