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 [email protected] to take the first step toward your fitness goals!

Links: EA Fitness and Performance

In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D’Eramo welcomes Aang N. Lakey, MSW, MSHROD, the visionary founder and CEO of Increasing Consciousness. Aang’s unique journey, from military and federal roles to becoming a leader in the fields of conscious leadership, diversity, and inclusion, brings valuable insights for anyone seeking to create more equitable and compassionate workplaces.

With a deep commitment to awakening leaders to the interconnectedness of human experiences, Aang discusses their transition from violence prevention to DEIB work, sharing how their approach to conscious leadership integrates reflexivity, intentionality, and congruence. Together, Erica and Aang explore the challenges and privileges of bringing one’s authentic self to work, the power of intersectionality, and the need for leaders to model inclusivity and hold teams accountable to foster authentic, supportive environments.

A celebrated life and leadership coach, senior advisor, and international speaker, Aang has been named a "Most Impactful and Visionary Personality to Look For in 2024" by *Insights Success Magazine*. They are also a co-author of two upcoming books, *The Conscious Leader: Leadership Redefined* (January 2025) and *Women Gone Wild: Leadership Edition* (October 2025). In this powerful episode, Aang shares their personal and professional insights on leading with courage and consciousness, encouraging leaders to embrace self-awareness and inclusivity in every interaction.

Tune in to hear how Aang is helping reshape leadership for a more interconnected, equitable world—and why they believe conscious leadership is essential for lasting impact.

For an episode summary, visit our website. 

In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D'Eramo sits down with Dr. Anthony Luévanos to explore the intersection of leadership, wellness, and sustainable success. Dr. Luévanos, a chiropractor and functional medicine expert, shares his insights into how leaders can prioritize their own health while supporting the well-being of their teams.

Tune in as Dr. Luévanos delves into:

• The vital connection between physical health and effective leadership
• How stress, burnout, and poor health can undermine performance at work and in life
• Simple, actionable steps leaders can take to foster a healthier, more balanced lifestyle
• Strategies for integrating wellness into leadership practices and corporate cultures

Whether you're a leader looking to improve your own health, a team member seeking better balance, or simply interested in the ways wellness impacts success, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

In this episode, Erica D’Eramo sits down with Liz Schmidt, Executive Director of the Women Offshore Foundation and Operations Director at Shipyard Supply USA. Liz shares her journey from supporting military families with the Red Cross to transitioning into the yachting industry, where she now co-leads a thriving business. They discuss the challenges of balancing multiple roles, setting boundaries to avoid burnout, and the importance of following your passion in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Tune in to hear valuable insights on leadership, time management, and career fulfillment.

In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D'Eramo is joined by Dr. Anthony Luévanos for an insightful conversation on humility and its role in effective leadership. Together, they explore how leaders can balance confidence with humility, the importance of self-awareness, and practical steps for fostering a culture of curiosity and growth. Tune in to learn how humility can transform your leadership approach and drive team success.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Coaching and EQi 360 services
Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling - by Edgar Schein (affiliate link)

This week, we're sharing an episode from our friends over at the Women Offshore podcast!

Erica D'Eramo of Two Piers, and Tanya Tarr of Cultivated Insights join the Women Offshore podcast to discuss their upcoming collaborative workshop at the annual Women Offshore Inclusion Summit, which will be hosted in Houston, Texas, on September 18th, 2024.

The conversation dives into inclusive leadership strategies, the importance of self-care for managers, and the benefits of debriefing after high-stakes events. Erica and Tanya also debunk common leadership myths and offer insights on creating safer, more inclusive work environments. Tune in to learn more about the Inclusion Summit and how you can foster leadership growth in your organization.