Work with Erika Ayers Badan

In this episode of WORK, Erika sits down with Dustin Baker and Maya French, the co-founders of Happy Pop, to talk about what it really takes to build something from nothing—twice. They get into the chaos of launching a beverage brand, learning everything on the fly, and why community and confidence matter more than any investor pitch. It’s a story about resilience, reinvention, and making things that make people feel good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megan Olivi, a dynamic sports reporter and broadcaster for the UFC and NFL on Fox, dives into the nuances of performance and pressure in the fast-paced world of sports. She shares insights on the myth of 'phoning it in' and the dedication required to truly excel. The discussion also sheds light on the challenges women face in sports broadcasting, emphasizing professionalism and resilience in a male-dominated arena. Additionally, they explore generational shifts in work values and how these impact fulfillment and corporate culture.

In this episode of WORK, Erika breaks down what actually makes a good performance review, why feedback often goes wrong, and how collaboration turns into chaos when no one owns anything. She gets into the future of work, the difference between real mentorship and fake feedback, and why writing “as per my last email” might be the worst strategy of all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of WORK, Erika sits down with Trudy and Chloe—mother and daughter, creatives, and co-authors of The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking. They talk about starting over at 50, building a career from scratch, and working together without losing your mind. The conversation covers career reinvention, ceramics, content, modeling, menopause, and what it means to build a life that actually works for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of WORK, Erika talks with Max Shaw, founder of Windmill, about what happens when you actually try to fix work with software. They get into performance reviews, why no one knows what anyone does anymore, and how AI can help  the way we collaborate. It’s a conversation about systems, strategy, and the mess between productivity and performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how to break free from overthinking and take charge of your career! The conversation explores the transition from traditional roles to nonlinear paths, the challenges women face, and the evolving workplace dynamics. Dive into the impact of AI on creative processes and the balancing act between emotional well-being and productivity. Plus, enjoy insights on moving from talk to action in achieving your goals and the importance of quality attire in maintaining work-life balance.

In this episode of WORK, Erika unpacks what it really means to hire big personalities, lead through change, and build systems that actually work—especially for moms. She shares the story behind launching Rework, reflects on Gen Z’s relationship with ambition, and makes the case for hiring the divas, not avoiding them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of WORK, Erika sits down with Julia and Kiernan, two longtime team members leaving the food52, for honest and thoughtful exit interviews. They talk about growth, burnout, resilience, and what it takes to stay optimistic during change. Erika also reflects on grief, legacy, and why leaving things better than you found them still matters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of WORK, Erika breaks down the massive shift happening at Food52 and Schoolhouse. She talks hard choices, layoffs, and the reality of running a business when the numbers don’t add up. She gets into what went wrong, what had to change, and what’s next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of WORK Erika dives into the realities of workplace culture, productivity, and the challenges of modern leadership. She explores how uncertainty, fear, and exhaustion are shaping the way people show up at work—and why relationships matter more than ever. Plus, a discussion on daylight savings (should we even have it?), the right way to set boundaries when dealing with personal loss, and the importance of closing the loop at work. There’s also a deep dive into AI, including why you might want to start being nicer to your GPT. With insights, humor, and plenty of real-world experiences, this episode is all about navigating the chaos of work and life with a little more clarity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.