In this episode, Erica D’Eramo sits down with clinical psychologist and behavioral change expert Dr. Marissa Alert to explore the hidden costs of burnout—and what it really takes to create high-performing, resilient teams. After a life-altering car accident forced her to reexamine her own experience with burnout, Dr. Alert founded MDA Wellness to help leaders move beyond surface-level wellness initiatives and address the systemic roots of stress in the workplace.

From the dangers of “presenteeism” to the myth of rest as a reward, this conversation dives deep into the habits and cultural norms that keep burnout in place—and what organizations can do to change course. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or someone navigating burnout yourself, this episode is full of insight and practical tools.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Dr. Alert’s personal journey from burnout to founding MDA Wellness
• Why burnout is so often overlooked and normalized in high-performing environments
• The problem with one-size-fits-all wellness programs
• How the industrial model of work contributes to unsustainable performance
• The critical role of rest and recovery in long-term success
• Steps individuals can take to recognize and recover from burnout
• Strategies for organizations to diagnose and address systemic drivers of burnout
• When to bring in external expertise—and how to tell if your current efforts are falling short

Resources & Mentions:

• Dr. Marissa Alert’s company: MDA Wellness
• Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
• Dr. Alert’s features in Forbes and Newsweek

Connect with Dr. Marissa Alert:
🌐 mdawellness.com
💼 LinkedIn – Marissa Alert, PhD
📩 Join her monthly virtual roundtables for leaders focused on well-being and performance

Connect with Two Piers Consulting:
🔗 twopiersconsulting.com
📣 Follow us on LinkedIn

Like what you heard?
Please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing The Two Piers Podcast—it helps more people find these important conversations.

In this episode, host Erica D’Eramo is joined by Ellis Ivy, founder of PowerFolx: a queer- and trans-centered martial arts program that’s redefining what inclusion looks like in fitness. Ellis shares his journey from feeling like an outsider in traditional gyms to creating brave, community-based spaces where everyone is seen, celebrated, and empowered. Together, Erica and Ellis explore the intersection of movement, mental health, identity, and the radical power of building spaces where people can show up as their full selves.

You can learn more about upcoming classes, community events, and how to get involved with PowerFolx by following them on Instagram @PowerFolx, Bluesky at powerfolx.bsky.social, or by visiting the PowerFolx’s website.

In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D’Eramo is joined by James Felton Keith, Chairperson of the ISO-30415:DISM standard for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and CEO of Inclusion Score Companies. Together, they explore why insurance is a leading indicator of people management risks—and how DEIB is becoming a critical component of risk strategy across industries.

James shares the journey behind developing the ISO standard for DEIB, the impact of employment practices liability on insurance markets, and the practical ways organizations can use DEIB standards to improve compliance, reduce litigation risk, and build resilient teams. From the roles of brokers and underwriters to the pitfalls of ad hoc inclusion efforts, this episode breaks down what leaders need to know now.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• James Felton Keith’s career path from engineering and politics to global DEIB leadership
• The development of the ISO-30415:DISM DEIB standard
• How DEIB intersects with insurance, risk management, and compliance
• The rise of Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) and its implications
• Understanding the roles of brokers and underwriters in DEIB risk
• Leadership’s role in creating feedback loops and belonging
• Real-world examples of DEIB missteps—and how to avoid them

Resources & Links:

• Learn more at InclusionScore.org
• Explore the ISO-30415:DISM standard on ISO.org
• Check out this article in Insurance Journal
• Connect with James Felton Keith on LinkedIn
• DEIB Resources + tools in the show notes at Two Piers Consulting

Connect with Us:

• Follow Two Piers Consulting on LinkedIn
• Learn more about our work at twopiersconsulting.com

Subscribe & Share:
If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your network. Every listen helps us build a more inclusive, equitable future of work.

In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D’Eramo speaks with author, songwriter, and authenticity advocate Molly Booker about the power of self-discovery and living an unfiltered life. Molly shares her journey from a tightly controlled, perfection-driven existence to one rooted in truth, vulnerability, and creative freedom.

Together, they explore how shedding societal expectations and the illusion of control can lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life. Molly discusses coming out, leaving her pastoral role, and the transformative impact of seminary and spiritual psychology. She also shares how creativity and rest became essential tools for healing and alignment.

This is a powerful conversation for anyone craving permission to let go of the checklist and embrace the messy, beautiful process of becoming who you really are.

Topics Covered:

• Redefining success beyond perfection and achievement
• Coming out and embracing personal identity
• The role of spiritual psychology in Molly’s transformation
• Letting go of control and leaning into vulnerability
• The healing power of creativity, rest, and authentic self-expression
• Breaking free from societal norms to find true fulfillment

Resources and Mentions:

• Molly Booker’s book: Magic in the Mess
• Local bookstores mentioned:
  • Stay Gold Bookstore, Pittsburgh, PA
  • The Bookworm, Edwards, CO
• Recommended reading on rest, productivity, and purpose (as discussed by Erica)

Where to Find Molly:

• Website: mollybooker.com
• Substack: https://substack.com/@mollybooker
• Book: Magic in the Mess, available via Bookshop.org to support local independent bookstores

Like What You Heard?

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that there's magic in the mess.

In this season opener, Erica D’Eramo returns to the Two Piers Podcast after a deliberate break between seasons. She reflects on the decision to step back in order to better support clients—particularly those in the federal government—affected by recent executive orders and reductions in force. Erica also shares personal insights from the past few months, including navigating illness, grief, and the necessity of taking time to rest and recharge.

This episode offers a preview of what’s ahead in Season 6: a revamped newsletter focused on workplace tools and practices, and a compelling lineup of guests including Coach Anthony, Molly Booker, James Felton Keith, and Amri Johnson. Erica reaffirms the podcast’s mission as a public benefit corporation and the continued commitment to real, grounded conversations that support human potential, fairness, and effective leadership.

Topics Discussed:

• Why the break between Seasons 5 and 6 was necessary
• Supporting clients through workforce disruption and organizational change
• The seasonality of life and the power of rest
• Personal reflections on illness, grief, and reconnection
• The importance of self-awareness in the recharging process
• What to expect in Season 6: guest lineup and new themes
• Recommitment to the podcast’s mission as a public benefit corporation

Resources and Links:

• Learn more at twopiersconsulting.com
• Subscribe to the Two Piers newsletter for tools, practices, and insights on building better workplaces
• Connect with Erica D’Eramo on LinkedIn
• Follow @twopiersconsulting on Instagram

About the Podcast:
The Two Piers Podcast is produced by Two Piers Consulting, a public benefit corporation dedicated to workplace equity, inclusive leadership, and organizational transformation. Hosted by Erica D’Eramo, the podcast features conversations with leaders, changemakers, and practitioners working to create more just and effective workplaces.

Join us for the last episode of the season! As we close out 2024 and Season 5 of our Two Piers Podcast, Erica reflects on what we've been up to the past twelve months and what's coming up in 2025.

In addition to celebrating 2024, she discusses the importance of rest and creating space for creativity. She also offers some suggested reading as we enter the holiday period.

Thank you for joining us in this fifth season of the podcast. We wish you a fantastic New Year and look forward to seeing you on the flip side for Season 6!

In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D'Eramo welcomes Sarah Scala, a leadership coach, consultant, and speaker, for a compelling conversation on navigating workplace challenges and driving authentic leadership. Together, they explore topics such as fostering resilience, embracing adaptability, and the importance of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Sarah shares her professional journey, along with actionable advice for cultivating trust and navigating change in today’s dynamic work environments.

You can learn more about Sarah's journey and her offerings on her website: SarahScala.com

In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D’Eramo is joined by health and fitness professional Eliza Simmonds to explore the art of setting sustainable fitness goals. Eliza shares her inspiring journey from teaching preschool to becoming a fitness coach, offering practical advice on building routines that empower individuals to achieve long-term success.

Together, Erica and Eliza delve into the parallels between fitness and professional coaching, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset, embracing discomfort, and creating routines that align with personal values. They tackle common fitness myths, highlight the benefits of strength training, and discuss how small, incremental changes can lead to lasting results.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or someone looking to integrate wellness into your busy life, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable takeaways.

Connect with Eliza: Follow her on Instagram @eafitme or email her at Eliza@EAfitnessandperformance.com to take the first step toward your fitness goals!

Links: EA Fitness and Performance