Between Meetings & Motherhood

Building a business while becoming a mother can feel like everything is shifting at once—and no one really explains why. In this episode, Alexa talks about matrescence —the real, full-body transition into motherhood that affects your mind, your energy, your emotions, and your entire life structure. This isn’t just about “finding balance” or getting organized. It’s about navigating a version of you...

Most women dismiss the postpartum phase as a “natural” part of motherhood, but the truth is, it’s often poorly supported and profoundly misunderstood — until now. In this eye-opening interview with Morgane Besins, she reveals how her journey from corporate leadership at Netflix to redefining maternal support systems was sparked by her own struggles navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the gaps in...

Most moms feel like they’re expected to do it all perfectly — but Erin Schlozman’s story and insight reveal why that’s a dangerous myth. In this candid episode, Erin shares how postpartum anxiety tipped her into a mission to dismantle society’s impossible standards for mothers. From her personal journey navigating postpartum struggles to her groundbreaking work in maternal mental health, she expos...

Most women are navigating a maternal health system that often overlooks Black women and underserved communities—but what if the solutions were rooted in community-led, accessible care? In this exclusive interview with Crystina Hughes, she shares her inspiring journey from nurse to doula, revealing how she’s transforming maternal health in Alabama through innovative support programs tailored for fa...

You've heard the word. You've probably dismissed it. Today, we're taking it back. In this episode, Alexa breaks down the word matriarchy to its roots — and what she finds might surprise you. Mater. Origin. Source. Foundation. This word was never about domination. It was about where everything begins. And then we're asking the real question: what if the values motherhood builds in y...

In this eye-opening episode, Alexa Starks uncovers the origins of the school and work hour mismatches that unfairly burden mothers and caregivers. From the 19th-century factory days to today's rigid 9-to-5 structure, she reveals how these outdated systems continue to accelerate burnout and reinforce gendered inequalities. You'll discover how the true cost of this misalignment harms not onl...

Did motherhood make you softer… or did it make you sharper? In this episode, Alexa challenges the narrative that empathy is a “soft skill” and reframes it for what it actually is: a leadership advantage. After sharing a personal story from her own return to work, Alexa explores how motherhood strengthens attunement, emotional regulation, and perspective-taking — the very skills research links to h...

In this episode of Between Meetings & Motherhood , Alexa Starks talks about the quiet anger many working mothers carry — and why it isn’t irrational, dramatic, or misplaced. Modern workplaces were built around assumptions that don’t reflect caregiving realities. Yet when mothers struggle inside those systems, we’re told to optimize, adapt, and manage better — instead of questioning the structu...

In this episode of 'Between Meetings and Motherhood', host Alexa Starks addresses common questions and concerns faced by working mothers. She discusses the challenges of comparing oneself to others, the exhaustion that comes with juggling work and motherhood, and the importance of asking for help. Starks emphasizes that every phase of motherhood is different and that support is crucial for...

In this episode of 'Between Meetings and Motherhood', host Alexa Starks discusses the challenges of balancing work and motherhood. She addresses common questions from listeners about the overwhelming nature of this dual role, the long-term journey of working motherhood, and the importance of self-compassion during tough times. Follow on Instagram: @alexa.starks @mothered.magazine Intereste...

In this episode of Between Meetings and Motherhood, host Alexa Starks discusses the unrealistic expectations placed on working mothers and how these norms fail to accommodate their caregiving responsibilities. She emphasizes the need for systemic change in workplaces to support mothers, who often feel pressured to be constantly available and productive. The conversation highlights the importance o...

Join Alexa Starks and Amanda DeLuca in this engaging episode of the Reentry Room podcast, where they dive into the realities of working motherhood. Amanda, a pediatric sleep consultant and co-creator of the Riley app, shares her journey through motherhood, balancing career and family, and the lessons learned along the way. Discover how the Riley app is revolutionizing parenting with expert-backed...

Join host Alexa Starks in this heartfelt episode of the Reentry Room podcast as she sits down with Carla Greenan, an inspiring executive coach for working parents. Carla opens up about her transition from a demanding career in accounting to empowering parents through coaching. Discover her insights on managing the chaos of motherhood, the pivotal lessons learned from raising three children, and th...

Join host Alexa Starks and guest Barbara Joyce ter Horst, founder of Thrive Career Development, as they delve into the transformative journey of motherhood and career reentry. Discover how to embrace new identities, overcome workplace biases, and leverage motherhood skills in professional settings. Gain insights on building confidence, navigating career breaks, and redefining success as a working...

In this heartfelt episode of the Reentry Room podcast, host Alexa Starks welcomes Shayna Abraham, a dedicated advocate for families navigating the challenges of the NICU and beyond. Shayna shares her personal journey of becoming a mother to a premature baby and how it inspired her to support other families through similar experiences. Together, they discuss the emotional highs and lows of motherho...

Join Alexa Starks as she chats with Nikki Steele Osborne, the Scottish Soul Sister, about her transformative journey from hairdresser to maternal mental health advocate. Discover how Nikki's personal battles with postpartum depression led her to create resources for new parents, and learn about the importance of understanding oneself before diving into parenthood. Connect with Nikki: https://w...

TW: Grief & Pregnancy Loss In this heartfelt episode of the Reentry Room podcast, Alexa Starks and Michelle Valiukenas delve into the raw and honest realities of motherhood. Michelle shares her poignant journey through loss and how it has shaped her approach to parenting. Together, they discuss the importance of community, the power of vulnerability, and the strength found in embracing life&#3...

TW: Suicide and Mental Health In this deeply moving episode of the Reentry Room podcast, Alexa Starks and Diane Moca delve into the raw and honest realities of motherhood and mental health. Diane shares her personal journey of balancing career ambitions with the challenges of parenting, revealing her struggles with guilt and the lessons learned from her daughter's mental health battles. Throug...

In this episode of the Reentry Room podcast, hosts Alexa Starks and Miriam Rubin dive into the challenges and triumphs of being a working mother. They discuss the realities of balancing a career with motherhood, focusing on the often-overlooked topic of pumping at work. Miriam shares her personal journey and insights on how workplaces can better support mothers, while Alexa offers practical advice...

Join Alexa Starks as she sits down with Jiemi Gao, founder of the mom mentorship platform Nori. In this episode, Jiemi shares her transformative journey from a high-paced career in strategy consulting to creating a supportive community for mothers. Discover how motherhood reshaped her identity and inspired her to help other moms navigate their unique paths. Tune in for insights on balancing career...

Join Alexa Starks and special guest Kayla McGuire as they explore the transformative journey of motherhood and its parallels to leadership. Discover how skills honed in parenting can empower women in the workplace, and learn practical steps for new moms to harness their leadership potential. Whether you're navigating the return to work or seeking to redefine your identity, this episode offers...

In this empowering episode of the Reentry Room, host Alexa Starks welcomes Elisabeth van der Wilt, a holistic doula and women's health coach, to discuss the realities of working motherhood. Together, they explore the challenges of imposter syndrome, the importance of authenticity, and the power of community support. Elisabeth shares her journey from overcoming doubts to embracing her role as a...

In this episode of "The Reentry Room," host Alexa Starks challenges the traditional notions of ambition, especially for working mothers. Alexa shares her personal journey of redefining ambition after motherhood, highlighting the stark differences between ambition and tolerance for workplace nonsense. She critiques the outdated corporate systems that fail to support women, particularly mo...

In this episode of The Reentry Room, Alexa Starks welcomes Laura Niebauer, a job search strategist and career coach for women re-entering the workforce after a career break. They discuss the challenges and strategies for working mothers, including the importance of clarity, networking, and self-advocacy. Laura shares her personal experiences and insights on balancing motherhood and career, offerin...

In this episode of "The Reentry Room," host Alexa Starks welcomes Katie Falcone, co-founder of "I'm Her Story," to discuss the challenges and realities of working motherhood. They delve into the creation of safe spaces for women to share their stories and seek support, addressing issues like ageism, toxic workplaces, and the struggle of balancing work and family life. Katie...