Fire Forged Leader

By Steve BaumgartnerBusiness Religion & Spirituality Christianity Education Self-Improvement Management

Fire Forged Leader episodes

April 03, 2025167. [Replay] STEP INTO THE FRAY: Jessica: Erasing the Past, Restoring Identity | Tattoos, Trafficking & Triumph
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🔥 From Survivor to National Advocate—How Ink Became a Weapon for Healing
Fire Forged Leader Podcast | Hosted by Steve Baumgartner
How do you help someone reclaim their identity after exploitation?
You remove the marks of their past.
In this episode, Jessica, a nationally recognized survivor leader and founder of a nationwide network of tattoo artists and removal specialists, shares her mission to help survivors of trafficking, addiction, gang violence, and self-harm remove or transform the tattoos that once defined them.
💥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ How Jessica built a national movement around tattoo cover-ups and removals for survivors
✅ The history and iconography of human trafficking tattoos
✅ Her role as a peer support counselor and art therapy provider
✅ How she serves as an expert witness in trafficking cases
✅ The importance of lived experience in advocacy and criminal justice reform
✅ What it means to use art as a tool of transformation, healing, and empowerment
“These tattoos once marked them as property. Now, we help mark them with purpose.” – Jessica
Jessica’s work is not just art—it’s activism. It’s healing. It’s redemption.
🏆 Awards & Recognition:
2019 & 2020 Atlanta Non-Profit of the Year
2021 Georgia Trend’s Top 40 Under 40
2022 Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Leading Social Entrepreneur
2022 Top 40 Georgia Innovators
2023 Atlanta Magazine’s Women Making A Mark
🎧 LISTEN NOW on the Fire Forged Leader Podcast
📲 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms
🔗 Stay Connected with the Mission:
Website: www.FireForgedLeader.com
Instagram: @FireForgedLeader
Facebook: @FireForgedLeader
Twitter/X: @Steve.FFL
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: Fire Forged Leader
🎁 Need Powerful, Purpose-Driven Gifts?
Explore laser engraving, cutting, sublimation, and more at the Baumgartner family’s shop:
👉 www.2ndChapterCreatives.com
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast and on www.fireforgedleader.com are solely those of the presenter and guests and do not reflect the views of Steve Baumgartner’s employer.
Support the show
🔗 Ready to Unlock Your Purpose and Restore the Order?
📩 DM "glass" to @realstevebaumgartner on Instagram or @SteveBaumgartner1975 on Facebook
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🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @realSteveBaumgartner
Facebook: @SteveBaumgartner1975
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: @realstevebaumgartner
53 min
April 03, 2025166. [Replay] STEP INTO THE FRAY: Susie Vybiral: Transforming Trauma into Hope — One Room at a Time
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🔥 From Surviving to Thriving: Room Redux and the Power of Environment
Fire Forged Leader Podcast | Hosted by Steve Baumgartner
What if healing from trauma could begin with a safe, beautiful space?
In this episode, Susie Vybiral, Founder and CEO of Room Redux, shares how a single day—and a single room—can radically shift the future for a child who has faced physical or sexual abuse.
Room Redux doesn’t just change rooms.
They change lives.
💥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ How Room Redux transforms rooms anonymously in one day for child abuse survivors
✅ The science behind changing environments to impact healing
✅ How Susie’s work is breaking generational cycles of abuse
✅ What it’s like to collaborate with FBI, HSI, CPS, and NCMEC
✅ Susie’s journey from founder to international trauma-informed leader
✅ Why Room Transformations = Life Transformations
"The space around a child affects the world inside them. When we change that space—we give them a new beginning." – Susie Vybiral
🎧 LISTEN NOW on the Fire Forged Leader Podcast
📲 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms
🔗 Stay Connected with the Mission:
Website: www.FireForgedLeader.com
Instagram: @FireForgedLeader
Facebook: @FireForgedLeader
Twitter/X: @Steve.FFL
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: Fire Forged Leader
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this podcast and on www.fireforgedleader.com are solely those of the presenter and guests and do not reflect the views of Steve Baumgartner’s employer.
Support the show
🔗 Ready to Unlock Your Purpose and Restore the Order?
📩 DM "glass" to @realstevebaumgartner on Instagram or @SteveBaumgartner1975 on Facebook
---------
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @realSteveBaumgartner
Facebook: @SteveBaumgartner1975
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: @realstevebaumgartner
49 min
March 25, 2025165. [Replay] STEP INTO THE FRAY: WEEK 4 RECAP | HUMAN TRAFFICKING SERIES
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🎙️ Step Into the Fray: Week 4 Recap | What We’re Learning in the Fight Against Human Trafficking 🔥
🚨 Lived Experience. Real-World Solutions. Unfiltered Truth.
Fire Forged Leader Podcast | Hosted by Steve Baumgartner
Week 4 of the Step Into the Fray series continues to deliver powerful stories and strategic insights from those on the front lines of the human trafficking crisis. From survivors to warriors, healers to tech innovators—this is the information you need to hear.
If you’ve been following this journey, this episode connects the dots and brings forward the biggest lessons yet.
💥 In This Episode:
✅ Recap of the courageous voices from Week 4
✅ Key takeaways from each guest’s unique perspective
✅ The impact of technology in trafficking prevention
✅ Insight into how survivors are leading the way in advocacy
✅ A preview of the incredible guest lineup for Week 5
“Every week, we get closer to the truth—and closer to the solution.” – Steve Baumgartner
If you care about freedom, justice, and protecting the vulnerable, this episode is your call to action.
🎧 LISTEN NOW on the Fire Forged Leader Podcast
📲 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms
🔗 Stay Connected with the Mission:
Website: www.FireForgedLeader.com
Instagram: @FireForgedLeader
Facebook: @FireForgedLeader
Twitter/X: @Steve.FFL
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: Fire Forged Leader
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this podcast and on www.fireforgedleader.com are solely those of the presenter and guests and do not reflect the views of Steve Baumgartner’s employer.

Support the show
🔗 Ready to Unlock Your Purpose and Restore the Order?
📩 DM "glass" to @realstevebaumgartner on Instagram or @SteveBaumgartner1975 on Facebook
---------
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @realSteveBaumgartner
Facebook: @SteveBaumgartner1975
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: @realstevebaumgartner
13 min
March 25, 2025164. [Replay] STEP INTO THE FRAY: Detective Joseph Scaramucci: The Man Hunting Human Traffickers Across the Globe
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🚨 650+ Sex Buyers Arrested. 280 Victims Recovered. This Is How the Fight Gets Won.
Fire Forged Leader Podcast | Hosted by Steve Baumgartner
He’s one of the most respected human trafficking investigators in the U.S.—and he’s just getting started.
In this episode, Detective Joseph Scaramucci shares the real-world tactics, policies, and operations that are actively dismantling human trafficking networks across the country and beyond. From boots-on-the-ground sting operations to testifying in legislative chambers, Scaramucci is fighting on every front.
💥 Inside This Episode:
✅ How Scaramucci helped build one of the most successful Human Trafficking Units in Texas
✅ The real numbers: 650+ sex buyers and 159 traffickers arrested
✅ What it takes to identify and rescue over 280 victims
✅ Why legislation matters—and how he’s influencing change at the Capitol
✅ The behind-the-scenes work of consulting with DOJ task forces & law enforcement in 12 countries
✅ His nationwide training impact—over 596 agencies trained across 44 states
“We can’t arrest our way out of this. But we can train, equip, and collaborate to beat it.” – Detective Joseph Scaramucci
This is one of the most tactical, experienced-based episodes to date. Whether you're in law enforcement, policy, advocacy, or just a citizen who wants to make a difference—this episode is your playbook.
🎧 LISTEN NOW on the Fire Forged Leader Podcast
📲 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more
🔗 Stay Connected with the Mission:
Website: www.FireForgedLeader.com
Instagram: @FireForgedLeader
Facebook: @FireForgedLeader
Twitter/X: @Steve.FFL
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: Fire Forged Leader
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this podcast and on www.fireforgedleader.com are solely those of the presenter and guests and do not reflect the views of Steve Baumgartner’s employer.
Support the show
🔗 Ready to Unlock Your Purpose and Restore the Order?
📩 DM "glass" to @realstevebaumgartner on Instagram or @SteveBaumgartner1975 on Facebook
---------
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @realSteveBaumgartner
Facebook: @SteveBaumgartner1975
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: @realstevebaumgartner
54 min
March 25, 2025163. [Replay] STEP INTO THE FRAY: From Addiction to Advocacy: Ben Owen’s Mission to Rescue the Lost
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In this compelling episode of the Fire Forged Leader Podcast, host Steve Baumgartner engages in a profound conversation with Ben Owen, co-founder of We Fight Monsters. Ben's journey from battling personal demons to becoming a beacon of hope exemplifies the transformative power of resilience and purpose.
Who Is Ben Owen?
Ben Owen is a father of eight (sometimes ten), a humanitarian, and a relentless advocate against addiction and human trafficking. His past struggles with addiction, alcoholism, and homelessness have fueled his passion to assist others facing similar challenges. As an Army Infantry Veteran and serial entrepreneur, Ben's mission is to return to the depths he once knew and guide others toward a path of recovery and hope.
About We Fight Monsters
Founded by Ben and his wife, Jessica, We Fight Monsters is dedicated to combating opiate and fentanyl addiction and sex trafficking, particularly in the mid-south region. The organization comprises a diverse team, including former special operators, law enforcement professionals, and recovery champions, all united to confront and eradicate human and narcotics trafficking.
Key Discussion Points in This Episode:
Personal Transformation: Ben shares his journey from addiction and homelessness to founding a nonprofit that revitalizes communities and supports recovery.
Community Revitalization: Insights into how We Fight Monsters transforms former drug houses into safe, supportive homes for individuals and families seeking a new beginning.
https://www.actionnews5.com
Collaborative Efforts: The importance of uniting various community stakeholders, including former gang members and law enforcement, to create a collective force against trafficking and addiction.
Innovative Approaches: How leveraging personal experiences and entrepreneurial skills can lead to effective strategies in combating societal issues.
Support the Fire Forged Leader Podcast:
Website: www.fireforgedleader.com
Facebook: @FireForgedLeader
Instagram: @FireForgedLeader
Twitter: @Steve.FFL
YouTube: Fire Forged Leader
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast and on www.fireforgedleader.com are solely those of the presenter and guests and do not reflect the views of Steve Baumgartner’s employer.
Support the show
🔗 Ready to Unlock Your Purpose and Restore the Order?
📩 DM "glass" to @realstevebaumgartner on Instagram or @SteveBaumgartner1975 on Facebook
---------
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @realSteveBaumgartner
Facebook: @SteveBaumgartner1975
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: @realstevebaumgartner
1 hr 4 min
March 18, 2025162. [Replay] STEP INTO THE FRAY: WEEK 3 RECAP | HUMAN TRAFFICKING SERIES
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🚨 STEP INTO THE FRAY: WEEK 3 RECAP | HUMAN TRAFFICKING SERIES 🚨
🔥 Fighting Exploitation with Experts, Survivors & Frontline Warriors | Fire Forged Leader Podcast 🔥
The fight against human trafficking requires ALL of us. Are you ready to step into the fray?
🚀 In Week 3 of our "Step Into the Fray" series, we featured:
✅ Lived Experience Experts—Survivors exposing the truth about trafficking
✅ Parents of Survivors—Their heartbreaking yet powerful journeys
✅ Frontline Fighters—Law enforcement, rescue teams, and activists
✅ Healing Experts—How trauma recovery changes lives
✅ Tech Innovators—The digital battle against exploitation
💪 In this episode, I break down:
🔹 The key lessons and insights from Week 3’s guests
🔹 Must-know facts about human trafficking in today’s world
🔹 A sneak peek at the powerful guests lined up for Week 4
🚨 Every voice matters. Every action makes a difference. Will you step into the fight?
🎧 LISTEN NOW on Fire Forged Leader Podcast!
🔗 Website: www.FireForgedLeader.com
📲 Follow Steve Baumgartner on Socials:
Instagram: @FireForgedLeader
Facebook: @FireForgedLeader
Twitter/X: @Steve.FFL
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: Fire Forged Leader
⚠️ Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast and on www.fireforgedleader.com are solely those of the presenter and guests and do not reflect the views of Steve Baumgartner’s employer.
Support the show
🔗 Ready to Unlock Your Purpose and Restore the Order?
📩 DM "glass" to @realstevebaumgartner on Instagram or @SteveBaumgartner1975 on Facebook
---------
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @realSteveBaumgartner
Facebook: @SteveBaumgartner1975
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: @realstevebaumgartner
12 min
March 18, 2025161. [Replay] STEP INTO THE FRAY: THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP: KEVIN METCALF ON FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
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🚨 THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP: KEVIN METCALF ON FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING 🚨
🔥 How Law Enforcement & Stakeholders Can Win This Battle | Fire Forged Leader Podcast 🔥
💡 Meet Kevin Metcalf—a man whose expertise, connections, and mission-driven passion have transformed the fight against human trafficking. He’s the reason this entire series came to life, and his influence has shaped critical collaborations in the war against exploitation.
💪 In this episode, Kevin shares:
✅ Why human trafficking is a public health epidemic
✅ The role of technology in modern exploitation
✅ How law enforcement alone cannot solve this crisis
✅ The power of organizations like the Sentinel Foundation
✅ How collaboration between experts, tech, and law enforcement is the ONLY way forward
🚨 "Traffickers prey on vulnerability. With the right tools, training, and partnerships, we can stop them." – Kevin Metcalf
🔥 This conversation is essential for law enforcement, policymakers, tech innovators, and EVERYONE who wants to take action against modern-day slavery.
🎧 LISTEN NOW on Fire Forged Leader Podcast!
🔗 Website: www.FireForgedLeader.com
📲 Follow Steve Baumgartner on Socials:
Instagram: @FireForgedLeader
Facebook: @FireForgedLeader
Twitter/X: @Steve.FFL
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: Fire Forged Leader

⚠️ Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast and on www.fireforgedleader.com are solely those of the presenter and guests and do not reflect the views of Steve Baumgartner’s employer.

Support the show
🔗 Ready to Unlock Your Purpose and Restore the Order?
📩 DM "glass" to @realstevebaumgartner on Instagram or @SteveBaumgartner1975 on Facebook
---------
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @realSteveBaumgartner
Facebook: @SteveBaumgartner1975
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: @realstevebaumgartner
1 hr
March 18, 2025160. [Replay] STEP INTO THE FRAY: INSIDE THE FIGHT: HEIDI CHANCE ON COMBATING SEX TRAFFICKING!
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🚨 INSIDE THE FIGHT: HEIDI CHANCE ON COMBATING SEX TRAFFICKING 🚨
🔥 A Law Enforcement Expert Exposes the Truth | Fire Forged Leader Podcast 🔥
For over 25 years, Heidi Chance has been on the front lines of law enforcement—taking down traffickers, rescuing victims, and bringing the hard truth to the public.
💡 As a former undercover officer and Expert Witness in sex trafficking trials, Heidi brings real-world experience, powerful case studies, and hard-hitting truths to her coaching, training, and speaking engagements.
💪 In this episode, Heidi shares:
✅ What REALLY happens in sex trafficking investigations
✅ The tactics traffickers use—and how to stop them
✅ How she trains both law enforcement & the public
✅ Case study insights from real undercover operations
✅ Why EVERYONE has a role in fighting human trafficking
🚨 "Sex trafficking is happening in YOUR community. The more you know, the better you can protect your family and take action." – Heidi Chance
🔥 This is a must-listen for law enforcement officers, parents, educators, and anyone serious about making a difference.
🎧 LISTEN NOW on Fire Forged Leader Podcast!
🔗 Website: www.FireForgedLeader.com
📲 Follow Steve Baumgartner on Socials:
Instagram: @FireForgedLeader
Facebook: @FireForgedLeader
Twitter/X: @Steve.FFL
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: Fire Forged Leader
⚠️ Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast and on www.fireforgedleader.com are solely those of the presenter and guests and do not reflect the views of Steve Baumgartner’s employer.

Support the show
🔗 Ready to Unlock Your Purpose and Restore the Order?
📩 DM "glass" to @realstevebaumgartner on Instagram or @SteveBaumgartner1975 on Facebook
---------
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @realSteveBaumgartner
Facebook: @SteveBaumgartner1975
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: @realstevebaumgartner
59 min
March 11, 2025159. [Replay] STEP INTO THE FRAY: WEEK 2 RECAP | HUMAN TRAFFICKING SERIES
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🚨 STEP INTO THE FRAY: WEEK 2 RECAP | HUMAN TRAFFICKING SERIES 🚨
🔥 Inside the Fight Against Human Exploitation | Fire Forged Leader Podcast 🔥
The battle against human trafficking is far from over. Are you ready to step into the fight?
🚀 In Week 2 of our "Step Into the Fray" series, we featured:
✅ Lived Experience Experts—Survivors sharing their powerful stories
✅ Parents of Survivors—Firsthand accounts of resilience and recovery
✅ Frontline Fighters—Law enforcement, activists, and rescue teams
✅ Healing Experts—The critical role of trauma recovery & support
✅ Technology Innovators—How AI and data are used to stop traffickers
💪 In this episode, I break down:
🔹 The key takeaways from Week 2’s powerful conversations
🔹 A sneak peek at the incredible guests for Week 3
🔹 The most eye-opening insights from experts in the field
🚨 Every story matters. Every action counts. Will you step into the fray with us?
🎧 LISTEN NOW on Fire Forged Leader Podcast!
🔗 Website: www.FireForgedLeader.com
📲 Follow Steve Baumgartner on Socials:
Instagram: @FireForgedLeader
Facebook: @FireForgedLeader
Twitter/X: @Steve.FFL
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: Fire Forged Leader
🎁 Looking for Unique Gifts? Check out 2nd Chapter Creatives for custom laser engraving, cutting, and sublimation! ➡️ www.2ndChapterCreatives.com
⚠️ Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast and on www.fireforgedleader.com are solely those of the presenter and guests and do not reflect the views of Steve Baumgartner’s employer.
Support the show
🔗 Ready to Unlock Your Purpose and Restore the Order?
📩 DM "glass" to @realstevebaumgartner on Instagram or @SteveBaumgartner1975 on Facebook
---------
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @realSteveBaumgartner
Facebook: @SteveBaumgartner1975
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: @realstevebaumgartner
11 min
March 11, 2025158. [Replay] STEP INTO THE FRAY: A MOTHER’S MISSION: LYINDA HARLOS’ FIGHT TO END HUMAN TRAFFICKING
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🚨 A MOTHER’S MISSION: LYINDA HARLOS’ FIGHT TO END HUMAN TRAFFICKING 🚨
🔥 Turning Pain into Purpose | Fire Forged Leader Podcast 🔥
"No parent ever thinks their child will become a victim of human trafficking—until it happens."
💡 Meet Lynda Harlos, a mother whose world was shattered when she discovered that her oldest daughter had been trafficked. Instead of staying silent, she turned her pain into a mission—dedicating her life to educating families and communities on how to prevent this nightmare from happening to others.
💪 In this powerful episode, Lynda shares:
✅ Her family’s real-life experience with human trafficking
✅ The warning signs every parent must know
✅ How traffickers groom & target young people in plain sight
✅ Why awareness & education are the key to prevention
✅ Her message of hope, resilience, and action
🚨 “If it can happen to my family, it can happen to anyone.” – Lynda Harlos
💥 This conversation is a wake-up call for every parent, teacher, and community leader.
🎧 LISTEN NOW on Fire Forged Leader Podcast!
🔗 Website: www.FireForgedLeader.com
📲 Follow Steve Baumgartner on Socials:
Instagram: @FireForgedLeader
Facebook: @FireForgedLeader
Twitter/X: @Steve.FFL
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: Fire Forged Leader
🎁 Looking for Unique Gifts? Check out 2nd Chapter Creatives for custom laser engraving, cutting, and sublimation! ➡️ www.2ndChapterCreatives.com
⚠️ Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast and on www.fireforgedleader.com are solely those of the presenter and guests and do not reflect the views of Steve Baumgartner’s employer.
Support the show
🔗 Ready to Unlock Your Purpose and Restore the Order?
📩 DM "glass" to @realstevebaumgartner on Instagram or @SteveBaumgartner1975 on Facebook
---------
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @realSteveBaumgartner
Facebook: @SteveBaumgartner1975
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: @realstevebaumgartner
1 hr 14 min